Cinematographer

The Cinematographer at News Alert plays a crucial role in shaping the visual storytelling across the company’s digital and video platforms. This position demands a creative and technically skilled professional who can craft the look, lighting, framing, and camera movement for a variety of video content. The role requires adaptability to work seamlessly between a controlled multi-camera studio environment, dynamic field journalism settings, and aerial drone operations. The Cinematographer is responsible for transforming raw ideas into polished cinematic news packages, documentaries, and branded content that engage and inform audiences.

Key Responsibilities

Studio Cinematography & Technical Mastery:
Design and implement the visual identity for daily news bulletins, talk shows, and digital explainers by developing composition templates and camera angles. Master advanced lighting techniques including studio grid lighting, multi-point setups, and green screen keying to create professional depth and mood. Collaborate closely with audio teams to ensure wireless lapel, boom, and studio microphones deliver clear, synchronized sound. Operate and manage multi-camera setups, ensuring consistent color profiles across DSLR, mirrorless, or cinema cameras.

Field Videography & Aerial Drone Operations:
Work alongside reporters and digital creators to capture dynamic pieces-to-camera, breaking news b-roll, and investigative footage in fast-paced environments. Plan and execute safe, licensed drone flights to capture compelling aerial shots that enhance storytelling in documentaries and news segments. Identify visual hooks, transitions, and framing opportunities spontaneously while working under pressure in unpredictable field conditions.

Production Asset Management & Logistics:
Oversee the maintenance, cleaning, firmware updates, and inventory tracking of all high-end production equipment, including cameras, lenses, drone kits, and stabilizing gimbals. Maintain a ready-to-deploy Mobile Journalism (MoJo) and cinema kit for immediate response to breaking news. Manage on-set data backup, log raw footage, and ensure seamless file handoffs to post-production and editing teams.

Required Qualifications

Education:
A degree, diploma, or specialized certification in Cinematography, Film Production, Media Studies, or Photography is required.

Experience:
A minimum of 2–3 years of proven experience as a Cinematographer, Cameraman, or similar role within a newsroom, digital media platform, production agency, or commercial studio. Candidates must present a strong and diverse portfolio demonstrating professional camera movement, lighting expertise, and aerial drone footage.

Technical & Artistic Skills:
Expertise in cinema and mirrorless camera systems, including manual focus pulls, lens selection, and advanced stabilizer rigs. Comprehensive knowledge of commercial drone operation (especially DJI systems), airspace regulations, and outdoor flight safety. Strong understanding of color theory, exposure, composition, and the ability to visualize how shots will translate into various formats such as vertical reels and horizontal packages.

Language Skills:
Functional proficiency in Urdu is necessary to effectively direct field talent and coordinate with the assignment desk.

This role offers the opportunity to work in a fast-paced, creative environment where technical skill and artistic vision combine to produce compelling visual content. The successful candidate will be a versatile storyteller, comfortable in both studio and field settings, with a passion for delivering high-quality cinematic news and branded media.