Cinematography Degrees

On many movie sets, there is usually only one director and a handful of assistant directors. But there also exists a vast army of equally important technicians and artists whose primary responsibilities include the editing, developing, and layout of the film. Known as cinematographers, these professionals are also responsible for key areas such as lighting, layout, composition, and perspective. Think of them as support personnel in the operating room who assist the surgeon (director) with everything from preparation to execution to cleanup. While much of the film industry is based on connections, tenure and luck, having a cinematography degree under your belt can potentially open many doors for you.

What Cinematography Degrees Can Teach You

Through cinematography training, you focus on composition, directing, film production, editing, screen tests, special effects, and countless other areas relating to the film industry. Part science, part art, cinematography is a discipline that requires tremendous patience, attention-to-detail, trial-and-error, and creativity. Through your associate or bachelor's training, you can amass an arsenal of skills and techniques while you slowly build up your portfolio. Some graduates go on to become directors, while others opt for equally important roles as engineers, editors, and light & sound technicians within the industry.

Career Prospects in Cinematography

Depending on the type of cinematography training you pursue, your job prospects could be difficult or favorable (but almost always competitive). The best opportunities exist for those with plenty of IT and computer training. This isn't surprising given the industry's rapid transition to special effects and computer-based technology. You might also consider exploring independent opportunities. These often provide more responsibilities, thus, allowing you to mature faster than you would in more mainstream outfits. And as always, make sure you network as much as possible. The entertainment business depends heavily on connections.