Oakland, CA, USA
26 reviews$600 - $1600 / Day
I'm a documentary cinematographer working out of Los Angeles, the Bay Area, Seattle, and Portland. My work has appeared on The New York Times, The New Yorker, PBS, Frontline, Al Jazeera, Channel 4 (UK), and more, as well as for clients like CNN, AirBnb, and the Oakland Museum of California. I've also produced on series for National Geographic, Netflix, and for feature documentaries like Girl Rising. I own and operate Sony equipment (Fs7, A7siii), with a MavicPro 2 drone, Sigma Art lenses, Aputure lights, and more. See more work at www.derekknowles.com
December • 2019
Derek was diligent, communicative, and very thorough with his work. Our shoot was super character-driven, and he was able to build rapport with the interviewees and take the time to form a relationship -- which made the material that much stronger. The footage was detail-oriented and cinematic, and the interviews were beautifully shot. Derek was in touch throughout the whole process and made sure that we received everything in time. It was a pleasure to work with him!
June • 2022
Derek is such a professional. The day of our planned shoot, our interviewee had an emergency and had to reschedule. Derek took that in stride and offered a few alternate days to do the shoot. Derek is very responsive and is comfortable shooting with a drone, stabilizer, 2 camera setup and slow motion. Would definitely work with him in the future.
July • 2018
Derek was outstanding in all areas: professional, responsive, punctual, communicative, friendly. Delivered high quality footage — interview had good composition and audio; the b-roll shots were creative and well-styled. Delivery was immediate. Highly recommend Derek for whatever you may need!
From Academy Award-nominated director Richard E. Robbins, award-winning Documentary Group, Vulcan Productions and Intel Corporation comes Girl Rising - an innovative feature film about the power of education to change a girl -- and the world. I worked as a Production Assistant and coordinated international shoots in Cambodia, Egypt, Afghanistan, Peru, Nepal, and India.
In the remote fishing village of Cordova, Alaska, a local organizes a food drive for federal employees struggling to make ends meet.
Produced for CNBC Digital Video
Produced for Global Citizen
Produced for Business Insider
Produced for Seeker
With the help of artificial intelligence, the crew aboard Seeker is recording and analyzing up to 3,000 hours of underwater audio to create the most comprehensive soundscape of the Pacific Ocean.
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