Study cinematograpy or directing?

J

Jerryv

Active member
I am 20 years old and want to go to the filmacademie.
I want to direct, i like the whole proces of making movies, there is not 1 thing were iam really good at, i know a little bit of everything.

I am thinking: would it be better to study cinematography instead of directing? Reasons: there will be more work (likely), you learn a lot about filming and got to work on many projects for wich you gain set-experience (by directing you work a very long time on your film, the DOP 'jumps' to many more projects. This is even said by students on the filmacademie).

I want to direct, and i know the filmindustry is not easy to come in, and i know we are not doing it for the money. But we dó need to make a living: and as a cameraman/D.O.P. you have very more change of working than a director (not as a DOP, but as assist functions by the camera departement). -A person with a eduction in Directing cannot do very much on other people's projects-.

The benefits are: you are making a living, work on different projects -for a shorter amount of time than the director-, gain a lot of set-experience, and work in the filmindustry (as a D.O.P, or maybe just as a assistent).

Then, in your own spare time, you can work on directing skills.

After i worked a couple of years, i can use my set/film experience and try to get work as a director.

It seems like a far better option than study directing, and trying to get work in the industry as a director. As a cinematographer, the changes of work are far better and i can try to become a director myself.

What do you think about this? I dont even know if i agree with the above my self :) .

The other thing is: iam not a techniqeal person, iam not very handy and not good in matmatics... So iam worried cinematograpy is a LOT harder than directing!!!! or am i way of?

Jerry
 
Being in the industry is very hard work. It helps to do something that you really enjoy. I happen to really enjoy every aspect of cinemtography, but I have friends that love to direct. What do you love to do? If you don't know yet, you should try your hand at them and see if you like it. It's a very interesting experience to get involved with a film in a single capacity instead of wearing many hats, and see how you can contribute greatly in a singular task.
 
I am afraid that cinematograpy is to techniqual for me.

Someday, i want to direct.
Click to expand...

Hey Jerry. I am trying to become a professional DP myself and I know how it can be overwhelming and I am about 1% of the way there(actually it's even less :) . But I think the key to learning your craft as a cinematographer is to get set/field experience more than anything. That way you have first hand experience and it's etched into your brain as opposed to just learning from a book. You should hang out with DP's and the such. Believe me it's way overwhelming but I feel that I will learn as I go forth and am not afraid of the overwhelming amount of technacalities, as I used to be afraid. Hope this helps.
 
Just be aware of the differences between directing and cinematograpy. I'm currently studying film with an emphasis in cinematography, mainly because of my experience in that field and knowing that I love it. Learning to become a DP has its advantages, as you know. You can assist as a grip, 1st/2nd AC, focus puller, etc. Mainly you learn about the lighting and camera work. It's possible to do projects or other people's projects being the director and the DP. This involves classes where you work with the camera and tools and all that fun stuff.

Directing is about working with actors. Directors work with many people- the editor, DP, producers, etc. as well. If you study directing, you will not only take classes in shooting and editing video/film, you will also need to learn about acting and probably take acting classes. But it has its advantages, too. The good thing about the film industry is that experience can gain you a job possibly in another area you may be interested in. Those learning about directing can also work as AD, producer, casting director, etc. Just do what you think is more exciting for you and know that you can always keep looking for whatever experence you can get and that's the best way to learn. We all start with nothing but an interest, so don't worry about not knowing technical stuff either. It's good for the director to know those things, as well, so it makes sense to study to become a DP and later add on directing, since you will be watching directors work and be working alongside them.
 
Jerry, I'm in a simular boat as you. I really want to get into directing but need to start somewhere. I've found that becoming very intimate with the editing process has helped me so much. By being the producer of the final product I get to see all the mistakes made along the way (shot composition, bad acting, bad lighting etc...) and it helps me know what to watch out for when I'm behind the lens or directing others. In film; I truly believe the ends justify the means, there is no cheating, it's either you have a good product or you don't and in the editing room is where it all comes together.
 
To a degree its more preassure, because you have to perform, right now. On set, theres no mistakes. BUT you have less control than you think. Even if yo ucome up with a great idea, the director can strike it down. so its not really as creative as you think it is, unless you work with a director that trusts you.

Jerryv said:
I am 20 years old and want to go to the filmacademie.
I want to direct, i like the whole proces of making movies, there is not 1 thing were iam really good at, i know a little bit of everything.

I am thinking: would it be better to study cinematography instead of directing? Reasons: there will be more work (likely), you learn a lot about filming and got to work on many projects for wich you gain set-experience (by directing you work a very long time on your film, the DOP 'jumps' to many more projects. This is even said by students on the filmacademie).

I want to direct, and i know the filmindustry is not easy to come in, and i know we are not doing it for the money. But we dó need to make a living: and as a cameraman/D.O.P. you have very more change of working than a director (not as a DOP, but as assist functions by the camera departement). -A person with a eduction in Directing cannot do very much on other people's projects-.

The benefits are: you are making a living, work on different projects -for a shorter amount of time than the director-, gain a lot of set-experience, and work in the filmindustry (as a D.O.P, or maybe just as a assistent).

Then, in your own spare time, you can work on directing skills.

After i worked a couple of years, i can use my set/film experience and try to get work as a director.

It seems like a far better option than study directing, and trying to get work in the industry as a director. As a cinematographer, the changes of work are far better and i can try to become a director myself.

What do you think about this? I dont even know if i agree with the above my self :) .

The other thing is: iam not a techniqeal person, iam not very handy and not good in matmatics... So iam worried cinematograpy is a LOT harder than directing!!!! or am i way of?

Jerry
Click to expand...
 
I'll agree with everything being said here. Being a DP, at any level is a challenge...But thats what makes it such a rewarding craft. It's something that takes a very long time to master, and some never do. In your original post, you mentioned you werent great at one thing, but ok at everything. FLIP that logic around! Become the best at one thing, and let some one else be the best at another. As an aspiring cinematographer and film student, it gets really old, being handed a business card that says "Director/Editor/Cameraman" all the time. Focus your skills, and eventually you will be doing what you love.
 
With both positions you will be learning till the day you die so don't be afraid to try. Don't worry about something be too technical at this point. Time will take care of that. Directing is just as technical but in another sense. Learning by making mistakes and learning from others is the only way to go.
If you want to direct but need money, get a cam and shoot for other people and learn by watching them. You will be getting paid for learning others mistakes and successes. The thing I have learned the most by working for someone else is time budgeting. Every shoot I have been on runs out of time and shots are missed which hurts the final product. Watching what eats up time each time you shoot for someone will be the biggest asset in planning when you start your own shoots. That may seem off topic but if you are not stressed on the set from time contraints, that means you are focusing on story and acting meaning a much better story. See?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top