I have a passion for film and would
love to become a
cinematographer. I am worried about the physical requirements of the job
though. Although I am a hard worker and have a great deal of mental stamina,
physically I am only about 5'5" and weigh 110 lbs. How do female DPs compete
with the men who dominate the field? Are my chances of making it
dramatically reduced?
cinematographer. I am worried about the physical requirements of the job
though. Although I am a hard worker and have a great deal of mental stamina,
physically I am only about 5'5" and weigh 110 lbs. How do female DPs compete
with the men who dominate the field? Are my chances of making it
dramatically reduced?
--Melissa
Your physical stature has absolutely no bearing on making it as a DP..
being
a female, however, does. The industry is slowly coming out of
the dark ages
as far as employing women is concerned. In the US there are now
a number of
very successful female DP's, as well as Electricians, grips etc.
It's a
slower change in the UK, but it's happening. There are a lot
of female
assistants in the camera department: hopefully they will continue on
to
become DP's. One irony of the situation is that when a female
DP does shoot
a major feature film, she tends to get a lot of attention! My
best advice
is to just concentrate on doing what you want to do, and wear jeans
to work!