How to Be a Cameraman in Hollywood
A cameraman is the person on a film or television set who controls the camera operations giving the director the framing and movement desired on any one shot. Cameraman is a general description for anyone working with the camera on the set including the cinematographer, focus puller or camera assistants responsible for loading film, dolly maneuvers and other technical components of the camera. Becoming a cameraman in Hollywood requires more than competent camera skills or a degree.
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Instructions
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Earn a degree in filmmaking or photography from an accredited college or university. Learning the elements of framing, lighting and setting up a shot gives you the fundamental tools that can be capitalized on creatively.
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Build a reel of your work. A reel is a 3-to-5-minute sampling of films you have worked on. Student films, professional jobs or other samples on the reel will demonstrate your "eye." The reel becomes a business marketing tool to show directors and producers what your capabilities are and what film genres you are suited for.
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Work on as many films as possible, whether they are student films or professional projects. Start as an intern in television if you need to. The more work you do, the more people you meet and the more you learn from seasoned pros.
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Build your contact list and stay in touch with people you meet. Send directors thank-you notes, and follow up with updated demo reels and upcoming projects. Networking is a key element to success in the film industry.
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Work your way up to higher positions in the camera department. Cameramen work at freelance positions and must earn their next job through networking, applying and delivering quality film clips.
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Join the Local 600, International Cinematographer's Guild. To be eligible to join, you must complete a minimum number of professional hours. Each city has different requirements, with Hollywood requiring at least 100 billable days of non-union camera department work or 30 days of a non-union production that is picked up by the union after production starts. It is also possible to have a producer or director sponsor you in, which is another reason why networking is so important.
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Tips & Warnings
Union affiliation provides job boards, health insurance programs and retirement benefit options. Being in the union defines you as an industry professional, opening more opportunities for employment.
Camera work is a very competitive area in the industry with work extending worldwide, even though Hollywood may be your base.
Median wages in 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, were $41,670 for television, video and motion picture camera operators nationwide.
References
Resources
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