You want your cover letter to strike the perfect balance between being professional and showing some personality. But how do you achieve this?
If you write too formally, your tone may come across as stiff. If you're too casual, it may sound overly conversational.
While modesty is always valued, how can you confidently present your skills without sounding arrogant or boastful?
This guide will help you find the right balance, ensuring your cover letter is both professional and personable, while focusing on the key job requirements.
Cover letter examples for cinematographer
Explore additional cinematographer cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Junior Cinematographer
- Emphasised Technical Expertise: Highlighting proficiency with specific equipment such as the Sony FX6 and software like Adobe Premiere and DaVinci Resolve is crucial for a cinematographer role, demonstrating technical competence to potential employers.
- Impactful Achievements: Including measurable outcomes like increased viewership engagement and reduced setup times showcases the candidate's ability to deliver tangible results and make a positive impact on production efficiency.
- Team Collaboration and Leadership: Showcasing experience in leading international productions and mentoring a diverse team underscores the candidate's leadership skills and ability to work collaboratively in dynamic environments.
- Advanced Education and Certifications: The candidate's formal education in Film and Television and specific courses like 'Advanced Cinematography Skills' and 'Professional Post-Production Techniques' reinforce their specialised knowledge and continuous learning attitude.
Senior Cinematographer
- Highlighted Expertise: The cover letter emphasises over 12 years of experience in film editing, motion graphics, and storytelling, making it clear that the candidate has a profound depth of knowledge and skill relevant to the role.
- Achievements and Results: It showcases tangible outcomes, such as a 45% increase in viewer engagement and 25% boost in product sales, demonstrating the candidate's ability to drive significant results and add value.
- Industry Recognition and Awards: Highlighting awards such as the Best Animated Short at the London Animation Awards underscores the candidate's ability to deliver high-quality work that meets industry standards and garners prestigious accolades.
- Demonstrable Leadership: By mentioning the supervision and mentoring of junior editors and the development of innovative storytelling techniques, the letter illustrates the candidate's leadership and creative problem-solving skills.
Lead Cinematographer
- Highlighting specific achievements such as the transition to 4K video production and its impact on project quality and client satisfaction can demonstrate expertise and leadership abilities in adopting new technologies.
- Emphasising experience with drone videography and its effect on audience engagement can resonate in a specialised field like real estate, where aerial footage can significantly enhance property visuals.
- Including quantifiable results, such as the 40% increase in client engagement and improvements in viewership, effectively showcases the ability to produce tangible business outcomes through videography skills.
- Mentioning proficiency in both video production and advanced techniques, such as animation and motion graphics, reflects a comprehensive skill set that is highly valuable in creative roles within the real estate industry.
By Role
Assistant Cinematographer
- Emphasises advanced video editing skills and experience, which are crucial for a Photo & Video Production Specialist role, particularly highlighting efficiency improvements and innovative techniques.
- Makes strong use of past leadership experiences and client relationship management skills to demonstrate capability in project leadership and a direct positive impact on client retention rates, essential for roles requiring project and client management.
- Highlights relevant certifications and courses like "Advanced Video Editing Techniques" and "Social Media Marketing Specialisation", adding credibility and showcasing dedication to professional development within the field.
- Showcases achievements such as winning an award for a video campaign, offering concrete evidence of industry recognition and success in executing high-impact projects.
Documentary Cinematographer
- Highlighting specialised certifications, such as the FAA Drone Pilot Certification, underscores expertise in niche areas relevant to the role of a Camera Operator.
- Emphasising technical skills like Adobe Creative Cloud proficiency demonstrates capability in essential tools for video production and editing.
- Including achievements such as contributing to award-winning projects and increasing project completion rates showcases proven impact and success in past roles.
- Detailing experience in leadership roles, such as leading complex shot lists and team direction, conveys strong project management and team collaboration skills.
Feature Film Cinematographer
- Highlight Relevant Experience: Mia Ward effectively emphasises her extensive 10 years of videography experience, a crucial factor for potential employers seeking skilled professionals in videography.
- Emphasise Achievements: The cover letter includes specific achievements, such as increasing client satisfaction and efficiency, which demonstrates Mia's capability to enhance business performance.
- Skills and Education: The inclusion of specific skills like Creative Storytelling and advanced educational background, particularly the Master of Arts in Film Production, underlines Mia's qualification and suitability for the role.
