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{{short description|Chief over the camera and lighting crews working on a film}}
{{short description|Creative head of a motion picture's camera and lighting decisions}}
[[File:US Navy 040615-N-6817C-030 A camera crew sets up for scenes to be taped on the flight deck for the upcoming motion picture Stealth.jpg|thumb|right|A [[camera crew]] sets up for scenes to be filmed on the flight deck for the motion picture ''[[Stealth (film)|Stealth]]'' with the crew of the [[Nimitz-class aircraft carrier|''Nimitz''-class aircraft carrier]] [[USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72)|USS ''Abraham Lincoln'' (CVN-72)]].]]
[[File:US Navy 040615-N-6817C-030 A camera crew sets up for scenes to be taped on the flight deck for the upcoming motion picture Stealth.jpg|thumb|right|A [[camera crew]] sets up for scenes to be filmed on the flight deck for the motion picture ''[[Stealth (film)|Stealth]]'' with the crew of the [[Nimitz-class aircraft carrier|''Nimitz''-class aircraft carrier]] [[USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72)|USS ''Abraham Lincoln'' (CVN-72)]].]]


A '''cinematographer''' or '''director of photography''' (sometimes shortened to '''DP''' or '''DOP''') is the person responsible for the photographing or recording of a [[film]], television production, music video or other live action piece. The cinematographer is the chief of the camera and light [[film crew|crew]]s working on such projects and would normally be responsible for making artistic and technical decisions related to the image and for selecting the camera, [[film stock]], [[photographic lens|lens]]es, [[filter (photography)|filter]]s, etc. The study and practice of this field is referred to as [[cinematography]].
The '''cinematographer''' or '''director of photography''' (sometimes shortened to '''DP''' or '''DOP''') is the person responsible for the recording of a [[film]], television production, music video or other live-action piece. The cinematographer is the chief of the camera and light [[film crew|crew]]s working on such projects. They would normally be responsible for making artistic and technical decisions related to the image and for selecting the camera, [[film stock]], [[photographic lens|lens]]es, [[filter (photography)|filter]]s, etc. The study and practice of this field are referred to as ''[[cinematography]]''.


The cinematographer is a subordinate of the [[film director|director]], tasked with capturing a scene in accordance with director’s vision. Relations between the cinematographer and director vary. In some instances, the director will allow the cinematographer complete independence, while in others, the director allows little to none, even going so far as to specify exact camera placement and lens selection. Such a level of involvement is less common when the director and cinematographer have become comfortable with each other. The director will typically convey to the cinematographer what is wanted from a scene visually and allow the cinematographer latitude in achieving that effect.
The cinematographer is a subordinate of the [[film director|director]], tasked with capturing a scene in accordance with the director's vision. Relations between the cinematographer and director vary. In some instances, the director will allow the cinematographer complete independence, while in others, the director allows little to none, even going so far as to specify exact camera placement and lens selection. Such a level of involvement is less common when the director and cinematographer have become comfortable with each other. The director will typically convey to the cinematographer what is wanted from a scene visually and allow the cinematographer latitude in achieving that effect.


The images recorded by the cinematographer are passed to the film editor for [[Film editing|editing]].
The scenes recorded by the cinematographer are passed to the film editor for [[Film editing|editing]].


==History==
==History==
[[File:Sathish. G.jpg|thumb|right|Cameraman along with the equipment for making cinematography.]]
[[File:LiamHigginsAdidasTerrex.png|thumb|Outdoor gear protects the camera operator and camera.]]
In the infancy of motion pictures, the cinematographer was usually also the [[Film director|director]] and the person physically handling the camera. As the art form and technology evolved, a separation between director and [[camera operator]] emerged. With the advent of artificial lighting and faster (more light-sensitive) [[film stock]]s, in addition to technological advancements in optics, the technical aspects of cinematography necessitated a specialist in that area.
In the infancy of motion pictures, the cinematographer was usually also the [[Film director|director]] and the person physically handling the camera. As the art form and technology evolved, a separation between director and [[camera operator]] emerged. With the advent of artificial lighting and faster (more light-sensitive) [[film stock]]s, in addition to technological advancements in optics, the technical aspects of cinematography necessitated a specialist in that area.


Cinematography was key during the [[silent movie]] era; with no sound apart from [[background music]] and no dialogue, the films depended on lighting, acting, and set.
Cinematography was key during the [[silent movie]] era; with no sound apart from [[background music]] and no dialogue, the films depended on lighting, acting, and set.


