A videographer and cinematographer: What’s the difference?
The word videographer isn’t too pretty in the eyes of any professional cinematographer who fancies themselves as a filmmaker. But honestly, we hear this word a lot and it’s becoming common.
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Professionally, a videographer is called a cinematographer or director of photography (DoP), though this term denotes direct responsibility for the visuals.
The filmmaker or videographer can also be called a producer when handling the workflow from start to finish, including coaching or collaborating with the client and developing the client’s idea. But a lot of videography is solo production and camera operating. It often starts with a solo producer or videographer of sorts. From there, decisions are made on how to further crew-up. Some hire a camera operator, camera assistant, or even a second assistant camera whose specialization includes digital imaging, and glidecam and jib operations.
Even though the word film is colloquial and doesn’t necessarily refer to film, the word filmmaker is still attractive and many videographers will steer towards the title of a filmmaker or a producer. So call your videographer a cinematographer or a producer and they’ll love you for it!
What makes a good videographer
It is never easy to start your career as a videographer. Let us give you some tips on how to start yours:
- You can start out as a sole producer or videographer. From there, you can decide on how to further crew-up.
- When it comes to producing great spots, look for the best samples. Learn how other professionals do their work. Someone’s past is a good indicator of their future.
- Interview people and chat with professionals in the field. Getting to know a good collaborative working relationship is worth just as much as experience. If someone really cares about you and what you’re trying to accomplish, you’re half-way there.
Here’s more information about online video
Must-haves for a videographer or a solo producer
If you plan to start off as a solo producer, here are a few standards to look out for:
- I recommend a proper camera that shoots at least 4K for crisp and clear image quality output.
- Invest in important support tools. Some common videography options include the Glidecam, which allows the camera to be quickly mounted on top of a metal pole that’s weighted on one end. This also allows the camera to glide smoothly through the air.
- You might also need a Gimbal and Slider, which are used in circumstances needing movement. The classic film industry and broadcast production setups are very slow which may allow your average videographer to quickly capture hundreds of images within an hour.
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If you just give your 100% commitment to learn and apply everything you have learned, then I’m sure you will be on top in no time. Vancouver videographers are starting to build their names in the industry, creating a high-level output.
Check our post about the thriving industry of online video in Vancouver
Going for the best videographer in the field
For over 10 years now, we’ve done a lot of video productions and witnessed the massive technology shifts. What was once a $100,000, or even half a million-dollar budget, is now down to a fraction. Now we see many commercials within the $10,000 range and anything below may require a videographer.
When you work with a videographer in Vancouver, you can expect to have someone organize, plan, shoot and even edit your production. All of this is often done by one single filmmaker or a videographer.
But our company often hires videographers and camera operators and we look for filmmakers all the time. I really believe in someone cross-disciplined and without industry limitations.
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In commercial and corporate filmmaking, videography is a term used alongside any small crew. And many of our productions have one, two, three or up to five total people sharing roles.
Normally, production is managed by an executive producer, such as myself. I have been in the industry for over a decade and I started in simplified production roles. I have since produced over 1,000 projects and it certainly helps to be a jack-of-all-trades in producing.
I normally work with the client and discuss their vision, outcomes and target viewer, which allows getting everything on paper in our production book document before taking any action. From there, we hire specific roles depending on which production positions are required. Often, we will need a videographer though frequently, we hire experts in editorial and animation, visual effects or motion graphics.
For nearly five years now, our company uses a camera that captures in 5K with commercial standards, which is definitely a big jump from the classic news and broadcast production camera setup.
If you’re looking for a great producer for event videography or incidental video capture of an event or location, give us a call or fire us an email today. We are more than happy to work with you. The professionalism and passion to create a wonderful product for our clients or audience make us who we are — the best in this business.
Find out more about event video production here
About the Author
Colter Ripley is the Executive Producer for Red+Ripley and a Video Producer.
We’ve been producing videos for over 18 years after winning film festivals nearly two decades ago.
Colter is certified in digital film with a specialization in cinematography. In addition, he has a multimedia diploma and handles project management and is a certified business coach.
His main focus is on collaborative and custom video production which guarantees lots of customer service and a final product that clients are excited to share!
If you’re looking at working with a great producer for animated explainer video production, definitely give us a call or fire us an email. We’ve been doing this for so many years so it’s pretty easy to quickly help.
Email us to discuss your production!