- Quantifiable Results: Mia consistently provides quantifiable results, such as improving team proficiency by 30%, showcasing her effectiveness in delivering outcome-focused contributions.
Television Show Cinematographer
- Highlight of relevant certifications: The cover letter mentions a "Virtual Production Certification" from Escape Studios, which is crucial for roles involving modern filmmaking techniques.
- Emphasis on specialised skills: Skills such as "Cinematic composition" and "Techvis creation" are spotlighted, showcasing capability in essential areas for a Previs Artist.
- Focus on measurable achievements: The letter notes a project led by the applicant that improved workflow efficiency by 25%, underscoring an ability to drive significant enhancements.
- Inclusion of industry-specific software proficiency: Mention of tools like "Maya," "Unreal Engine," and "Nuke" conveys a strong technical background essential for this role.
Music Video Cinematographer
- Highlighting Relevant Experience: Isabelle effectively showcases her experience by detailing her roles and achievements in previous positions, such as leading a team at BBC Studios to produce a documentary series and implementing motion graphics at Sky UK to boost engagement.
- Emphasising Technical Skills: The cover letter highlights proficiency in essential tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Adobe Premiere, and Adobe After Effects, emphasising technical expertise crucial for a videographer role.
- Showcasing Quantifiable Achievements: Isabelle quantifies her impact with statistical evidence, like a 30% increase in viewership and 50% rise in social media engagement, to provide concrete proof of her contributions.
- Presenting Education and Continued Learning: Listing her academic background in Media Production and Film and Television, along with completed courses like 'Advanced Video Editing Techniques', underscores a commitment to learning and growth in her field.
Commercial Cinematographer
- Specific Experience: The cover letter highlights Alice's extensive experience in virtual production and specific expertise with Unreal Engine, signalling her proficiency and industry knowledge, which are critical for a role specialising in virtual production.
- Quantified Achievements: By stating achievements like reducing project timelines by 20% and improving collaborative project success rates by 25%, the cover letter effectively demonstrates Alice's impact in previous roles, making her contributions tangible and impressive.
- Relevant Skills and Technologies: Mentioning technical competencies like ICVFX systems, Python scripting, and OCIO/ACES colour pipeline directly addresses key skills needed in virtual production, ensuring the cover letter aligns well with job requirements.
- Continuous Development: The inclusion of courses related to Unreal Engine and virtual production indicates a commitment to ongoing learning and staying updated with industry advancements, which is crucial in technology-driven fields.
Aerial Cinematographer
- Quantifiable Achievements: The cover letter effectively uses quantifiable metrics, such as increasing digital viewership by 150% and improving client engagement by 60%, which offers tangible proof of the applicant's impact.
- Industry Experience: Extensive experience across major media outlets like The Guardian, VICE Media, and BBC Studios highlights the applicant's deep industry expertise and credibility in the field of cinematography.
- Skills and Specialisations: The letter clearly outlines specialised skills such as Advanced Cinematic Filmmaking and Colour Grading, indicating technical proficiency essential for the role.
- Educational Background: Advanced studies, including a Master of Arts in Film Studies, establish a strong theoretical foundation in film, enhancing the applicant's understanding of visual storytelling strategies.
Underwater Cinematographer
- Industry-Relevant Experience: Oscar's cover letter successfully highlights over five years of experience in photography with specific roles that demonstrate his expertise and achievements in both creative and sales-driven environments.
- Specific Technical Skills: Details such as proficiency in Adobe Lightroom and handling of advanced Canon equipment emphasise his technical capabilities, which are crucial for a photographer's role.
- Quantifiable Achievements: The cover letter effectively includes data-driven accomplishments, such as a 35% increase in sales of photo packages and a 40% increase in return business, showcasing his impact-driven approach.
- Educational Background: Listing advanced education credentials, such as a Master's degree in Photography, provides credibility and demonstrates a commitment to professional development in the field.
Wildlife Cinematographer
- Highlighting Relevant Experience: The cover letter effectively specifies experience in wildlife interpretation and theatre, which are key areas for a Wildlife Theatre Performer. It focuses on experience leading presentations, training performers, and improving visitor engagement.
- Emphasising Educational Background: The applicant mentions their Master of Arts in Environmental Education and Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Studies, showing a combination of skills in both performance and conservation education, which are critical for the role.
