Interview Questions

Cinematographer Interview Questions

---

Cinematographers work with directors and film crews to create important visual effects for film and TV. They read through screenplays and choose appropriate lighting, angles, framing, and filters to create the mood of the film.

Whether you're a job seeker preparing to be interviewed for the role of Cinematographer or an employer preparing to interview candidates for Cinematographer position, these Cinematographer interview questions will help you prepare yourself for the job interview session.

Cinematographer Interview Questions

Below are a list of some skill-based Cinematographer interview questions.

1. What is the most advanced skill you have acquired as a cinematographer?
2. What kind of experience do you have directing studio productions? Share an experience.
3. What kind of experience do you have editing video for broadcast productions, including non-linear editing?
4. How would you go about setting the scene for the opening of a love story?
5. Can you describe a time when someone disagreed with your artistic vision?
6. How would you adjust the positions and controls of cameras, printers, and related equipment to change focus, exposure, and lighting?
7. Explain in detail how you confer with directors, sound and lighting technicians, electricians, and other crew members to discuss assignments and determine filming sequences, desired effects, camera movements, and lighting requirements.  
8. What is the most challenging part of testing, cleaning, maintaining, and repairing broadcast equipment, including testing microphones, to ensure proper working conditions?     
9. Share a process you would use to assemble studio sets, and select and arrange cameras, film stock, audio, or lighting equipment to be used during filming.     
10. Mention a time when you set up cameras, optical printers, and related equipment to produce photographs and special effects.
11. What is the most rewarding production you have worked on so far?
12. Provide a time when you dealt calmly and effectively with a high-stress situation.             
13. Name a time when your creativity or alternative thinking solved a problem in your workplace
14. Have you ever prepared slates that describe the scenes being filmed? Share an example.
15. How do you read and analyze work orders and specifications to determine locations of subject material, work procedures, sequences of operations, and machine setups?
16. Have you ever had to deal with a difficult person? How did you handle the situation?
17. How do you cope with being away from home for extended periods?
18. Share your experience operating television or motion picture cameras to record scenes for television broadcasts, advertising, or motion pictures.        
19. What method have you found useful when composing and framing each shot, applying the technical aspects of light, lenses, film, filters, and camera settings to achieve the effects sought by directors?
20. Mention a time when your patience was tested. How did you keep your emotions in check?
21. Share an experience when you applied new technology or information in your job. How did it help your company?
22. How do you balance cooperation with others and independent thinking? Share an example.
23. Share an experience in which you successfully coordinated with others. How about a coordination effort that was not as successful?
24. How much do you try to stay current with new technologies in the field by reading trade magazines? How is it helpful?              
25. Share an experience in which personal connections to coworkers or others helped you to be successful in your work. 
26. What is the most challenging part of instructing camera operators regarding camera setups, angles, distances, movement, and variables and cues for starting and stopping filming?      
27. What is the key to success with observing sets or locations for potential problems and determining filming and lighting requirements?
28. Describe an experience in which you successfully controlled the operation of a difficult system. What made you successful?
29. Provide an experience that demonstrates your ability to manage time effectively. What were the challenges and results?
30. Share an experience in which your ability to consider the costs or benefits of a potential action helped you choose the most appropriate action.

Cinematographer Interview Questions and Answers

Every interview is different and the questions may vary. However, there are lots of general questions that get asked at every interview.

Below are some common questions you'd expect during Cinematographer interviews. Click on each question to see how to answer them.

1. Why Do You Want This Job?
2. What is Your Greatest Weakness?
3. Are You a Leader or a Follower?
4. What Is Your Greatest Accomplishment?
5. Do You Have Any Questions for Us?
6. What is Your Salary Expectation?
7. Why Do You Want To Leave Your Current Job?
8. What is Your Greatest Strength?
9. Tell Me About Yourself
10. Why Should We Hire You?

---