Drama Short Film Cinematographer

Job ID: 40159257

Budget: $750 – $1,500 USD

I’m ready to move my drama short film into production and I need an experienced Director of Photography who can capture the story with a naturalistic, realistic look. The script relies on subtle performances rather than flashy set-pieces, so I’m looking for someone who understands how to translate quiet emotional beats into visually compelling images without stylized tricks or heavy grading.

We’ll collaborate from pre-production onward: breaking down the script together, building a shot list, planning practical lighting setups, and selecting the right camera package and lenses. I already have a director, cast, and most key crew in place; what I’m missing is the cinematographer who can anchor the visual language, supervise the camera team on set, and stay involved through color correction to ensure continuity of tone.

Deliverables I’ll need from you:
• Shot list and lighting plan approved during pre-production
• Full principal photography coverage (shoot is scheduled for three consecutive days)
• On-set data wrangling and backup oversight
• Look-reference stills and brief notes to guide the colorist in post

If you have a reel that demonstrates authentic, grounded storytelling and you’re comfortable working lean without compromising quality, I’d love to talk through the script and schedule with you.