Job Descriptions

Cinematographer: A cinematographer [aka director of photography] is in charge of the camera and film’s each scene, using a variety of camera angles, movements and distances in order to create the directors vision. They also control

  • Lighting
  • The look of the film
  • Framing

Editor: An editor compiles all the raw clips together post-production in order to create the film as the public sees it by using a variety of cuts and transitions such as:

  • J-Cuts
  • L-Cuts
  • Fades
  • Jump Cuts

Sound Designer: Sound designers use a variety of sounds to enhance what’s happening on screen. This includes creating the sounds post production and adding/composing music into the film and layering them all together to create the desired effect. This includes:

  • Footsteps
  • Wind
  • Clear voices
  • Impact Sounds

Film Portfolio – Cinematographer

Description of Role: A cinematographer also known as “the Director of Photography” oversees the lighting and camera crew. Cinematography is a critical part of the filmmaking process as it presents to the audience the overall look and the shows the visual narrative. They are also responsible for framing and creating the way the film looks (colour and lighting). Cinematographers must consider their choices of lenses, angle width and shot types. On lower budget films the cinematographer may also act as the camera operator as well. Pre-production, the director will work closely with the cinematographer this is because the cinematographer must ensure that the director’s vision is relayed onto the film. During production they will work with the rest of the film crew (lighting department etc.) to make certain they achieve the right visual outcome. Post-production cinematographers work closely with the editors as they know the director’s vision the best. Their responsibilities and duties consist of: choosing a visual style for the film, establishing the camera setup for every shot, determining the lighting for every scene, explores the potential of every location, attending rehearsals and elevating the vision of the director.

I am inspired by Italian Cinematographer Luciano Tovoli, particularly in Suspiria (1977). Tovoli studied Cinematography at Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia. Luciano is quoted saying “”The edges of the frame are often more interesting than the center.” This applies to his work as a cinematographer and the detail put into every shot. I particularly like style in which the way Tovoli shot Suspiria. His uses of lighting and colour creates tension throughout the film. Tovoli also shot Suspiria in a way that could be described as “camp”. For example his use of fake blood appears unrealistic and acts more as a decoration rather than SFX makeup. The set design in Suspiria (1977) enhances the look of the film by Tovoli’s use of colour and symmetry, as it creates an intriguing composition adds to the disorienting atmosphere of the film.

Suspiria (1977) | MUBI
Lessons We Can Learn from Argento's Suspiria | AnOther

Film Roles- Job Descriptions

Editor

In charge of cutting, deleting, and assembling the raw footage of the film to create the final product. Also responsible for enhancing important narrative aspects through when shots and scenes are cut. It is an important role as, if done wrong, the audience can easily become bored. Important for fulfilling the director’s creative vision.

Animator

Responsible for adding in moving images either alongside or instead of live action footage. I am leaning more towards 2D animation, meaning the majority of my work will be hand drawn. It is a rather slow and tedious process but worth it for the unique visuals.

Writer

Responsible for writing out the script including the actions of characters and their dialogue. An important role as most stories feature some kind of plot or narrative. Making sure the theme and messages of the film are there for a reason, and that every moment is important to the story is vital for the film.