James Salisbury
Camera Operator
About Me
I am an enthusiastic and passionate Natural History Camera Operator with a BSc (Hons) in Zoology and an MA in Wildlife Documentary Production. I have broadcast credits in a variety of production roles including Camera Assistant (Amazon Adventure IMAX 3D – Theatrical Release – SKFilms), Camera Operator (Wonderful Whelks – BBC One &... Read More
I am an enthusiastic and passionate Natural History Camera Operator with a BSc (Hons) in Zoology and an MA in Wildlife Documentary Production. I have broadcast credits in a variety of production roles including Camera Assistant (Amazon Adventure IMAX 3D – Theatrical Release – SKFilms), Camera Operator (Wonderful Whelks – BBC One – BBC NHU The One Show), and Director of Photography (The Wonderful World of Puppies – Channel 5 – Blakeway). These productions range from small, low budget films shot in ultra-high definition/4K on location in the UK, to large scale, multi-million-dollar, IMAX 3D films shot in 8K raw on location in Brazil and Costa Rica. I have demonstrated a variety of filming techniques and technical expertise applicable to natural history documentary production including macro, time-lapse, telephoto, drone piloting as a Civil Aviation Authority Permission for Commercial Operations holder, and DJI Ronin gimbal operation. I have the confidence to communicate concerns, challenges, and ideas within a team, but I also have a good familiarity with lone working and self-shooting.
With a keen eye for creative composition and beautiful lighting, I have honed my skills in camera operating, sound recording, and editing as an AVID Media Composer Certified User to craft striking and compelling stories. I have a solid technical knowledge with a flair for problem-solving and improvisation. I am proficient in using a variety of camera systems including Panasonic Varicam, RED, ARRI Alexa, Sony Cinealta/EX-series/F-series, Canon DSLR camera traps, and GoPro. I also have a good understanding of lighting sets for studio work, having used a variety of lighting types from LED panels and fibre lights, to Tungsten and Fluorescents. In addition to this, I have experience in recording sound on location that includes atmosphere/wild track, spot effects, foley, and animal calls. I have assisted natural history cinematographer Richard Kirby on foreign shoots with duties that include: location scouting, building and lighting macro sets, rigging blue screen, DIT, setting up protocols, logging and wrangling, second camera, animal handling, and equipment preparation/maintenance.
I have a firm understanding of animal behaviour, which has helped me to capture intimate and unique shots. My BSc (Hons) degree in Zoology coupled with specialist courses (including an Open University Science Short Course on Life in the Oceans and a Mammalian Society certificate in Mammal Identification) has given me excellent research skills with an elevated level of scientific scrutiny. I am keen to sustain a working understanding of the latest broadcast camera technologies by attending relevant workshops and consumer tradeshows such as the International Broadcast Convention (IBC) and the Broadcast and Video Expo (BVE).
On location, I am driven to produce powerful and unique images that will help to tell interesting and engaging stories. I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty and I’m always keen to learn new skills; I am ready to get stuck in and forge a career in blue-chip natural history filmmaking. Read Less
Credits last updated / confirmed indexing on 2nd Mar 2019
Credits
View MoreAgent:
Media I Work In:
Broadcast Television
Online Content
Short Film
Video on demand
Locations I can work in:
Work Anywhere
Language:
English (Fluent)
Skills/Permits:
Driving Licence
First Aid
Heath And Safety Training
Hostile Environment
Storytelling
Access Negotiation
Drone Pilot (CAA PFAW)
Technical Skills:
Canon 5D MKII
Canon 7D
Adobe Premiere
After Effects
Panasonic AG-HPX500
Arri Alexa XT Studio
Avid
Avid Media Composer
Colour
Data Wrangling
DSLR
Sony PMW-EX1
Sony PMW-EX3
Fixed Rig Experience
GoPro
HD
Panasonic AG-HMC151
Panasonic AG-HPX171
Lighting Camera
Nightvision Cameras
Panasonic AG-HPX500
Panasonic AG-HPX171E P2
Panasonic AG-HMC151
Panasonic AG-HPX171
Panasonic Varicam
Adobe Photoshop
Remote Location Training
Self Shooting
Sony PMW-EX1
Sony PMW-EX3
Sound Recording
Studio Experience
Canon EOS C300
Canon XF305
35mm
4K
Adobe Lightroom
AJ-HPX2700 P2 Varicam
ARRI AMIRA
Canon 5D MKIII
Canon 7D MKII
Canon C300 Mark II
Canon EOS 1DX
Canon EOS 1DX MKII
Canon EOS C100
Canon EOS C100 MKII
Canon XF105
DJI Osmo
Hyperlapse
Panasonic AJ-HPX2700 P2 Varicam
Panasonic VariCam LT
Red EPIC-X
Red SCARLET-W
Sony a7S II
Sony PXW-FS5
Sony PXW-FS7
Stills
Awards:
Highly Commended - British Wildlife Photography Award - Video Category - 2016