Cinematography Professor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of visual storytelling, the role of the cinematography professor has never been more crucial.

As the film industry evolves, the demand for knowledgeable minds capable of shaping, enhancing, and preserving our understanding of cinematography escalates.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from a cinematography professor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the depth of this role,
• A department head sculpting the ideal candidate profile,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of cinematography teaching,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable cinematography professor job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or academic career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Cinematography Professor Duties and Responsibilities

Cinematography Professors are responsible for teaching and instructing students on all aspects of cinematography.

They use their knowledge of film production, photography, lighting, and camera work to guide aspiring cinematographers.

The following are some of the typical duties and responsibilities of a Cinematography Professor:

• Plan and deliver lectures on various aspects of cinematography, such as camera work, lighting, editing, and film production
• Design and implement curriculum, ensuring it is in line with current industry standards and practices
• Conduct practical sessions for students to gain hands-on experience
• Evaluate student performance, providing constructive feedback to help them improve
• Stay updated with the latest developments and trends in cinematography
• Guide and supervise student projects and film shoots
• Assist students with developing their portfolios
• Publish research papers and articles in academic journals
• Participate in departmental meetings and contribute to the overall development of the program
• Assist in the acquisition and maintenance of film equipment and other necessary resources for the department

 

Cinematography Professor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a knowledgeable and passionate Cinematography Professor to join our faculty team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching students about the technical and aesthetic aspects of cinematography, guiding them in the development of their creative visions, and providing mentorship on their projects.

The ideal candidate will have a strong professional background in cinematography, a love for teaching, and the ability to inspire and motivate students.

They should possess a deep understanding of both traditional and digital cinema techniques and be up-to-date with the latest cinematography trends and technologies.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver engaging course content in the field of cinematography
• Mentor students on their individual projects and provide constructive feedback
• Stay current with the latest developments in cinematography and integrate them into the curriculum
• Conduct research and contribute to academic scholarship in the field of cinematography
• Participate in departmental meetings and serve on faculty committees
• Evaluate student performance and provide academic advising
• Contribute to the development of the department’s strategic plan

 

Qualifications

• A minimum of a Master’s degree in Cinematography, Film Studies, or a related field. A PhD is preferred.
• Professional experience as a cinematographer or director of photography
• Experience in teaching or mentoring in the field of cinematography
• Familiarity with a variety of camera systems and post-production software
• Strong presentation and communication skills
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse student body
• A published body of work or filmography would be advantageous

 

Benefits

• 401(k) retirement plan
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities
• Access to campus amenities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Cinematography Professor
• Work Environment: University campus. Some travel may be required for academic conferences or film festivals.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of the Film Department.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and academic considerations.
• Pay Range: $50,000 minimum to $90,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our institution. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and teaching philosophy, and a sample of your cinematography work or research to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Cinematography Professor Do?

A Cinematography Professor typically works at colleges, universities or film schools.

They are responsible for teaching students about the art and technique of movie photography.

They design and deliver lessons on a variety of topics including camera operation, lighting techniques, visual storytelling, color theory, film editing, and the history of cinematography.

They often use a combination of lectures, practical exercises, and film screenings in their teaching.

Cinematography Professors also guide students through the production of their own short films or scenes, providing critical feedback and helping them to understand and apply cinematographic principles.

They also stay updated with the latest film technology and techniques, and incorporate them into their teaching to prepare students for the realities of the film industry.

Additionally, they may conduct research in their field, write academic papers, and participate in faculty meetings and committees.

Outside of the classroom, Cinematography Professors can be found mentoring students, advising on film projects, and contributing to the development of the institution’s cinematography curriculum.

 

Cinematography Professor Qualifications and Skills

A competent cinematography professor should possess a range of skills and qualifications to effectively teach the subject, including:

• Advanced knowledge of film-making and cinematography techniques and concepts to provide comprehensive education to students.
• Experience in the film industry to share real-world insights and practical applications of learned theories.
• Excellent communication skills to clearly explain complex cinematography concepts and techniques.
• Ability to motivate and inspire students to explore their creativity and develop their own unique filmmaking style.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build connections with students, understand their learning needs, and adjust teaching methods accordingly.
• Experience in using various filmmaking equipment and software to teach students how to use them effectively.
• Ability to design, plan, and implement effective lesson plans that facilitate active learning experiences.
• Patience and adaptability to address various learning styles and paces among students.
• Strong organizational skills to manage class schedules, grading, and other administrative tasks.

