The 2 Paths To Become A Cinematographer

[@TheEnveRockStudio]

This industry is hard mentally, physically, with many sacrifices and competitions, "hurry up and wait" situations, but once you are on set it feels amazing.

[@InDepthCine]

True, people don't always acknowledge what a physically demanding job it is.

[@jv8studios]

It’s true ! Gotta be fit psychically and mentally 💯

[@srinivassridhar5151]

As a film student and an aspiring film director, I request you to make a video about the relationship between the director and the cinematographer, what 'must' the director know about cinematography, both technically as well as story wise so that he can get 100% output from the cinematographer. Love your analysis and videos. Thank you.

[@InDepthCine]

That's a good suggestion! Will add that to the list of videos I want to make. Thanks.

[@akinjareolamide]

Which school are you studying?

[@davidlares2986]

@@akinjareolamide I second this^

[@mythwest]

@@InDepthCine I second his suggestion, that video would be incredibly helpful!

[@thesteamdyer]

As a CG artist one of the greatest advantages I've found to have while studying cinematography, is to having any kind of gear I wish with just a click in a 3d application. You won't learn how to operate real lights and cameras, but being able to try out any lens, any sensor, any camera setting, adding how many lights shaped however you want wherever you want is invaluable. It gives you the chance to try out any kind of scene, practicing your vision. Being on set is extremely important as you said, but it's not always possible and it's hard to put in the 10.000 hours of practice if you can't do it every day. So my advice is to learn the basics of a 3d application (I use Blender professionally, with a couple of free plugins that's all you need) and practice with cameras, lights and composition. That way when you get on set you already know what you want and how it will look.

[@InDepthCine]

Interesting! Great advice. I think as pre-vis becomes more and more standard, being able to use 3D software to model light/the look you want to achieve on set is also an incredible tool to have as a DOP. It's a great way to communicate your ideas to directors ahead of shooting.

[@koalaofdeath2045]

That's so interesting! Which plugins do you use? Any channels you can recommend for learning the ins and outs of blender specifically for CG?

[@thesteamdyer]

@@koalaofdeath2045 My main field is lighting so I use photographer and gaffer, and that's it, they should have all you need for cinematography

[@Oceansta]

makes sense

[@KirkVisitacion]

Try CINE TRACER

[@JRyrie-ul6yw]

I am 17 years old, one night I was filming part of a thriller short at the park and a guy walks past and says he works in film and owns a production company, I am still annoyed at myself for not taking the opportunity to ask if he had any work I can do for him or even for his phone number. I thought it would've been rude because he was also on the phone at the time, but I am still wishing I took the chance.

[@InDepthCine]

Thanks for sharing your story. Next time try take that chance and ask. Also nothing wrong with calling production companies in your area to see if they have any work or if you can help out on set on their next shoot.

[@twmedia-film]

Im the same age myself, woulf love to see some of your work!

[@maxgreen2365]

As a current full time 1st AC, I think this video was extremely well made. If you are an aspiring cinematographer, take this information and run with it!

[@flyfishinglondoner]

I found this channel whilst looking at ways to improve my fishing videos. Whoever this Southern African guy is, his content is first class!

[@sajaldp]

This has been the biggest question with me. Thanks man!!

[@InDepthCine]

There's not a lot of information out there about building a career in the film industry. It's definitely something that should be discussed more. This was just a broad overview, but maybe I'll make a video talking about my experience a bit more in depth in the future.

[@yashmistry6467]

Got interested in cinematography in my 6th semester of Industrial Design. It’s my last year and I can’t change path in the very end. Sometimes get confused but this video gives a lot a clarity of what is supposed to do next. Thank you

[@marleymvm]

No matter which path you take, none of them are right or wrong. I went to school and I can say that the "third" path is the path most people take. Film school just teaches you the technical stuff over a shorter period of time. I can definitely say that if you are trying to learn cinematography, buy a few books. KZbin is a good resource, but very few go into detail for technical stuff and most of them are so surface level that everything you are learning is quite literally the 2 highlighted sentences out of a whole chapter of any book.

[@ThorCaes]

Would you have any specific recommendations on books?

[@hxneybee4049]

i love that you used clips from the lighthouse and good time. (both super inspirational films to me)

[@CajaEBelmont]

I went to school for Mass Communications, but my objective have always been working on film. In collage i learned some basics but a lot of the knowledge i gotten is from research, listening to the experience of famous and up and coming directors, writers and cinematographers and finally, watching all kinds of films or music videos. The film industry is big and competitive but if you focus on whats important for you, there's a way to get there with the knowledge you need to do things the right way. Thanks for the awesome video as always.

