I'm a freelance cameraman with experience shooting for broadcast, documentary, charity, news, music promos and corporate films. Over the past few years I've shot with a variety of systems and setups including the ARRI Amira, Sony FX9, Sony FX6, Sony FS7, Sony F5, ARRI Alexa, Canon C300, Sony PMW-500 and Canon XF305. I'm also licensed by the CAA to fly drones commercially.
I've experience of filming in a variety of situations including studio, location and more extreme environments. I'm well acquainted with a variety of lighting setups whether it be HMIs, tungsten, LED or natural light.
The ARRI AMIRA is superb camera and can produce images unmatched by most other camera systems out there. With up to 200fps footage, 4K and an unrivalled looks library, it's no wonder this has quickly become the go to camera for high-end BBC documentary production.
I've owned and used the ARRI AMIRA for the last couple of years and find it a fantastic camera to work with. My package comes with the looks library which means we can chose the production look as we're filming, giving editors the choice to either use the predefined look or to work directly with the LOG footage for greater grading flexibility.
The Sony FX9 is quickly becoming productions go to camera system. With a full frame sensor, greater usability and more dynamic range than the FS7, it's no wonder production companies love it.
Owning the Sony FS7 means that I can use this fantastic camera on all shoots when required. Out the box it can offer broadcast quality footage, slow-motion, 4K recording and the flexibility of E-mount which can be converted to pretty much any lens mount going, whether that be PL, B4 or EF.
This camera can be easily matched to many other Sony cameras whether that be the Sony F5, Sony F55, Sony FS5 or Sony A7S or without too much fuss, can be matched to ARRI cameras like the ARRI Amira or ARRI Alexa.
Me (Jon Collins) shooting with a fully rigged ARRI Amira and CN7 on location
I own a full set of Zeiss primes which means I can offer a cinematic look without breaking the bank. For run-and-gun jobs, I've got variety of zoom lenses from Zeiss, Sony, Canon and Sigma, which means I can use the right tool for the job. I tend to favour working with the Canon CN7x120 for jobs that involve a lot of run and gun work to enable be to reposition and get set in the fastest time possible.
In terms of grip, I own a variety of solutions including: Wally Dolly tracking system, ErgoRig camera support, mini-Jib, slider, DJI Ronin (3-axis stabiliser) and have experience of working with exoskeletons and support like the TILTA Armour man and Easyrig systems.
As for lighting kit, I have various lights and modifiers including a lot of Aputure fixtures like the NOVA (ARRI Skypanel alternative), C300D, C120D Mark 2 and the 300x (DEDO equivalent), Kino Flo DIVA, lots of LED 1x1 panels, portable ring and camera top lights as well as lots of stands, rigging and clamps. All of which live in my van, so it's always available on my shoots. For bigger productions and studio shoots, I'll hire in the right lights for the job, whether that be Kino Flo Selects, ARRI Skypanels, ARRI 2Ks or 5Ks, Dedo Octodomes or 12x12 silks.
In addition to this, I'm also a cameraman with EyeDirect and iPad AutoCue system. The EyeDirect is an amazing piece of kit which, through a series of mirrors, places the director's face over the camera lens. This allows for natural looking down the barrel interviews. I personally find this a really authentic, empathic and potentially emotional story telling tool which works fantastic for charity case studies through to corporate interviews. The iPad autocue system allows a script to be loaded in front or off camera, which enables a spokesperson to read a script rather than memorising it word for word. It requires little practise and is a really quick and easy way to film scripted content.
Shooting with the EyeDirect and ARRI Amira
As for back drops and studio shoots, I can offer portable green screen, white screen or black screen as default for on location work.
For my full kit list, please checkout: For a full kit list, check out this page.
Having shot with the Sony FS7 for over 2 years, the countries leading photographic store, Wex Photographic and Video recently commissioned me to create an in-depth review of the camera. That can be seen here.
As an ENG Cameraman, I've filmed for broadcast, sport and news. My footage has been broadcasted on BBC, ITV and Channel 4 as well as across international sports channels. I've the ability to self-produce and capture the moment when it most matters.
I also hold a CAA Permission for Commercial Operation with full Liability Insurance to work with Drones enabling me to capture aerial footage for TV, online and corporate video productions. Often this will just be a couple of quick shots on a shoot to use as establishing shots, but this can also be useful on action and adventure shoots where the aerial perspective can help tell the story.
Operating as self shooting producer/director (PD self-shooter) I'm able to film content whilst continuing my role as a producer/director. In many cases, such as insufficient budgets or sensitive stories, it's not possible to send a whole crew in to capture the story. This is where I operate, capturing all the content solo or with a production assistant.
As a freelance videographer, I tend to service the PR, marketing and event sectors, capturing content as one-man-band style cameraman and director. Using an ENG style setup I can capture the content of an event and then edit onsite or overnight to be sent out as a video news release immediately. My ENG setup has been used across international sports events, immersive brand events and news pieces.
Expert experience lighting for TV, studio, location and green screen.
Experience shooting pre-records, VTs, documentary, live and news.
BBC Cameraman filming for BBC, Channel 4, ITV and international TV stations.
Freelance DoP (Director of Photography) with experience shooting studio and location.
Fully licensed and insured drone pilot with CAA Operational Authorisation.
Freelance videographer with experience shooting for brand funded, events, PR agencies, corporate and charity.
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Sports cameraman with experience shooting various sports including tennis, football and racing.
Cameraman for corporate films working with some of the world's largest companies.
ENG Cameraman shooting content for news, broadcast and PR launches.
Self shooting PD with experience working with contributors.
Freelance adventure filmmaker/videographer with international experience shooting content in remote places.
