Advice on how to get into the Film Industry for Cinematographers || Spotlight - Geoff Boyle

Geoff Boyle is an experienced cinematographer who has worked in television, features and commercials for over 30 years. We welcome him to Cooke Optics TV where he gives his advice to aspiring cinematographers and film students.
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Cooke Optics TV
www.cookeoptics.tv
Thank you to the British Society of Cinematographers (BSC). www.bscine.com/
Filmed with a Sony FS5 and Cooke Mini S4/i Lenses.
Produced by ImageNova. www.imagenova.co.uk.
Email [e-mail] for enquires or leave a comment!

[@lightpointfilms3798]

This hit me across the face with the truth, but that's why I'm going to work harder.

[@karkof]

The lack of any music, and the only sound being some cars and Geoff's voice make this a very intense video. Like you're stuck in a room with the guy. Wonderfully intimidating. Thank you.

[@CookeOptics]

Wonderfully intimidating indeed. He has a way of getting his point across!

[@annonperson3337]

I really like this guy, very cool character and clearly well experienced. If you really want to be in the film industry, then make films your self - don't go working for someone just because you think that's the only way in. If you are passionate enough about it, you'll do fine.

[@bakoenanakin9400]

FACTS!!

[@danwolff7064]

Geoff Boyle just told me to sell my ass in order to get a job in the film industry.... I love this guy.

[@jamalmanzano8976]

Dan Wolff how u gett in the industry

[@benfrewin9926]

Geoff Boyle was a wise man. I knew him. Now go sell that ass.

[@nicolaslabra2225]

well i`d make the most delicious tea

[@CinematographyDatabase]

Oh damn, lol. Don't tell them!

[@CookeOptics]

Hard hitting reality! We love your videos and what you are doing for the community. Shame about the copyright situation, but it's great how you have continued!

[@TheAcSstudio]

Two damn great figures

[@maxxender]

The gang's all here! Now where's film riot at lol

[@film_magician]

How badly do you wanna be a cinematographer? *un zips pants*

[@marxzuckerberg540]

"sell your ass"

[@jeremiahcollins_]

cold hard FACTS. lol thank you for the information and truth.

[@andrewcorey9882]

Jeremiah Collins omg it's you

[@marxzuckerberg540]

swag

[@JaredHoy]

This is one of the reasons I look up to Geoff, he doesn't sugar coat.

[@benfrewin9926]

God I miss Geoff. I remember a time when he was pretty much the only cinematographer of note taking the time, and I mean REALLY taking the time to help young people find their way into the UK Film/TV industry, specifically the camera dept. He was a wise, talented and kind man. His words ring so true to this day.

[@IProKv]

No doubt this man is telling the truth, but quite to his own bias. Another truth would be that it's likely that within his framework of the film business he works with people he has known for years like he so said, and that circle is yet to be penetrated. So his low expectations are based on a sample he has observed which might not be accurate because again as he mentioned, people share people they have worked with. Even those few who manage to get jobs at one point will elevate one of their past crew mates. Also I have seen almost monthly job placements at internships and other such parts of the industry that use the fresh university meat as cheap labour. Jobs like directors... maybe not so much but editors, assistants and often cinematographers are beckoned for quite regularly. I dont think this mans advice is wrong, you irrefutably will struggle to find jobs but thats just the grind. The bigger the grind the bigger the pay off and making it in the film industry as a person of relative success is itself a big pay off. Everyone knows their odds... I hope. Let these numbers not deter you if you believe in your ability and don't take this man of an era passed all too closely to heart. He does probably have years of experience but the volatile industry of film, now accented by the Internet cannot be so simply shut off the workload leaving the universities is whatimsayiiin

[@benjaminbennae]

Thank you for this. I really appreciate it!

