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Cinematographer

Cinematographers use cameras, lighting, and related equipment to create the desired visual mood for a film or video production.

Also Known As

Camera Operator, Director of Photography, Motion Picture Camera Operator, Videographer

NOC Codes

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.

Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.

2006 NOC

  • 5131.7: Directors of Photography

2006 NOC-S

  • F031: Producers, Directors, Choreographers and Related Occupations

2011 NOC

  • 5131: Producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations

2016 NOC

  • 5131: Producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations

2021 NOC

  • 51120: Producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations

2023 OaSIS

  • 51120.07: Directors of photography
Duties
Updated Mar 17, 2021

Cinematographers use lighting, lens selection, filtration, exposure, and focus to create a particular look. They may work on motion picture film stock, videotape, or digital files. Standard and high-definition video and film are used as original media for documentaries, national commercials, feature films, movies of the week, and television series.

A cinematographer’s primary responsibility is to define an appropriate look and determine how best to achieve it. Cinematographers must rely on their knowledge and experience to anticipate the effect production decisions will have on the final image.

In general, cinematographers may be expected to:

  • Control and create the photographic or electronic images for every second of film and video footage
  • Select the type of camera, lighting equipment, film, video camera menus, filters, and lenses to be used
  • Adjust cameras for desired focus, exposure, composition, and other settings
  • Participate in file or image processing and grading of digital file-based media and video images for computer editing
  • Work closely with directors and other production crew members

Depending on the size and scope of the project, cinematographers may also operate and set up camera and lighting equipment themselves. When working as directors of photography on big-budget, dramatic feature films or television projects, cinematographers:

  • Attend production meetings and collaborate with directors and the grip department (lighting and camera crew) regarding their needs.
  • Act as head of the camera department. The camera crew looks to the director of photography for leadership direction in all aspects of their work, including health and safety issues.
  • Direct the work of technical crews such as the grip team.
  • Prepare and administer budgets.
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 17, 2021
  • Strength Required Lift up to 5 kg

Cinematographers experience a variety of working conditions. These may depend on the type of production (for example, documentary or television series) and where a film is being shot. They may work on location in all kinds of weather or indoors on a sound stage.

Hours of work vary greatly. For example, cinematographers may have to photograph dawn over the foothills or twilight on a mountain lake. Those employed in motion pictures may work long hours (12-hour days or more) with short deadlines. Travel is often required.

The work can be stressful when last-minute changes are required or when people have conflicting expectations.

Interests & Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Directors of Photography

2006 NOC: 5131.7

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
DIRECTIVE

Interest in co-ordinating and overseeing all aspects of camera work and lighting for motion picture, video and television productions

INNOVATIVE

Interest in determining lighting specifications, lenses, camera angles, backgrounds and other elements to achieve desired visual effects

OBJECTIVE

Interest in supervising camera operators and other crews in setting up cameras and lighting equipment; and in instructing crews on technical aspects of filming such as focus settings, distances of shots and changes in lighting; may set up and operate cameras to film scenes

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation. 

It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.

Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.

A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.

A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

A Quick Guide

You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Learn About Abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 17, 2021

Cinematographers need:

  • Creativity and talent
  • An appreciation for the composition and feel of visual images
  • A willingness to put in long hours practising their art, developing their own style, and keeping up with technological changes
  • Communication and leadership skills
  • Interpersonal and networking skills to successfully market their work
  • Entrepreneurial skills to be successfully self-employed as an artist
  • An ability to visualize the finished product before its completion
  • An ability to learn by doing
  • An ability to work alone or cooperatively on a team

They should enjoy directing and coordinating camera and lighting work, finding innovative ways to do things, working with equipment, collaborating with others, and leading teams.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations

2016 NOC: 5131

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 42 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jun 02, 2022 and Nov 22, 2024.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Attention to detail
Work under pressure
Tasks: Supervise staff or team
Tasks: Co-ordinate and direct the photography of production
Tasks: Plan, organize and direct the artistic aspects of production
Effective interpersonal skills
Tasks: Determine lighting, lenses, camera angles and backgrounds
Organized
Excellent oral communication
Manufacturing Sector Experience: 3-4 people
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 17, 2021
  • Minimum Education Varies

Cinematographers need a solid grounding in both the theoretical and technical aspects of the work. It is still possible to enter the field by gaining practical experience. For example, an individual may work as a videographer or as a part of the camera department within sectors such as film and television. However, advancing through this path can take many years.

There are no post-secondary programs specifically in cinematography currently offered in Alberta.

The Film and Video Arts Society of Alberta (FAVA) and the Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers (CSIF) offer courses in cinematography on an as-needed basis. Post-secondary schools also may offer related continuing education courses.

Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

Alberta University of the Arts
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
Prairie College

To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:

Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 17, 2021
  • Certification Not Regulated

For those seeking certification as a director of photography, the requirements and application information can be found on the International Cinematographers Guild (ICG 669) website.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 17, 2021

Most cinematographers are self-employed artists who work on a contract basis for:

  • Production companies
  • Television studios
  • Advertising agencies
  • Independent film producers
  • Others involved in making films, videos, documentaries, or advertising features (such as independent music videos or local commercials)

To gain experience, aspiring cinematographers may work as lighting or grip technicians, camera assistants, or camera operators. Or they may volunteer on independent film or video productions or with local cable production companies. With experience, they may find work as camera assistants for established cinematographers. The Film and Video Arts Society of Alberta (FAVA) and the Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers (CSIF) serve as resource centres for inexperienced cinematographers who wish to gain experience by volunteering for film projects.

Large production houses such as the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and the National Film Board (NFB) have a few full-time cinematographers on staff. Most often, though, they contract work out to freelance cinematographers.

For those on contract, work may be erratic depending on the needs of the market.

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations
2016 NOC: 5131

76.8% of people in this occupational group work in:

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

3-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations
2021 NOC: 51120
Lower
Demand
< 1500
Employed

Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations
2016 NOC: 5131
2.7%
Annual Growth
(Above Average)
60
New Positions

Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 17, 2021

Cinematographers’ incomes depend on their talent and experience. Freelance cinematographers negotiate contracts on a job-by-job basis. Incomes may vary considerably from person to person, and from year to year. For those working within a union such as the International Cinematographers Guild (ICG) Local 669, wage guidelines are set out in the union agreement.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations

2016 NOC: 5131
Average Wage
$39.29
Per Hour
Average Salary
$78,713.00
Per Year
Average Hours
38.6
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 5131 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.

B: Good Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.


Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $17.44 $37.96 $31.41 $32.00
Overall $20.89 $46.61 $39.29 $43.14
Top $26.84 $50.35 $42.21 $44.77

Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Information, Culture, Recreation
Health Care & Social Assistance
Public Administration

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
36%
36%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
15%
15%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
0%
0%
Vacancy Rate
N/A
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Communications
  • Fine Arts and Performing Arts
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 17, 2021

Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers (CSIF) website: www.csif.org

Canadian Society of Cinematographers (CSC) website: www.csc.ca

Film and Video Arts Society of Alberta (FAVA) website: fava.ca

International Cinematographers Guild (ICG) Local 669 website: icg669.com

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 17, 2021. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.

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