where l live there cant be many , all competing for the same work. yet you offer a paid job and its like they are interviewing you. Can someone explain. Paid to film something they shouldnt question it. They dont work alot
Why are cinematographers picky?
- Thread starter aarondavid10
- Start date
Cinematographers basically craft the visual look of the film. They have to know exactly what look you are going for. If you don't tell them what look you are going for, they have no idea what their job is. Without motivation or a visual reference or general idea of what they should shoot, that can't do their job. They may also want to know your past credits and your experience to decide if they want to work on your film, and what they could do to satisfy you, the audience, and him/herself. Cinematographers want to throughly know the schedule, budget, and plans for the film so they can find time and so that they can be most helpful to the project. They should know the story and what techniques they need to use as well. And they do work a lot. Unless the director is constantly working with the actors all the time and getting little shooting time in and keeping the crew tired and unmotivated, then a cinematographer does work a lot. So why are they "PICKY"? Because they need to know the film inside out so that they can make your film look the best it possibility can, and so that they can properly do their job. If they don't know what they are supposed to be doing, then they could make or destroy the look of the film.
Cinematographers should interview the producer. Everyone should.
Working on a project without asking questions about the project and
the people involved is foolish. Simply being paid isn't good enough.
Aaron, have you ever worked on a project where the production team
is unprepared? I have. It's a miserable experience and not always
worth the pay. Have you ever worked on a project where the director
is a dictator who won't listen to anyone? I have. It makes for an
uncomfortable, uncreative experience. Not worth the pay. Have you
ever work on a project where the production team thinks you should
be happy just to be getting paid and shouldn't question them? I have.
It's not worth it.