What does a Cinematographer ACTUALLY Do?

The role of the Cinematographer is a tricky one to pin down because it's always changing. Let's shed some light on what a DP does generally, and how you might strive to become one.
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Canon Masterclass

[threefoldtv]

"An advocate for the image of the film." I like how you talk about a cinematographer being a sort of mediator or politician. Truly being able to work well with people and communicate between multiple parties will always trump technical knowledge.

[JayThomasFilmmaker]

This is what I was looking for. Thank you for defining this field.

[markjob]

Well done. As someone who works in this industry, I can say you clearly understand the politics and the relationship between the director/cinematography.

[kiminicole]

I'm at full sail now for a bachelor in cinematography I CANNOT WAIT to collaborate with a director and make art 😍😍 let's show the world something good!! #femalcinematographer

[aregal]

We also take badass selfies with our rigs and the production team for the IGs. :) (The days are long enough. A little down time and team R&R doesn’t hurt. Haha.)

[ajaykumarakula]

Thank you!. Really appreciate the work you are doing. Could you please do an episode on who decides the shot list, camera angles, camera movement and camera lenses. Is it the DP or the Director?

[rayt_visual]

Good to hear the thoughts. I’ve been doing cinematography for years. But when I moved to a new country I stepped back into working with new crews and people to get me back into a network groove. And I agree, just work the right people play as a bit of a moderator and keep up the overall crew morale will make for lasting relationships that you hope builds up as everyone becomes more experience and grows.

[TeeUrm]

This is quite informative. Thank you very much.

[idletimeproductions]

Thanks for the explanation. I never quite understood who did what.

[SouthpawAutoworks]

I enjoyed this topic. Honestly, wasn't sure what all was entailed in the job, in this type of setting. I'm interested in the logo on your sweater. Have anything to do with martial arts?

[harryhall]

Thank you for this video. I used it while answering my responsibilities for my module on my MA course

[mathewcoulliette]

Hi,
I bought your Canon Class on how to make a good interview and I felt a little bit ripped off. I felt like I could have gotten that information from Youtube. However, I did learn about "set.a.light 3D" from a comment or question somebody made on the community page. It has improved my Lighting Schemes by a factor of 5. I just wanted to say thanks for that.

[burngotbeats]

I’ve always appreciated good cinematography it’s peaking my interest thanx for giving me a little better understanding of their responsibility’s.

[MarthaSkak]

I love your videos Crimson! Very helpful and clear language.

[Leprutz]

A friend of mine is DOP, Cinematographer and shoots for big name brands. He told me director is still the one to decide on set for commercials. But it might also vary from country to country maybe.

[charlieross-BRM]

I trip across "DP" being thrown about in so many forums and YouTube segments. Maybe you can do a rundown on what that is and when it does/does not apply.
Thanks for being able to present Cinematographer without mentioning "cinematic." Your presentation was "epic" :).

[bluebellbeatnik]

'i want this to feel inevitable ' what a nightmare note from the director.

[Leprutz]

Another common denominator for problems on set to make the movie go south is the director actors fighting.

[mrbelivieable]

Now when you have talked about producers, director and cinematographer, I would like to know something. What does a writer actually do( what is their role in the studio when the script is done and ready to be directed )?

[wildpatagoniafilms]

pretty cool video mate! thanks... question: any chance you could make a video or at least a link you can provide on how to use a light meter on set... ? thanks!!! cheers!