Michelle Chow Block 3

N ATURE OF W ORK 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)

 Personality traits that are helpful would be:  Organized  Creative  Patience  Co-operative  Special skills needed:  Seeing more than one way of completing a task

M AIN D UTIES Travelling set to set Packing and unpacking equipment Waking up early and sleeping late Discuss flaws/ideas with main Director

 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

W ORKING C ONDITIONS 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

E A R N I N G S Starting salary = Minimal wage ($10.25) Average salary = $ /year Top salary = $ /year

 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.

E MPLOYMENT P ROSPECTS 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.

 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

E DUCATION AND T RAINING R EQUIREMENTS 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

 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

E DUCATION AND T RAINING R EQUIREMENTS – P T. 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

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

T RAINING – P T. 2 Certificate 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

 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

W ORK E XPERIENCE – P T. 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

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 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.