The [[American Society of Cinematographers]] (ASC) was formed in 1919 in Hollywood, and was the first trade society of cinematographers. Similar societies were formed in other countries. Their aims include the recognition of the cinematographer's contribution to the art and science of motion picture making.<ref> [https://theasc.com/asc/committees/asc-vision-committee The ASC Vision Committee] </ref>
The [[American Society of Cinematographers]] (ASC) was formed in 1919 in [[Hollywood, Los Angeles|Hollywood]], and was the first trade society for cinematographers. Similar societies were formed in other countries. For example, the [[British Society of Cinematographers]] (BSC). Their aims include the recognition of the cinematographer's contribution to the art and science of motion picture making.<ref> [https://theasc.com/asc/committees/asc-vision-committee The ASC Vision Committee] </ref>


==Societies and trade organizations==
==Societies and trade organizations==
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*the [[International Collective of Female Cinematographers|International Collective of Women Cinematographers]] (ICFC)
*the [[International Collective of Female Cinematographers|International Collective of Women Cinematographers]] (ICFC)
*the [[Canadian Society of Cinematographers]] (C.S.C.)
*the [[Canadian Society of Cinematographers]] (C.S.C.)
[[File:Sathish. G.jpg|thumb|Cameraman along with the equipment for making cinematography.]]
*the [[Czech Society of Cinematographers]] (AČK)
*the [[Cinévore Madagascar]]
*the [[Finnish Society of Cinematographers]] (F.S.C.)
*the [[Finnish Society of Cinematographers]] (F.S.C.)
*the [[Guild of British Camera Technicians]] (G.B.C.T.)
*the [[Guild of British Camera Technicians]] (G.B.C.T.)
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*the [[Filipino Society of Cinematographers]] (F.S.C.)
*the [[Filipino Society of Cinematographers]] (F.S.C.)
*the [[French Society of Cinematographers]] (A.F.C.)
*the [[French Society of Cinematographers]] (A.F.C.)
*the [[Italian Society of Cinematographers]] (A.I.C.)
*the [[Italian Society of Cinematographers]] (A.I.C.)
*the [[Indian cinematographers|Western India Cinematographers Association]] (W.I.C.A.)
*the [[Indian cinematographers|Western India Cinematographers Association]] (W.I.C.A.)
*the [[Indian cinematographers|Indian Society of Cinematographers]] (I.S.C.)
*the [[Indian cinematographers|Indian Society of Cinematographers]] (I.S.C.)
*the [[German Society of Cinematographers]] (BVK)
*the [[German Society of Cinematographers]] (BVK)
*the [[Malaysian Society of Cinematographers]] (MySC)
*the [[Malaysian Society of Cinematographers]] (MySC)
*the [[Netherlands Society of Cinematographers]] (NSC)
*the [[Netherlands Society of Cinematographers]] (NSC)
*the [[Association of Slovak Cinematographers]] (ASK)
*the [[South African Society of Cinematographers]] (S.A.S.C.)
*the [[South African Society of Cinematographers]] (S.A.S.C.)
*the [[Spanish Society of Cinematography Works]] (A.E.C)
*the [[Spanish Society of Cinematography Works]] (A.E.C)
[[File:LiamHigginsSergeIbaka.jpg|thumb|Camera operator with support rig.]]
*the [https://www.imago.org/ International Federation of Cinematographers] (IMAGO)
*the [[Polish Society of Cinematographers]] (PSC)
*the International Federation of Cinematographers (IMAGO)<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-26 |title=IMAGO – International Federation of Cinematographers |url=https://imago.org/ |access-date=2023-10-02 |website=imago.org |language=en-US}}</ref>
*the Uruguayan Society of Cinematographers (S.C.U)
*the Uruguayan Society of Cinematographers (S.C.U)
*the Lithuanian Association of Cinematographers (LAC)
*the Lithuanian Association of Cinematographers (LAC)
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The [[Academy Award for Best Cinematography]] is an [[Academy Awards|Academy Award]] awarded each year to a cinematographer for work on one particular [[film|motion picture]].
The [[Academy Award for Best Cinematography]] is an [[Academy Awards|Academy Award]] awarded each year to a cinematographer for work on one particular [[film|motion picture]].


