Career in Cinematographer

“A cinematographer is the person photographing with a motion picture camera (the art and science of which is known as cinematography). A cinematographer is sometimes given the title director of photography (“DP”) and is the chief over the camera and lighting crews working on a film, and responsible for achieving artistic and technical decisions related to the image. The functions of the DP can vary. The cinematographer is the person who plans and coordinates the actual filming of the movie.” –Taken from Wikipedia

Key to Success

To be successful in Cinematographer you should have/ develop:

A keen, observant eye
An intelligent, curious and perceptive mind
Creativity
Eye for detail
Ability to work under pressure

Scope and Opportunities

As a cinematographer one has to start assisting in movies or serials. They gradually progress to being an independent cinematographer. They can work with the television as well as movies. There is great scope in serials as they are on pay role. When it comes to movies they are on contract basis. After having certain experience one can also start working with big banner movies.

Lifestyle & Social Status

A career in cinematography requires commitment, dedication and sacrifice of personal time for the sake of staying on front or top. A cinematographer may have to work day in and day out to get breaking news.
However, in a nutshell, cinematography as a career provides job satisfaction, name and fame and a challenge to live with.

Job Profile

Learning technology with various types of cameras
Work in close association with the director
Adjust the lights according to the scene

Skill Sets

Full knowledge and command over the variety of cameras, lights and props, and all kinds of photographic techniques
Have a sense of light and shade and the magic of colors
Able to interpret a client’s needs, translating their ideas into images that work
Think and communicate in visual terms

Work Value

Flexible
Patience
Determination
Target-oriented

Current Job Scenario

For an enthusiastic fresher the salary may start from Rs.8, 000 to Rs.15, 000 for fresher’s and increases with the persons experience and knowledge.

If your aim is to work directly within the media industry, it is important to build up a portfolio of work, gaining as much experience as possible. Think about contributing to your university paper or other publications. You can also gain experience working for TV production studios advertising agencies.

Top Recruiters

Entertainment Channels
Film production companies
Advertising Agencies

Course Synopsis

Course Options	Diploma in cinematography	Diploma in cinematography FTII
Academic Eligibility	10+2 PCM	Any Graduate
Fees	Rs. 50,000/- PA	Rs. 50,000/- PA
Expenditure in Metro and Tier-1	Rs. 2lakhs to Rs. 2.5lakhs	Rs. 2lakhs to Rs. 2.5lakhs
Expenditure in Tier-2	Rs. 1.75lakhs to Rs. 2lakhs	Rs. 1.75lakhs to Rs. 2lakhs
Duration	3Years	3Years
Mode	Regular	Regular
Approved	UGC	UGC
Affiliation	Tamil Nadu	FTII
Specialization
Entrance Exam