Cinematography and film video production are two parts of filmmaking that are often confused, but these tasks are quite distinct. A cinematographer works with the director and the creative team to craft the look of the film through lighting and camera angles, which can be very subjective. A video producer, on the other hand, works with the business side of filmmaking to help the director make sure the movie can be turned into an actual product that can be distributed to audiences in a form they’ll enjoy.
Defining cinematography
The term cinematography has its origins in Greek. The word itself was coined by Greece’s first filmmaker, André Antoine, to describe his movie-making method—which he called the art of translat[ing] into film language or cine-tractography. (In English, we would call it film language.)
The prefix kinetic means motion, movement, or energy, while -graphy refers to writing or recording images with words. So, cinematography refers to how we translate visual energy using film language. In other words: it’s what we do when creating product story films for your brand. Watch our video about Creating Cinematic Product Story Films here.
The evolution of cinematic camera techniques
In terms of camera techniques, more product story films are now being done with mobile cameras. Not just GoPro but regular camcorders with stabilization like Glidecam, Steadicam Smoothee, or Osmo Mobile have become much more affordable than they were in previous years.
The reason is that mobile devices have gotten so good at shooting video that renting a high-end camera for your video project is no longer necessary. However, if you want to get fancy, you can still rent a professional camera like Arri Alexa Mini, Sony A7S II, or Panasonic GH5.
It all depends on what kind of look you’re going for and what budget you’ve got to work with. You can also use an old film camera from the 70s-90s that has been converted into a digital one (like Blackmagic Design’s Cinema Camera). This gives your videos a vintage look that many clients love.
When does filming become movie making?
Filmmaking and videography are two very similar concepts, but they’re not the same. Videography, or video recording, is simply documenting what happens in front of your camera. The cameraperson only needs to worry about getting a great shot and not much else. The filmmaker makes it a priority to tell an interesting story with their images. They need more than just a visual record; they also need an audio experience for viewers.
Why study the art of filmmaking?
Before pursuing a filmmaking career, you must know what you’re getting yourself into. In fact, without an understanding of film video production, you might be more likely to get discouraged by your initial struggles. The key to success lies in having a clear vision of your goals—and developing a plan for reaching them.
To help get you started, consider these three steps for learning about cinematography and film video production: Write a business plan: Writing a business plan helps formalize your idea and can streamline the business-creation process by getting you to sit down and think things through methodically.
And, yes, plans are (often) worthless, but planning is everything. Many entrepreneurs say they rarely look at their plan once they’ve launched. But they’ll also tell you there’s value in thinking through and researching your idea.
At the very least, you’ll quickly figure out what questions you don’t have answers to. Having a firm grasp of your known unknowns is important and writing a business plan is the perfect way to ensure that happens.
Where to start your studies?
The best way to get into the right mindset for filmmaking is to do lots of reading. Learn about screenwriting, directing, cinematography, production design, and other related topics. If you want to learn more about filmmaking, your best bet is to check out In The Blink of an Eye: A Perspective on Film Editing by Walter Murch.
It’s considered one of the essential books on cinematic technique and offers an in-depth look at how editing impacts storytelling. Once you have a firm grasp of these concepts, move on to watching some movies that stick with you. Think of works from Ingmar Bergman or Stanley Kubrick. Since film schools are generally big proponents of authorial style.
Tips for studying filmmaking
- Filmmaking is a vast, expansive topic. Filmmakers can create all sorts of content: narratives, documentaries, animated movies, educational films, and more.
- Whether you want to work behind or in front of a camera, you’ll need to learn how to use your tools—and that means studying!
- Film school is the best way for aspiring filmmakers to study filmmaking techniques.
- While cinematographers or directors can get into their respective fields without an education (or outside resources like practice).
- Film school will allow you to take courses from professionals in the field who are teaching based on their own experiences working in various situations.
What is the difference between cinematography and filmmaking?
If you’re going to be in charge of capturing video content, it’s important to understand your role in video creation. Do you consider yourself a cinematographer, or do you think of yourself as more of a film director? Are there any differences between these two fields of videography? The main difference between them is that film directors are responsible for directing actors, creating storyboards for each shot, and choosing angles from which to shoot each scene.
A cinematographer controls how lighting will affect shots and how scenes will appear visually on-screen. Depending on where you work, one role may be emphasized over another. However, there are some jobs where both roles are expected from an individual employee. Learn more about a complete guide on animating corporate video production.
What is film production?
From script to screen, film production involves numerous people with important jobs. You must ensure you’re working with experienced professionals so your project doesn’t run over budget or take longer than expected. Hiring dedicated film professionals will ensure you create your final film product exactly how you want it.
When getting started, be prepared for a wide range of costs involved in movie productions and many contracts that must be signed. If you are unsure of any terms used in your contract, check with a lawyer before signing anything to protect yourself. After gaining experience through smaller projects and classes. Aspiring filmmakers can look towards professional opportunities that can assist them in creating their next great piece of art.
Is cinematography a good career?
Whether or not cinematography is a good career depends on your goals. Some people think of cinematographers as artists, free to express their creative vision on any given project. If you love working behind a camera, and capturing memorable scenes from an original point of view, then maybe cinematography is an excellent career for you! But there are other things to consider when looking at careers in film video production.
How much money can you make as a filmmaker? Is being around cameras fun all day long? Are you interested in photography or directing, too? And finally: what kind of education are you getting into with film school – even if it’s just an associate’s degree – will be valuable after graduation?
Bottom Line
A film is a visual representation of a story using moving images. Cinematography refers to how a film is shot. While it’s common to think of only Hollywood when you hear the film. We’ve been creating short films for over 100 years. A cinematographer sometimes referred to as a director of photography (DP), does exactly what their name implies: they are responsible for capturing images on film. Cameras used for filming can range from hand-held units (called camera operators) to crane-mounted cameras capable of shooting in 8K high definition.
