8 Traits to Look for in a Top Jacksonville Cinematographer

Filmmaking is a competitive industry that draws creative workers from a variety of backgrounds. If you’re looking to hire a Jacksonville cinematographer, you’re probably wondering what the top traits are that you should be looking for.

These creative filmmakers possess a variety of traits that largely revolve around being powerfully inventive but strong technical skills are equally important.

In fact, while power, strength and communication are a few of the most important traits to look for in a top Jacksonville cinematographer, we believe there are several others that are equally important.

We’ve listed them below:

1. Creativity

Great filmmakers are faced with the responsibility of creating the vision and style of a film. They have to come up with ideas on set and are forced to frequently think outside the box and invent the materials or items that are required to bring their vision to life.

Since they’re the ones with the creative vision, they’re also the ones responsible for sharing the vision with the world!

2. Power & Strength

Internal power and physical strength are both important traits for a Jacksonville cinematographer. They’ve got to have the stamina to work on the film set for long hours, often under extreme conditions.

It’s also important to have the strength to keep going when things get tough or go wrong. Regardless of what happens, the show must go on.

3. Humbleness

Filmmaking can lead to many successes. In fact, the most successful filmmakers may find themselves frequently under the spotlight which can be strenuous at times.

Maintaining a humble attitude is important because otherwise unrealistic expectations may make your success more uncomfortable than not.

4. Flexibility

Working a film set is going to have a lot of ups and downs with plenty that can (and will) go wrong. Flexibility is key to continued success on the set.

In fact, a great Jacksonville cinematographer will have the flexibility to see problems that arise and to quickly overcome them, adjust and adapt as needed. 

5. Communication

Great filmmakers are responsible for sharing their vision with the entire team including both cast and crew. It’s going to require a lot of powerful communication in order to get things right.

When you hire a Jacksonville cinematographer that has strong communication skills you’ll benefit from their ability to help the entire crew to understand what’s expected and most important on the set.

6. Punctual

Great cinematographers are powerful time managers. They know the importance of time on the film set and will do whatever it takes to remain punctual and to ensure they don’t waste the time of others on the crew or with the cast.

Punctuality comes into play when delegating tasks on set, hiring support staff and crew, and preparing appropriate deadlines to ensure the film is a success.

7. Leadership

Filmmaking requires strong leadership skills.  A great Jacksonville cinematographer will be able to delegate tasks out to each of their crew, recognizing who’s most appropriate for the position and who’s best taking on other needs.

They’ve got confidence in the people they work with and in their ability to lead the team to success.

8. Organization

Filmmaking requires a lot of working parts to come together at just the right times to ensure success.

The best Jacksonville cinematographer for your film will possess strong organizational skills that allow them to effectively keep a project organized and planned for success.

From decisions on budget and food, to defining production plans for the entire crew to organizing data for investors and supervisors, there’s a lot to keep abreast of and a lot or organization to plan for, but success is imminent!