How To Build A Career As A Cinematographer
The Competitive Landscape
On a film set, which can be staffed with dozens or even hundreds of crew members, there exists only one director of photography, the head of the department. In this fiercely competitive environment, how can one increase their odds of securing this coveted position and maintaining a long-term career as a cinematographer?
Diverse Career Paths
The challenge in offering straightforward advice on this topic lies in the fact that there is no one-size-fits-all route to success in the film industry. Conversations with various directors of photography reveal that each of them embarked on their careers through different avenues.
The Traditional Journey
That being said, some frequently followed paths aspiring cinematographers can consider as they pursue their careers. One of the most conventional, albeit often the lengthiest, approaches is to accumulate on-set experience by working in various crew roles.
Gradual Progression
Becoming a director of photography is seldom an overnight transformation. It typically takes years of dedication and hard work to establish oneself in this profession. The trajectory can be likened to a standard corporate career, where one progresses up the ranks over time. However, as a freelance worker, it falls upon you to hone your skills and climb the crew hierarchy by seeking more advanced positions as opportunities arise.
Learning the Ropes on Set
Working on set not only exposes you to the technical aspects of cinematography, such as equipment operation and lighting techniques but also immerses you in the intricacies of how a film shoot operates. You learn about interpersonal dynamics, industry jargon, preferred crew collaborations, the setup and execution of shots, and how to adapt to the sometimes stressful work environment. Starting from the bottom and working your way up provides a solid foundation for launching your career.
Film School Graduates' Advantage
While becoming a director of photography often requires years of effort, there are instances where individuals attain this role at a relatively young age, especially among film school graduates.
Building a Professional Network
Establishing a network of contacts and collaborators is a pivotal aspect of thriving in the film industry. Cinematographers must forge connections with directors and producers who can hire them. One of the quickest ways to create such a network is by attending film school, where you collaborate with like-minded peers on various projects. Graduating from film school provides you with a circle of potential collaborators who may engage in your services in the future.
Using Squarespace for Your Portfolio
Another means through which potential collaborators can discover your work is your online portfolio. Thanks to our sponsor, Squarespace, you can easily build a visually appealing and functional website. With its drag-and-drop templates and a myriad of tools, Squarespace enables you to showcase your video content and stills effortlessly. This platform simplifies the process of uploading and organizing your work, making it accessible to potential clients and collaborators.
Exploring the Possibility of Combining Multiple Career Paths
It's important to note that these paths—working as part of a set crew, attending film school, and producing smaller independent films—are not mutually exclusive. Most cinematographers, in the early stages of their careers, will embrace some combination of these experiences.
Six Key Tips for Aspiring Cinematographers
With these foundational points covered, let's delve into six crucial pieces of advice that have proven valuable in building a cinematography career. Please bear in mind that my career remains a work in progress.
Prepare for the Freelance Lifestyle
Firstly, it's essential to understand and prepare for the freelance nature of the film industry. Freelancers lack the security of a fixed salary, and the unpredictability of job offers, which can sometimes come at the last minute, is part and parcel of this profession. Therefore, establishing a flexible lifestyle that accommodates such unpredictability is crucial.
Define Your Specialization
Secondly, aspiring cinematographers should have a clear sense of direction and specialization. Cinematography is a field where specialization holds paramount importance. Do you aspire to work primarily on narrative films, documentaries, or commercial projects? Going further, do you aim to specialize in shooting car commercials, beauty advertisements, or food commercials? Although you may need to take diverse jobs initially, focusing on identifying and pursuing your niche as early as possible is advisable.
Understand the Long-Term Commitment
Thirdly, be prepared for the reality that achieving industry-standard status as a cinematographer takes time. While the journey may be shorter for some and longer for others, it's essential to recognize that this is a long-term career goal, unlikely to be realized in a few months or even a few years.
Be Proactive in Seeking Opportunities
Fourthly, taking the initiative is key. As a freelancer, the onus is on you to actively seek opportunities, reach out to potential collaborators or mentors, consider working on projects without immediate financial gain, embark on passion projects, or even find representation by an agent. Position yourself in environments where opportunities are more likely to arise.
Reputation Matters
Fifthly, your reputation plays a pivotal role. How you conduct yourself on set and the quality of work you deliver directly impact your chances of securing future projects. The film industry operates within relatively tight-knit circles, where word-of-mouth references significantly influence crew selections. If you cultivate a reputation for professionalism and maintain a portfolio that reflects your abilities, you're more likely to receive future job offers.
Continuously Improve Your Skills
Finally, the journey involves constant self-improvement. While building your career, you simultaneously enhance three critical elements: your skills and experience, your network of contacts, and your portfolio. Documentaries, for instance, serve as an excellent training ground for honing your speed, light awareness, framing techniques, and various other skills. Continuously invest in these aspects to position yourself favorably when opportunities arise.