[@InDepthCine]

Thanks for sharing your story. You're right, it's a competitive career but if you keep at it opportunities will arise.

[@mangopina5838]

Oh my god I would be so happy just making coffe to the Dune's movie crew and seeing everithing going on, or Avatar's 2 😮

[@aadilpatel9769]

I am an architect,also interested in film making and the working of camera and cinematography, i discovered your channel 2 days ago, i’ve learnt a-lot in these two days, looking forward to see more of your amazing content. Love your style of videos. Lots of love from India🙏🏻

[@tylerfukuda]

As always, amazing and insightful knowledge here. The industry is incredibly tough and success (mostly) doesn’t happen overnight. I’m “green” and decided against school, but the grind of learning, making mistakes and repeating, and some long ass days is where the enjoyment’s at. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge!!

[@InDepthCine]

Agreed. Thanks for sharing your experience! It's definitely a tough path. I find it a career with lots of ups and downs, so I think a lot of people starting out that expect a level of stability may find it difficult.

[@mhb75clothing]

So how’d you go about getting into the industry if you didn’t go to school?

[@tylerfukuda]

@@mhb75clothing spent some years as a photographer that got interested in video. Made a bit of a following through instagram and built connections as my skills developed. Still learning on my way up but can work at a level that sustains me and I consider that a success in my book.

[@mangihlaise4698]

Definitely one of the best channels in S.A 🙌🏾🔥🔥 also keen on following the same path when it comes to cinematography

[@maxgetuba7577]

I hope you are successful bro

[@maurodivita16]

Amazing video! I am from Argentina and next year I will study cinematography at the university but my plan is to do both things you said: studying and starting working from the bottom at the same time. Thanks a lot for this content!

[@InDepthCine]

Good plan, it's all about taking an active approach! Good luck with your studies.

[@koronahoe6943]

Lets start making movie together mate

[@sameerbaria]

Man, this channel deserves more subs! I feel at peace when watching your videos and at the same time gain the invaluable knowledge.

[@nicefish10]

I have been in music industry professional audio engineer for more than 30 years and I’m delving into more video work with my company that I own. Your videos have really inspired me to pursue more video work. Are you seriously believe you have some of the best content I’ve seen thank you so much for all of your work and putting it out there.

[@RENDERFINITY]

I found this channel today. You're really doing great job. This is really an heaven for any one who is interested in Cinematography. Keep going on. I would love to see more videos.

[@InDepthCine]

Thanks for watching. Glad you enjoy the content. I'll keep trying to put out a new video every week.

[@AdamFunk]

You have no idea how absurdly, phenomenally helpful every single video you've put out is. I mean, I think you can conceptualize how helpful each might be to a single person, because they clearly are things you've learned through much time, effort, and research - but multiply that by thousands and thousands to even begin to assess how much good you're doing for the world. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

[@hunterlang9314]

There is a fourth option and that's combining all of them. I along with a lot of my friends are juggling all three at the same time.

[@samuell.hodgesjr.1577]

I can not learn enough about filming and film making as a whole. It increasingly grows in creative skill sets and ac advertisements of technology.

[@gaudiangeles1509]

I have been working as an astera operator for more than a year now, sometimes as a PA, and being on many different shootings and being with lots of different DPs and Directors has really helped me a lot, just as you mentioned, to know how the industry works and the way every DP and Director film. Ive been trying to build my way up but its hard, I recently started filmschool, online for now cause of the pandemic, but its still fun, and hopefully I become better everyday and achieve what many of us here aspire to be.

[@hxneybee4049]

how is it going!

[@gaudiangeles1509]

@@hxneybee4049 well slow but getting there. Working on Vans channel 66 now, I'm In charge of the lighting and sometimes I get to operate the camera. I'm also getting better at still photography, have taken pictures for the artists that go there and still at school, learning.

[@hxneybee4049]

@@gaudiangeles1509 okay, nice. thank you for sharing. let the process take you far and good luck mate. keep going!!

[@ryann45]

I was in the middle of school studying cinematography but covid shut it down. Now it just has a few film classes online but none on the subject I’m interested in. I don’t have access to the equipment and lost a lot of my resources I normally rely on. So right now, with no gear and minimum experience, I feel kind of stuck and don’t know what to do next.

[@richies_lens]

Where are you now?

[@suraj3014]

Man. This is one of the best channels out there. It would be awesome if you could make a video on Larry Fong and Rodrigo Prieto.

[@suraj3014]

Also, Darius Khondji

[@InDepthCine]

Good suggestions. Will definitely make a video on Darius Khondji in the future.