A number of American cinematographers have become directors, including [[Reed Morano]] who lensed ''[[Frozen River]]'' and Beyonce's ''[[Lemonade (Beyoncé album)|Lemonade]]'' before winning an Emmy for directing ''[[The Handmaid's Tale (TV series)|The Handmaid's Tale]]''. [[Barry Sonnenfeld]], originally the [[Coen brothers]]' DP; [[Jan de Bont]], cinematographer on films such as ''[[Die Hard]]'' and ''[[Basic Instinct]]'', directed ''[[Speed (1994 film)|Speed]]'' and ''[[Twister (1996 film)|Twister]]''. [[Nicolas Roeg]], cinematographer on films such as ''[[The Caretaker (film)|The Caretaker]]'' (1963) and ''[[The Masque of the Red Death (1964 film)|The Masque of the Red Death]]'' (1964), directed ''[[Don't Look Now]]'' (1973) and ''[[The Man Who Fell to Earth]]'' (1976). [[Ellen Kuras|Ellen Kuras, ASC]] photographed ''[[Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind|Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind]]'' as well as a number of [[Spike Lee]] films such as ''[[Summer of Sam]]'' and ''[[He Got Game]]'' before directing episodes of ''Legion'' and ''Ozark.'' In 2014, [[Wally Pfister]], cinematographer on [[Christopher Nolan]]'s [[Batman in film#Christopher Nolan|three ''Batman'' films]], made his directorial debut with ''[[Transcendence (2014 film)|Transcendence]],'' whilst British cinematographers [[Jack Cardiff]] and [[Freddie Francis]] regularly moved between the two positions.
A number of American cinematographers have become directors, including [[Reed Morano]] who lensed ''[[Frozen River]]'' and Beyoncé's ''[[Lemonade (Beyoncé album)|Lemonade]]'' before winning an Emmy for directing ''[[The Handmaid's Tale (TV series)|The Handmaid's Tale]]''. [[Barry Sonnenfeld]], originally the [[Coen brothers]]' DP; [[Jan de Bont]], cinematographer on films such as ''[[Die Hard]]'' and ''[[Basic Instinct]]'', directed ''[[Speed (1994 film)|Speed]]'' and ''[[Twister (1996 film)|Twister]]''. [[Nicolas Roeg]], cinematographer on films such as ''[[The Caretaker (film)|The Caretaker]]'' (1963) and ''[[The Masque of the Red Death (1964 film)|The Masque of the Red Death]]'' (1964), directed ''[[Don't Look Now]]'' (1973) and ''[[The Man Who Fell to Earth]]'' (1976). [[Ellen Kuras|Ellen Kuras, ASC]] photographed ''[[Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind|Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind]]'' as well as a number of [[Spike Lee]] films such as ''[[Summer of Sam]]'' and ''[[He Got Game]]'' before directing episodes of ''Legion'' and ''Ozark.'' In 2014, [[Wally Pfister]], cinematographer on [[Christopher Nolan]]'s [[Batman in film#Christopher Nolan|three ''Batman'' films]], made his directorial debut with ''[[Transcendence (2014 film)|Transcendence]],'' whilst British cinematographers [[Jack Cardiff]] and [[Freddie Francis]] regularly moved between the two positions.


==See also==
==See also==
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*[https://web.archive.org/web/20200318014246/http://cinematography.net/ Cinematography Mailing List (CML)]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20200318014246/http://cinematography.net/ Cinematography Mailing List (CML)]
*[http://www.cameraguild.com/ International Cinematographers Guild]
*[http://www.cameraguild.com/ International Cinematographers Guild]
*[http://www.precinemahistory.net The History of the Discovery of Cinematography]
*[http://www.precinemahistory.net The History of the Discovery of Cinematography] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201005081325/http://precinemahistory.net/ |date=2020-10-05 }}
*[http://www.theasc.com American Society of Cinematographers]
*[http://www.theasc.com American Society of Cinematographers]
*[http://www.gbct.org The Guild of British Camera Technicians]
*[http://www.gbct.org The Guild of British Camera Technicians]
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*[http://www.imago.org European Federation of Cinematographers/IMAGO]
*[http://www.imago.org European Federation of Cinematographers/IMAGO]
*[http://www.cinematographer.org.au Australian Cinematographers Society (ACS)]
*[http://www.cinematographer.org.au Australian Cinematographers Society (ACS)]
*[http://www.kinematografie.org/english/bvk/index.php German Society of Cinematography, BVK]
*[http://www.kinematografie.org/english/bvk/index.php German Society of Cinematography, BVK] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171205124614/http://www.kinematografie.org/english/bvk/index.php |date=2017-12-05 }}
*[http://www.aicine.it/ Italian Society of Cinematography, AIC (Autori Italiani della Cinematografia)]
*[http://www.aicine.it/ Italian Society of Cinematography, AIC (Autori Italiani della Cinematografia)]
*[http://www.cinematography.nl/ Netherlands Society of Cinematography, NSC]
*[http://www.cinematography.nl/ Netherlands Society of Cinematography, NSC]
*[http://www.lac.lt/ Lithuanian Association of Cinematographers, LAC] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207102120/http://lac.lt/ |date=2021-12-07 }}
*[http://www.lac.lt/ Lithuanian Association of Cinematographers, LAC] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207102120/http://lac.lt/ |date=2021-12-07 }}
*[https://www.afcinema.com/?lang=en Association Française des directrices et directeurs de la photographie Cinématographique (AFC)]

