Discover Top Documentary DPs in Elgin, Illinois, USA

Edwin Ramirez is an Emmy award Cinematographer-Editor and Media producer who currently works as a freelance for many networks. Edwin has worked extensively in media production worldwide since the 90’s following years as TV Videographer-Editor at Univision Chicago and Network, NBC/Telemundo Chicago and Los Angeles Bureau, CNN en Español, BEIN Sports Network , TV Azteca Network, FOX Network, Chicago Tribune, VICE News and many other networks in the USA. Edwin has 5 Emmy nominations for best Videographer-Cinematographer and 1 Emmy Award for best producer 2015. His work includes ENG News, corporate videos, Commercials, Music videos, Documentaries and Short Films. His burgeoning interest in Photography has led him to develop a growing career in the world of photography. He loves traveling and his vision and passion has established himself as a recognized videographer traveling from Africa, Europe and South America shooting documentaries, news and short films.

• News Shooter / Video Journalist
• Commercial DP
• Documentary DP
• Video Editor - News
• Editorial Photographer / Photojournalist
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Video Editor - Commercial
• Drone Operator
• Full-Service Live Production

Hi there. I’m a filmmaker specializing in documentary film of all sizes. My work has appeared on PBS, Time Magazine, CNN, NPR, G4, Billboard Magazine and the Huffington Post. I frequently work with the internationally acclaimed Kartemquin Films (Hoop Dreams, The Interrupters), where I've just finished producing the award-winning documentary feature, "Raising Bertie." Other items of interest: Though I don’t look it, I'm mixed race. My father is Caucasian and my mother is Jamaican/Cuban. While I certainly didn’t get a lot of my mother’s pigmentation, I carry a deep and unique understanding of race and culture. It has helped make me into a compassionate, empathetic filmmaker. Diversity has also carried into my career. Wearing different hats has helped me develop a temperament well suited for travel and the unexpected. I spent over two years living, studying, working and volunteering abroad. I’ve been shipwrecked, lost in the jungle, tear-gassed and nearly stabbed by a 13 year old. I’ve also surfed Brazil, camped in the rainforest, splashed about in a volcano and made friends with a 13 year old. You win some you lose some.

• Documentary DP
• Video Editor - News
• Fixer
• On-Air Reporter / Host
• News Shooter / Video Journalist
• Translator
• Field Producer
• Commercial DP
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Video Editor - Commercial
• Production Assistant

I am a Chicago-based producer, DP, and director for TV, commercial, and video production. I've owned and operated an award-winning, full-service production company, Digital Hydra, since 2011, serving clients like Nike, Leo Burnett, Taste Made, Walgreens-Coca-Cola, ComEd, Jaegermeister, and many more. I've also worked as a DP for A-list music artists like Jennifer Hudson, Billie Eilish, Run the Jewels, and the Chance the Rapper. I have extensive experience maintaining client relationships, developing creative for shoots, planning and production management, and execution of all aspects of production and post. I've sold TV series to Warner Bros, produced full-seasons of international television, and won a number of awards at film festivals all over the world. My work in commercial and marketing has won multiple ProMAX and Midwest Emmy awards. I was listed as #7 on NewCity’s Chicago Film 50 in 2021, and named to Austin Film Festival's 25 Screenwriters to Watch in 2020.

• Executive Producer
• Field Producer
• Line Producer / On-Location
• Production Company
• Production Coordinator / Crewing
• Post-Production Manager
• Commercial DP
• Documentary DP
• Corporate Videographer
• Creative Director
• Non-Fiction Film Director
• Video Editor - Commercial
• Video Editor - Documentary
• HD Live Operator
• Copywriter
• Senior Producer / Project Manager
• Senior Editor

