Changing Role of Cinematographers in the Age of DigitalImagery - Research Proposal Example

The current research intends to fill the gap in research and aims to evaluate how the present-day Cinematographers perceive the changes have impacted their work environment and also the quality of work that they perform. The current research is expected to explore the changing role of the cinematographers in major Hollywood studio, with the aim of understanding if the concept of director of photography has evolved or diminished over time. Research Question The main research questions that guide the research are: -Is the theoretical and practical knowledge of cinematography still more important than using the latest technology?

-What is the role of instinct, intuition, and experience in the current arena of Cinematography? -How has the introduction of latest technology and technicians in Cinematography department altered the work environment, communications and cooperation   It is essential to ask this question as current-day cinematography is largely about lights, animation, after-effects, audio-visual effects – activities that are undertaken post the shooting (Cunningham, 2005). The work involved in Cinematography today involves personnel other than the cinematographer (LoBrutto, 1999), and hence it becomes important to understand how they work of soft factors related to communications, work-interactions, attitudes and behaviors impact on the overall cinematic process.

    Review of Literature The introduction of digital technology, the fast pace of technological advancement and the changing expectations of an audience that is increasingly tech-savvy (Hoffmann, 2008), have posed wide challenges for film cinematography (Brown, 2011; Mascelli, 2009) and spawned a new generation of cinematographers. However, personal reports from cinematographers (Rogers, 2000; Rogers, 1998; Bergery, 2002; Ellis, 2011) and several prior researches (Schaefer and Salvato, 1986)  have provided insights about probable problems and issues that digital imagery and the involvement of multiple technicians the ‘Digital Imagery specialists’ brings to cinematographer’s job (Ballinger, 2004).

While the technical quality of cinematography has improved tremendously (Greenhalgh, 2003), it appears that the intuitive and inherent talent of the cinematographers is perhaps not being utilized to the fullest (Malkiewicz and Gryboski, 2002). A preliminary review of the available literature has revealed that some work has been done, especially via interviews of cinematographer, to assess their experiences and perceptions about the profession. However, none of the previous research has aimed to specifically explore how the changes in the soft factors – the interpersonal interactions, communications, cooperation that the latest technology entails - impact on the work of the Cinematographers.

The current research, therefore, aims to provide a more holistic insight about the changes that Cinematographers have to deal with, and the impact on their work. Research Methods - In order to explore the current and changing role of cinematographers, both secondary and primary research is proposed.