{{film crew}}
{{film crew}}


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[[Category:Cinematography]]
[[Category:Cinematography]]
[[Category:Filmmaking occupations]]
[[Category:Filmmaking occupations]]
[[Category:Filmmaking]]

Latest revision as of 15:49, 26 July 2024

A camera crew sets up for scenes to be filmed on the flight deck for the motion picture Stealth with the crew of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72).

The cinematographer or director of photography (sometimes shortened to DP or DOP) is the person responsible for the recording of a film, television production, music video or other live-action piece. The cinematographer is the chief of the camera and light crews working on such projects. They would normally be responsible for making artistic and technical decisions related to the image and for selecting the camera, film stock, lenses, filters, etc. The study and practice of this field are referred to as cinematography.

The cinematographer is a subordinate of the director, tasked with capturing a scene in accordance with the director's vision. Relations between the cinematographer and director vary. In some instances, the director will allow the cinematographer complete independence, while in others, the director allows little to none, even going so far as to specify exact camera placement and lens selection. Such a level of involvement is less common when the director and cinematographer have become comfortable with each other. The director will typically convey to the cinematographer what is wanted from a scene visually and allow the cinematographer latitude in achieving that effect.

The scenes recorded by the cinematographer are passed to the film editor for editing.

History

[edit]
Outdoor gear protects the camera operator and camera.

In the infancy of motion pictures, the cinematographer was usually also the director and the person physically handling the camera. As the art form and technology evolved, a separation between director and camera operator emerged. With the advent of artificial lighting and faster (more light-sensitive) film stocks, in addition to technological advancements in optics, the technical aspects of cinematography necessitated a specialist in that area.

Cinematography was key during the silent movie era; with no sound apart from background music and no dialogue, the films depended on lighting, acting, and set.

The American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) was formed in 1919 in Hollywood, and was the first trade society for cinematographers. Similar societies were formed in other countries. For example, the British Society of Cinematographers (BSC). Their aims include the recognition of the cinematographer's contribution to the art and science of motion picture making.[1]

Societies and trade organizations

[edit]

There are a number of national associations of cinematographers that represent members (irrespective of their official titles) and are dedicated to the advancement of cinematography, including:

Cameraman along with the equipment for making cinematography.
Camera operator with support rig.
  • the Polish Society of Cinematographers (PSC)
  • the International Federation of Cinematographers (IMAGO)[2]
  • the Uruguayan Society of Cinematographers (S.C.U)
  • the Lithuanian Association of Cinematographers (LAC)
  • Cinematographers XX
  • Illuminatrix

The A.S.C. defines cinematography as:

A creative and interpretive process that culminates in the authorship of an original work of art rather than the simple recording of a physical event. Cinematography is not a subcategory of photography. Rather, photography is but one craft that the cinematographer uses in addition to other physical, organizational, managerial, interpretive and image-manipulating techniques to effect one coherent process.[3]

Noted cinematographers

[edit]
Further information: Category:Cinematographers

The Academy Award for Best Cinematography is an Academy Award awarded each year to a cinematographer for work on one particular motion picture.

A number of American cinematographers have become directors, including Reed Morano who lensed Frozen River and Beyoncé's Lemonade before winning an Emmy for directing The Handmaid's Tale. Barry Sonnenfeld, originally the Coen brothers' DP; Jan de Bont, cinematographer on films such as Die Hard and Basic Instinct, directed Speed and Twister. Nicolas Roeg, cinematographer on films such as The Caretaker (1963) and The Masque of the Red Death (1964), directed Don't Look Now (1973) and The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976). Ellen Kuras, ASC photographed Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind as well as a number of Spike Lee films such as Summer of Sam and He Got Game before directing episodes of Legion and Ozark. In 2014, Wally Pfister, cinematographer on Christopher Nolan's three Batman films, made his directorial debut with Transcendence, whilst British cinematographers Jack Cardiff and Freddie Francis regularly moved between the two positions.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ The ASC Vision Committee
  2. ^ "IMAGO – International Federation of Cinematographers". imago.org. 2023-09-26. Retrieved 2023-10-02.
  3. ^ Hora, John (2007). "Anamorphic Cinematography". In Burum, Stephen H. (ed.). The American Cinematographer Manual (9 ed.). ISBN 978-0935578317.
[edit]
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