[@funtertainment2128]

Same struggle as you gray, I am a writer looking to direct while learning. I am waiting for that day to make it big and collaborate with you 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼

[@LarsLarsen77]

I'm a still photographer, and pretty much everything I know about lighting I learned on sets as an extra when I was a kid.

[@kozykev]

On the same path as you my man, shooting on a weekly basis while learning online

[@jv8studios]

Keep going !

[@manuel1668]

I've just discovered your channel and I'm already loving it, I'm planning to get into film school in the near future (specifically to become a DOP) and all this advice is amazing, thank you so much for these videos!!!

[@JamesL1224]

Great video! I'm also basically taking the third path as I'm.new to the Industry and right now entry level camera trainee roles are hard to come by but I can't wait around for things to happen and getting shooting and learning while also trying to make new opportunities

[@InDepthCine]

Yeah it's a difficult industry to break into and it can be difficult to get that 1st trainee job. You're doing the right thing trying to be proactive. The longer we stick at it the more opportunities will arise.

[@wavyharbdul5078]

I really needed to watch this Working towards my goal of becoming a cinematographer

[@iamnoimpact]

I’m not on this path, but I do believe you summed up a lot of how people have to work at getting into their chosen career path. It’s hard work! I hope you get a chance to complete your dream job on your dream film! You’re doing great work on this channel.

[@LahoreFilmSchool]

I have chosen 3rd Path. Self Learning. Now i am founder of Lahore Film School, and am teaching, training other young aspiring actors, directors, filmmakers, at my school. #LahoreFilmSchool

[@ayushren]

Firstly, i absolutely love your videos. They're so insightful, inspirational and beautifully put together... I thank you so much for the effort you put in

[@InDepthCine]

You're welcome. Great to hear that they've inspired you to create more images!

[@zacharyantle7940]

Here’s something I’d kill to know, how to find decent film work in an area where that doesn’t exist? My state has almost no film industry outside of micro budget work that’s very hard to find, and most of them time sounds like scams in posts online, so it’s hard to trust some local filmmakers. I’m also too poor to move so it’s very very frustrating haha

[@InDepthCine]

There are no easy answers unfortunately. I'm not familiar with the intricacies of how the industry works in the US, but there's always going to be a spectrum of work ranging from micro budget/corporate/event videos etc to feature film production. One option would be to work your way up shooting anything you can until you can afford to move somewhere with an active industry. Freelancing isn't for everyone so it also comes down to a personal choice of the kind of career/life you want.

[@joeburroughs1023]

love your videos!! i have faith you’ll see ur name alongside “the greats” one day

[@sebastianmorales6849]

Commenting for supporting purposes

[@swashy8933]

Well I didn't go to film school and I have never been on a set. I'm a complete noob but I can make product vids and fashion vids to start... Humble "videography". Hopefully somehow find an opportunity to geton a set somehow.

[@IN_TECH]

cool video it was really entertaining

[@InDepthCine]

Thanks!

[@goodnightsaf]

Right now im interested in this.. as my country are not very well in this area and i have a goal to improve it. The thing is, i have none of these but im just using my phone for everything i hope i will get there someday.

[@l0uieda13]

great video ! although theres one more path. Going into crushing debt to buy an Alexa Mini LF/Arri Supreme Prime kit , low balling rental houses on the day rates and then good ole fake it till you make it baby!

[@antonioveljanoskiph]

This Channel is so good keep the good work going!!!

[@brandingtactics]

Your channel is gold!

[@adamnerden]

I heard that the best way to be a greate cinematogtapher is doing a lot of ligtning on set and working with a gaffer. Learing to understand lightning in camera. The camera dept is not as much how the picture looks than getting the camera to work.

[@Vivacityy]

Love that final quote! Cheers

[@TonaA.R.]

I'm trying the third path, the only bad thing is that on my city and around aren't many jobs for art and cinema

[@shobhapatil2612]

Thanks bro...❤️....this was biggest question i ever had❤️

[@MichaelLaing71]

I always think you have to be very careful when considering studying film. If you can get into a top film school, then great but there are a lot of universities, who's film courses are substandard. Including the university I went to, which was only 20 minute from Pinewood studios and 30 minutes from Shepperton studios, but they had no links to either and the course was basically used as a way of making money for the University (It wasn't the NFTS). In the end it took me 7 years to break into TV as a cameraman and even then I never really came close to getting working on large productions. So much is about who you know (particularly when I was starting out) and the UK, industry is very much based on family coming into the industry. In the end I moved away and become an award winning photographer. Though after 10 years, I am looking to put a toe back in and with the huge amount of information available now and the cheapness of cameras compared to when I started does mean that those wanting to break into the industry have a much better knowledge and chance of making films, compared to when I started.

