BLOG QUESTION ADV: PATH TO BECOMING A CINEMATOGRAPH

Compare and contrast both paths to becoming a cinematographer. What are the pros and cons of each path? Which path appeals to you? Write a reflection on why.

- You can either go to film school to become a cinematographer or start working immediately. Some pros of going to film school include better access to resources such as film gear, actors, crew, etc. It also pushes you to film more content and expand your portfolio, as you'll be assigned projects. It's a good opportunity to network with students, alumni, and staff, which is something vital to succeed in the film industry. However, being able to get a job after attending film school isn't guaranteed. Another path you can take is immediately getting into the industry after high school and climbing the hierarchical ladder to become a crew member. You would start as a PA and make the necessary connections to get into any department you want. Being on set teaches you through experience, which is something you can't always replicate on a student production. The con of this is that it's not always easy to break into a professional film set, and you might need prior connections beforehand. For me, I believe film school appeals to me because I can make guaranteed connections through it. As someone who wants to work in post-production, I don't necessarily need experience on a set as that's not an environment I would be working in. I also have some on-set experience as a student filmmaker right now, so if my employer is looking for someone who has some idea of how the industry works, my experience so far might be acceptable.