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​*APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED*

 

What is Future Cinematographers?

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Future Cinematographers is a new talent development programme from Hatch Films, in partnership with NBCUniversal, designed to support the next wave of UK-based cinematographers. Building on the success of our Future Producers initiative, this programme is tailored for emerging DoPs who are ready to take the next step in their careers.

Through a combination of workshops, mentoring, participants will gain the experience, build confidence, and develop both their creative and professional skillsets. Whether you’re self-taught, working on indie projects, or a camera assistant looking to step up — this is your chance to grow your craft, expand your network, and advance your journey as a cinematographer.

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This 12 month programme consists of: 

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  • 4 day intensive workshop 

  • 1 paid placement on an NBCU production per participant

  • Masterclasses spread throughout the year 

  • Networking, events and more

  • Opportunity for paid placement on an NBCU production per participant

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By the end of this programme, you will...
 

  • Be considered for potential placement on an NBCU production based on selection and availability 

  • Deepen your understanding of on-set responsibilities and dynamics

  • Feel more confident in communicating your creative vision and collaborating effectively with directors, producers, and crew.

  • Understand how to manage relationships and navigate the professional expectations of working with production teams, and Heads of Department.

  • Be equipped with strategies to support your mental health and wellbeing as a working cinematographer.

  • Have developed a clearer sense of your skills and how to shape your career path

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To be a selected as candidate for the Future Cinematographers programme, you must fulfil the following criteria;
 

  • You have not yet worked professionally as a lead cinematographer (DoP) on a high-end TV or big budget feature film. 

  • You may have taken on the role of cinematographer/DoP on short films, branded content or low-budget independent projects.

  • You may have experience as a camera assistant or similar on larger productions and are now looking to step up into the cinematographer role 

  • You are looking to build both experience and confidence in the cinematographer role

  • You are ready to benefit from mentoring, masterclasses and a paid work placement opportunity  on a professional HETV or studio film production

  • be available to attend the full 2 day development sessions, taking place across 2 dates: 6th & 7th of May at NBCUniversal, 1 St Giles High St, London, WC2H 8NU. (We will be accommodating all access requirements)

  • be 18+, based in the UK and eligible to work in the UK. 

  • Ability to travel to Central London and to shoot locations (shoot locations TBC based on production placements

 

If you have any questions about the programme, entry requirements, the application process or problems with this page please email talent@hatch-films.com

Please save your answers as they won't save as you go if you leave and return to the page. 

Eligibility & Basics

Are you available to take part in the programme on 6th & 7th May 2025?
Are you currently working in the camera department?
How many years of experience do you have working in the camera department?
Have you previously worked on a professional scripted or unscripted production in TV, Film or Commerical?

Your Goals & Vision

As part of the application process, we'd love to hear from you in the form of a video, this does not have to be polished or filmed on anything other than your phone or laptop camera, we're not looking at production values we just want to put a face to the name and hear a little bit more about you and your journey so far. 

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Please use the upload below for your video and make sure to include:

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  • No more than 4 minutes please

  • Introduce yourself with name and where you're based 

  • Anything else about you that you want us to know

  • Above all else, have fun with it!  

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Please also answer the below four questions: 

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  • What excites you about becoming a Director of Photography (DOP)?

  • Where do you see yourself in 3–5 years, and how does this programme help you get there?

  • Tell us about a time you made a creative decision on a shoot – what was it and what was the impact?

  • What are your biggest strengths and gaps when it comes to stepping up to DOP?

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If you have any questions about the programme, entry requirements, the application process or problems with this page please email talent@hatch-films.com

Upload Vido

Your Experience & Approach

Have you ever led a small team or mentored anyone on set?

How confident are you in the following areas? (Very confident, confident, somewhat confident, not confident) 

What types of productions have you worked on? Required

On-going Support

Would you be happy for Hatch Films to track your career progress for reporting and support purposes after the programme?

Once submitted, please do not close or refresh the page.
Please wait until the "we've received your application!" message to confirm you're application has gone through. 


You will also recieve an email confirmation of your application, if you do not recieve this, please email your answers and video to talent@hatch-films.com with the subject line "Future Cinematographers Application" 

We have received your application! Well be in touch with you soon. If you have any questions please email talent@hatch-films.com

You will also receive a confirmation email for your application. 


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