Programs in cinematography and film/video production prepare people to communicate dramatic works through the making of films and videos. Students learn about the different theories of film and its history. They also study the different techniques for setting up, recording, and editing moving images.
In the early days of film, the director was also the person who wrote the script and held the camera. As films became more complex, the different roles became separated. While cinematographers make technical choices about movement and light, the heart of their work is artistic. The way a scene is framed and the way the camera focuses on the subject contributes to the overall mood and emotions of a film or video. The way you feel after viewing a film is greatly influenced by the cinematographer's use of the camera.
The marriage of art and technical skills can be studied through cinematography and film/video production programs. Many schools offer programs in this field. Two-year programs typically offer a certificate or associate degree. They teach you the basic skills you need to use a camera, edit film, and manage sounds. Four-year bachelor's degree programs allow you to investigate the art of cinematography and film/video production while increasing your command of the techniques. Over 80 schools offer a bachelor's degree.
If you're intrigued more by the capturing of mood and emotion on film, a master's of fine arts (MFA) degree is probably the best bet for you. In these programs, you take formal courses. However, the majority of your instruction centers on the production of films and videos. You learn the craft through the experience, as well as the feedback from your peers.
Some schools separate the study of cinematography from film/video production. Cinematography focuses more on the ways to capture dramatic elements through the use of cameras. Film/video production focuses on editing, film audio, and how to make certain types of films and videos. Learning how to use computer software is a big component of this type of program. However, digital cinema is rapidly gaining ground. Even if you choose to focus on cinematography, learning how to manipulate digital cameras may be a focus of your program.
In general, programs in cinematography and film/video production include courses in the theory of film, film production, and editing. There is lots of hands-on training included. You usually are assigned many projects in which you shoot and edit your own mini-movies and videos. You also study the works of established cinematographers.