Career as Cinematographer
Cinematographers are also referred to as the director of photography. They are the ones who are responsible for filming a video, movie or a short film. They are in charge of how the lighting, the placement of props, actors, and everything that you see on the screen will look in front of you. Without a cinematographer, it would be impossible to capture any motion picture. However, they do not do all the work alone. They work in conjunction with directors, use digital technology, and make use of the latest developments in filming equipment to improve how motion pictures are captured. With the introduction of autonomous drones, Ultra HD 3D technology, and VR, the Indian film industry has changed quite a bit. Cinematographers are required for television, documentaries, and advertisements. They need to work with set designers, and in case of large productions, several cinematographers work together on one project.
- About Cinematographer :
- Job Profile |
- How do I get there?
Job Profile
No motion picture can be shot without a cinematographer. They help decide what the picture on the screen will look like, which angle to shoot from as well as lighting and set design. Cinematographers do not work alone, they often have a team working under them, and they will need to work with light technicians, set designers, and directors. Hence a cinematographer must have excellent communication skills so that they can convey their ideas to other people working with them successfully. As a cinematographer, you should resolve yourself to working odd hours. You may be working early in the morning until late at night, depending on the requirements of the project.
Additionally, a lot of travelling may be involved in your job. Working irregular and long hours can take a toll on your health, and often cinematographers also take up fitness classes to keep their health in check. Keeping fit also ensures that they can work with heavy equipment easily.
To become a well-established cinematographer, you will have to climb the career ladder gradually. You need to start from the bottom and work your way to the top. Most cinematographers start as assistant technicians. As they continue to work under established cinematographers and gain the experience and skills they need, they can go on to work independently. Most experienced and well-established Cinematographers work on a Freelance basis in India.
When you are starting as an Assistant technician, your salary may range between Rs 30,000 - Rs 40,000 depending on the project. As you gain experience in the field, your salary may increase to Rs 96,000 - Rs 6,00,000 per year.
Future Growth Prospects and How to get there faster
Cinematographers need to start to form the bottom and work their way to the top. To become a successful Cinematographer who works on a freelance basis on their independent projects, you need to gain experience in the field. To become a successful cinematographer, you need to acquire knowledge by working on the field and observing other successful Cinematographers. Unfortunately, there is no fixed timeline to reach the top or to consider yourself established. As you work on more projects and can showcase your skills, more people will start to notice you.
By working hard, practising your skills, taking notes from other successful cinematographers, and observing them closely, you can ensure your success. A lot of the success will depend on your skills and how you can apply your theoretical knowledge in the field.
Pros and Cons of Cinematography
Pros
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Once you are well-established, you can work on a freelance basis.
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Your work can get recognized nationally and internationally, and help you earn accolades.
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There is a growing demand for cinematographers which can fetch you good job opportunities.
Cons
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Long and irregular working hours can take a toll on your health.
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You will need to gain a lot of experience and hone your skills before you can consider yourself to be well-established.
How do I get there?
To be eligible for a Bachelor’s Degree in Cinematography, you can take up any stream during your 10 + 2 years, as long as you have earned a minimum of 60%. At the UG level, you can opt for either a B. A. or a B. Sc in Cinematography. Once you have completed your Bachelor’s, at the PG level, you can opt for MA/MSc/MFTech if you have secured at least 50% at the UG level. For some institutes, you may need to clear an entrance exam to be eligible for admission.
Apart from this, you can also opt for certificate or diploma courses at reputed institutes to expand your knowledge. However, most cinematographers would also advise you to observe and learn, as most of the knowledge is acquired through work in the field. Working under another cinematographer or practising your skills is a good way to ensure your success in this field.
How much does it cost?
The cost of Diploma and Certificate programs for a Film Making course can range from anywhere between Rs 35,000 to Rs 1,25,000. For a UG program, the fees can range from INR 20,000 to Rs 8,00,000.
On average, for a master’s degree in filmmaking, the cost can range from Rs 80,000 to Rs 1,50,000.
Apart from paying for the course, if you want to be able to practice your skills in your free time, it can be worthwhile to invest in cameras and other equipment. Investing in your personal equipment will help you hone your skills and prepare you for the future.
What are the Top Colleges where one should be studying to become a Cinematographer?
To study Cinematography, you will find several institutes in India. While most of them offer a postgraduate degree in Filmmaking or Cinema with a specialization in Cinematography, there are a few institutes that offer UG courses and certifications as well. For most courses, apart from being a graduate, you may also need to clear entrance exams.
|
Rank |
Name of the Institute, City |
Programme Fees |
|
1 |
Film and Television Institute of India, Pune |
PG Diploma Course, Rs 33,000 per semester |
|
2 |
Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, Kolkata |
PG Course in Cinema, Rs 41,250 per semester |
|
3 |
Asian Academy of Film and Television, Noida |
B. Sc. in Cinema, Rs 2,00,000 per year |
|
4 |
Whistling Woods International, Mumbai |
BA/BSc in Filmmaking, Rs 8,00,000 per year |
|
5 |
MIT School of Film & Television, Pune |
BSc in Filmmaking, Rs 3,50,000 per year |
|
6 |
Zee Institute of Media Arts, Kolkata |
Certificate in Cinematography, Rs 1,37,000 for the course |
|
7 |
MindScreen Film Institute, Chennai |
Preparatory Course for Cinematography, Rs 6,33,335 for the course |
Books and other Study Material
Cinematography is based on practical knowledge. However, one can hone their skills and gain useful insight from some of the books listed below:
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A Guide for Creative Collaboration by Jacqueline B. Frost
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The Five Cs of Cinematography: Motion Picture Filming Techniques by Joseph V. Mascelli
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Straight Shooting from a Sundance Programmer by Roberta Munroe
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Rebel Without a Crew by Robert Rodriguez
What if this career does not work out for me? What are the other options for a person with these credentials?
Having studied and trained for Cinematography, what are the other options that professionals in the field are likely to explore?
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Content on this page is by Career Expert Mrs. Kum Kum Tandon MA (Psychology), M.Ed, Diploma in Educational Psychology, Vocational Guidance & Counseling (NCERT, Delhi) | View Complete Profile |