[@Exzanya]

Do you mind if I ask which university was this?

[@MichaelLaing71]

@@Exzanya It used to be called Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College. Now Bucks New University in High Wycombe. I don't know what the university is like now days, they did create a new complex, for media, several years after I left, which greatly improved facilities but that is only one aspect of a university. Where there was a bigger issues was with numbers, Two years before my intake, there was around 80-100 students doing the film course, when I went the number had almost doubled but the amount of facilities was exactly the same. So we were going on shoots, indoors, where we might need 3 red heads but we would only be able to get 1. When I left, the numbers had gone through the roof. There are a huge number of things to consider when going to university, which are often not mentions. It felt that the media department was a cash cow for the university, they didn't give a damn about the students, just about the amount of money they brought in.

[@ThorCaes]

I'm currently considering to go to film school next year. So this is a valuable comment. To be fair, I'm currently considering the NFTS, Met Film School (Berlin) or Beijing Film Academy. The NFTS, being a non UK citizen, is quite expensive. Berlin Met is actually very reasonable, but it's only one year. Beijing Film School however, is 3 years and it's in China so It wouldn't be ideal as I'm hoping to get back to Europe (Netherlands) within the next 3-4 years. Hard to make a choice to be completely honest.

[@nick_g]

Doing and networking seem to be the real keys to lots of life

[@yanaltonian6223]

amazing video!

[@marcdennis7941]

Thank you! Love the videos!!!!!

[@persieprince9345]

Thanks man absolutely Loving your work Can you do one like this for direction and screenplay writing

[@InDepthCine]

Thanks for watching. Those aren't really my areas of expertise but maybe in the future I'll branch out a bit more.

[@darcybhaiwala7057]

What's the best way to get on a film set if you don't live in a film hub? Should I look into getting film/creative/general BTL experience at local news stations? Live theatre? Small advertising companies?

[@thomasshawcroft]

great video

[@harlangleeson9496]

thanks

[@alextan1478]

Please do Cinematography Style for Dean Cundey, Janusz Kaminski, Andrzej Bartkowiak, Rodrigo Prieto, Jost Vacano, Jan de Bont, John Schwartzman, Jeffrey L. Kimball, Ward Russell, Dan Mindel, Dariusz Wolski, Darius Khondji, Larry Fong, John Mathieson, Amir Mokri, Jonathan Sela, Seamus McGarvey, Kramer Morgenthau, Bill Pope, Don Burgess, Matthew Libatique, Linus Sandgren, Gordon Willis, and Allen Daviau.

[@InDepthCine]

That's quite a list haha. Thanks for the suggestions, I'll try get to them when I have time.

[@apoorv1441]

i dont have any skills of getting onto the film set...how can i get on to film set...to whom should i approach

[@hashfiradifan8235]

Beforehand I am genuinely really happy to finds this channel which talks about the technical aspects in film production that specifies in cinematography works which resulting myself in an instant subscription of your channel. Also, this video does give me such insight into what path should I have taken regarding the dream what I wanted as a DOP. Though I would humbly request on making a video regarding what and where film school should I attend to, knowing things such as film school is not such a thing that is something quite to talk to in my area. Thank you for making this channel and looking forward to seeing more of your videos!

[@jijivishant]

can anyone tell me some dp's who did not went to film school, I saw Christopher Doyle is one but am unable to find more. This will help and inspire me to not go to film school and do it by myself.

[@the3am_]

Is there any famous self taught filmakers ?

[@RoadtrippinwithTakacs]

Never heard the quote at the end. Love it! 😀

[@martin2do]

Nice video! I'm myself mainly a photographer but always dreamt about cinema. If some of you are living in Copenhagen and would like to try out stuff just awnser here :)

[@adharsh.gkrishnan2072]

A video on Darius Khondji..!

[@InDepthCine]

He's a legend. Will definitely make a video on him at some point.

[@mczeno]

i love you man oh my god your videos are so great fuckkk

[@MrAlcmj]

Is being good and maybe let’s say innovative ever enough? Or is it really just about being in each others pockets and popularity contests?

[@millihatti5327]

Is that a South African accent I hear? 😂 Another South African here! ❤

[@bhupathiky4091]

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽🖤

[@C_itsNemo]

Anybody wanna collab? I’m new to film looking for people who have similar goals and aspirations

[@DmakProductionsTempe]

Wow you cover a lot of good topics in the video production space! We like what you talk about, keep it up. Anytime you are in Arizona let us know. If you'd like, message us @dmakproductions on IG and we can connect. We love what you do!

[@wadecris518]

IDC, I beg you would become a DoP one day, just a matter of time

[@LuciaCS]

❤️❤️