Anh Vo is a vibrant Vietnamese cinematographer and creative director, fueling his passion for visual storytelling across diverse projects. Since earning his master's degree in Film & TV from DePaul University, he has made his mark as the cinematographer for national TV shows, commercials, and independent films showcased at international film festivals. Additionally, he has spearheaded original projects and social campaigns as a creative director for Fortune 500 global brands, with partner agencies, and athletes. With a remarkable ability to seamlessly transition between different worlds, Anh customizes his film language to perfectly suit each unique story and thrives on challenging artistic boundaries, he aims to tell stories that resonate deeply with audiences. Through his lens, Anh strives to capture the essence of emotions and create a lasting impact, leaving viewers inspired and moved.​​​​​​​

• Commercial DP
• Documentary DP
• Colorist

I was a full-time Director of Photography at video production comapny for 11 years. I recently left to pursue freelance work. At that company I shot hundreds of video productions for a variety of clients, some of which won Cannes Dolphin awards. Some of the brands I worked with; Radio Flyer, Life Fitness, Wilson, Bunn Coffee, Haworth, Brunswick to name a few. I also have extensive experience in Aerial Cinematography. I have shot from drones in the city, on the water, on a race track and across wind farms. I bring a wealth of industry experience and a laid back approach to production giving a sense of calm on set. My approach is to look and listen first. I also believe every project is a new opportunity to create something new and unique. This is why I love my job and working with other people, because good collaboration makes this possible. I own a Panasonic VariCam LT camera package and I love to travel. 

• Documentary DP
• Commercial DP
• Fixer
• Production Assistant
• Corporate Videographer
• Drone Operator

I am Shaiking Mathis 28 filmmaker from the south side of Chicago I have experience in Executive producing also Video editing using fcp,adobe premiere ,development,Managing over 100 employees , creating over a hundred jobs public relations and communication with a range of online communications,including website maintenance ,e-mail and social media also experience with the entire adobe suite.Recently my responsibilities included developing,writing,directing,editing and producing Chicago Chronicles The Robert “Yummy” Sandifer Story about an 11 year old that was murdered execution style by gang members. Certain elements of the events that take place in the movie are fictional. The movie represents factual events that are particular to the Chicago area.The cast and crew of the movie come from diverse backgrounds which as the director I take pride in. My goal was to show viewers that we all have something to contribute art, I believe "vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others

• News Shooter / Video Journalist
• Commercial DP
• Documentary DP
• Video Editor - News
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Video Editor - Commercial

We are one of the country's leading providers of video services to national television networks, TV programs, agencies and corporations. Our experienced full-time staff of talented professionals provides you the creativity and knowledge that your project deserves. Our services are orchestrated by our creative team, account executives, coordinators and support staff so that you will always have the entire staff of BSDVP available to your team for all your needs. We are proud to present our clients with the highest level of production and post production services. You will see that BSDVP will always provide you with the most responsive, personalized customer service in the industry. We want you to look at the Big Shoulders' team as an extension of your team. After 15 years in business, BSDVP has become Chicago's largest independent production facility. We believe that no job is too big or too small.

• News Shooter / Video Journalist
• Commercial DP
• Fixer
• Mobile Journalist / Livestreamer
• Editorial Photographer / Photojournalist
• Documentary DP
• Sound Mixer
• Video Editor - News
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Video Editor - Commercial

I'm senior at Northwestern University, currently studying multimedia journalism. My roommates call me a 'dreamer' sometimes, and I'm not sure if its a compliment (they're all economics majors and much more practical than me), but I do think its an apt description. I get a sort of high from striking on a new and sort of wild ideas, and I'm quick to try and get others as hyped as I am. That's why I so enjoy film, it not only gives me an 'excuse' to pursue some cool ideas for the sake of art, but gives me a medium to channel that energy. I chose journalism as a major because its very essence is about learning and digging up novel and sometimes strange and weird things. I'm wide eye'd when it comes to even the immediate world around me, and after checking out your work and style, it definitely appears like you guys share some of those same sentiments. I hope you get a chance to check out my work, and I'd love to have the opportunity to be a Storyhunter. Thanks for the opportunity and time, best, Jack Foster

