Senior Film Cinematographer

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 500,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town seeks a Senior Film Cinematographer to lead the visual language across high-end projects, collaborating remotely with the director and production team from anywhere. You will shape lighting, camera, and color aesthetics, translating scripts into compelling visuals.

The role requires a strong portfolio, mastery of lighting, color theory, and cinematic language, with the ability to manage shoots under pressure and maintain artistic integrity.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience as a Director of Photography or Cinematographer with a strong portfolio.
• Proven ability to create compelling visual narratives and collaborate with a director to achieve their vision.
• Deep understanding of lighting techniques, color theory, and composition.
• Experience in remote collaboration with production teams using virtual tools.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills on set.

Responsibilities

• Define the visual style and mood of film projects with the director.
• Plan and execute camera and lighting setups to achieve the desired aesthetic.
• Operate cameras or supervise camera and lighting crews on set.
• Select appropriate camera equipment, lenses, and lighting tools for each project.
• Manage the cinematography budget and ensure efficient use of resources.
• Ensure technical quality and artistic consistency throughout shooting.
• Collaborate with the director of photography and gaffers to realize the director's vision.
• Scout locations and plan shots in pre-production.
• Stay updated with cinematography technology and techniques.
• Review dailies and participate in color grading during post-production.

Skills

Director of Photography

Cinematography

Lighting techniques

Color theory

Camera operation

Remote collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Film Production, Cinematography

Tools

ARRI cameras

RED cameras

Sony cinema cameras

Lighting equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly acclaimed independent film production house based in Cape Town, Western Cape, ZA , is seeking a talented and visionary Senior Film Cinematographer to elevate their visual storytelling. This role is ideal for an experienced DP with a distinct artistic style and a deep understanding of cinematic language. While the company is based in Cape Town, this position offers a unique remote working opportunity, allowing the cinematographer to collaborate with the director and production team from anywhere, leveraging advanced communication and pre-visualization tools. You will be responsible for the overall look and feel of our films, translating scripts into compelling visual narratives. This involves creative decision-making regarding camera, lighting, and composition to evoke specific emotions and aesthetics. The ideal candidate possesses a strong portfolio showcasing diverse projects, a mastery of lighting techniques, and an ability to work effectively under pressure on set (when required for specific shooting schedules). Our client is committed to artistic integrity and providing filmmakers with the creative freedom to produce groundbreaking work. This remote role allows for greater flexibility while maintaining the high standards of visual quality that our client is known for. We are looking for someone who can push creative boundaries and contribute significantly to the artistic success of our projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the director to define the visual style and mood of film projects.
• Plan and execute all camera and lighting setups to achieve the desired aesthetic.
• Operate cameras or supervise camera and lighting crews on set.
• Select appropriate camera equipment, lenses, and lighting tools for each project.
• Manage the cinematography budget and ensure efficient use of resources.
• Ensure technical quality and artistic consistency throughout the shooting process.
• Work closely with the director of photography and gaffers to realize the director's vision.
• Scout locations and plan shots in pre-production.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in cinematography technology and techniques.
• Review dailies and participate in the post-production color grading process.

Requirements

• Extensive experience as a Director of Photography or Cinematographer with a strong portfolio of feature films, short films, or high-end commercials.
• Proven ability to create compelling visual narratives and work with a director to achieve their vision.
• Deep understanding of lighting techniques, color theory, and composition.
• Proficiency with a wide range of cinema cameras (e.g., ARRI, RED, Sony) and lighting equipment.
• Experience in remote collaboration with production teams using virtual tools.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to challenging shooting conditions.
• Strong understanding of aspect ratios, framing, and camera movement.
• Ability to manage and lead camera and lighting crews effectively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Degree in Film Production, Cinematography, or a related field is a plus.

Benefits

This remote role offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and project scope. You'll have the creative freedom to shape the visual identity of exciting film projects and work with a passionate team dedicated to cinematic excellence. Opportunities for professional growth and development are provided. While based in Cape Town, Western Cape, ZA , the role is remote, offering significant flexibility. Enjoy contributing to award-winning films from your preferred location, collaborating with talented filmmakers in a supportive and inspiring environment. This is an exceptional opportunity to advance your career as a cinematographer on the global stage.