Esports World Cup: Level Up on Amazon Prime

Esports World Cup: Level Up is a high-energy docuseries from Amazon Prime Video, created by award-winning director RJ Cutler and produced by LA-based company This Machine, in collaboration with Sony Pictures Television. The series dives deep into the stories, ambition, and culture driving the explosive growth of competitive gaming. With unprecedented access to top players, teams, and global events, the series weaves cinematic visuals with authentic storytelling to explore esports as both a sport and a cultural movement.

I was brought on as a London-based freelance cameraman to help film the UK segments of the show. My role focused on capturing the human side of the narrative—character-driven material that offered emotional depth beyond the competitive arena. This included intimate contributor interviews, lifestyle b-roll, home-based observational sequences, and stylised visual transitions that brought each player’s world to life. It was all about anchoring the show in personality and place, giving the audience a richer connection to the athletes’ journeys.

Though the Director of Photography was based in Los Angeles, the shoot was executed with detailed remote guidance. Through creative briefs, shot references, and clearly defined visual standards, I worked closely with the local production team to maintain cohesion across the international shoot. I used the Sony FX9 paired with Cooke lenses, which gave us a warm, cinematic aesthetic that matched the premium look of the rest of the series. The shallow depth of field and nuanced skin tones helped emphasise the emotional tone of each scene.

Filming under these conditions required both independence and close coordination. Working as a freelance cameramanin a globally distributed team, I was trusted to deliver footage that seamlessly fit into a multi-country production pipeline. This speaks to the growing need for adaptable, locally-based talent who can meet global broadcast standards while working autonomously.

Esports World Cup: Level Up stands out for its emotional storytelling and bold visual approach—shining a light on the real people behind the keyboards. I'm proud to have contributed to a project that’s helping redefine how esports is seen on screen, blending cinematic storytelling with the raw intensity of the gaming world.