New Brief: Sports Cinematographer/ Director of Photography

We’re seeking a visually driven cinematographer / DOP with experience capturing sport, nature or extreme environments to collaborate with a Director on a cinematic branded film centred around big-wave surfing.

The project explores experience and instinct through the lens of big-wave surfing, using the ocean as a powerful metaphor for recognising opportunity and knowing when to act.

We’re looking for DOPs who are embedded in surf and sports culture, know local communities and can capture authentic storytelling.

Because the story unfolds in a vast and unpredictable natural environment, cinematography will play a central role in the success of the film. We’re looking for DOPs who can deliver images that feel epic, immersive and deeply connected to the environment.

We’re particularly interested in cinematographers who:

• Have experience shooting sport, ocean, surf or extreme environments

• Are comfortable working with water-based production setups (water housings, jet skis, boats, etc.)

• Can create cinematic, atmospheric visuals within real environments

• Have a strong documentary sensibility alongside commercial craft

Surf specialists are welcome, but equally we’re excited by DOPs who simply live and breathe the environments they film, filmmakers who understand how to capture scale, risk, patience and anticipation in the natural world.

What we’d love to see in your response 

Please include:

• Why you’re right for the project

• Relevant work (particularly ocean, sport, documentary or natural environments)

• Director collaborators you would propose pairing with

• Any technical or creative thoughts on capturing big-wave surfing environments

Dates (estimated):

W/C 16 March – Chemistry calls with client and agency

W/C 23 March – Teams selected to treat

Pre-production: 13 April – 22 May

Shoot window: W/C 25 May or W/C 1 June

Fee: 

To be confirmed depending on team structure and scope.