How Do I Hire a Professional Cinematographer?

A cinematographer is the life of your film production and the power behind the camera. They perform essential duties on the set to make sure that footage is capture in a way that will lead to a professional outcome for your project.

Acting as the lead camera operator and the vision creator of the film, the cinematographer works directly under the director to ensure the creative vision of the story comes to life. Hiring a professional cinematographer to perform various on-set duties involved in producing your video footage is an important task.

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Cinematographer Qualities

Hiring a cinematographer begins with reviewing credentials and the potential qualifications of the individual to determine whether he or she is the right person for the project. Great camera operators not only share a showreel with potential project owners but they are also willing to openly discuss their qualifications with you to ensure you know just who and what they are all about.

Consider the following qualities essential to the role:

• Strong understanding of cameras and equipment on set.
• Working knowledge of production and the stages a film production will go through.
• Understanding of various types of video and styles of content.
• Communication skills and a strong ability to work well with others.
• Motion tracking knowledge and ability to move a camera throughout a shot.

In addition to possessing the above qualities, great cinematographers will also be flexible, available, and ready for your project.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Cinematographer

Before you hire a cinematographer it’s important to ask questions that are directly relative to the project at hand.

Consider the following:

• What is your schedule like? Are you available for this project?
• What are your strongest skills with the camera? What are your weaknesses?
• Walk me through a day in production.
• How do you focus your camera?
• What are your favorite angles to shoot?
• Have you ever disagreed with your Director? How did that go?

Overall, you’re looking to get a feel from the cinematographer that he or she is a team player, works well with others, and communicates effectively to a team. Now is also a good time to get a demo and to watch it to see the strengths and potential weaknesses of the individual as they may apply to your individual project.

Need to hire a cinematographer immediately? Give Beverly Boy Productions a call!

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