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Who is a Videographer?
When shooting in real spaces the work of a cinematographer begins where location meets production design meets time-of-day. No movie light will ever look as real as the sun, so scheduling becomes truly paramount to naturalistic lighting ~ Rachel Morrison
In career as videographer, individuals handle the art of storytelling through visuals and photography in a motion picture. In a videographer career path, professional works in the field of production or videography with media channels, mostly covering the live broadcasting of various events. They also take part in personal events such as birthday parties, wedding events. Most of them move towards working for media companies, or in the entertainment industry to shoot short films, documentaries, films and television shows. Students pursue Film Making, Visual Communication, Communication Design to opt for a videographer career path. A videographer is responsible for making artistic and technical decisions related to the image. The field is referred to as videography. Here, in this article, we will discuss the details of a videographer career path, such as how to become a videographer, videographer jobs in India, videographer career opportunities, careers in videography.
Videographer in a Nutshell
Careers in videography are art that can be defined as a creative and interpretive process that culminates in the authorship of an original work of art rather than a simple recording of a simple event. It would be wrong to portrait it as a subcategory of photography, rather photography is one of the crafts used in videographer jobs in addition to technical skills like organization, management, interpretation, and image-manipulation techniques. Students pursue Visual Media, Film, Television, Digital Video Production to opt for a videographer career path. The visual impacts of a film are driven by the creative decisions taken in videography jobs. Individuals who opt for a career as a videographer are involved in the entire lifecycle of a film and production.
Quick Facts for Videographer
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Industry
Entertainment, Media
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Average Salary in India
₹42500
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Suitable for
Male, Female, Others
Anyone with a strong interest in capturing pictures and photography can choose to become a videographer. Videography is a demanding job which requires you to possess artistry, advanced technical knowledge along with team management.
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Any special needs
Yes
Videographers are expected to work in various real locations ranging from forest to mountain or a river. Hence, it can be a cumbersome process for physically disabled people to grip along with the work. Although, anything can be achieved after all the sky's the limit.
Table of Contents for Videographer
What is the role of Videographer?
Individuals who opt for a career as a videographer are responsible for things like selecting a camera, film stock, lenses, and filters to depict the scene in accordance with the intentions of the director. They work alongside directors to provide films, TV shows, music videos, and television commercials with their own unique artistic style in their videographer jobs in India. In career as videographer, individuals are responsible for managing the camera and lighting crews, they are also required to supervise the selection and manipulation of technical tools to create phenomenal images on the screen. They also make decisions related to the aspect ratio, digital effects, image contrast, and frame rates. videographers also scrutinize the screenplay, conduct extra research into different styles, and patterns that relate to the subject matter of the script, collaborate with the director to discuss their creative ideas in their videographer career path.
Concept design
As a videographer, they are required to coordinate all aspects of script and director’s approach to picture in preliminary talks with director, analyze script as a whole, analyze story structure, analyze structures, analyze characters, research period, events, general subject, and appropriate design elements, devise style, and visualize styles.
Quality control
Videographer choose and approve crew, film stock, lab, equipment, second-unit, and visual-effects crews, supervise manufacture and testing of newly modified equipment, visit sets under construction, approve wild elements, ceiling pieces and moving set pieces, check lighting-fixture crew, walk locations and stages with all departments to discuss requirements, approve set colors and textures, check dailies screening rooms for correct standards.
Testing
As a videographer, they are required to shoot tests for style, shoot tests for the lab, shoot tests for the lighting of principle actors, shoot tests for camera and lenses, shoot tests for wardrobe and makeup, shoot tests for any special effects processes, unusual rigs props or methods.
Planning
As a videographer, they check and approve all call sheets and shooting order of the day’s work. They watch the rehearsal of scene to be shot, device shot list with the director, choose lens and composition, show to the director for approval, make sure composition and movement, fulfill scene task, workout mechanical problems with the camera, crane groups, set any camera-movement cues.
Blocking
As a videographer, one is required to watch rehearsal of the scenes to be shot. They are required to devise a shot list with the director. The roles and responsibilities of a videographer also include selection of lens and composition, making sure composition and movement fulfill scene tasks, workout mechanical problems with the camera, and crane grips.
Photography
The videographers are required to shoot photograph scenes, approve or correct take, check parameters and reset for next take, shoot any plates, shoot any video or playback material, move to the next step.
Types of a Videographer
Assistant camera operators: The roles and responsibilities of an assistant camera operator includes providing support for quality control, processing, assembly, playout, and distribution activities for pre-programmed and live content, Video on Demand (VOD), and Over the Top (OTT) delivery, working in both multicast and live sports environments,
Assistant editors: As an assistant editors, you are required to conceptualize, shoot & edit a variety of patient stories, along with the educational script, that drive the organization’s objectives, often under strict deadlines, in an ever-changing production landscape, able to juggle various projects, including coordinating pre-production work.
