With the internet and streaming videos becoming more popular,
television continuing to grow as a whole, and the overall demand for video
content increasing, becoming a lighting cameraman or camera operator is a great
career path. Not only do you get to express your creativity as a lighting
cameraman which can be a reward in itself, camera operators often get to travel
to unique and interesting locations, meet a lot of interesting people (and at
times work with celebrities) as well. If you are interested in becoming a
cameraman, here are a few tips you can use to make sure you find success:
Should You Get A Filmmaking Degree?
As a lighting cameraman, having a formal education
in lighting, composition and film making can radically alter the way you take
shots. With a degree in film production you will enter the workforce with an
understanding of how the industry works, what goes into making a film, and some
hands-on experience as a cameraman, but it is important to note that formal
education is not a necessity. With the rising cost of tuition fees, you may end
up with financial burden that do not offset the skills you learn. If cost is an
issue, consider enrolling in short courses at a film school such as NFTS. This
will allow you to learn techniques for shooting without making the financial
commitment of getting diploma.
Start Off At The Bottom
Instead of simply trying to position yourself as a
freelance lighting cameraman straight out of the gate, it can be extremely beneficial
to start out as a cameraman or kit assistant. Instead of a formal education at
a university, deciding to work as an assistant will give you hands-on
experience in not only working with a kit, but an understanding of how a
cameraman interacts with clients, how they treat directors and other set
members, and much more. This may be the long road approach to becoming a
lighting cameraman, but it is a path that many of the most successful DOPs have
used.
Make connections.
In the filmmaking industry as a camera operator
you are looked at for your technique and skillset, but a will have will be
through the connections that you make in the industry. Developing a strong set
of business relationships are what will propel you through your career, especially
if you decide to become a freelance lighting cameraman. Having the right
connections in the industry take out the necessity to compete with the growing
number of people who simply buy a camera and call themselves professionals.
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