Career Information > Media and Entertainment > Cinematographer

Last Updated on :23/08/2016
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Cinematographer

Aliases: Photography director, Director of Photography

Industry/Sector(s): Media and Entertainment

JOB DESCRIPTION ¹

The tasks a Cinematographer is expected to perform include:

Photographing people, scenes and places with motion picture cameras for production of feature films

Receiving instructions from Producer, Motion Picture as to the type and photographic effect desired on scenes to be filmed

Directing loading of camera with reel of film

Positioning or supervising setting up of camera by assistant; focussing and setting camera on scene or object to he shot; controlling lighting for desired effect

Installing frame on camera table for exposure and positions overhead camera suspended securely over frame

Shooting frame by frame in a predetermined sequence and regulates exposure and aperture to obtain special effect such as fade out or fade in

Instructing laboratory technicians about method of processing of films, which need special treatment for effective development of striking feature of certain shots

Unloading camera film for further processing

Writing reports on details of shooting, lighting, etc.

Directing set up and other adjustments of camera

WORK ENVIRONMENT

It is partially a desk and partially a field job

The job involves team handling

Travelling is a part of this job role

Part-time work, contractual and free-lancing jobs are available

Work from home is not available

Working hours

Cinematographers generally work minimum 8 hours per day and 5/6 days a week

Work majorly depends on the project/film deadlines and delivery and they may work extended hours and days to meet the deadline

Is the job suitable for a candidate with special needs?

Maybe

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING ¹

Minimum - 12th standard pass and completed courses in cinematography

KEY COMPETENCIES ¹

In-depth knowledge of various types of cameras, lenses, terminology used in cinematography, camera angles, etc.

Skilled in photography

Working knowledge of the latest technology in cameras

Competent with lighting techniques and directing the camera personnel accordingly

Knowledge and ability to oversee lab work, select lens, exposure level and focus, enhance the mood and look of the film, use filters

DESIRABLE COMPETENCIES ¹

In-depth knowledge of film production and direction

AVAILABLE SKILL TRAINING AND LEARNING INSTITUTES

Digital Academy-The Film School

Mindscreen Film Institute

AVAILABLE SKILL TRAINING SCHEMES/SCHOLARSHIPS

http://nscsindia.org/AboutUs.aspx

SAMPLE OF TRAINING AND LEARNING COURSES

http://www.dafilmschool.com/courses/courses_cinematography2.html

http://www.mindscreen.co.in/our-courses/six-months-course-on-cinematography

CAREER PROGRESSION PATH ⁶

Cameraman/Assistant Cinematographer → Cinematographer → Assistant Director → Director

Transfer option

India: Yes

Abroad: Yes

(*This field to open the relevant job title when clicked)

EXPECTED EARNINGS ⁸

For candidates with 2 to 3 years of experience – ₹ 6,000 to ₹ 12,000 per month

For candidates with experience of 3 to 5 years and above – ₹ 35,000 to ₹ 60,000 per month

(These figures are indicative and subject to change)

REQUIRED WORK EXPERIENCE ¹

Preferably experienced in cinematography

PROBABLE EMPLOYERS ¹⁰

Media and entertainment conglomerates

Production houses

Film making agencies/organisations/studios

KEYWORDS ¹²

Cinematographer

Cinematography

OCCUPATIONAL CODES AND STANDARDS

Standard	Code	Description
NCO 2015	3521.0100	Cinematographer
ISCO 2008	3521	Broadcasting and Audiovisual Technicians
NIC 2008	59111	Production of motion picture
QP Reference	NA	NA
NSQF	NA	NA

REFERENCES

0	NSDC Human Resource and Skill Requirements in the Media and Entertainment Industry Report NSDC Human Resource and Skill Requirements in the Media and Entertainment Industry Report NSDC Human Resource and Skill Requirements in the Media and Entertainment Industry Report
1	http://dget.nic.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/publication/Des-Div-3.pdf
2	http://dget.nic.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/publication/Des-Div-3.pdf
3	http://dget.nic.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/publication/Des-Div-3.pdf
6	6 NSDC Human Resource and Skill Requirements in the Media and Entertainment Industry Report
7	http://www.workabroad.ph/report_job_listing.php?ajid=1266674&addedtocart=1
8	http://plancareer.org/en/career/9/1118/cinematographer-career-option-and-requirements.html
9	http://www.mescindia.org/MESC-Skills-Gap-Study.pdf
10	10 NSDC Human Resource and Skill Requirements in the Media and Entertainment Industry Report
11	11 NSDC Human Resource and Skill Requirements in the Media and Entertainment Industry Report
12	http://jobsearch.naukri.com
13	http://www.ibef.org/industry/media-entertainment-india.aspx

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