Tape editors: The tape editors are the professionals who are required to execute the live webcast of the court session including operating a high definition switcher, and 4+ cameras (some robotic).
Television camera operators: The television camera operators are required to assist editor(s) with preparing video projects. The employee will learn a valuable, fast and efficient system of editing artist profiles, and news stories. They will then apply this system to one or more videos that they can edit in-house and use on your reel or portfolio site.
What is the workplace/work environment of Videographer like?
Individuals who opt for a career as a videographer are expected to work outside at real locations most of the time. The professionals working for big media productions sometimes work in big film/ project sets. However, most of their work involves visiting outdoor settings and staying there for as long as the shoot demands them to. Videographers are also required to work under unfavourable weather conditions and late-night shifts are not something new in the industry. Depending on the project and the deadlines, they are sometimes required to work for months continuously to different sets of locations around the country or world.
Does Videographer require travelling?
Likely
In career as videographer, individuals are required to work across various locations both countrywide and globally. Travelling is an essential part of the videographer's work. Depending on the demand of script and production houses, they can be working anywhere around the world. The travelling expenses are covered by the production house they work for, which includes travelling fair, accommodation compensation, food and beverages.
Employment Shifts
Full Time
The videographer jobs in India are full-time jobs. Individuals who opt for a career as a videographer are required to make important decisions related to filmmaking and the creative approach of the shooting. Hence, they are required to work on shoot locations and stay there for days, even months, if required. The working hours are not fixed and there is no particular starting and shutting downtime. It all depends on the script and production requirements.
Employment Nature
Contractual, Permanent
The videographers usually work on a contract basis. In career as videographer, individuals are hired for a particular project and are required to work until all the requirements of the project are met. However, there are some production houses that hire videographers on a permanent basis working on several smaller projects rather than a long stretched film.
Work Place
On-Field, event locations
On a usual basis, the videographers are required to work for 12-14 hours per day. The work hours can be extended depending on the requirements of the project. Individuals who opt for a career as a videographer work in outdoor settings most of the time. They are required to shoot in a real location which can be anywhere across the globe.
Presence in Geographical Area
Urban
Almost every media/ production house is based in Mumbai, making it a hub for videographers. Individuals who opt for a career as a videographer are expected to work in Mumbai for at least one project. The secondary cities for the cinema and filmmaking industry would be New Delhi, Pune, Bengaluru, and Chennai.
Time Pressure
Likely
Strict deadlines are taken quite seriously in entertainment and media industries hence putting videographers under time constraint.
Overtime Details
Working overtime is a common thing in a videographer’s work schedule. Depending on the demand and schedule of a shoot, they generally work overtime.
Weekly Hours of Work
Min 40 Hours
In career as videographer, individuals are required to work under certain shifts depending on the script of the project. Quite often, they are required to work all day long for continuous days or months until the shoot is completed. Most of the creative decisions are made with the advice of videographers hence they are often required to work post-production helping in important decisions like quality control, editing and enhancing, and many more.
How to become a Videographer?
Steps to become a Videographer
What are the skills and qualities required to become a/an Videographer?
When it comes to how to become a videographer, the first thing that they should know about is the skills required for a videographer career path. Some of the essential skills that are required for videographer jobs in India in India are mentioned below.
Technical skills: It becomes important for you to make sure that your requirement is invaluable, which means that as a videographer, you have the technical experience needed to do the job right and do it well. It is not mandatory for you to be an expert on every element of filmmaking, but it’s sure important to have knowledge of what a good shot looks like and how to achieve it, which includes framing, staging, lighting, and the actual technology that should be used.
Creativity: Creativity is an essential part of a filmmaking and videography career, and it’s impossible to make films without creativity. To work in videography jobs, you are required to invest your time in understanding the range of filmmaking specialities. Individuals who opt for a career as a videographer have to be both creative and flexible, this way you can always find a way to contribute to a film, whether you’re just starting out, or running the show.
Storytelling: The videographers spend hours, months and even years physically making a film, but there’s no way they can make a successful film without having the skills required for written and visual storytelling. As a videographer, you are required to understand the story you’re trying to portray in order to create a story well throughout every element of the production. As a videographer, you cannot be successful unless you know how the decisions you make are affecting the story and vice versa.
Problem-solving ability: As a videographer, you are required to play many roles, and it’s important for you to be responsible for every task your position requires, and you should be able to contribute every section by understanding how your work is affected and affects the work of everyone around you. Videographers are required to act as a leader whenever necessary.
Communication skills: Irrespective of the industry you work in, communication is the key. But when you’re a videographer working on set with countless other crew and cast members, having good communication skills is essential. Effective communication makes sure that everyone working on the production is on the same page on and off the set, whether it includes explaining your own artistic vision, or clarifying your role in creating a film.
Popular Online Arts And Crafts Courses and Certifications
Which certifications and internships can be helpful in becoming Videographer?
