In the Job Shadow - Cinematography Careers

Behind the Scenes

Though he just graduated from New York University (NYU) Tisch School of the Arts, New York, NY, this past year, cinematography buff Ryan Richmond has already made a name for himself in the film industry. His secret? Getting a head start. While in high school, this Washington D.C. student scored internships producing promos for the Discovery Channel, editing for CNN, and working for BET. He believes the best time to get started on cinematography careers is when you're a student. "Any company is likely to open doors to high school students for internships," Richmond affirms. "They're more available and easier to get when you're younger." As a film and TV production major with a cinematography concentration at the prestigious Tisch School, Richmond continued to make his presence known. During his summers, he worked as a direct marketing associate for Eastman Kodak Company's Entertainment Imaging Division, New York, NY. He also provided freelance camera work on small budget features and music videos. "Freelancing was an extension of class," he explains. "I practiced what I was learning in school."

Camera Rolling

Probably one of the greatest learning experiences of Richmond's career thus far was working as a camera intern on Spike Lee's recent film 25th Hour. "It was the ultimate classroom," declares Richmond. "I got an unlimited backstage pass in exchange for working for him." Another highlight he cites was directing the short film Money Matters, and earning a 2001 nomination for the Independent Film Project's (IFP) Gordon Parks Award, a grant to showcase and encourage the work of African-Americans in the IFP Market. "It was the first short to be nominated for the award," he boasts. Richmond is currently working as a producer for Faith in the Hood, a documentary of faith-based rehabilitation programs in Washington, D.C. "It's a good experience as far as learning how to produce in a subject matter that is so touching."

And... Action!

Richmond does have one caveat about cinematography careers, though: Filmmaking careers are not for the faint of heart. "Coming out of school, it's a tough industry," he cautions. "Be prepared to build your way up and pay your dues." For this filmmaker, however, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. "I enjoy telling stories and making beautiful imagery," he shares. "It's worth it if you're doing what you want to do." Ultimately, Richmond's advice for future filmmakers is to get educated. "School teaches you the technical aspects of filmmaking careers, which is really beneficial when you're out there in the field," he asserts. "It puts you leagues ahead of the game."