How to get in?

[Tokarsky]

Ok, so I'm in my second year at school, studying Cinema, I wanted to either be an editor or cinematographer since I was in 10th grade. Through the power of whatever points you to what you're best at when it comes to film, I decided I want to be a cinematographer. I worked on a "set" over the summer (worst production I hope I ever see), as a PA, by the end of shooting I became 1st AC, made real good friends with the DP, and haven't looked back. I ended up taking over as DP on another (not as high end, but overall better) indie film, and it was great. The director saw afew uncut shots, the editor called in the lead to go over some things to do ADR, and he loved it, the editor loved what I shot. I also was very happy with my work on that film. Sooo.... I know I want to be a Cinematographer/DP when I get out of school, but how the hell would somebody else suggest I start off to reach this goal? My pprofessor knows thats what my main focus is, and really would like to help me better myself with it, but he isn't too too sure how either... So any tips, advice, or insights that you all may have are appriciated.

thanks in advanced!

 

[jimpatro]

What you want is to be valuable to a production. You want directors to feel that they need you on their projects. Sounds like you're already impressing people. Keep that momentum going. Shoot, shoot , shoot! Watch Craiglist for indie films needing cinematographers. This way you make outside contacts. You should shoot your own stuff as well but make others aware that you're out there and you're good. Network.

And be a lifetime learner. Continuously study your craft. For a few years there I would watch films solely for dissecting them (not just photographically, but also examining directing, editing and performance technique). I'm better now at just sitting back and enjoying but I learned a lot. Some things do still jump out that I have to notice and file away.

Study the master painters and still photographers. Put in some time at a production house or TV station. That'll rack up the hours of real world experience. Study editing, it'll make you that much better at blocking out scenes. Learn to storyboard so that you learn to pre-conceive how shots should look and how they relate to the flow of a scene.

I'm excited for you. Makes me think about how I got started almost 30 years ago. Go for it and the best, best of luck to you, kid.

 

[Kess]

The main thing you need to know is that there is not one specific way to get into this business. Don't waste time trying to figure it all out...the one single answer is not there. It's part art, part opportunity, part business, part right time right place, part schmoozing, part ????, etc. One person got in this way and another got in that way. Success may never happen, but if you go for it each and every day then you can look back and know you gave it everything you had. Do the work...find the right people to work with...and don't be afraid to turn down work if it's just not right. Always be ready...you never know who is standing next to you.

Your success can turn in an instant...all it takes is one film and you go from zero to everything.

So here are things you have to do.

1. Get a website
2. Get your reel together.
3. Join multiple sociial networks...like this one.
4. Network...film festivals, filmmaker groups, writers, directors, producers, etc.

Never give up! Most people will.

Kess
www.filmschoolnow.com

 

[Tokarsky]

Sounds like you're already impressing people.

I actually find that suprising, atleast I aloooot at first. Since I started doing video work in 8th grade, I was usually satisfied of what my shots looked like and how the final cut turned out, but was always very self-concious of what others thought of it. Which I every now and then find myself acting that way now, which I don't think is neither good to do or help me get to where I want, so that has to stop....

And be a lifetime learner. Continuously study your craft. For a few years there I would watch films solely for dissecting them (not just photographically, but also examining directing, editing and performance technique). I'm better now at just sitting back and enjoying but I learned a lot. Some things do still jump out that I have to notice and file away.

I find myself doing that all the time. I think after I saw http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7voEoWRKbAE&feature=player_embeddedRumble Fish for the first time I noticed it. I've gone to quite afew movies at the theater with friends and can't watch it like a normal person. I usually just study the camera-work and try to figure out how a scene was lit, but I agree with what you did: dissect almost every aspect of he film. I just really don't know how to do this with the direction, which I know a DP needs to be knowlegable about...

I'm excited for you. Makes me think about how I got started almost 30 years ago. Go for it and the best, best of luck to you, kid.

30 years! Thats impressive, so much has changed. The equipment, the ideas, the distribution, and the presentation. I honestly find that as a sort of inspiration to me. Thanks for the encouragement!!!

 

[jonlambert]

..and to be honest, you could sum it up in a short answer: Make it your life!

If you're that passionate about it, and you keep up with it, it will just be natural. Most of the "creatives" that I know, whether filmmakers, artists, musicians etc. tend to be people that don't separate the 9-5 from their passion. They simply live every day with their heads filled with what they love to do. Kess was right on point with that response above.