Internship Availability
Students can choose from a variety of internships available which requires different work and responsibilities for different projects in videographer jobs in India. In the internship, the students can work as an intern assisting the camera production team, motion control operator, assistant director, assistant production controller, camera operator, and camera assistant. The main goal of the videographer career path is to teach the interns about professional work in the industry hence it requires them to be very attentive, observing huge to little details applied in film making.
Also read - Career as cinematographer
Career Path Progression for Videographer
Assistant camera operator: The roles and responsibilities of an assistant camera operator includes providing support for quality control, processing, assembly, playout, and distribution activities for pre-programmed and live content, playing a key role in the technical workflows to support distribution across linear, Video on Demand (VOD), and Over the Top (OTT) delivery.
Camera operator: As a camera operator, you are required to conceptualize, shoot & edit a variety of patient stories, along with the educational script, that drive the organization’s objectives, often under strict deadlines, in an ever-changing production landscape, able to juggle various projects, including coordinating pre-production work.
Videographer Jobs and Salaries
Assistant Camera operator
Reliance Industries Limited, Excelra Knowledge Solutions Private Limited
Contractual/Permanent
- Average Salary 40000
- Starting Salary 15000
- Junior Level Salary 15000
- Senior Level Salary 70000
Job Description
An assistant camera operator performs a variety of jobs such as arranging filming locations, handling pre-interviews, obtaining filming permissions, and setting budgets, collaborate with the Executive Producer and Manager of Operations to ensure efficient and accurate execution of all tasks, including being on the front lines with company executives, external physicians and Abiomed patients.
Salary Description
According to payscale reports, for an entry-level assistant camera operator with less than 1 years of experience, the average total compensation is somewhere around Rs.25,000 per month which includes bonus, tips, and overtime pay. The mid-level salary for assistant camera operators is Rs. 35,000 per month. The top-level salary is somewhere between Rs. 70,000 to 80,000 per month.
Camera Operator
UTV Motion Pictures
Contractual/Permanent
- Average Salary 45000
- Starting Salary 25000
- Junior Level Salary 25000
- Senior Level Salary 80000
Job Description
The roles and responsibilities of a camera operator include providing support for quality control, processing, assembly, playout, and distribution activities for pre-programmed and live content, playing a key role in the technical workflows to support distribution across linear, Video on Demand (VOD), and Over the Top (OTT) delivery, working in both multicast and live sports environments, supporting Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery teams, partnering with Live Media and other Media Operations teams and steps in to help in other areas as needed
Salary Description
For an entry-level camera operator with less than 1 year of experience, the average total compensation is somewhere around Rs.25,000 per month which includes bonuses, tips, and overtime pay. The mid-level salary for camera operators is Rs. 35,000 per month. The top-level salary is somewhere between Rs. 70,000 to 80,000 per month.
What is the job outlook for Videographer?
Videography career is one of the most prominent majors offered in the universities that offer the course, hence it is expected to get very competitive in the future. The videographer career opportunities are expected to grow as much as up to 10 per cent in the upcoming ten years. This rate of growth ensures that the competition remains fierce in this industry with new talent graduating every year and entering the field. The art of videography career is not only limited to making fictional movies.
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Frequently Asked Questions for Videographer
Que. What exactly does a videographer do?
Ans.A videographer is responsible for things like selecting a camera, film stock, lenses, and filters to depict the scene in accordance with the intentions of the director. They work alongside directors to provide films, TV shows, music videos, and television commercials with their own unique artistic style in their videographer career path. They are responsible for managing the camera and lighting crews, they are also required to supervise the selection and manipulation of technical tools to create phenomenal images on the screen.
Que. What makes a good videographer?
Ans.Videographers play an important role in the development of a film, which includes the feel and look of television and videos. They lead the lighting and camera crew. While the educational qualification for the role is a different yet necessary step, it is important to have a tight grasp of the skills required to excel as a videographer.
Que. What are the two main elements of videography?
Ans.Videographer jobs in India comprises all on-screen visual elements, including lighting, framing, composition, camera motion, camera angles, film selection, lens choices, depth of field, zoom, focus, colour, exposure, and filtration.
Que. What are the skills required to become a videographer?
Ans.A videographer must possess various skills such as technical expertise, creativity, photography skills, storytelling, problem-solving, communication skills.
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Did you know?
Fact 1
A standard reel of film that runs at 25 FPS is 1,000 feet long. These 1,000 feet of the film will produce about 11 minutes of footage.
Fact 2
The first moving picture cameras were invented towards the late 1800s, and movies were boring.
Fact 3
Most movie theaters these days use digital video projectors. The technology is called DLP which means Digital Light Processing.
Fact 4
Titanic came out in 1997 when film reels were still the only way to project a movie.
Fact 5
The Australian film The Story of the Kelly Gang was the first feature-length film in history.
