Job Role: Cinematographer

What is a cinematographer?

A cinematographer, sometimes known as the director of photography, is the chief over the
camera and lighting crews on a film, television production or any other piece of live action
content. They are the person responsible for creating the look, colour, lighting, and for
framing of every single shot in a film. The film’s director and cinematographer work closely
together, as the main job of a cinematographer is to ensure that their choices support the
director’s overall vision for the film.

How do you become a cinematographer?

The best way to become a cinematographer or director is to simply start shooting video. It doesn’t
matter how you do it, just get a camera and start shooting your own video. Of course, film school
will always be a great way to build contacts and develop a film reel. Though, it is very important that
people learn that it isn’t the only way to go about things. These days, degrees don’t guarantee any
job or role. Having evidence of your skill in making films is the best way to get a job in the industry.

What kind of money do they make?

Studio Cinematographers earn anywhere from $5,000 to $30,000 a week.

What a Cinematographer earns will depend on his or her level of experience. Freelance
Cinematographers working on indie or low-budget projects will obviously earn less than
those working regularly for a certain production company. At the top of the hierarchy are the
“name” Cinematographers working on big-budget TV shows or studio films.
Source: https://www.careersinfilm.com/cinematographer/
What are the key roles of a Cinematographer?

A few of the duties and responsibilities of a cinematographer would be:

 Choosing a visual style for the film – A cinematographer will always be the one to choose
the visual style or aesthetic of the production they are working on. For example, if they are
working on a documentary movie or television product, they will have to choose between
having actors play the parts of characters or relying on footage that already exists and
interviews of the people involved.

 Chooses and explores different locations to evaluate their potential – A good

cinematographer will know better than anyone what visuals will look good for their product,
meaning they will know exactly what to look for on location that will be useful to the
director.

 Makes executive decisions on the camera setup for every shot – The cinematographer will
always be the one who decides which camera, lenses, camera angles and camera techniques
that are used to bring the director’s vision to life. They work closely with the director, script
supervisors and the locations manager to make sure that everything is going to plan.

 Determines the lighting for every scene – The cinematographer always decides what
lighting will be used for each scene, making sure that it fits the vision for what the director
wants for the film.

 Elevates the vision of the director – A good cinematographer will introduce ideas and
concepts the director may not have considered.