WILL DORRIEN-SMITH
CINEMATOGRAPHER / DRONE OPERATOR / EDITOR
SKILLS:
Director of Photography, Cinematography, Photography, Camera Operator, Drone Pilot, Video Editing, Colorist, Graphic Design, 2D Animation, Adobe Premiere, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Photoshop, Davinci Resolve, Storytelling
AREAS OF EXPERTISE:
Documentary, Editorial, Commercial
EXPERIENCE
Life Below Zero: First Alaskans, BBC / National Geographic - Alaska — Director of Photography / Drone Pilot
2022 - Present - (Freelance)
“In the face of Alaska’s changing and brutal landscape, an ever-dwindling number of Alaskan Native peoples have but one recourse: to live as their ancestors did and to teach subsequent generations everything.” On this show, I operate a range of Sony cinema cameras (FX9, FX6, FX3, A7siii), drones, gimbals and stills. I also help to direct our incredible cast and brainstorm story ideas in the moment, whilst in wild and harsh conditions.
Life Below Zero, BBC / National Geographic - Alaska — Camera Operator / DIT
2021 - Present - (Freelance)
“This series takes viewers deep into an Alaskan winter to meet tough, resilient residents as they try to stay one step ahead of storms and man-eating beasts to survive the season.” My job on this show is to operate a C300mkII, manage hundreds of hours of footage, and a large gear package, whilst working in harsh conditions.
Kid Candidate, Feature Documentary - Los Angeles, CA — Editor / Producer
2020 Nominated for Best Documentary at SXSW, Kid Candidate tells the story of Hayden Pedigo, a 24-year old experimental musician and his unlikely run for Amarillo city council after his Harmony Korine inspired spoof campaign video went viral.
Type One Outdoors - Los Angeles, CA — Cinematographer / Editor
2020 A series of videos created to promote outdoor activities in the Type One Diabetic community. We filmed hiking and rock climbing in the desert, canyons, and mountains of California.
NBC Universal, Los Angeles, CA — Video Editor, Graphic Design, 2D Animation
2019
Video editing and 2d animation for NBC promotional content for shows like The Good Place, American Ninja Warrior, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Broadcast on their multiplatform social media campaigns on Snapchat, Facebook, Youtube, Twitter and Instagram.
Solve, Los Angeles, CA — Director of Photography2019Working closely with the Director during pre-production and production for Solve, a true-crime show broadcasting to millions of subscribers on Snapchat, as well as their own interactive app. Managing a small crew and moving at a fast pace of up to 70 set-ups per day, whilst retaining the dramatic style required by the genre.
Big Wall Beginnings, Shaver Lake, CA — Video Editor, Graphic Design, 2D Animation
2019
A rock climbing film about friendship, mentorship and trust. Alex, a young climber teams up with his mentor Gavin and Himalayan Mountain Guide, Conner to attempt to climb his first 1400 foot big wall.
Finding Home, Los Angeles, CA — Writer, Cinematographer, Video Editor
2019 - Present (Freelance)
I’m developing a feature documentary about homeless families on their journey to stability. I’m currently interviewing, filming and editing.
Zoomin.TV, Los Angeles, CA — Cinematographer, Drone Pilot, Video Journalist
2019 - Present (Freelance)
Filming, producing and drone operating. Creating short content for online distribution with engaging stories.
The Key to Our Future, Green Island, Taiwan — Cinematographer / Drone Pilot / Producer / Editor
2019 - May
The goal of this project was to create an educational and promotional film for the Green Island Marine Research station. This film was used to raise funding for the station, as well as encourage students to participate in field projects, studying foraminifera. .
Vertical Networks, Los Angeles, CA — Director of Photography, Video Editor
March 2016 - May 2019
http://www.verticalnetworks.com/
“We make the biggest mobile-first shows and channels in the world.”
Filming and editing shows with viewerships of 15 million views in a weekend. Working closely with Director and Producer in pre-production to define look and style for a vertical frame. Helping to develop a successful social media strategy. Directing small and large camera teams for unscripted content. Creating specific visual styles for multiple distribution formats: Snapchat, Facebook, Television.
Digital Natives Content, London — Director, Video Editor, Videographer
2015 - 2016
http://www.digitalnativescontent.com/
“Brand Storytelling for the connected generation”
Editing, directing and graphic design for advertising, branded content & commercials for multiplatform distribution on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Television
M&C Saatchi, Universal Music, Reebok, Coca-Cola, Financial Times, London — Cinematographer / Editor
2013 - 2015
Filming, directing, editing, and graphic design for branded content for online distribution.
Crane.tv, London — Cinematographer / Editor
2012 - 2013
http://www.crane.tv
Shooting and editing interviews with artists, architects, designers, musicians. Covering large art events around the world, including Brazil, Italy and France.
Blink Productions / 2AM Films / Universal Music / Virgin Records / Polydor / London — Cinematographer, Editor
2008 - 2012
Assisting on branded content and commercials for London production companies. Filming and editing live music and music videos for top record labels.
EDUCATION
University of Westminster, London — Bachelors degree in Film and Television
2007 - 2010
A rigorous course of theory and practise. Whilst raising thousands of pounds to pay for our grad films that we shot on 16mm film, we were also writing our dissertations. A fantastic experience in both practical filmmaking, and film theory.