• Documentary DP

As a director, producer, cinematographer and editor, Kevin Shaw has created award-winning films for prestige platforms. Shaw’s latest film, Let the Little Light Shine, was nominated for an Emmy Award and a Peabody Award, debuted on PBS’ award-winning series POV, and played at several film festivals and theaters around the country to stellar reception, where the Chicago Tribune lauded the film for carrying “the visceral impact of all six Rocky films and a few Creed films put together.” The film is available to stream on Apple/iTunes, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play and VUDU. Shaw’s debut documentary about Basketball Hall of Fame coach Bob Hurley, The Street Stops Here, aired nationally on PBS and ESPN in 2010 to rave reviews. The following year, Shaw’s Big Ten Network short documentary on a quadriplegic trying to regain the ability to walk won the Edward R. Murrow Award for Sports Reporting Excellence. His cinematography talents were recognized in 2015 with a National Sports Emmy for ESPN’s FIFA World Cup Show Opens and Teases. Later that year, Shaw produced a documentary about the relationship between megastar Shaquille O’Neal and his collegiate coach, Dale Brown. Shaq and Dale premiered on ESPN.  Shaw was a segment director and cinematographer on America to Me, and additional cinematographer on City So Real, from Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Steve James, where they both debuted at the Sundance Film Festival to critical acclaim and aired on Starz and Hulu respectively. Shaw also contributed as a cinematographer on James’ latest docuseries for ESPN, The Luckiest Guy in the World.

• Documentary DP
• Creative Director
• Non-Fiction Film Director
• Executive Producer
• Field Producer

Medha Imam is a multimedia journalist from Chicago, Illinois, hoping to share compelling narratives from all over the world. She is an undergraduate student studying journalism and political science at Northwestern University. Currently involved with two school publications as the Editor-in-Chief of Al Bayan Magazine and a designer for North by Northwestern, journalism is her passion. She aspires to be her grandfather’s legacy by pursuing a career in writing. Besides writing, Medha serves as a broadcast reporter for Northwestern News Network and an Alumni Co-Chair for the Global Engagement Summit. Off campus, she reported on the business and technology beat on Capitol Hill for the Medill News Service, covering stories ranging from the Supreme Court case EEOC v. Abercrombie & Fitch to gender parity in federal IT. Her pieces have been published in USA TODAY, U.S. News & World Report, UPI.com, and Hinsdale Magazine.

• News Shooter / Video Journalist
• Documentary DP
• Video Editor - News
• Reporter / Journalist
• Mobile Journalist / Livestreamer
• On-Air Reporter / Host
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Video Editor - Commercial

Patrick Offenheiser is a filmmaker, editor and multimedia artist. Originally from Boston by way of Dhaka, Bangladesh and Lima, Peru, he graduated with a BA in Film & Electronic Arts and History from Bard College and went on to produce documentary work for non-profit organizations and television, focusing on marginalized and displaced communities, particularly in Latin America and the United States. While a Fellow at UnionDocs he worked as DP/Co-Director on Moved Every Way, a documentary featuring a volunteer-run LGBTQ church held together by the devotion of its members, exploring how individuals struggle to uphold church as a sanctuary from the harsh realities of the outside world and also as Editor on "Alphabet on Air a documentary featuring a performance art installation that takes place at a closet-sized gallery in Alphabet City, New York, that represents local, homeless and street artists. In his personal practice and work he pursues questions of memory, homeland and diaspora as well as cultural erasure and globalization. He is currently based in Brooklyn, New York.

• News Shooter / Video Journalist
• Documentary DP
• Commercial DP
• Video Editor - News
• Video Editor - Commercial
• Video Editor - Documentary

I am an Independent filmmaker and photographer. I have started working as a photographer initially then later I started as a freelance video editor for small firms and for individual projects. I have created my own business Vaguespace films in partnership with a fellow filmmaker. Together we worked for different projects from Non profit organisations to some corporate projects for short documentaries. At the same time I worked in film production management for two years where I worked with big production houses in India on project basis. My duty was to manage the shoot location to any shoot requirement till the production goes. I was assistant to my line producer. Meanwhile, I have been working on my freelance projects under Vaguespace Films. I am proficient in editing software like Premiere pro and Davinci resolve. I have assisted fashion Filmmaker photographer Pedro Perestrello from Brazil. I am capable of managing production on a budget to provide desired output.

