4 Leadership Pro Tips Every Cinematographer Should Know

Leadership is foundational to the success of any project no matter its size and scale. As a leader, you serve as the glue that holds the team together whether it’s through effective communication, expressing gratitude, providing inspiration, or supporting your team to do what they do best. 

In this lesson, DP Shane Hurlbut, ASC discloses his four most compelling leadership skills for cinematographers to create a positive set environment. Follow along as Shane explains how to leverage each leadership skill for the best results! 

You’re going to learn: How to effectively communicate to the team to set them up for success Why it’s best to have a short-term memory when it comes to mistakes  How to lead with enthusiasm and passion to create a positive environment Why you should motivate your team with awards and recognition

#1: COMMUNICATION

 As a cinematographer, it’s your responsibility to educate your team. This starts with the script and shot list that you develop together with the director. (For an in-depth exploration of the collaboration between a director and cinematographer, refer to the course, Script to Screen: A Cinematographer’s Guidebook!)

Once you’ve outlined all the information with the director, it’s time to communicate all that information to the team. From the blocking and lighting schematics to specialty gear and special FX — and everything in between — it’s up to you to ensure your team knows what they need and what’s in store for them. 

Let’s look at it his way… Imagine a big map and say we are in Los Angeles but need to get to New York. In this analogy, information equals gas and you need enough to get across the country. 

For example, if you only do the bare minimum like completing 10 out of the 40 lighting and blocking diagrams, name a few lights you might like to use and leave out the majority of what will happen, then you’re only going to make it to as far as Colorado on the figurative map. 

As a cinematographer, Shane ALWAYS provides enough information for his team to make it to their destination. That way, they feel inspired, confident, and full of positivity! 

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