- Showcasing Achievements: Reference to awards and recognised performances, such as the 'Awarded Best Show Performance', substantiates the applicant’s claims of excellence in delivering engaging educational shows.
- Illustrating Passion and Commitment: The applicant’s passions for marine conservation, improvisational theatre, and wildlife photography align with the responsibilities of educating and inspiring audiences, showing commitment to the field beyond professional obligations.
Sports Cinematographer
- Highlighting Technical Skills: The cover letter effectively underscores proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite, an essential skill for video production roles, especially with applications like Premiere Pro and After Effects, showcasing technical capability crucial for the job.
- Emphasising Proven Impact: The candidate illustrates tangible outcomes from previous roles, such as increasing online viewership by 45% and a 40% boost in social media engagement, highlighting their ability to drive results.
- Showcasing Leadership and Management Skills: Experience in managing teams and enhancing productivity by 30% demonstrates leadership abilities valuable for advanced roles like Senior Video Producer.
- Highlighting Notable Achievements: Mentioning the production of an award-nominated documentary and successful rebranding projects bolsters the candidate's credibility and showcases a history of recognised accomplishments.
Drone Cinematographer
- Emphasise the applicant's expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, highlighted by an "Adobe Certified Expert in Video Editing" certification, which is critical for roles needing advanced editing skills.
- Highlight professional achievements such as leading projects that increased audience engagement by 65% and award-winning campaigns, showcasing the applicant's ability to deliver impactful visual content.
- Include specific examples of innovative approaches like the development of new social media video strategies, which are essential for roles requiring creativity and adaptability in digital media.
- Detail the applicant's leadership experience, such as coordinating multi-location shoots and managing cross-functional teams, essential for senior-level positions in cinematography and editing.
360-Degree Cinematographer
- Showcase of Industry Experience: Highlighting experience with reputable companies such as the BBC, Sky UK, and Channel 4 enhances credibility and demonstrates a track record of success in the field.
- Focus on Technical Skills: Emphasising proficiency in Adobe Suite, Blender, and advanced filming techniques positions the candidate as technically proficient, which is crucial for roles in cinematography and editing.
- Quantifiable Achievements: Incorporating specific metrics like a 40% increase in audience engagement or a 50% reduction in project turnaround times provides tangible evidence of the candidate's impact.
- Highlighting Leadership and Innovation: Mentioning roles in pioneering projects such as VR and implementing new training systems illustrates leadership capabilities and a drive for innovation.
Freelance Cinematographer
- Experience and Quantifiable Achievements: Highlighting a 30% increase in viral content and a consistent 20% client retention boost showcases the candidate's tangible impact in previous roles.
- Technical Skills and Education: Emphasising technical skills such as professional grade camera operation and video editing, alongside degrees in Film Production and Media and Communication, adds credibility.
- Collaboration and Client Focus: Demonstrating collaboration with directors and producers as well as working directly with Fortune 500 clients highlights the candidate's ability to work in team settings and focus on client satisfaction.
- Recognition and Awards: Mentioning an award-winning cinematic campaign and recognition for multi-camera coordination strategies can strongly influence the hiring decision by portraying excellence.
Travel Cinematographer
- Emphasises extensive experience in video production and leadership with over 5 years of proven success in various roles, aligning with the expertise required for a Video Production Expert.
- Highlights proficiency in specialised software like Adobe Creative Cloud, which is crucial for video editing and production tasks.
- Showcases achievements in increasing audience engagement by 80% and reducing delivery times by 20%, demonstrating impactful results and efficiency in the field.
- Displays a passion for ethical filmmaking and storytelling, integrating personal values and professional skills, particularly beneficial for roles in Christian ministries.
Fashion Cinematographer
- Highlight specific achievements in increasing audience engagement and community outreach, such as the 30% increase in engagement through strategic video campaigns.
- Showcase leadership roles and team management experience, as demonstrated by managing and supervising a team of junior videographers and leading on-location shoots.
- Emphasise collaboration with different departments and stakeholders to achieve successful media coverage and enhance public awareness, particularly in public safety and community storytelling.
- Reference relevant certifications and courses, like the "Advanced Videography Techniques" from the British Film Institute, to demonstrate continued professional development in the field.
News Cinematographer
- Emphasises key achievements such as a 20% increase in campaign engagement and improved visual standards, critical for showcasing competence and results-driven mindset in a creative position.