• Documentary DP
• News Shooter / Video Journalist
• Line Producer / On-Location
• Production Company
• Non-Fiction Film Director
• Post-Production Manager
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Video Editor - Commercial
• Corporate Videographer
• Fashion Photographer
• Creative Director
• Portrait Photographer
• Event Photographer
• Editorial Photographer / Photojournalist
• Translator
• Full-Service Live Production

Video storytelling within a marketing context is that sweet spot where story is so much more than art – it’s a form of compassion and empathy. Story is what moves people to action, whether it’s to bring people to your website, motivate a donation or sale, or help your customer fall in love with your brand. The stories I want to tell are stories that serve a purpose – that understand the heart of your target audience. What is it that leads your audience to believe in your product or mission? What do they care about? What motivates someone very different than me? It’s story that brings a brand to life. ​ I’ve worked with a wide array of brands, organizations, and artists to bring their purpose and mission to life. To do this well, it’s important to start with parameters – an understanding of the target audience. My favorite projects let me spend some time with the people served by your product/content so that I can tell the story through their eyes. I love working with research and creative teams. Give me parameters or a goal. I can take that and run with it on my own – or we can sit down and plan things together.

• Documentary DP
• Production Company
• Non-Fiction Film Director
• Creative Director
• News Shooter / Video Journalist

John is a principal with Nimble Digital Media. He is a digital specialist, as well as a creative, technically savvy director/producer of film and video. With 25 years of traditional and new media production experience, John brings to bear proven visual messaging expertise, and helps clients develop and execute the right blend of tactics to achieve objectives across all screens and channels. He began his career as a photographer and director of photography, and soon moved into producing and directing for film and video. John has been responsible for a wide range of projects, developing and overseeing creative treatments, as well as managing crews and budgets on feature films, commercials, and documentaries. John has produced for British Channel 4, Japanese NHK, and German ZDF, PBS and other U.S. Networks. Additionally, he has consulted, produced and directed projects for major U.S. corporations including Abbott, Boeing BP, CDW and Groupon as well as Georgetown, Northwestern and Johns Hopkins Universities. An award-winning director and producer, John has earned an Emmy, three Tellys, A Kodak Award and Cine Golden Eagle. His work has placed in several international film festivals including Best Feature and Audience Award at the Los Angeles Independent Film Festival and Tribeca Features Festival.

• Production Company
• Field Producer
• Senior Producer / Project Manager
• Executive Producer
• Line Producer / On-Location
• Non-Fiction Film Director
• Documentary DP
• Commercial DP
• Video Editor - Commercial
• Video Editor - Documentary

My goal is to connect people with a story and make sure it's done as powerfully as possible. I love to travel, meet people, and eat good food with good conversation. My versatile skill set allows me to take projects from start to finish or participate anywhere in between. I'm experienced with generating creative briefs and production schedules. I love developing unique looks that enhance the content of a story. In the field, I've set up lighting for interviews and operated camera for both interviews and b-roll (handheld, monopod, gimbal). As a field producer, I've directed story subjects and conducted interviews. I enjoy interviews and the opportunity to connect with people and help them open up in front of the camera. In post-production, I script-write and edit. I've edited short-form stories in both FCP X and Premiere Pro. I've helped produce Telly award-winning stories and am always striving to learn and grow. I look forward to working with you!

