Difference Between Film-making And Cinematography
Film-making and cinematography are two distinct aspects of film production. While film-making involves the entire process of making a film, cinematography stands for a particular aspect of film-making. Cinematography is focused on capturing visuals in creative ways through lighting, angles, techniques and movements to effectively narrate the cinema world to the audience.
Directors like Christopher Nolan,Akiro Kurosawa, Martin Scorsese and others are known for their effective method of storytelling through complex and artistic visuals. Understanding the major difference between Film-making and Cinematography is important for aspiring film-makers and cinephiles. This article explores Film-making vs Cinematography, as well as the difference between a film-maker and a cinematographer.
What Is Film-making ?
Film-making is an artistic expression to convey emotions, messages and also stands as representations of reality. It is a creative process of narrating a story which can be inspired or imagined. Film-making comprises various stages of film production, from idea to conceptualisation.
Key Stages of Filmmaking:
Pre-production
Idea generation
Story board
Casting and location selection
Budgeting
Production
Shooting of the film
Capturing visuals that encapsulate aesthetic elements
Post-Production
Editing and sound design
Colour grading
Distribution
What Is Cinematography ?
Cinematography can be perceived as the soul of film-making. It is an important aspect in film production where the depth of the story is portrayed through various lighting techniques and angles. It is through the creative freedom of the director that a memorable film is born. For effective conveying of the film’s emotional elements, cinematography plays a crucial role.
Key Aspects of Cinematography:
Angle and Movements
Lighting and Exposure
Colour
Depth of Field
Lens Selection
Framing
What Is The Difference Between Film-making And Cinematography?
Film-making vs cinematography, what exactly is the difference between these two terms? Difference between film-making and cinematography exist in various aspects including their definition, scope and salaries.Below, we explore their key differences.
Differences | Filmmaking | Cinematography |
Skill and Education | Basic understanding of all aspects of film-making is necessary to become a film-maker. Good storytelling skills are mandatory to excel as a filmmaker. Familiarity with the editing process is required so that the idea is executed effectively through shooting and editing. A degree in film making, digital media or any related-field is preferred for a filmmaker. | Skilled in camera and understanding of various camera techniques is essential. Ability to effectively incorporate lighting, angle, colour and exposure into the frame to impactfully capture the shot. Skill to imagine the frame and execute it with visually aesthetic elements are key skills to become an outstanding cinematographer. |
Scope | The process of film-making from the beginning to completion encompasses various stages like screen writing, direction, production, editing and distribution. The director is the authority in filmmaking who oversees the entire production process to ensure smooth operation. | The visual aspects are the primary element in cinematography which is enhanced through good camera work, framing and colour grading. The cinematographer or director of photography captures the emotional essence of the film through visual style. |
Earning Potential | A film-maker with more than 15 years of experience in the industry typically earns between Rs. 3.6 lakhs Rs. 9.2 lakhs on an annual basis. But an established director in the industry can demand significantly higher pay,sometimes up to crores per project. | Entry-level cinematographer’s payment scale ranges between Rs. 0.2 Lakh - Rs. 6.3 lakhs per annum.This payment scale can vary depending on the experience and skill-level of the cinematographer. |
(Salary Source: Ambitionbox)
Cinematography vs film-making are interconnected and inter-dependent areas and if executed effectively can create a cinematic gem. Familiarising ourselves with the difference between a film-maker and a cinematographer helps us to appreciate the effort and talent required to bring a concept of film to life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A film-maker focuses on the entire process of creating a film. They can be anyone involved in the creation of a film including directors, writers and producers. While a cinematographer mainly focuses on visual elements and story telling through lighting, angle and framing.
A cinematographer with extensive experience and popularity in the industry earns significantly higher payment which can range up to crores per project. An entry-level film-maker makes an average of Rs. 0.2 lakh - Rs.9 lakhs per year.
To become a cinematographer earning a degree in film studies or related fields is highly-recommended. Building a portfolio and gaining experience are stepping stones to become a successful cinematographer.
Yes, cinematography is a part of film-making. The film-making involves the entire process of creating a film, while cinematography deals with the visual aspects like lighting, angle and frame.
Film-maker and director are terms that are used interchangeably. But a director holds a specific role in the creative process of film-making. While a film-maker is a more broader term that involves anyone who takes part in the process of film creation like producer, writers and also director.