[@JoeSmoe1]

This is the most demoralizing video KZbin ever recommended to me lol

[@hemrajrai8187]

😅

[@rideoutlondon]

But true

[@sawbaw3640]

it's kind od for youtube to recommend this for you as long as it appears you're not into cinematography and filmmaking

[@JoeSmoe1]

@@sawbaw3640 i had been searching online for camera reviews, the Algorithm did the rest mate lol

[@sawbaw3640]

@@JoeSmoe1 well then that make sense, you were on the map

[@judichristopher4604]

Another great video... only because it IS Geoff Boyle... ... but also "Thank YOU" Cooke Optics TV for NOT having background music... It is so much easier to Listen to his instructions... and it makes it FEEL like we're there with him...

[@adepew]

This definitely was a truth slap. But one everyone should hear. I love the videos you guys at Cooke are putting out, thank you so much for the quality content.

[@scoooterlee3544]

He's absolutely right! All I could think of doing for an ocupation was stunts. And i did it, worked very hard at my craft and got very good at it, though, the PR, selling my self, cold calling, smoozing ect. scared the shit out of me. Now i,ve been a carpenter 20 years because of that short coming. And with the battery acid of regret in my stomach for those 20 years. Don't phuq up like I did!

[@patrickcharles9345]

Some of the most honest and best advise I've heard.

[@TheFitchproductions]

Thank you for this. Now time to get back to work.

[@shaaanali]

B.D. Sharples get back to work ..."hard" ,all the best

[@douglas.barbosa]

I have been struggling in this industry for 9-10 years with no real jobs. But I wont give up. Always keep learning! Have a goal in mind and do your best always. Also, respecting people is key. Good video. Thanks for sharing!

[@vc6218]

why continue struggling if there is no work? Why not switch to something else?

[@MR-jx8dv]

@@vc6218 Exactly and 9-10 years is a lot..

[@GeoffBoyle]

@@vc6218 And thats why people don't succeed

[@ForeverRii]

@@vc6218 because he loves what he is doing and that is more important to him

[@stephenroberts2015]

LOL!

[@rinusworldzm]

These videos are awesome. Almost scary but really great. This one is a wake up call for many.

[@michaeltebinka]

Enjoyed every second of this! :)

[@chrisvanderschaaf]

100% True! Such good info Greg is a legend!

[@UNCLEMCDonald41]

Oo everything u said about hard it's going to be to get our dream job and how the college doesn't teach or tell us it's going to be hard to get in to this jobs his right but this is what I have to say I won't give up, I will survive and I will make it same for u lot out there I pray

[@nickchan1208]

I know how everyone feels. I went to academy of art and they told me and other students for four years that our work will get us hired. It's been 5 years now and everyone I know has never been hired. Only one or two got jobs but they're out of the country.

[@dornravlin]

I decided to make my own films and hopes of getting notticed rather then waiting to break in

[@stevenkhenai7407]

Finish it in Post/not fix it inPost /// loved it

[@J-Gx]

Wise man!

[@eduardojovanovic7817]

I believe that the advice is a bit one-dimensional. Just because there is a 1%, it doesn't necessarily mean that YOU specifically have a 1% probability, because that just assumes that all people have the same skills and operate in the same ways. If your cinematography is great you have more than 1%, if you make connections even without the best skills you have more than 1%, if you are an asshole (even with amazing skills) your chances reduce because people will think twice before working with you. If you are ALWAYS IMPROVING and never quit, you eventually become the 1% :)

[@jonathanabelmann8036]

Oh there’s a lot of assholes in the industry that constantly get jobs. I experienced that myself multiple times

[@benfrewin9926]

@@jonathanabelmann8036 Precisely. Geoff worked consistently at the top end, that requires top people. That's his point. Plenty of room for assholes that have pointless, mediocre careers too. Up to the individual to decide.

[@ravenchaplin8932]

I have been dedicated to having this work for years and will do anything to be that 1%

[@recipiend5711]

Geoff the best

[@a1illustration658]

FACTS!

[@hadleymanmusic]

The whole entertainment business is like this

[@vishalingle7992]

Nice video.

[@godofhellification]

Perfect description of the industry: incestuous... God bless you for the simple cold hard truths, sir

[@jjjj5452]

What is the percentage to become a camera demonstrator?