• Field Producer
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Documentary DP
• Creative Director
• Video Editor - News
• Reporter / Journalist
• Fixer

I started out in video production in Tampa, FL where I graduated from the University of Tampa in 2011 with a degree in Film and Media Arts. From there I worked for a production company, Tampa Digital Studios. As a Junior Producer I learned the ropes of TV and web production from content producing, editing, gripping, and of course shooting and lighting. Armed with the tools of the trade, I moved to Raleigh in 2012 and started his own company where he worked for a variety clients all over the Southeast and even some as far as New York City and Calgary, Canada. I've shot for some top clients including ESPN, NBC Sports, Fox Sports, Intersport, NFL Network, Music Choice, and many more. I'm committed to providing the highest quality video production services to all of my clients. My dedication, strong work ethic, and enthusiasm is apparent on every shoot. I'm ready to shoot on the Panasonic HDX900, Sony F700, F800 and F900 – Sony F55, F3 – Canon C300 and 5D.

• Documentary DP

I'm a Chicago based Producer always looking for my next opportunity. I have experience with development, pre-production, field production and Post. While my favorite type of project is one I get to work on from start to finish, I'm always open to jumping in at any point in the process. I've worked on a variety of TV shows - from jail shows to relationship shows to home renovation and travel shows. I've worked with HGTV, DIY, The Travel Channel, The Weather Channel, Investigation Discovery, OWN, TLC and The History Channel. My corporate clients include realtors, professional athletes, culinary schools, ridesharing companies and financial institutions. I field produce, I write, I string out on Avid/Final Cut Pro... and I like to think I'm fun to have around on any set. I'm trained in Broadcast Journalism and love telling a good story. Give me an opportunity to work on your production and you won't be disappointed!

• News Shooter / Video Journalist
• Commercial DP
• Reporter / Journalist
• Documentary DP
• Video Editor - News
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Video Editor - Commercial

For the past decade Ryan Sarnowski has worked as an artist and educator. Ryan's first feature, "Passing the Baton: The Joe Sims Milwaukee Striders Story", aired on Wisconsin Public Television and he is currently working on his second feature length documentary "Last of the Lawsonomists". He also is Co-Director of doc|UWM, a documentary center based at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he has worked with students to produce over 120 short films. Ryan holds an MFA from UWM in Film Production and a BFA from Florida State University. Ryan enjoys tell stories of common people living uncommon lives. He strives to understand the social implications of his characters as they accomplish something seemingly ordinary but circumstantially difficult or change the world in their own way. Ryan comes from a background in both traditional and experimental forms of visual storytelling. Ryan aspires to incorporate more art into his documentaries while staying true to its subject. He believes unexpected visuals complement a films stories and themes while creating a unique way for viewers to engage with them. He is applying through POV to accelerate the approval process.

• Documentary DP
• Sound Mixer

After having worked for Rotary International for seven years as an international grants coordinator (I am fluent in Spanish and French), I decided to return to school to get my masters degree at the Medill School of Journalism in the hope of developing skills to tell meaningful, impactful stories. After completing my first documentary, I was hooked. Now that Ive graduated, I would love to work for a company to make quality short news or documentary pieces. I believe my experiences working as a video journalist for Agence France-Presse and making a short documentary would be assets in developing pieces like these. I am interested in covering news of all topics as can be seen in my video reel on my website: www.ashleylapin.com. I like to hunt for stories that are human interest stories. In addition, I like to cover breaking news. As long as I have the video camera in my hand, I will find a story and make a piece out of it.

• Documentary DP
• Sound Mixer

I am a 23 year old photojournalist that just graduated from Brooks Institute. My goal as a filmmaker is to filter truth to the public on issues such as, corruption in politics, corruption with pharmaceutical drugs, the imbalance between the rich and the poor, and what is our foods evolution going to look like in the next decade. The video link I sent you is a 30 min documentary that me and two of my classmates worked on for 3 years. It is a story about alternative living and creating a life surrounded by nature. The story is told through a young family that lived in a yurt, in Ojai CA, and brought there daughter into this world through a home birth. There is nothing that I enjoy more than telling and creating a packable story to share with others. I spent a year locked in a room editing this documentary and I know that it is only the beginning of my career as a documentarian and film editor. I know that I would be a great contribution to your team. I have an excellent work ethic and am very committed to projects. I look forward to collaborating in hopes to create media that matters, through stories that matter.

• Documentary DP