8 Traits to Look for in a Top Indianapolis Cinematographer
Cinematography is a competitive industry that requires diverse knowledge and skills. Itâs not just camera operation or setting up a film set, itâs communication, leadership and even a little bit of politics at times. In fact, some of the best cinematographers will possess a number of traits that you may not have even considered in the past. If youâre considering a video production project in Indianapolis, youâre probably considering a cinematographer for the job. Make sure that youâre looking for an Indianapolis cinematographer that has these 8 traits:
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1. Leadership
Powerful leadership skills are a must for any great Indianapolis cinematographer. Theyâll lead the team in many ways, providing insight and direction for design, makeup, and other departments while offering supportive comments or criticism as needed for actors too.
Great cinematographers lead the pack, but they do so in a way that affects synergy and a desire to work together among the team.
2. Attention to Detail
Some might call it an obsession. Whatever you want to call it, attention to detail is an important trait for an Indianapolis cinematographer to have.
They must be able to fully understand the story that is being depicted on film and to work everything from lighting and sound to camera angles and set props to ensure every aspect of the film and every tiny detail is accounted for.
3. Creativity
Not just creativity, but a level of creativity that is so deep and so prevalent that it shines.
A great cinematographer will have a creative eye that allows them to define every camera setup, shot, angle and technique for each scene that will bring the creative vision of the director to life. Itâs a tough job, but someoneâs gotta do it!
4. Communication
Not only do great cinematographers have to communicate well with clients, theyâve also got to be able to communicate across various department channels and theyâve got to do it well!
Communication is a very important trait for cinematographers to have as they must deliver information between departments without the experience turning into an old game of âtelephoneâ where everything gets mixed and confused.
5. Politics
You probably donât think about a political side being important for a cinematographer, but it can be! Smart cinematographers recognize the role that politics, power, and dynamics play both on and off the film set.
They realize they have the ability to add a level of diversity and vibrance to a film while also keeping the dynamics (and politics) of everyone on the set in control, and happy.
6. Confidence
A great cinematographer must have confidence in his or her ability to defy the odds, the break the rules, and to create.
Theyâre responsible for setting the stage, using the light and camera angles and various elements at their disposal to amaze the audience and entertain — and theyâve got to do it endlessly.
They must be confident in their decisions and in their expertise.
7. Vision
An Indianapolis cinematographer is the voice behind the vision or style of a film. They must determine the visual approach that will be used to deliver the footage to the audience.
This vision must be addressed to the entire crew to ensure that no detail is left uncovered.
8. Technical Skills
A highly technical role, every Indianapolis cinematographer must be able to understand camera operation and equipment on the set. They have to have working knowledge of lighting and sound.
They must be able to visualize scenes and then possess the technical skills to make sure all equipment and technology come together to make it happen.
This is one of the most important traits of an Indianapolis cinematographer to possess!