3 answers
Innana
Student
Portland, Oregon
2
Questions
Asked
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what does life as a professional camerman look like?
im interested in going into film but I don't even know what the job itself entails! i love filming, editing, working with directors etc, but is that what it would look like on a day to day basis #art #film #cinematography #mediastudies
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3 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1616
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Innana to be a cameraperson, the educational requisites vary, but usually an associate's or bachelor's degree is needed, both of which provide classroom and hands-on training. Each program contains a different curriculum. Cameramen can work in various settings where they must know what camera to use and how to shoot it.
CAMERAPERSONS CAREER DESCRIPTION
A cameraman can work in a variety of settings, including in television studios, production studios, sports venues or at private events such as weddings. They may also work on location at remote destinations for films, music videos, documentaries, commercials, short films or advertisements for the Web. Those interested in the field of camera operation should be knowledgeable of computer software and hardware, electronics and media production. They should also be creative thinkers, efficient problem-solvers and have the ability to evaluate details at close range and from a distance.
FOUR RECOMMENDED STEPS ON HOW TO BECOME A PROFESSIONAL CAMERAPERSON
STEP 1.) STUDY VIDEO & PHOTOGRAPHY – The earlier you start developing a 'photographer's eye' the better. Many high schools offer courses in photography and videography that may help you acquire a feel for visual presentation and familiarize you with camera technology. Computer courses that include content on graphics editing can give you a conceptual understanding of how similar manipulations are applied to digital video.
STEP 2.) NETWORK – Your options will depend on what productions are available in Portland. In a medium-sized or large city, you could volunteer with a news station, local production company or cable access channel. If independent filmmakers are working in the area, you could volunteer as a production assistant. In all instances you should develop and maintain relationships with the other crew members.
STEP 3.) EARN YOUR DEGREE – While a bachelor's degree is highly desirable for those trying to get into film or video editing, a cameraman career can begin upon earning an associate's degree in video production.
ASSOCIATE'S DEGREE – An Associate of Applied Science in Video Production program, students receive in-depth instruction on concept development, sound, lighting, storyboarding, editing and motion graphics. Coursework may include field production and lighting, video manipulation, camera operations, basic editing, sound for video and production management. Participants may also train with industry-specific computer software programs and digital media tools.
BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE – Those who want to further their education might consider pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Television Production or Bachelor of Arts in Film. Through a television production baccalaureate program, students learn about TV history, theory and basic forms of production. Coursework may include such classes as picture and sound editing, broadcast news gathering, media research, broadcast writing, advanced television production, visual design, telecommunications management and media law. In a film-oriented program, students take classes on the history of motion picture, cinematography, film editing, documentary film, digital media tools and directing.
Step 4.) INTERNSHIPS – Internships provide you with an opportunity to observe, demonstrate initiative and network. In these positions you're more likely to run errands, move equipment and other support tasks than operate a camera, however. Many associate's degree and bachelor's degree programs include an internship with local news and production companies lasting from 1-3 semesters.
OPTIONAL CAREERS
Innana with a bachelor's degree in the fields of broadcasting, film, video production or a related area will be able to take many career paths that are similar to becoming a cameraman. One such option is to become a film and video editor and to be involved in the postproduction aspect of filming, helping to prepare content for broadcasting. You may also be interested in becoming a producer or director, two career paths that are focused on both the technological and creative aspects of filming and broadcasting media. Both producers and directors are responsible for visualizing and effectively executing many different productions, including films and television shows.
Hope this was Helpful Innan
Take Appropriate High School Courses – Fill your electives with subjects like photography and videography, if available
Choose the Right Collage – Research colleges and universities that offer associate or bachelor’s degrees in film and TV production. Check with their career centers to see how many students find employment after graduation.
Write a Great Resume – Highlight your experience, accomplishments, and ambitions, and how you wish to apply them to the job at hand.
Compose a Demo Reel – Edit your best samples into one video file to submit along with your job application. If you are applying to multiple positions that differ in nature, compose a demo reel for each one.
Work Your Way Up – Expect to have to start your career via an entry-level position that does not involve directly operating cameras. Apply for a position as a production assistant to get your foot in the door.
CAMERAPERSONS CAREER DESCRIPTION
A cameraman can work in a variety of settings, including in television studios, production studios, sports venues or at private events such as weddings. They may also work on location at remote destinations for films, music videos, documentaries, commercials, short films or advertisements for the Web. Those interested in the field of camera operation should be knowledgeable of computer software and hardware, electronics and media production. They should also be creative thinkers, efficient problem-solvers and have the ability to evaluate details at close range and from a distance.
