Advertising Video Production

Advertising is a craft of small decisions that add up to trust: how a product sits in light, how talent is directed, how movement feels, how sound and pace land the message. My role is to make those decisions calmly, quickly, and with broadcast-grade reliability—whether you need a Director of Photography to plug into an existing crew, or a production partner who can help shape the work from brief to delivery.

I’m Jon Collins—UK-based filmmaker and DoP working across video production, advertising, branded content and documentary. My work has featured on BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, Amazon Prime Video and Discovery, and I’m used to agency timelines, client sign-off, and delivering edits that are genuinely usable across platforms.

What I’m Here For

• Cinematic images, without the “film set” drama. Clear shot priorities, tidy lighting builds, and an edit-friendly approach that keeps post straightforward.
• A balance of craft and practicality. Polished visuals with the coverage you need for confident cutdowns and approvals.
• Production value that scales. From a lean unit to a full crew, I can step in as DoP or help build the right-sized team for the job.

This same approach underpins my work across brand films and longer-form documentary filmmaking, where clarity and trust are just as important as visual impact.

How I Work (and What You Get)

Planning and Creative Support

If you want it, I’ll help pressure-test the concept, suggest visual references, build a practical shot list, and flag production risks early. This planning-first approach is the same one I apply to filming projects and broadcast-led productions.

Direction on Set

I work well with agencies, directors and in-house teams—and I’m equally comfortable directing contributors in a documentary-led style when the brief needs authenticity. That crossover between advertising and documentary is something I explore in more depth on my filmmaking blog.

Lighting, Camera, and a Clean Technical Pipeline

Lighting is where “nice footage” becomes advertising. I’m hands-on shaping light for product, interiors, talent, and mixed environments—then capturing it with robust camera settings that protect highlights and colour, and keep your grade consistent.

For those interested in the technical side, there’s a detailed breakdown of my approach on the filming equipment page.

Editing and Delivery

When I’m editing, I’m thinking about performance and usability: cutdowns, alternate lengths, subtitles, safe areas, and clean exports for paid placements. If the project is being finished elsewhere, I’ll still shoot for a smooth post handover.

You can also explore my editing and post-production services if you need end-to-end delivery.

Relevant Advertising Work

A few projects that show the range—concept-led campaign films, product storytelling, and high-finish commercial visuals:

• Kraken Screamfest launch films — atmospheric, narrative-led promos
• SimpliSafe Christmas campaign — intimate, story-driven product film
• Kraken Rum “Legendary Survivor Series” — cinematic commercial production
• Brewers “The Story of Colour” — stylised brand storytelling

More commercial examples sit alongside broadcast and documentary projects in the full portfolio.

Equipment and Crew

I shoot with broadcast-grade camera, lens, lighting and audio options—and I’m happy to match an existing production’s camera package. A full overview of my setup is available on the filming equipment page.

If required, I can also support productions in a broadcast camera operator capacity, or help crew up around the project as it scales.

Drone Options for Commercials

Where aerials add genuine value—location reveals, tracking moves, scale, context—I can provide drone filming as part of a commercial shoot.

I hold CAA Operational Authorisation and GVC qualifications, and I’m insured for professional operations.

This is part of my wider drone filming service, often combined with ground-based camera work.

International Shoots and Logistics

I regularly work internationally and can support production logistics, travel, and kit movement—including ATA carnet experience where required.

If you’re planning an overseas production, this guide to travelling with filming equipment across Europe may be useful.

What You’ll Notice on the Day

• A calm, production-safe set
• Strong lighting and controlled images that still feel natural
• Coverage that protects the edit
• Deliverables built for multiple platforms, not just a single master
• A collaborator who understands agency workflow and client sign-off

Next Step

If you want to talk through a brief—or sanity-check a schedule—you can get in touch.

You may also find answers to common commissioning questions in the FAQ section.