- Highlights specialised education in Interior Design and Visual Communication, providing validity to her expertise and understanding of the industry's demands.
- Showcases leadership and collaborative skills by discussing roles like leading a team, executing successful campaigns, and introducing mentoring programmes, crucial for a senior role in creative fields.
- Focuses on relevant skills and passions, such as sustainable design and art history, that align with the company’s potential focus areas and demonstrate personal interest and commitment to the field.
Event Cinematographer
- Experience Highlighting: Demonstrating extensive experience in event cinematography and videography, showcasing roles and achievements that directly relate to the job profile is crucial.
- Technical Skills Emphasis: Proficiency with advanced equipment, such as drone videography and lighting techniques, should be prominently featured to underline technical expertise.
- Client and Team Collaboration: Highlighting the ability to work cohesively with teams and maintaining high client satisfaction underscores key interpersonal skills valued in the industry.
- Industry-Acknowledged Achievements: Including industry-recognised awards and achievements, such as the Excellence in Event Cinematography award, adds a competitive edge to the application.
Cinematographer cover letter example
Leo Brown
Edinburgh
+44 1234 567890
help@enhancv.com
10 High Street
Edinburgh
EH1 1AB
Scotland
help@enhancv.com
linkedin.com/username
Dear Hiring Manager,
I have admired Captured Moments Media's dedication to bringing unique and genuine visual narratives to life, aligning with my own passion for storytelling through photography and cinematography. The opportunity to contribute to a creative team that values innovation and teamwork genuinely excites me.
My experience as Lead Cinematographer at Captured Moments Media saw me leading a team of videographers to create cinematic stories for high-profile weddings. A notable accomplishment during my tenure was the development and implementation of a new post-production workflow that increased editing efficiency by 25%. This not only upheld our quality standards but also directly contributed to a 30% increase in client satisfaction. My ability to manage equipment budgets also resulted in acquiring high-quality gear, enhancing our visual output and boosting referral business by 20%.
I am eager to bring my expertise in visual storytelling, DSLR operation, and editing software to your team. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how I can contribute to your creative vision in further detail. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Leo Brown
Photographer | Cinematographer | Creative Visual Storyteller
Why this cover letter is impressive:
- Alignment with Company's Vision: The cover letter begins by showing admiration and understanding of the company’s mission, which aligns with the applicant’s personal passion. This establishes a connection and indicates genuine interest in the role.
- Quantifiable Achievements: Mentioning specific achievements, such as increasing editing efficiency by 25% and client satisfaction by 30%, provides concrete evidence of the applicant’s capability and impact in previous roles.
- Technical and Leadership Skills: Highlighting experiences with post-production workflows, equipment budget management, and leading teams demonstrates a strong combination of technical and leadership skills essential for a cinematographer position.
- Expressing Enthusiasm and Fit: The closing paragraph not only expresses eagerness to join the team but also emphasizes the applicant's readiness to contribute to the company’s creative vision, underscoring a proactive and committed approach.
Importance of cover letters in the United Kingdom
A well-crafted cover letter can significantly strengthen your job application by emphasising why you’re an ideal fit.
Here are some reasons why it matters:
- Personalisation: Employers expect your cover letter to demonstrate how your skills and experience align with the company’s needs and/or values.
- Addresses what is omitted from your CV: If your career path includes gaps or changes, your cover letter is the best place to address these positively and explain their relevance.
- Opportunity to stand out: Many applicants have similar qualifications, so a tailored cover letter can show your unique attributes and experience.
What UK employers expect from a cover letter
Want to make an excellent first impression on your UK employers with your cover letter?
Here are three handy tips and tricks to keep in mind when creating yours:
- Take the time to research: Invest in learning about the company and role by exploring their website, social media, and doing a thorough Google search. Focus on the products and services they offer, as well as awards and industry recognitions.
- Focus on the company's values: Refer back to your research and to uncover what the company believes in. Integrate those values into your cover letter by explaining how you embody them. For example, if they value diligence, highlight how you’ve consistently met tight deadlines or successfully managed heavy workloads.
- Align your skills with the job requirements: Read the job advert carefully and identify the most sought-after skills. Select the top three skills that you can substantiate with your most noteworthy achievements, to demonstrate your expertise in those areas.
