2 answers
Brooklyn
Student
Savannah, Georgia
2
Questions
Asked
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How much technical knowledge do you really need to get an entry level position on a film set camera team?
I am a senior in film school, trying to get as much hands on experience with cameras as I can, but still struggling with all the technicalities.
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2 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Brooklyn !
I am sorry that your film school is not giving you personalized attention for this and you should meet with your cinematography professor to discuss it and obtain extra help.
The way it works is that anyone hiring cinematographers for a film will have reviewed that applicant's demo reel and get an idea of how skilled the person is. The reel is the most important thing for this. Your reel will indicate your level of skill with exposure, movement, composition, and lighting, as it is often the most critical factor in the hiring decision, sometimes even more than a resume. But that's not all they look for.
In addition, a cinematographer needs to have the ability to remain calm under pressure, put clients and crew at ease, and handle delays or re-shoots professionally. A cinematographer must also possess strong leadership and communication skills to guide the camera and lighting crews, collaborate effectively with the director, and balance creative vision with production realities such as time and budget. This all comes through learning at Film School, working on projects both for school and independently, getting to know cameras and using them every day. The more you work with them, the better you get at it.
Cinematographers are also hired based on reputation and proven reliability, so it's very important to do a lot of work and also make contacts on every project you work on. Stay in touch with producers/directors.
If you are not where you want to be with your camera skills as a film school senior, you may want to consider going for your Masters Degree in Cinematography because you will get more intensive hands on work with cameras during a masters program. You didn't mention which school you are currently attending, however, Savannah College of Art and Design offers a program for a Masters in Cinematography. If that's not the school you are currently attending, register for an orientation to see what the Film department is like. It's ranked high and said to be well equipped.
My advice is to focus on one camera type at a time. Dwell on that camera until you can master it. Then go on to learning and acing another type of camera. We all learn at our own pace, so try not to bombard yourself as film work can be intense. Learn how to use the ARRI Alexa series, Red Digital Cinema Cameras (such as the Red Monstro and Red Epic), Blackmagic Design cameras (like the URSA and Pocket Cinema Camera series). A masters program would provide you with more time. If camera work is a serious career goal for you, invest in owning some of the lower priced cameras so that you can use it more. Professional cinema cameras used in Hollywood, such as the ARRI ALEXA or RED cameras, can cost upwards of $50,000, not including lenses and accessories and those mostly are provided so you don't have to go buying the high end ones, just something you can afford and use every single day.
I hope this helps. Ask for extra help at school, use a camera every day until you learn it completely, consider taking more time by going for a Masters Program and be patient. Don't give up - you can do it !
I am sorry that your film school is not giving you personalized attention for this and you should meet with your cinematography professor to discuss it and obtain extra help.
The way it works is that anyone hiring cinematographers for a film will have reviewed that applicant's demo reel and get an idea of how skilled the person is. The reel is the most important thing for this. Your reel will indicate your level of skill with exposure, movement, composition, and lighting, as it is often the most critical factor in the hiring decision, sometimes even more than a resume. But that's not all they look for.
In addition, a cinematographer needs to have the ability to remain calm under pressure, put clients and crew at ease, and handle delays or re-shoots professionally. A cinematographer must also possess strong leadership and communication skills to guide the camera and lighting crews, collaborate effectively with the director, and balance creative vision with production realities such as time and budget. This all comes through learning at Film School, working on projects both for school and independently, getting to know cameras and using them every day. The more you work with them, the better you get at it.
Cinematographers are also hired based on reputation and proven reliability, so it's very important to do a lot of work and also make contacts on every project you work on. Stay in touch with producers/directors.
If you are not where you want to be with your camera skills as a film school senior, you may want to consider going for your Masters Degree in Cinematography because you will get more intensive hands on work with cameras during a masters program. You didn't mention which school you are currently attending, however, Savannah College of Art and Design offers a program for a Masters in Cinematography. If that's not the school you are currently attending, register for an orientation to see what the Film department is like. It's ranked high and said to be well equipped.
My advice is to focus on one camera type at a time. Dwell on that camera until you can master it. Then go on to learning and acing another type of camera. We all learn at our own pace, so try not to bombard yourself as film work can be intense. Learn how to use the ARRI Alexa series, Red Digital Cinema Cameras (such as the Red Monstro and Red Epic), Blackmagic Design cameras (like the URSA and Pocket Cinema Camera series). A masters program would provide you with more time. If camera work is a serious career goal for you, invest in owning some of the lower priced cameras so that you can use it more. Professional cinema cameras used in Hollywood, such as the ARRI ALEXA or RED cameras, can cost upwards of $50,000, not including lenses and accessories and those mostly are provided so you don't have to go buying the high end ones, just something you can afford and use every single day.
I hope this helps. Ask for extra help at school, use a camera every day until you learn it completely, consider taking more time by going for a Masters Program and be patient. Don't give up - you can do it !
Jacob Steiner
Cinematographer
15
Answers
Hollywood, Florida
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
Hi Brooklyn,
Truth be told, you don't need that much experience to have an entry level position on the camera team of a film crew. The place where you'd most likely be started is at a runner (getting coffee) or 2nd AC (second assistant camera) position. The 2nd slates, uses camera tape to label cards and equipment, takes notes on camera height and position and swaps batteries on camera and monitors.
Being a 2nd will allow you to be close but not too close to the DP and learn all the ins and outs from the 1st and other crew members on the set. I can tell you that the best way to learn is by just being there and absorbing it all.
If you want to learn more about the technicalities, there's this awesome website called https://theasc.com. You can gain a lot of information through reading the articles, watching video interviews and listening to podcasts where the cinematographers talk about their technical processes.
I hope this helps.
Truth be told, you don't need that much experience to have an entry level position on the camera team of a film crew. The place where you'd most likely be started is at a runner (getting coffee) or 2nd AC (second assistant camera) position. The 2nd slates, uses camera tape to label cards and equipment, takes notes on camera height and position and swaps batteries on camera and monitors.
Being a 2nd will allow you to be close but not too close to the DP and learn all the ins and outs from the 1st and other crew members on the set. I can tell you that the best way to learn is by just being there and absorbing it all.
If you want to learn more about the technicalities, there's this awesome website called https://theasc.com. You can gain a lot of information through reading the articles, watching video interviews and listening to podcasts where the cinematographers talk about their technical processes.
I hope this helps.