Zeiss Lenses Surgical Filming

Shotlist Media, a Berlin-based production company, brought me on board as a freelance cameraman to film a high-end promotional video for Zeiss Medical Technology on recent shoot they had in London. The brief was to capture the precision and innovation of Zeiss’s surgical visualisation systems in action, within the real-world setting of a UK hospital. The finished film was aimed at a global medical audience and needed to combine cinematic visuals with clinical authenticity.

Filming took place around a live cataract surgery, which required a small, agile crew and meticulous coordination. I booked trusted local professionals including a sound recordist, an additional camera operator, and a camera assistant to ensure we could cover multiple angles efficiently while maintaining a minimal footprint in a working operating theatre. Careful pre-production with both Shotlist Media and hospital staff helped us plan the shoot to align with the clinical schedule and minimise disruption.

As a freelance cameraman on projects like this, the right kit is critical. I used the Sony FX9 as the primary camera for its exceptional low-light performance and cinematic image quality. To support the shoot, I also deployed the Sony FX6 and a7S III for flexible second angles, handheld work, and discreet B-roll. For movement and visual flair, I used the Ronin RS3 Pro gimbal to capture smooth walk-throughs and detail shots, while the Edelkrone automated slider added production value to product and equipment inserts with precise, repeatable motion.

The film followed a narrative structure—documenting a patient journey from consultation through to post-op recovery—interwoven with beautifully shot interviews with medical staff and dynamic visuals of the equipment in use. The blend of atmospheric lighting, multi-cam coverage, and real surgical footage helped elevate the piece well beyond standard corporate video, giving it a truly premium, documentary-style feel.

This project is a great example of how as a freelance cameraman based in London, I can deliver broadcast-level visuals in sensitive, real-time environments by combining strong storytelling, technical know-how, and an adaptable, collaborative crew. The final film, edited by Shotlist Media, is now used globally by Zeiss across digital platforms, medical conferences, and internal presentations to showcase their technology in action.