[@shanebakerstudios]

I'm a full time professional photographer. And I can say without hesitation that the number of people who want to earn a living with photography, versus those who actually do, is a very similar number.

[@BBSHOCKZ]

I was told this on my first day at university lol but the end of first year I'm pretty sure half my course dropped out

[@MikeMorash]

Nice eye! How long have you been shooting?

[@Isa-bl5mn]

dee dee!

[@marxzuckerberg540]

swag

[@dilfill]

Wow he knows his shit.

[@rideoutlondon]

Same as any other industry it’s not what you know but who you know. Go out and network network network.

[@ulrohermit1369]

Droping some Destructive/Constructive Truth Nuce

[@xavieryt412]

This was way too interesting.

[@diogoatadini]

Good advices but I feel we tend to carry on with the stigma of even taking new names on set just to see how things work. Like you have 1st, 2nd m, 3rd acs, ads, why not the same with camera trainees. I’m sure somem people would go to a set without even having their food paid, just to learn by watching. I couldn’t afford going to film school for example, does that mean I’m not even part of the 2%? I find that the reality is, the industry is a lot about who you know (you find people who are Burt hat great still getting decent paid work) just because that one person known the directors uncle’s neighbour’s sister’s cousin. That sucks. Money is another thing, sometimes even if yo do what you need to do it is still not enough. Contacting manufacturers is a great advice however if you are a nobody very rarely the would even get back to you.

[@GeoffBoyle]

Get a job in a camera rental company, drive a delivery van for a rental company. You make contacts that way. Be helpful, you'll be noticed. Whilst my main crew are always people I have known a long time there is always someone who is new. Insurance prevents allowing freebie students on-set. Anyway, I tried and ended up with too many not turning up and having lame excuses.

[@sawbaw3640]

"dedication alone is useless, dedication without talent is not enough" Charles bukowski.

[@gregbowes]

I watched Blood Diamond and as long as you say "you're the cameraman", you'll be fine.

[@jamalmanzano8976]

Greg Bowes could u give me some tips too gett in the industry please

[@MrGamerChoi]

As I'm a post production student, I would love to see more in this field. Few months ago, A Japan VFX artist came to my school. He said "we are hard to survive in this field cause we are facing much more stronger and "cheaper" opponent. Film company would rather give their VFX job to Chinese or Indian than local artist." I would love to if that's true . Thank You.

[@theuktoday4233]

recently saw a vlogger with over 1 million subs on youtube doing a FREEBIE for Mercedes whose cost was a flight and hotel to get what basically is almost FREE advertising for their new car... who needs to pay for cinematographers when there are people who will work for peanuts?

[@TheHypeEngine]

This is Hard Knocks but of Hollywood.

[@russbuss98]

I feel like guys like this and in the industry just love being pessimistic and negative. I get its hard but why are they so proud about it. "Sell your ass?" Geez, thanks man.

[@rico-pu4mw]

So you have a better chances in the film industry by working in the field compared to film students?

[@mariogarcia4807]

Making tea. Ouch. Well... I like tea so🤔

[@lukeshaddick7486]

So basically you just have to be really good at editing xD

[@michaelashcraft9098]

This video has boomer energy. If you wanna be a cinematographer go out and do it. Will you be the next Rodger deakins? No but don’t not make films cause this guys says you don’t have a chance to make it. In Hollywood. Look at 90% of what’s coming out of Hollywood right now. I wouldn’t want my name attached to most of it. I’d rather make an indie film and take it on the film festival circuit. But I WILL NOT stop perusing my career because someone said you don’t have a slim chance. Growing up I got told by my parents that being in a band wasn’t a career, got told that photography wasn’t a career and when I enrolled in film school I got a whole bunch of “why, you’re wasting your time and money” but my primary income is from photography and music and soon it will be film.

[@jonnynoakes9070]

Anyone else getting an air of Brent? 😂

[@SnoopyDoofie]

This guy is so out of date. If you want to do a film, just do it. Joe Penna who directed "Arctic" with Mads Mikkelsen was only a KZbinr and had never directed a feature film in his life. So if some KZbinr can do it, so can anyone.

