A Cinematographer is a senior role, responsible for executing the director’s vision through lighting, set-up, and camera operation, blending technical, creative, and management skills.
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Working Life
The Cinematographer (also known as Director of Photography, DP or DOP) is one of the most senior and important roles on a film/TV production; it involves technical, creative, and management skills.
Role and Responsibilities
- To deliver the director’s vision and create the look and feel of the film, through lighting, set up, and camera operation.
- Break down the script and work closely with the director, production manager, art director, and location manager to make sure the director’s vision can be delivered creatively and technically by the camera department.
- Responsible for shooting the film and managing the camera and lighting departments.
- Create a technical workflow from pre-production right through to post-production with the wider team.
- Work on the digital grading of the film in postproduction.
Works with
- Director
- Production Designer
- Gaffer
- Location Manager
- Production Manager
Qualities - Cinematographer
Is this role right for me?
For this role, you need:
Several years’ experience in the camera department as focus puller and camera operator.
Excellent technical skills and an in-depth knowledge of camera and lighting techniques and filmmaking.
A passion for the visual medium of film and a great artistic eye.
The ability to make creative and technical decisions that will realise the creative vision of the film.
Great organisational skills and ability to manage equipment, production budgets and supplier costs.
Great interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to anticipate and solve issues and conflicts.
Ability to manage and mentor a team.
A sense of empathy and an ability to engage with actors.
In-depth knowledge of colour grading and post-production processes.
Interests - Cinematographer
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Creative
Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.
Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.
Entry / Progression - Cinematographer
Education Route: A degree in Film Studies or Photography can be useful. Regardless of education, years of experience working in the camera department is vital to this role.
Career Path to Cinematographer: There are no usual career paths for the Cinematographer. A cinematographer often will have worked their way through the camera department starting as a trainee.
Career Path from Cinematographer: Senior Cinematographer, Film Director, Executive Producer.
