Which budgetary distinction is appropriate for a cinematographer?

The distinction of "Below the line" is appropriate for a cinematographer because it refers to the category of crew and expenses that are not part of the film's creative decision-making process and typically includes technical personnel and operational costs. Cinematographers, being essential members of the crew responsible for capturing the visual elements of a film, fall into this category along with other technical roles like production designers, editors, and grips.

"Above the line" refers to the creative side of filmmaking, including producers, directors, and writers, who are usually involved earlier in the project and whose contributions significantly shape the film’s narrative and style. The terms "development budget" and "production budget" also pertain to different aspects of filmmaking finances rather than specific crew roles. The development budget is related to the costs incurred during the script and project development phase, while the production budget covers the entire expenditure during the actual shooting and post-production of the film. Hence, below the line is the correct classification for a cinematographer, reflecting their role in production costs rather than creative decision-making.