Michelle ChowBlock 3

DIRECTOR OF

PHOTOGRAPHY

NATURE OF WORK A Director of Photography or a

Cinematographer is in charge of: Any equipment involving lighting and cameras

Number of cameras, which lenses to use, camera angles

Locations of filming

Selecting the key points from a writer’s story

Transitions between shots, making sure it flows

Working with Film Control (editing crew)

NATURE OF WORK – PT. 2

Personality traits that are helpful would be: OrganizedCreativePatienceCo-operative

Special skills needed:Seeing more than one way of

completing a task

MAIN DUTIES

Travelling set to set Packing and unpacking equipment Waking up early and sleeping late

Discuss flaws/ideas with main Director

MAIN DUTIES – PT. 2 Making quick

decisions Working side by

side with the Director of the film, television show, or commercial

Giving orders to lighting and camera crew

Safety of crew members

WORKING CONDITIONS

Usual hours of work can vary depending on the type of production that you're working on

Becoming a successful Cinematographer, you could be working from sunrise to sunset

Ex. Sunrise or midnight scenes in the video You must be at least 25 years old (that's

when you're finished with schooling and have gotten some experience)

There are no gender or physical requirements

Risks like having no security for your future Work is freelance (meaning you're hopping from project to

project) Having to travel so much, for so long Hazards like experiencing mental and physical stress

of tight schedules Could be working indoors or outdoors, in all sorts of

weather

WORKING CONDITIONS – PT. 2

EARNINGS

Starting salary = Minimal wage ($10.25)

Average salary = $45 000 /year

Top salary = $100 000+ /year

EARNINGS – PT. 2 No, you don't get paid overtime.

They EXPECT you to do your job and going the extra mile without pay

There aren't any benefits unless you're working for a large production company or a member of the

International Cinematographers’ Guild.

EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS

Best places to find work is to begin on campus radio/film studios and work your way up to local production companies, photo studies and getting apprenticed by an experienced cinematographer

No, there isn’t much security since you're working from project to project; you're always looking for new projects to keep you a float. Ranging from indie production companies, music

videos, commercials, television shows, etc.

EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS – PT. 2

No, there isn't a high demand for this

profession When I'm qualified to work, there will be lots

of people retiring, creating more job

openings. Job growth won't

increase Job seeker percentage might actually decrease over the next few years

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

REQUIREMENTS No specific education required, but work

experience will be needed! Ex. Applying for jobs involving: lighting, camera assistant or any video production

This provides hands on techniques and opportunity to use special equipment

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

REQUIREMENTS – PT. 2 There are Bachelor degrees in Film and

Cinema, film related programs offered by post secondary schools and specific film schools that have cinematography courses

Training for 3+ years Depending on whether it's training

courses or work experience, it could cost between $0 - $25 000

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

REQUIREMENTS – PT. 3 No, there isn't any special licenses or

certificates required Director of Photography have the skills to be

creative and tune into fine details Basic knowledge about lighting, photography, painting is a given

Yes, this work involves technology

TRAINING

Certificate of Completion – Photography

What: In 5 weeks, this 30 hour course combines photography basics and more in depth concepts.

Where: Arts Institute of Vancouver. Why: To learn more about photography at a

post secondary level and make your résumé look good

TRAINING – PT. 2Certificate of Completion - Digital Film

Production

What: In 16 weeks, update your video production knowledge that covers the different main types of video like, documentary, commercials, music videos etc.

Where: Langara Tuition: $8 400

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

Where: CiTR Radio Station Description: Gaining experience and expanding my knowledge in any of their

departments such as: News, Sports, Production, Live broadcasting and tech Cost: $35 /a year for membership

Allowing usage of equipment, music, events and training programs

WORK EXPERIENCE – PT. 2

Where: Studio78 Description: Customers can rent the studio,

workers and equipment. Studio78 has a large variety of tools to take the best pictures,

ranging from lighting, effects and tripods. Why: Applying for a job as an assistant

would give me the chance to use their different lighting and photography equipment

BIBLIOGRAPHY https://

www2.careercruising.com/careers/job-description/143

http://www.shmoop.com/careers/cinematographer/

http://alis.alberta.ca/occinfo/Content/RequestAction.asp?aspAction=GetHTMLProfile&format=html&OCCPRO_ID=71002192

http://careers.stateuniversity.com/pages/7731/Cinematographer-Director-of-Photography.html

http://www23.hrsdc.gc.ca/occupationsummarydetail.jsp?&tid=64

http://www.studio78bc.ca/Studio/Studio.html

CONCLUSION I want to do this job because back in

elementary days, I was known (amongst my friends) as the girl who would take so many pictures! I think it's amazing seeing the different aspects of a mini photo shoot being put together. Natural lighting verses flash and how it affects the final product. Selfies verses someone taking it for you. I want to become a Cinematographer because taking the "artisy" route sounds exciting and challenging, full of promises and glory.