howdie! I am a twenty-year-old aspiring cinematographer, I've made a fair few shorts on video (and will hopefully get the chance to play with some 16mm later this year) but all the skills I have are purely a result of experimentation, and although I've been told I have a natural talent behind the camera *blushes* I lack concrete technical knowledge and expertise. So I was wondering if anyone had any advice on what I can do to learn more and hopefully become a professional cinematographer one day.
Are the courses at the nfts, lfs, etc. worth the money? Is it possible to get an apprenticeship with an established dp? or is it best to start as a runner and work my way up? or to continue teaching myself and enter my work in festivals in the hope of impressing someone? if so, are there any books you recommend?
It's been my dream to work in the film industry for many years now, but I just don't know where to go from here, and have no one to ask! So any help would be very greatly appreciated.
Thanking you in advance *offers tea and biscuits all round*
Lucy x
