Summary
Learn from Carmen Cabana, a celebrated cinematographer whose work spans 52 episodes of TV and 25 feature films, including Blumhouse’s NOCTURNE and Netflix’s NARCOS!
PLUS! You’ll receive handouts including a cinematographer's role overview, a skills and tools checklist, and networking tips and tricks.
Cinematography is more than just capturing beautiful visuals; it’s about storytelling, collaboration, and technical mastery. With the rapid evolution of technology and storytelling demands in film and television, now is the perfect time to understand what it takes to succeed in this competitive field. This webinar offers an essential foundation for anyone aspiring to turn their passion for cinematography into a thriving career.
Breaking into cinematography can feel like a Catch-22—you need experience to land your first job, but how do you gain that experience without opportunities? Many emerging creatives struggle to navigate the technical, creative, and business sides of the role. Without guidance, it’s easy to overlook key skills like collaboration with the crew, building a strong demo reel, or selecting the right gear. This exclusive Stage 32 webinar will help you break through these barriers and set you on the path to success with actionable advice from an industry leader.
Your host, Carmen Cabana, is an acclaimed cinematographer celebrated by VARIETY, AMERICAN CINEMATOGRAPHER, and ICG MAGAZINE. Raised in Colombia and Venezuela, Carmen brings a rich cultural perspective to her storytelling. Her impressive credits include NARCOS S2 (NETFLIX), MS. MARVEL (DISNEY+), THE BIG CIGAR (APPLE+), VIDA (STARZ), and many more. With a portfolio spanning 52 TV episodes, 25 independent films, and high-profile commercials for brands like DORITOS, DISCOVER, and beyond, Carmen is here to share her wealth of knowledge and help you achieve your goals.
You will walk away with a deep understanding of the cinematographer’s role and their involvement across every stage of production, from development to post. Gain invaluable insights into the technical expertise and collaboration skills essential for success on set, practical strategies for breaking into the industry, and guidance on creating a standout demo reel. Whether you’re just starting or seeking to advance your career, this webinar equips you with the tools and knowledge to excel in the competitive world of cinematography!
PLUS! You Will Receive the Following Handouts:
- A comprehensive overview of the cinematographer's role.
- Key skills and tools checklist for cinematographers.
- Networking tips and tricks.
What You'll Learn
The role of the cinematographer
- The overview
- The Cinematographers involvement in each stage (development, prep, shooing, post)
- The key skills needed for success (tech and beyond)
- Understanding the Cinematographer's relationship to other key crew
How to get started in the industry
- Finding work
- Getting on set and working your way up
- Learning other roles to enhance your marketability and expertise
Important Gear and Tools for the job
- Should you buy a camera?
- Lighting, lenses and cameras
- Ways to learn and get experience
Other Steps for Success
- Building a demo reel that gets you work
- Finding your team (AC, Gaffer, etc)
- The importance of Networking- Tips & Tricks
Q&A with Carmen
Who Should Attend
- Aspiring cinematographers eager to start their careers.
- Filmmakers looking to deepen their understanding of the cinematographer’s role.
Executive
Carmen Cabana is a cinematographer of Afro-Hispanic descent raised in Colombia and Venezuela whose work has been recognized in magazines like VARIETY, AMERICAN CINEMATOGRAPHER and ICG Magazine. She has shot 52 episodes of TV including: “MAL DE AMORES” (Netflix), “GOOD AMERICAN FAMILY” (Hulu); "THE BIG CIGAR" (Apple+), Bad Robot’s pilot "DUSTER" (HBO), "MS. MARVEL" (Disney+) , "RESIDENT EVIL" (Netflix), "CITY ON FIRE" (Apple+), “NARCOS S2” (Netflix), "HIGH FIDELITY" (HULU), “PRETTY LITTLE LIARS ORIGINAL SIN S2” (HBO); "VIDA S1/S2" (STARZ/BIG BEACH), "LOS ANGELES" pilot (AMAZON).
Her film work includes 25 independent features including Blumhouse/Amazon's: "NOCTURNE" starring Sydney Sweeney and Silk Media/Mucho MAS horror film “ROSARIO”.
Her commercial work includes brands like: Doritos, Elf, Square, Philips Norelco, Discover, Scott, Enmarket among others.
Carmen's years of experience and ability for understanding story, capturing emotion and visual dynamism has catapulted her towards the top choices for cinematographers. Quick to adapt and collaborate with locals, Carmen has filmed in 16 US states, Mexico, Malta, Cuba, South Africa and Colombia.
She is represented by UTA.