FOUR RECOMMENDED STEPS ON HOW TO BECOME A PROFESSIONAL CAMERAPERSON
STEP 1.) STUDY VIDEO & PHOTOGRAPHY – The earlier you start developing a 'photographer's eye' the better. Many high schools offer courses in photography and videography that may help you acquire a feel for visual presentation and familiarize you with camera technology. Computer courses that include content on graphics editing can give you a conceptual understanding of how similar manipulations are applied to digital video.
STEP 2.) NETWORK – Your options will depend on what productions are available in Portland. In a medium-sized or large city, you could volunteer with a news station, local production company or cable access channel. If independent filmmakers are working in the area, you could volunteer as a production assistant. In all instances you should develop and maintain relationships with the other crew members.
STEP 3.) EARN YOUR DEGREE – While a bachelor's degree is highly desirable for those trying to get into film or video editing, a cameraman career can begin upon earning an associate's degree in video production.
ASSOCIATE'S DEGREE – An Associate of Applied Science in Video Production program, students receive in-depth instruction on concept development, sound, lighting, storyboarding, editing and motion graphics. Coursework may include field production and lighting, video manipulation, camera operations, basic editing, sound for video and production management. Participants may also train with industry-specific computer software programs and digital media tools.
BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE – Those who want to further their education might consider pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Television Production or Bachelor of Arts in Film. Through a television production baccalaureate program, students learn about TV history, theory and basic forms of production. Coursework may include such classes as picture and sound editing, broadcast news gathering, media research, broadcast writing, advanced television production, visual design, telecommunications management and media law. In a film-oriented program, students take classes on the history of motion picture, cinematography, film editing, documentary film, digital media tools and directing.
Step 4.) INTERNSHIPS – Internships provide you with an opportunity to observe, demonstrate initiative and network. In these positions you're more likely to run errands, move equipment and other support tasks than operate a camera, however. Many associate's degree and bachelor's degree programs include an internship with local news and production companies lasting from 1-3 semesters.
OPTIONAL CAREERS
Innana with a bachelor's degree in the fields of broadcasting, film, video production or a related area will be able to take many career paths that are similar to becoming a cameraman. One such option is to become a film and video editor and to be involved in the postproduction aspect of filming, helping to prepare content for broadcasting. You may also be interested in becoming a producer or director, two career paths that are focused on both the technological and creative aspects of filming and broadcasting media. Both producers and directors are responsible for visualizing and effectively executing many different productions, including films and television shows.
Hope this was Helpful Innan
Doc recommends the following next steps:
Thank You Nick. “The real opportunity for success lies within the person and not in the job.” – Zig Ziglar
Nick Darouian
Video Editor
2
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Nick’s Answer
I'll start by saying don't think you need to go to film school to start learning about film/video. While getting a Bachelor's degree in Broadcasting or Film will teach you many things and give you an advantage when looking for a job in the industry, you can start working towards that NOW. I have learned more online than I have in my 4 years of college attaining a BA in Broadcasting. If you want to go to film school and you can afford it. Go for it. It will help you figure out what you like and don't like. If you take advantage of the space you're in, you will make connections that could potentially last a lifetime (you never know what might come out of those connections.) Also, find internships, they're a valuable experience to have and you may just end offer you a part or full-time job. If you like the company, even better. Many colleges have an internship class you can take junior or senior year, so you're getting credits and getting real-world experience.
As for learning, in the beginning I highly suggest you learn a little about everything (directing, editing, shooting, audio, lighting and Visual FX if you wan't to go the extra mile.) A great director should know enough about all of these jobs so that they can properly communicate with that person on set and vice versa. Once you find out what you really like or have a passion for, then you can focus on perfecting that skill.
There are numerous tutorials/filmmaking channels on Youtube that cover all of these jobs. If you want a more structured way of learning, Lynda.com is a really good resource. I suggest following people on social media who are in the industry and learn from them. A great thing about this field is you can learn by simply grabbing your camera/phone and filming something. Ask yourself how that shot can be better or why you don't like it. Is it because the framing is bad, is it overexposed or underexposed, are the colors too flat or too saturated. These are all things that you will get better at by simply doing it and fixing your mistakes. I am more of a hands on person, and I learned a lot of theory in school (which is very important), but my favorite classes were the ones where we had cameras in our hands and we went out and filmed stuff.
