Compare and contrast both paths to becoming a cinematographer. What are the pros and cons of each path? Which path appeals to you? Write a reflection on why.
The two paths to becoming a cinematographer are either going to film school or working on sets. The pros of going to film school is that it teaches students about filmmaking, gives access to gear, provides an environment which forces them to shoot films, and helps students cultivate relationships with other filmmakers. That fourth point is one of the most important, as building those connections with future collaborators and employers can lead to you getting work in the future as a cinematographer. Some cons about the path of film school is that it's merely a step, not a fast track, towards working as a DoP and the high prices. The second path is to start working on film sets to work up the hierarchical steps to becoming a DoP. The pros of this path are that working in the field is incredibly educational and gives you a ton of experience, which help develop your technical and soft skills through real experience. Additionally, you're able to develop connections and relationship with other crew members, forming strong professional bonds if you work hard. The cons of this path is that it often takes years to work up the ladder and it is harder to build relationships with others. The path that appeals the most to me is film school as I feel that it gives me the opportunity to ease into the work through the lower-stake student projects that I will work on. Additionally, it can allow me to try out the higher roles at these smaller scales so that I have a better understanding of what that type of work will be like before I spend years working towards it. I also feel that an education is a considerably better pathway for me as I feel that I can learn more from curriculum that is geared towards building up my skills and knowledge, rather than trying to learn from mistakes and observation.
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