2 answers
Afunso
Student
United Kingdom
1
Question
Asked
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What are that things I need to acquire as a cinematographer to achieve my goals
I’m a cinematographer and film maker here and I also a graduate #film
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2 answers
meredith alloway
Writer, director, producer, journalist
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
meredith’s Answer
I would say that honing what YOU like early on is crucial. Look into colleges, programs, workshops, schools and any educational programs that can get you technical knowledge. Same time, get a Criterion subscription and start watching the DP masters! Decide what connects with you. And then start making stuff! Hone your skills, follow the artists you like, and then start connecting with them.
Wilson Jebanesan
30
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Wilson’s Answer
Hello Afunso M
Cinematographers often need a bachelor's degree to begin work, but certain certificate and associate's degree programs could also be accepted. In these programs, you'll learn the basics of lighting and camera techniques. Keep in mind that gaining experience through making your own films may be just as important as formal education.
Essential Information
Cinematographers play a crucial role in the development, feel and look of movies and television by leading the lighting and camera crews. While educational requirements in this artistic field are not set in stone, earning a bachelor's degree in film or cinematography is typical. Cinematography programs may also be found at the certificate and associate's degree levels. Aspiring cinematographers should start accumulating film experience while still in school.
Required Education Bachelor's degree is typical; certificate and associate's degree programs are available
Other Requirements Film experience
Job Growth (2018-2028)* 11% for all camera operators and film and video editors
Median Salary (2019)** $54,760 for cinematographers
Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, **PayScale.com
Educational Requirements
Community colleges, vocational schools and art institutes, as well as colleges and universities, offer education in camera operation and videography, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov). Education specific to cinematography is growing, with degree programs and courses developing to support a growing need and desire for this creative endeavor.
While no set educational path for becoming a cinematographer exists, employers look for experience, in addition to education. The experience doesn't necessarily have to be from an employer, but should include something on a video reel that can be used to demonstrate skill and artistic ability. Activities including joining film clubs or taking photos and making short films offer good experience. Some clubs and non-profit organizations, including Film Independent, offer education opportunities and the chance to communicate with experts in the field (www.filmindependent.org).
Cinematography Certificate
Through these accelerated learning programs, students work in labs and learn filmmaking technique necessities. Common learning areas include:
Understanding film stocks
Cinematography techniques
Role of cinematographers
Cameras, lens and lighting
Using exposure meters
Associate of Arts in Motion Pictures
These 2-year degree programs offer students the opportunity to learn the basics of film and television, often while gaining knowledge from working industry professionals. These programs can aid graduates in landing entry-level employment while they learn how to launch careers as cinematographers. Common course options include:
Cinematography
Directing
Sound design
Editing
Screenwriting
Bachelor of Science in Digital Cinematography
As part of these programs, students learn about film production and shot framing in hands-on learning environments. As part of these programs, students produce a project that showcases the skills and methods they have learned throughout their coursework. Common courses include:
Lighting techniques and types
Production preparation, line production and post-production
Film crew
Shooting and editing effects
Animation
Career Outlook and Salary
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn't provide career data specifically for cinematographers, but it does report on similar fields. For example, the BLS reported that film and video editors and camera operators could expect a job growth of 11% from 2018-2028, while television, video and motion picture camera operators could see a projected increase of 8% during the same time. As of 2019, PayScale.com reported that cinematographers earned a median annual salary of $54,760.
It generally takes a mix of formal education, such as a degree in videography, along with amateur film making experience to get started as a cinematographer. College programs generally require a final film project. Job growth for cinematographers is expected to be faster than average through 2028, with a median salary of nearly $55,000.
Cinematographers often need a bachelor's degree to begin work, but certain certificate and associate's degree programs could also be accepted. In these programs, you'll learn the basics of lighting and camera techniques. Keep in mind that gaining experience through making your own films may be just as important as formal education.
Essential Information
Cinematographers play a crucial role in the development, feel and look of movies and television by leading the lighting and camera crews. While educational requirements in this artistic field are not set in stone, earning a bachelor's degree in film or cinematography is typical. Cinematography programs may also be found at the certificate and associate's degree levels. Aspiring cinematographers should start accumulating film experience while still in school.
Required Education Bachelor's degree is typical; certificate and associate's degree programs are available
Other Requirements Film experience
Job Growth (2018-2028)* 11% for all camera operators and film and video editors
Median Salary (2019)** $54,760 for cinematographers
Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, **PayScale.com
Educational Requirements
Community colleges, vocational schools and art institutes, as well as colleges and universities, offer education in camera operation and videography, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov). Education specific to cinematography is growing, with degree programs and courses developing to support a growing need and desire for this creative endeavor.
While no set educational path for becoming a cinematographer exists, employers look for experience, in addition to education. The experience doesn't necessarily have to be from an employer, but should include something on a video reel that can be used to demonstrate skill and artistic ability. Activities including joining film clubs or taking photos and making short films offer good experience. Some clubs and non-profit organizations, including Film Independent, offer education opportunities and the chance to communicate with experts in the field (www.filmindependent.org).
Cinematography Certificate
Through these accelerated learning programs, students work in labs and learn filmmaking technique necessities. Common learning areas include:
Understanding film stocks
Cinematography techniques
Role of cinematographers
Cameras, lens and lighting
Using exposure meters
Associate of Arts in Motion Pictures
These 2-year degree programs offer students the opportunity to learn the basics of film and television, often while gaining knowledge from working industry professionals. These programs can aid graduates in landing entry-level employment while they learn how to launch careers as cinematographers. Common course options include:
Cinematography
Directing
Sound design
Editing
Screenwriting
Bachelor of Science in Digital Cinematography
As part of these programs, students learn about film production and shot framing in hands-on learning environments. As part of these programs, students produce a project that showcases the skills and methods they have learned throughout their coursework. Common courses include:
Lighting techniques and types
Production preparation, line production and post-production
Film crew
Shooting and editing effects
Animation
Career Outlook and Salary
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn't provide career data specifically for cinematographers, but it does report on similar fields. For example, the BLS reported that film and video editors and camera operators could expect a job growth of 11% from 2018-2028, while television, video and motion picture camera operators could see a projected increase of 8% during the same time. As of 2019, PayScale.com reported that cinematographers earned a median annual salary of $54,760.
It generally takes a mix of formal education, such as a degree in videography, along with amateur film making experience to get started as a cinematographer. College programs generally require a final film project. Job growth for cinematographers is expected to be faster than average through 2028, with a median salary of nearly $55,000.