ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

3 years, 1 month ago - Vasco de Sousa

Your ten years does count as something. With some Bectu positions, there is a kind of order, where jobs tend to have prerequisites, but I am not sure if cinematographer is one. (I do not think it is.)
But we live in a capitalist, free world, and anyone is free to hire you as a cinematographer.
Basically, I would strongly consider hiring you based on your showreel. (Not that I have money or a film company at the moment, but if there are any of my projects you are interested in, then I can put your name forward when looking for investors.)
Being a new mother might be difficult for full time work, but then again I find parents to be more conscientious and responsible, so I would not count it against you. That said, a lot of film work involves more travel than television or advertising does. With television or advertising, you can work at a studio, so you might get more sleep.
(Ridley Scott started in advertising, so did a lot of top US and Indian filmmakers.)
As a film grad, you may get jealous film school rejects at the fringes of the industry trying to knock you down. But people who actually make films for a living will not count it against you. (Many fine artists in the UK hide their training on their websites. I know they are graduates because I discovered their work at graduate shows, but their websites and sometimes even CVs leave it out. I do not know why they do this, but maybe they met one of those annoying people.)
Another difficulty might be having a foreign accent. There are a few annoying people who will treat you differently, try not to let them get to you.
But yeah, I think you are ready to be a cinematographer, and if you were available and in the same town, and I had a project, I definitely at least interview you.

3 years, 1 month ago - Michelle Siu

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond. The advertising angle is actually one I'd really think about now so thank you. Your advice and looking at my credentials means A LOT as I'm a bit lost here without many contacts for advice. Grateful for the side bar about film school politics. It took nearly a decade and a scholarship to afford it and its funny how people mask it to the industry! Interesting to me. Thank you for that insight! And about accents it is rather annoying but have gotten used to it. Thank you again, this was really helpful

3 years, 1 month ago - Michelle Siu

Thank you really appreciate that. I have applied to a few kit room jobs but no luck yet but will keep trying. I have my own kit- (an FX6) and a working showreel ( https://www.michellesiu.com/film). Was hoping my 10 years of experience as a photojournalist may count for something so I wouldn't have to start at the bottom but it seems that is the only path? Anyway thank you.

3 years, 1 month ago - Mark Wiggins

It is possible to go straight into working as a cinematographer. Some of the younger BSC members got their start shooting shorts which ended up on Youtube and have never worked as an AC. A lot of it is based on luck and contacts. Shoot as many shorts as you can, keep plugging away. Network a lot. Meeting people is the key, whether at networking events on while working on shorts. Its all about getting noticed. No one will hire someone they only know from a CV.

I'm not saying you have to rigidly work your way through the grades, but working as a kit room tech or a trainee or AC is a good way of meeting people and earning money while you are also working on low budget shorts, music videos as a DOP. Show the stuff you've shot to people you are working for as an AC or trainee Eventually someone, somewhere will give you a go on a paid job perhaps as a DOP on a Splinter Unit or even Second Unit. I know DOPs who have gone straight from 2nd AC to DOP without ever having worked as a 1st AC or Operator.

Also, make sure you regularly post on Instagram. You'd be surprised how many Commercials DOPs get there jobs because directors have seen their work there.

Join the BSC Club. Probably the best networking around if you are a cinematographer. You get invited to BSC events and get to mix with BSC members.

You've just got to plug away.

3 years, 1 month ago - Mark Wiggins

Also, with regards to being a new mother. Job sharing is becoming more common. An organisation called, "Women behind the camera," can advise you.

3 years, 1 month ago - Michelle Siu

Thanks Mark. It's a really good tip about networking and instagram. I know it's neccessary but really not second nature for some of us! i wish there was some kind of self promo visual arts freelancer class! hah. Making shorts which is most of my experience so far so I'll try to continue doing that as a means of networking. I'd love to be an AC as it'd put me around the tech and on sets but I know even that is skipping the line having now gone through the channels before. Thank you. really appreciate the self promo and larger advice a lot.

3 years, 1 month ago - Michelle Siu

Also if there are any job boards or facebook groups that are good I'd be all ears. I know Many (which is really expensive for the job board) and Talent Manager but not sure which others are good. Thanks!