Film Cinematographer Fundamentals

Compare still photographic and cinema lenses for DSLR and mirrorless cameras, highlighting focus throw, manual iris, and lens markings that influence video focus and budget choices.

Master the two-stage tripod with a mid-level spreader and a 100 mm fluid head to achieve smooth pan and tilt, accurate level, and informed buying or renting decisions.

Explore cinema camera resolutions from 720p to 4k and the difference between progressive and interlaced scans. Understand how using the full 4k sensor preserves dynamic range and avoids data loss.

Explore color space concepts in cinema, from rec 709 to RAW, and compare baked-in color spaces with raw footage, including LUTs for post-production color grading.

Learn how the director of photography leads the camera and lighting departments, selects cameras and lenses, coordinates with producers, and plans interview and b-roll setups in challenging spaces.

Explore how a director of photography plans a commercial shoot, from location scouts and prep day to lighting, gear rentals, blocking, and last looks.

Demonstrates how neutral density filters control depth of field by reducing light, enabling aperture adjustments to blur or reveal background, while comparing 50mm and 24mm lenses and adjusting iso.

Explore how lens diffusion filters subtly soften skin with dimples, causing slight blooming and potential white highlights, and learn to use graduated neutral density filters for exposure control.

Explore lighting instruments in cinematography, comparing open face lights for broad wash with a focused instrument that concentrates light, and learn to match color temperature with white balance using lcds.

Explore basic lighting control with barn doors, color correction gels, and diffusion to adjust color temperature from 5600K to 3200K, manage brightness, and soften light for natural on set looks.

Explore how flags, silk diffusion fabrics, nets, and cookies shape and soften light on set to mimic natural, diffused illumination.

Use bounce cards to achieve natural, flattering light, with the white side diffusing indoors and outdoors, and the silver side delivering brighter reflections for sun-lit scenes.

Discover how to set up a c stand with grip head and arm, position weight toward the large leg, and use silk, nets, and barn doors to shape soft light.

Demonstrates using a white and silver bounce board to shape light, showing soft, diffuse fill outdoors with the white side and brighter results from the silver side.

Coordinate with the producer and director to choose the best background and angle for an interview, then craft flattering lighting and use fabrics to enhance a black wall.

Learn three-point lighting for interview setups, including key light, fill, and backlight, how to shape depth with diffusion and bounce while controlling background spill.

Demonstrate how to set up a basic three-point lighting for interviews by using key, fill, back lights, and background lighting with color temperature adjustments to shape mood.

Break into the film and television business as a production assistant, network, and promote yourself with a demo reel, online presence, and gear ownership to attract work.

Explore cinematography as a vast subject that requires a lifetime of learning, and discover why it's a rewarding business as you embark on your new career.