How to format a cinematographer cover letter
Your cover letter is your opportunity to make a strong impression, so its structure must be professional and clear.
Here's an overview of how a UK cover letter should be structured:
- Begin with your address and contact details at the top.
- Include the employer’s name and address directly below.
- Add the date to the left or right of the page.
- Use an appropriate greeting, such as 'Dear Mr Smith' or 'Dear Sir/Madam.'
- Open with a strong introductory paragraph.
- Develop your points in the middle paragraphs, focusing on relevant skills and experience.
- Close with a concise conclusion, reiterating your interest and suitability for the role.
- Sign off formally with your name and signature.
The software used to match your profile to the job, Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), won’t scan your cover letter. Instead, the cover letter reads as a more personalised note to the recruiter.
When it comes to choosing a font, consider modern options like Lato, Rubik, or Chivo, which should also be applied to your CV to maintain a consistent appearance.
Additionally, your cover letter should be single-spaced with 1-inch (2.5 cm) margins on all sides (our templates are pre-set with these specifications so you can focus on your cover letter content).
Finally, always send your cover letter as a PDF to preserve the formatting and prevent edits.
How to write your cinematographer cover letter salutation
Now it's time to make it personal—in your cover letter greeting, you should always address the hiring manager directly. Whenever possible, use their name, depending on how well you know them (e.g., 'Dear Mr Smith', 'Dear Abbie').
You can find their name by searching on LinkedIn (start by looking for the job posting and the recruiter), visiting the 'About' page of the company's website, or by calling reception or administration to enquire.
How to write your cinematographer cover letter intro
Employers do want someone who not only delivers results but does so with enthusiasm.
Thus, a great way to start your cover letter is by showing how your personal passions align with the role.
Highlight one or two aspects of the job description that resonate with you, and explain why this makes you a perfect fit for the company and its culture.
Cover Letter Intro
With a deep appreciation for your company's commitment to pushing creative boundaries and fostering authentic storytelling, I am drawn to the opportunity to contribute to your innovative projects as a cinematographer. Having followed your work from the award-winning series to your impactful independent films, I am eager to bring my experience and passion for visual storytelling to your talented team.
RIGHT
How to write your cinematographer cover letter body
You’ve personalised your greeting and introduction—now it’s time to focus on writing the body of your cover letter.
Instead of listing off skills and responsibilities from your CV, focus on one career highlight that’s relevant to the role.
Use your hard and soft skills, success metrics (e.g., percentages or sales figures), and the long-term impact it had on the company.
A concise, well-told story centred on your value as a candidate will make a strong impression.
Cover Letter Body
During my tenure as Director of Photography for the award-winning documentary "Silent Ecosystems," I successfully harnessed my expertise in visual storytelling to capture the breathtaking subtleties of marine biodiversity. One significant achievement was my role in pioneering an innovative underwater filming technique that combined high-definition cinematography with advanced lighting strategies. By implementing this technique, the film's ocean sequences achieved a 35% increase in viewer engagement based on audience feedback and analytics. This not only contributed to the film's critical acclaim but also helped illuminate vital ecological issues to a broader audience. This experience honed my ability to adapt swiftly to challenging environments, collaborate effectively with a diverse team, and consistently deliver compelling visual narratives that resonate with viewers worldwide.
RIGHT
How to write a closing paragraph
You’ve written a brilliant cover letter so far—so don’t undermine it at the very end.
If you think signing off with a polite 'Kind regards' or 'I look forward to hearing from you' will make a strong impression, think again.
A better approach is to make a tangible promise—one that reflects both personal and professional growth—and demonstrates your value to the recruiters.
Alternatively, encourage the hiring managers by asking when you might expect to hear back from them.
Cover Letter Closing
I am genuinely enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute my skills as a cinematographer to your esteemed production team. I am eager to bring my creative vision to your projects and believe that my experience aligns well with the exciting work at [Company Name]. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience to arrange an interview. I am keen to discuss how my expertise can be an asset to your team. Thank you for considering my application—I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you soon.
RIGHT
Conclusion
A well-crafted cover letter can significantly enhance your job application and set you apart from other candidates. Begin by personalising your message to the hiring manager and connecting your experiences to the company's values.
Emphasise your key accomplishments that reflect your skills and passion for the role, while maintaining a professional tone throughout. Ensure that your cover letter and CV present a unified and polished image to maximise your chances of success.
