A career in Cinematography is suited for artistic people with good hand-eye
coordination, passion for photography and lots of creativity. With the increase
in the number of feature, advertisement & documentary film
production companies, and new TV channels being launched every other day, Cinematographers
have immense career opportunities.
Cinematographers play an important role in film production. They work
in coordination with the director, right from the pre-production stage
of planning a shoot. Often, a Cinematographer will be asked to work with
the camera operators, lighting team and other production staff in a variety
of roles to capture the script's scene on film. In short, Cinematographer
heads a crew which is required to provide the photographic images and
visual effects conceptualised by the director for advertisement, feature,
television and documentary films. As Cinematographers require to handle
a huge crew, they are expected to know about most of the work processed
during the shooting of the film. They are responsible for the selection
of camera, lens, filter, and film stock. He is the one who has to give
the final image to all the imaginary efforts of the director.
Earlier Cinematographers learned on the job by working as
junior cameraman. But today, highly sophisticated cameras, lighting and special
effects demand trained personal with sound theoretical and practical education.
Cinematographers may specialize in movie making, television programs,
documentaries, ad films etc. Most of them start their career and advance their
skills through experience they gain while working with a senior Cinematographer
as assistant. Once they prove their talent, they can freelance as an independent
Cinematographer. But the road to fame is tough especially in films, and one has
to have a lot of perseverance to succeed in the field.
Cinematographers can find employment with film production
units, television or video industries, studios etc. in India as well as
overseas. Earlier, films were the only avenue available to aspiring candidates.
But now, with the coming up of various channels they have immense opportunities
with production houses that make short films, documentaries and television
serials. One can also freelance for advertising commercials and music videos.