Learn the theory --> apply the theory --> understand the theory --> break the theory. Yes, there are rules in filmmaking. Once you know the rules you can break them.
Think about the jobs out there in the industry and what you might want to do. Create a reel with some of your best shots from all the videos you've worked on. If you don't have much experience or shots to throw in a reel, find some projects that will help you start building that. You can ask a family friend or a local business if they want a Promo video for their store/business. You can search online for someone looking for a wedding videographer. Don't be afraid to tell the person that you are trying to get some projects under your belt, and that you will do it for a cheap price or even for free. Yup, i said it, for FREE. Don't be afraid to work for FREE. That free job might lead to a paid job, It might lead to another free job that leads to a paid job. Think about it before you say no. As for other jobs, you could be a cameraman (actual job title: Camera operator, Cinematographer/DP/Videographer) at a production company, in the sports industry, on a film set, or as a freelancer, etc. . There are many avenues.. Once you have a solid body of work to show for, start applying to some of these companies in your area.
Lastly, I want to address the job of "professional cameraman" Instead of that term, you'll more likely often hear "videographer, camera operator, steadicam operator, DP, cinematographer, etc." A camera operator or steadicam operator only operates the camera while a DP/cinematographer will be in charge of lighting each scene as well, which goes to my last point and that is lighting. If you want to be a "camera man/woman" learn as much as you can about lighting. That is what will help you stand out.
Let me know if you have any specific questions, I'll be glad to help out.
As for learning, in the beginning I highly suggest you learn a little about everything (directing, editing, shooting, audio, lighting and Visual FX if you wan't to go the extra mile.) A great director should know enough about all of these jobs so that they can properly communicate with that person on set and vice versa. Once you find out what you really like or have a passion for, then you can focus on perfecting that skill.
There are numerous tutorials/filmmaking channels on Youtube that cover all of these jobs. If you want a more structured way of learning, Lynda.com is a really good resource. I suggest following people on social media who are in the industry and learn from them. A great thing about this field is you can learn by simply grabbing your camera/phone and filming something. Ask yourself how that shot can be better or why you don't like it. Is it because the framing is bad, is it overexposed or underexposed, are the colors too flat or too saturated. These are all things that you will get better at by simply doing it and fixing your mistakes. I am more of a hands on person, and I learned a lot of theory in school (which is very important), but my favorite classes were the ones where we had cameras in our hands and we went out and filmed stuff.
Learn the theory --> apply the theory --> understand the theory --> break the theory. Yes, there are rules in filmmaking. Once you know the rules you can break them.
Think about the jobs out there in the industry and what you might want to do. Create a reel with some of your best shots from all the videos you've worked on. If you don't have much experience or shots to throw in a reel, find some projects that will help you start building that. You can ask a family friend or a local business if they want a Promo video for their store/business. You can search online for someone looking for a wedding videographer. Don't be afraid to tell the person that you are trying to get some projects under your belt, and that you will do it for a cheap price or even for free. Yup, i said it, for FREE. Don't be afraid to work for FREE. That free job might lead to a paid job, It might lead to another free job that leads to a paid job. Think about it before you say no. As for other jobs, you could be a cameraman (actual job title: Camera operator, Cinematographer/DP/Videographer) at a production company, in the sports industry, on a film set, or as a freelancer, etc. . There are many avenues.. Once you have a solid body of work to show for, start applying to some of these companies in your area.
Lastly, I want to address the job of "professional cameraman" Instead of that term, you'll more likely often hear "videographer, camera operator, steadicam operator, DP, cinematographer, etc." A camera operator or steadicam operator only operates the camera while a DP/cinematographer will be in charge of lighting each scene as well, which goes to my last point and that is lighting. If you want to be a "camera man/woman" learn as much as you can about lighting. That is what will help you stand out.
Let me know if you have any specific questions, I'll be glad to help out.
Leland Chee
Creative Executive
13
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Leland’s Answer
I'd like to reiterate John's point about cable access (also known as community or public access) television if a station is accessible to you. In exchange for volunteering your time, you can get valuable hands experience as well as gain a better understanding of the people and issues in the community where you live. It is also a great opportunity to develop your own ideas for content and get some familiarity with working with others as part of a team. I had an internship in public access while I was in college and that experience was complementary to the education I was getting since I was going to a school which did not offer production courses. With that experience, I was able to land a part-time job as a camera operator for the news at a local television station shortly after college.