How To Start A Cinematography Business
Starting as a cinematographer can be tricky at first, especially if you are not that experienced. It is totally understandable if you feel overwhelmed or even discouraged when starting out. Before we dive into specific ways to launch your career as a filmmaker, let’s talk about why this is such an important step for yourself.
Most people don’t know what professional level cinematography looks like. In fact, most people have never seen a good looking shot! This is problematic because it creates a mindset where someone could believe they are capable of taking great pictures when in reality, their images look very boring or plain.
Good looking shots take time to create so there’s no need to feel intimidated. By investing in your craft, you will eventually reach a place where you feel confident leaving your own artistic signature on every project. Plus, being able to capture natural, beautiful scenes makes you more attractive as a person.
This article will go over all the things you need to start filming and creating visuals. We will also discuss how to market your services and position yourself as a skilled artist.
Create a company name
Now that you have your camera, laptop, and smartphone in order, it is time to start thinking about how to market yourself as an artist! Most aspiring cinematographers begin by creating their own little studio-cinema where they can showcase their work and grow from there.
This is a great way to start because you get to design your space, color schemes, decorations, etc. And if you ever want to expand or give up, you do not need to be attached to this space - you can always let go and starting working for others!
One of the biggest mistakes new artists make is not branding themselves properly. Who you are as a person will influence what style of filmmaking you pursue, so invest in some professional tools to represent you well.
A good first step is to create your own website using a solid platform such as WordPress or Shopify. These sites offer easy to use editing features and large communities which help you connect with other artisans!
Another important tool is your portfolio. Make sure to take quality photos and videos of your work so that people can see exactly what level you are at and whether or not you are overcompensating for something. Use smart lighting, keep natural looking shots, and experiment with different settings and genres to show off your talent.
Your portfolio should also include the names of all of your affiliations (IF YOU HAVE ANY!) like VFX companies, studios, agencies, etc.
Register your company
The next step in starting up as an aspiring cinematographer is registering your business with the appropriate government agencies and/or corporations. This includes state and federal filings, such as trademarks and copyright registrations for your photography or filmmaking style, etc.
It’s important to be aware of what legalities are related to your business before you start working full time. For example, most major film studios require that their artists are registered with the studio as employees, which means finding a way to legally represent your self as an artist is essential.
By being familiar with the laws related to your new career, you can prevent potential issues by going about it properly.
Get insurance
Before you begin offering your services as a cinematographer, make sure you have adequate coverage. You will need at least general liability, professional legal liability, and personal injury coverage.
General liability covers lawsuits caused by negligence or intentional acts with people, property, or both. Professional legal liability covers you if someone sues you for doing business as a filmmaker, such as alleging copyright infringement.
Personal injury coverage protects you from claims like trespassing or defamation of character. This is only necessary if filming in public spaces or other areas where there may be bystanders or potential clients.
These policies can all be acquired through an insurer that specializes in photography or filmmaking. Check out sites like Bestpointinsurance.com and Selectprophotography.org to find appropriate companies.
Another option is to purchase extra policy riders directly from various film production unions like SAG-AFTRA or IATSE. These organizations negotiate lower rates with insurers who are not yet approved to sell direct protection products, but still offer membership benefits.
Apply for licenses
The next step in starting your career as a cinematographer is applying for professional licenses. These include licenses for filming, photography, and business entities. You will need these depending on what type of filmmaking you want to pursue!
To make a long story short, being licensed allows you to use certain equipment and tools, and requires proof that you are legally able to work under your license. This includes having insurance, proving financial stability, and demonstrating talent as an artist.
A great way to begin practicing your craft is by taking some free courses via sites like Udemy or YouTube. By doing this, you would be supporting another artist while getting lessons from experienced professionals.
General tips: Don’t forget to keep yourself organized! Make sure to have enough supplies and back up materials prepared at all times so you don’t run out suddenly.
Find locations
Finding location for your cinematographic vision is one of the most important things you will do as a filmmaker. There are many ways to find free or low-cost locations that make up the backdrops of most feature length films.
Running water, outdoor spaces, empty buildings, vacant lots - these all qualify as “open” locations which can easily be photographed.
Landlords and building owners often allow professional photographers to use their properties for photoshoots, so it’s an easy way to get your foot in the door. If you’re very thorough with your pre-production work, then you should have no trouble finding somewhere appropriate to shoot.
Don’t forget about online resources! Many sites now offer a chance for you to earn money by taking pictures and selling them or renting them out. A few examples include Amazon, Fotolia, and StockPhotoZone.
These websites pay per image or per rental, not per sale, making it more feasible to start off investing little to gain experience before branching out onto higher investment settings.
Plan your movie budget
The first thing you need to do is determine how much money you have to spend on filming. This includes buying or renting necessary equipment, producing your own camera gear, and transporting this gear to various shooting locations.
It also covers all of the additional expenses that come with filmmaking such as lighting, generators, studio space, etc. Some of these services are paid for by the film company you work for, while others cost extra.
However, don’t forget about personal spending! Many people start their cinematographic career without a full budget. Unfortunately, some things (like electricity) can get expensive quickly!
Don’t be afraid to ask friends and family if they know anyone willing to help you pay for filming costs. Most people are supportive when they find out what you are trying to accomplish and why.
Know your clients
As mentioned before, being able to connect with others is an integral part of being successful in business. This article will talk about another key element of being a great photographer- knowing your client!
As a professional cinematographer, I have learned how to identify my audience’s needs and what they want from me. By doing this, I am able to cater my services to their demands and expectations, which leaves them feeling happy and relaxed.
This article will discuss some ways to get familiar with who your clients are, and what types of services you can offer as a filmmaker. It also goes into detail on why it is important to be aware of this.
Be a good manager
Being able as a cinematographer is very different from being an artist or a creative person. It takes a lot of discipline, responsibility, and proofing yourself that you can do things well before other people will give you credit for it.
As a business owner, your time is your most valuable asset. You have to know how to manage it effectively. This includes managing your workload, budget, and relationships.
It also means knowing when to stop trying and giving up. No one ever made it big by keeping their eyes on the ground and never taking risks.
Running a business involves making decisions, but only after weighing all the options. Sometimes you need to take a step back and assess whether what you are doing is worth it.