[@GeoffBoyle]

I'm talking about cinematographers not directors who are frequently carried by the cinematographer.

[@quickfilmmakingtips2870]

He makes some good points but he missed out on how much work there actually is in the industry. Production studios are creating their own film schools so they can get enough qualified workers for all the jobs they have. Having said that, these jobs for which there is so much demand are the technical ones. It’s much harder if you want to be a director or cinematographer.

[@Bohatahyah]

"Get down to piccadilly and sell your arse"?! Thats fucked up!

[@ggslitlife9545]

I’m that 1%

[@SpencerWitherspoon]

Listen, I know some of you are watching this and think your dreams might be harder than you thought but personally I won't let some random guy on youtube tell me what is/isn't possible He makes it seem as if the film industry doesn't want you...Y'all got talent and you are the future...keep your head up and you will be there some day. Just leaving this message here because I find it disgusting when older people like this guy had it hard when he was still new, and now hes telling the younger more creative and fresh generation that they will not be successful even if they tried. just my opinion...its 2020...go chase the bag and don't get distracted, you will be there one day...believe it

[@cameronhamler6640]

Bro I really needed this thank you.

[@katekelly794]

Thank you so much man! I find people like this guy funny because it’s like he doesn’t know that most people who are looking to go into the industry already know it’s going to be difficult and challenging. It’s almost like people like this are trying to gate keep a career from new creatives because they are worried their jobs will be taken. Anything that’s difficult is worth doing and honestly everybody’s experience is different.

[@quickfilmmakingtips2870]

But he’s right. Also, he’s a world famous cinematographer (not some random guy). I absolutely encourage everyone to follow their dreams but your going to have to work very hard + get very lucky to make it in the industry.

[@anneboyer6359]

@@katekelly794 That's right Kate, you nailed it too.

[@portfolio641]

if this doesnt work it might as well be over

[@vunguyennamkhue7331]

:(

[@chrissystewart6268]

What does cinematographers do? Explain to me

[@jonahmeis7659]

This guy hasn't been a cinematographer on a single movie with an imdb rating above a 6, but I get this feeling like he thinks he's the shit

[@Filmicijus]

How about Robert Palmer's "Simply Irresistible", or his BMW and LEGO commercials?

[@jakeszetela6537]

Jonah Meiselman enemy at the gates? 7.6 and a great film.

[@anneboyer6359]

@@jakeszetela6537 he was not the cinematographer on it, he was just a person in that department. Geez, at least read right.

[@breakfastmachinearchive8]

Fuck it. That's it. I give up. Filmmaking is not something I should even try to dedicate my life to.

[@operator6471]

Moreover these guys have children who often follow on in their footsteps.

[@Terms1nat0r100]

I will never go to Piccadilly. Worst map ever

[@teilyfryk5757]

Make me famous n i make you reach

[@lg2513]

“They don’t give Ferrari’s away son, they make them by hand “ - joe rogan

[@dornravlin]

and I'm not selling my ass to be a Cinematographer

[@juvencavazos3370]

The secret is what are you after film school. Are you DOP? A Director? An Editor? No! You're a producer. ALL producers have to find money. Well, you as the producer go out and find money for your project. So, stop sending your resume and start accepting them yourself.

[@anneboyer6359]

So what has Geoff boyle done in terms of movies? All unknown 5 or 6 rated average stuff and he thinks he is Roger Deakins. In contrast, Deakins is quite a humble person who hasn't uttered crap like this.

[@MikeMorash]

Nice eye! How long have you been shooting?

[@Isa-bl5mn]

dee dee!

[@dornravlin]

and I'm not selling my ass to be a Cinematographer

[@MikeMorash]

Nice eye! How long have you been shooting?

[@Isa-bl5mn]

dee dee!

[@MikeMorash]

Nice eye! How long have you been shooting?

[@Isa-bl5mn]

dee dee!