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You’re in luck. Get a copy of the current (August 2025) edition of The ASC Magazine. Jay Holben has written a “shot craft” article on exactly this. “The basics of plate capture for VFX, virtual production and beyond”. I haven’t read it yet…
Set a SMART goal. Specific (shoot 2 commercials and 1 independent short and create a body of work for your portfolio). Measurable (I want a portfolio of work and I want to earn $x). Achievable (do you think it is? What contacts do you have either in terms of fellow film makers or potential clients that you can pitch to?). Realistic (if asked, can you deliver. Can you photograph a commercial like the ones you would like to shoot? Are you proficient with your craft and do you have access to the right equipment required). Time constrained (give yourself x months for example to produce a portfolio and earn $x amount of cash)! Assess your outcome at the end and take a realistic decision… to continue or not.
The problem when you are older is that you are perceived as not being that cool anymore. You have seen most things before and have a more mature outlook on life and experiences etc. This is a great benefit too! I was turned down for a passion project for a younger dp. The (inexperienced) director told me that he just thought a younger director would gel better with the rest of the young team in their early 20’s. The advantage of youth is that you do more stuff even if the outcome is not going to be that good. It’s great experience. You don’t have many serious financial commitments and you can sacrifice a lot more.
When you are older you are more discriminating. I know what I want to present and to be proud of the work that I produce and show. Life is too short to compromise and produce work that you are not proud of. It is very very difficult to find a project that you are passionate about where you are reasonably confident of a very good outcome. You need to find and work with like minded people. You need a great story that you believe in telling. You need a director that wants that too, that cares about everything in front of the camera. Great story. Great acting and casting. You need the right location for the story (a lot of work and time to find that). The right set designer etc. You need the budget to light those locations and if you don’t have the budget you need the team to fight and agree to shoot the locations at the right time of day to take advantage of the natural light which is only good for a short amount of time. Good editing and sound design.. You need the cash for all of this. I can go on and on. It is so difficult.
From Google…. “While it’s less common to see cinematographers who achieved significant recognition after a late start in the film industry, there are some examples of individuals who transitioned to cinematography later in life and still found success. These cinematographers often built on prior experience in other creative fields, bringing unique perspectives to their work.” Does that apply to you?
Personally I believe that at a mature age, if you want to start a career as a cinematographer, you need to have an additional income stream or be financially independent to do so.
Thats my 2 cents.
Dear David, do you have any tips (besides the obvious) on keeping it consistent from scene to scene…..
Much appreciated
Gregg
Dear Roger,
Just out of interest, for these shots did you decide on the camera position?
Wonderful example of crossing the line…
Much appreciated
Kind regards
Gregg
You really need to curate what is in front of the camera. Everything in frame is partly your responsibility. Locations… wardrobe… story…composition…. Great acting…. Emotion… the correct and appropriate lighting (direction, hard, soft, contrast levels etc.).
get this right first and then worry about ‘better’ gear.
ProRes bakes in the colour temp. If you shoot raw, you can also shoot open gate and use the full sensor of the XT.
Dear Roger,
Just out of interest, how do you meter when using your Leica for street photography?
Many thanks
Gregg
Dear Roger,
What circumstances would require you to adjust colours by using a filter?
What filters do you use to adjust colour?
Much appreciated
Kind regards
Gregg
The Leica M8 is wonderful for b&w! I had one and there was an issue with the sensor. Leica offered an upgrade to the M9, but that too suffers from a sensor that oxidates. Unfortunately I discovered this after they stopped replacing the sensor so my m9 is pretty useless. Their offer for a discount to upgrade is really really disappointing!! I hope your Leica’s last longer than mine.
Tough position to be in…. If you have committed yourself then I suggest you do what you’ve promised and do the best job you can. Do your very best. Stay positive, keep your head down, don’t complain and make the best of a bad situation. And as James once commented, don’t think that any position on set is beneath you.
Use this as a learning experience. In future, don’t commit to unpaid work unless their are other benefits for you in terms of experience gained.
You also need to consider alternative employment and means of earning cash between jobs so that you can be more discerning when deciding what jobs to take in the future.
Just my 2 cents..
Gregg
