Freelance Cinematographer

I'm Jon Collins, a freelance cinematographer with a focus on cinematic storytelling. With over 15 years of experience, I specialise in creating compelling content for TV, branded marketing, advertising, and documentary filmmaking. Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of collaborating with some of the most prominent brands, helping them craft visually stunning video content to showcase their products and services.

Based in London, UK, I'm dedicated to bringing your creative vision to life on the screen. My expertise in the world of video production spans a wide spectrum of filmmaking, including brand-funded projects, PR campaigns, social media-centric content, advertising, charity films, corporate videos, and news-related productions. Whether you need a freelance cinematographer to take charge of the entire production process or seamlessly integrate into your existing team, I'm here to deliver exceptional results.

In addition to my creative abilities, I bring practical experience in preparing ATA Carnets for international work, ensuring the smooth movement of equipment and materials for projects abroad.

As a freelance cinematographer, I excel in directing, camera operation, and video editing. I'm often entrusted with overseeing every aspect of production, but I'm equally comfortable taking on specific roles to cater to your unique needs. My passion for cinematic storytelling and my extensive skill set make me a versatile and reliable choice for your video projects.

Key Skills I Offer as a Cinematographer:

• Camera owner/operator
• CAA authorised drone operator
• Experienced at lighting productions
• Green screen and studio capable
• Large selection of equipment with transport
• Extensive experience working internationally, including ATA Carnet preparation
• Pre-production preparation
• Highly proficient at editing
• Skilled interviewer

With a strong focus on delivering exceptional cinematic content, I'm here to bring your creative vision to life as your freelance cinematographer.

• Contact Jon Collins
• sayhello@ukjoncollins.com
• +44 (0)7908 252 703

From concept development to final delivery, I recognize the significance of crafting a compelling cinematic narrative that captivates the audience and leaves them craving more. Whether it's orchestrating a VT ready for broadcast on ITV or sculpting a dynamic social media advert for platforms like IGTV, I ensure that every project radiates cinematic excellence.

With over 15 years of expertise, I have finely tuned my skills as a freelance cinematographer, remaining in sync with the ever-evolving cinematic landscape. My journey has taken me from traditional broadcast VTs to producing cinematic online content for platforms such as YouTube and social media. As an independent cinematographer, I've effectively collaborated with industry titans like Amazon, Heineken, and Twinings, captivating millions of viewers with our cinematic productions.

I come prepared to handle a diverse spectrum of projects, whether working independently or as an integral part of a proficient team. My cinematic toolkit encompasses cutting-edge camera systems, including the Sony FX9 and Sony FX6, as well as various smaller and action cameras. What sets me apart is my CAA-approved drone operator status, complete with operating authorization and a GVC certification, allowing me to capture breathtaking aerial footage with cinematic drones, infusing an unparalleled dimension into my work.

My gear extends to a comprehensive array of portable cinematic lighting equipment, sound kits complete with wireless lavaliers and shotgun microphones, and a versatile collection of cinematic lenses to accommodate diverse shooting scenarios. Be it studio lighting or harnessing natural light, I adapt to the project's specific requirements, employing my cinematic lighting finesse to imbue quality without inflating expenses. Additionally, I possess a range of top-tier cinematic grip equipment, comprising gimbals (DJI RS3 Pro), dollies, automatic sliders for operatorless cinematic shots, and Easyrig setups, ensuring the delivery of top-tier freelance cinematic services.

My portfolio stands as a testament to my cinematic expertise in crafting a myriad of content as a freelance cinematographer. This encompasses cinematic sit-down interviews, cinematic scripted drama-inspired films, cinematic comedy sketches, cinematic viral PR stunts, and cinematic adventure films. My cinematic work spans from 10-second cinematic shorts to 10-minute cinematic masterpieces, catering to a wide spectrum of cinematic content needs.

Throughout the cinematic production process, I provide comprehensive support, from conceptualizing initial treatments to orchestrating the pre-production stage. As a cinematic director, producer, and location shooter, I ensure the seamless execution of cinematic projects. In the post-production phase, I deftly edit and assemble various cuts for diverse mediums, culminating in a polished cinematic final product.

As a versatile freelance cinematographer, I possess the finesse to tailor cinematic content to suit diverse platforms. I specialize in crafting cinematic content for social media, encompassing platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Facebook Stories, Instagram (grid), Instagram Stories/IGTV, Twitter, LinkedIn, and more. My extensive and varied clientele includes renowned household names like Amazon, EE, and Heineken, in addition to small start-up companies and noteworthy organisations, including the Government, FIFA, and UNICEF.

What Is a Freelance Cinematographer?

A freelance cinematographer, also known as a director of photography (DP), is an independent filmmaking professional who specialises in the visual aspects of film and video production. These professionals handle all aspects of creating the visuals for a motion picture from operation and setup of the camera to deciding shot composition and lighting. Freelance cinematographers are usually hired on a project-by-project basis or may be retained for extended periods to work on multiple projects.

Understand What a Cinematographer Does

A freelance cinematographer’s job is to help set the mood, look and feel of a film or video. This can be achieved through careful selection of framing, angles and lens choices to match the desired emotion of a scene. Cinematographers also select lighting setups and camera movements that best convey a scene or story. Other tasks include work with the art director and production designer on the overall visual look of the film as well as collaborating with audio technicians in order to find proper balance between sound design and imagery.

Acquisition and Editing of Footage

A cinematographer is in charge of capturing the imagery needed for a film. Cinematographers usually work with digital cameras and acquire raw footage from multiple takes in order to find the desired shot. Once a scene is shot, cinematographers will usually need to review, log and make sure that all shots fit with each other. Additionally, a cinematographer may be called upon to digitally manipulate footage or colour correct in order to achieve a more cohesive look for the finished film.

Technical Skills Needed for Freelance Cinematography

Freelance cinematographers must have a strong technical foundation in order to be successful. Cinematographers should be familiar with the various video formats, codecs and software needed to capture and edit video. They should also possess good camera know-how, including how to operate different types of cameras, lighting setups, sound recording and other important aspects of filmmaking. Furthermore, it’s beneficial that freelance cinematographers quickly adapt experience with new technologies as the field rapidly changes on an annual basis.

Equipment Used by a Freelance Cinematographer

As a cinematographer, you need various cameras, lenses and lights to do you job. For me I have a selection of high end video cameras capable of shooting full 4K. I have a selection of lenses designed to capture detail and I have a large variety of lights to ensure that I can cinematically capture a story. In terms of grip, the equipment used to hold and move a camera, I have sliders, dollies, EasyRigs and gimbals all which have their own place in a highend video production.