Commercial video production for Volkswagen

Recent work I've shot for Volkswagen

Director of photography available for commercial and social media brand campaigns. Josh is an accredited ACS member with full ARRI Alexa Mini LF production kit.

About me

I’m Joshua. I make brand films and commercials for businesses right across Australia. My job is to listen first, then celebrate what you’ve built.

ACS awards: 21
3 National Gold Tripods
Years behind the camera: 15

I used to think a bigger crew made a better film.

It doesn’t. A lot of a big budget goes on people, gear and days that never show up on screen. If you’ve ever looked at a production quote and wondered where it all goes, you’re not alone. I’ve wondered too, and I’ve been standing on the set.

These days I’d rather spend yours on what does: the craft, and a crew that fits the job, whether that’s 3 people or 30.

Alongside your team

Got an agency or an in-house team already? I’ll slot in as director of photography or creative partner. I’m good at not stepping on toes.
Just us

No agency? That’s fine. Some of my favourite projects started that way. We’ll shape the story, the shoot and every version you need, together.

My process

First

Listening session

Book

We sit down for a couple of hours, usually over coffee, or on a video call if we’re in different cities, and talk about your brand: who you are when nobody’s selling anything, and the story only you can tell. Mostly I listen. Now and then I ask an odd question. It helps, I promise.

Then

Creative concept

Then I go away and write, which mostly means staring at a wall for a while and then typing very fast. You get a concept and a treatment with references, plus a plan for every placement, from the 60-second hero film down to the 6-second vertical edit. You’ll see all of it before anyone picks up a camera.

After that

Production

A crew that fits the job, proper cinema cameras, and locations that suit the story, wherever they are. I try to keep a calm set. People are better on camera when nobody’s panicking, and so am I.

Finally

Delivery

Edit, grade and sound. Then one shoot becomes every version you need, for Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and the TV in the corner of the pub. The vertical edit is never an afterthought. I’ve seen what happens when it is, and it isn’t pretty.

9:16 Instagram and Facebook Reels and Stories, YouTube Shorts
4:5 Instagram and Facebook feed
1:1 Square posts, LinkedIn
16:9 YouTube, LinkedIn, websites and TV

Cutdowns at 6, 15, 30 and 60 seconds.

Featured work

Working together

Your film gets my full attention.

From the first conversation to the final cut. That’s why I only take on a few projects at a time. If we’re right for each other, the first listening session and creative concept are on me.

Questions

What does video production cost?

It depends on what we’re making, which I know is the most annoying answer there is. After our listening session you get a full quote with nothing hiding in it. The budget question in the form just helps me turn up with ideas that fit.

Which channels do you deliver for?

Instagram and Facebook (Reels, Stories and feed), YouTube, LinkedIn, your website and broadcast TV. Every version is cut and sized for where it’s going, with 6, 15, 30 and 60 second cutdowns if you need them. Nobody should have to watch a sideways ad on their phone.

Do you work with our existing agency?

Yes, and often. A lot of my work comes through agencies and producers. I’m happy being one part of a team that already works well, and I leave my ego in the car.

Where do you shoot?

Anywhere in Australia, from the middle of a capital city to places with no phone reception. Further afield when the story asks for it.

Is there anything you won’t work on?

Yes. I’m at my best when a film has real energy, or makes people feel something, or both. Cheesy is where I struggle. If the brief involves a jingle and a thumbs-up to camera, I’m probably not your guy, and I’d rather tell you that now than halfway through the shoot.

Say hello

I’ll put the kettle on. You talk, I’ll listen.

No project yet? That’s fine. Some of the best ones start as a hunch over coffee.

Cinematographer & DP — Volkswagen