 

Cinematography Professor Experience Requirements

Candidates for the role of a Cinematography Professor typically have at least a Master’s degree in Cinematography or a related field such as Film Studies or Visual Arts.

Professors are expected to have a thorough understanding of the theory and practice of cinematography, often gained through significant personal experience in the film industry.

A minimum of 5 to 7 years of professional experience in the film or television industry as a cinematographer, director of photography, or a similar role is generally required.

The candidate should have a comprehensive understanding of camera equipment, lighting, and other aspects of film production.

As professors, they are also expected to have some previous teaching or mentoring experience, preferably at the college level.

This could be as an assistant professor, adjunct professor, or guest lecturer.

Candidates with a strong portfolio demonstrating their cinematic abilities and creative vision, as well as academic publications in the field of cinematography, are particularly desirable.

Individuals applying for a senior or tenured position as a Cinematography Professor might need to have a minimum of 10 years of professional and teaching experience, including some time spent in a leadership or managerial role in an academic setting.

Additionally, staying updated with the latest technologies and trends in the field of cinematography and having a willingness to continuously learn and adapt are considered valuable assets for this role.

 

Cinematography Professor Education and Training Requirements

Cinematography Professors typically hold a Master’s degree or Doctorate in Film Studies, Cinematography, or a related field.

They must have in-depth knowledge of film theory, film history, and the technical aspects of film production including lighting, sound, and digital and film cameras.

It is also beneficial for them to have knowledge in areas such as film editing, film production and directing, screenplay writing, and visual effects.

Prior professional experience in the film industry, such as working as a cinematographer, director, editor, or other relevant roles is highly preferred.

This experience provides practical insights that can greatly enhance their teaching.

Teaching experience is also usually required, often including experience teaching at the collegiate level.

In some cases, substantial professional experience may substitute for some portion of the teaching experience requirement.

Some institutions may require Cinematography Professors to have a portfolio of their work or their students’ work, demonstrating their expertise and teaching effectiveness.

In addition to teaching, Cinematography Professors are often expected to contribute to their field through research, publications, presentations at conferences, and active involvement in professional organizations.

Continuing education and staying updated with the latest technologies and trends in cinematography and filmmaking is essential.

 

Cinematography Professor Salary Expectations

A Cinematography Professor earns an average salary of $75,000 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can differ depending on factors such as the individual’s years of experience, the prestige of the institution they work at, and the geographical location of the university.

 

Cinematography Professor Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Cinematography Professor need?

A Cinematography Professor typically needs to have a Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Film Studies, Cinematography or a related field.

They should have a substantial amount of professional experience in the film industry, as well as a proven track record of teaching in an academic setting.

In some cases, significant professional experience in cinematography may substitute for formal education.

 

What are the primary responsibilities of a Cinematography Professor?

A Cinematography Professor is responsible for teaching students about film production techniques, camera operations, lighting, and editing.

They also develop course syllabi, lecture on various topics, evaluate student performance, conduct research, publish scholarly work, and stay updated with the latest industry trends.

Additionally, they may mentor students and advise them on career opportunities in the film industry.

 

What skills are important for a Cinematography Professor?

A Cinematography Professor should have exceptional knowledge of film history, theory, and technique.

They should be proficient in using industry-standard equipment and software.

Strong communication skills are crucial for lecturing and providing feedback to students.

They should also have good organizational skills for planning lectures and grading assignments.

Lastly, they should possess a passion for film and a dedication to educating the next generation of filmmakers.

 

What should you look for in a Cinematography Professor’s resume?

Check for advanced degrees in relevant fields and professional experience in the film industry.

Look for any awards or recognition they have received for their work.

Additionally, any published research or scholarly articles can be a strong indicator of expertise.

Teaching experience, particularly at the college or university level, is also an important factor to consider.

 

Is it challenging to hire a Cinematography Professor?

Hiring a Cinematography Professor can be challenging because it requires finding someone with both industry experience and the ability to effectively communicate and teach that knowledge to students.

This combination of skills can be rare, so the hiring process may take longer than expected.

However, the richness of their experience and knowledge can significantly enhance the quality of education provided to students.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you a behind-the-scenes look at what being a Cinematography Professor truly entails.

And guess what?

It’s not just about teaching film techniques.

It’s about molding future cinematic visionaries, one lesson at a time.

With our comprehensive Cinematography Professor job description template and authentic examples, you’re well-prepared to take action.

But why stop there?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating meticulously detailed listings or refining your CV to perfection.

Remember:

Every lesson you teach is a part of the greater narrative.

Let’s shape that narrative. Together.

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