Cinematographer

ABOUT M&C SAATCHI WORLD SERVICES

M&C Saatchi World Services is a full-service marketing company renowned for using commercial advertising to solve the world’s toughest challenges. World Services is a specialty branch of M&C Saatchi Group, and we provide strategic communications, behavior change, and marketing support to Public Sector clients with special emphasis on the US Federal Government and State, Local, Tribal, & Territorial leaders.

M&C Saatchi World Services US is seeking a highly creative and technically skilled Cinematographer. This role captures and produces compelling visual content that supports communications, outreach, and stakeholder engagement initiatives, translating complex topics into compelling and engaging stories and multimedia experiences that strengthen audience understanding, connection, and mission impact.

THE ROLE

M&C Saatchi World Services is seeking a talented, hands-on Cinematographer to create compelling visual content that supports high-profile communications, outreach, and engagement initiatives across federal environments. Working closely with creative, production, account, and strategy teams, you will play a key role in bringing stories to life across documentaries, interviews, podcasts, events, digital campaigns, social content and enterprise communications. This is both a creative and practical role. You will contribute to concepts, treatments and visual approaches, help plan and execute shoots, direct contributors, operate camera, lighting and audio equipment, and collaborate closely with editors and motion designers throughout post-production. The ideal candidate combines strong technical production expertise with exceptional storytelling instincts. You should be able to create visually distinctive work, put talent at ease and make confident creative decisions in both controlled and fast-moving environments. You are comfortable operating independently in the field on straightforward assignments, while also working as part of a wider production team on more complex projects. You are comfortable collaborating across multidisciplinary creative teams and managing multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining consistently high standards of creative and technical quality. This role will support projects across a federal client portfolio and may involve travel to capture events, interviews, and mission-related activities.

This is a hybrid role; however, the ideal candidate will live in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) region.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, direct and capture high-quality video content for communications campaigns, outreach initiatives, events, leadership engagements, and digital platforms.

• Shoot interviews, documentaries, testimonials, podcasts, events, instructional content, campaign assets and B-roll across studio and field environments.

• Develop visual approaches that bring creative concepts and real-world stories to life through cinematography, lighting, composition, camera movement and sound.

• Direct interviewees, contributors and on-screen talent, creating an environment in which people feel comfortable and able to communicate naturally.

• Collaborate with creative, production, strategy, and stakeholder engagement teams to develop concepts, treatments, storyboards, shot lists and production approaches.

• Work closely with producers to assess locations, identify technical requirements, prepare equipment and ensure shoots run smoothly.

• Operate professional video, lighting, and audio equipment independently in both studio and field environments.

• Set up and film multi-camera podcasts, interviews and studio-based content, including lighting, audio and camera configuration.

• Respond creatively to changing conditions on location and identify compelling, unscripted moments that strengthen the final story.

• Review and organize shots, preparing selects, notes and clear handover materials to support an efficient post-production process.

• Work closely with editors, motion designers, and creative teams to ensure final products meet strategic, creative, and technical requirements.

• Maintain and manage camera, lighting, audio and related equipment, ensuring it is prepared, tested and ready for production.

• Maintain organized video libraries, archives and production assets.

• Collaborate with production and post-production teams to ensure final video content comply with accessibility requirements and applicable multimedia standards.

• Participate in creative reviews, feedback sessions, and quality assurance processes to continuously improve content effectiveness.

• Stay current on emerging production techniques, storytelling approaches, platform trends, and evolving video technologies.

• Support rapid-turn and high-priority content development efforts when required.

• Acquisition and procurement of camera, lighting, audio, AV equipment, and studio gear

Key Attributes

• Professional experience creating high-quality video within a creative or communications environment.

• Strong portfolio demonstrating excellent filmmaking, cinematography, and visual storytelling.

• Advanced practical knowledge of professional camera systems, lenses, lighting equipment, audio equipment, and field production tools.

• Strong understanding of composition, framing, lighting, camera movement, exposure, camera formats, codecs, and color workflows.

• Experience directing interviewees, contributors and non-professional talent.

• Experience filming interviews, documentaries, events, podcasts, branded content and social campaigns.

• Confidence working independently on smaller assignments and collaboratively within larger multidisciplinary teams.

• Curiosity about emerging technologies, including the practical application of AI-assisted tools within creative and production workflows.

• Proficiency in editing and post-production workflows using Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or similar software.

• Knowledge of color management, LUTs and professional grading workflows.

• Ability to translate strategic objectives and creative concepts into compelling visual narratives.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage priorities across multiple shoots and projects.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills within multidisciplinary creative teams.

• Adaptability and comfort working in fast-paced environments with changing priorities and deadlines.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to creative quality and technical excellence.

• Knowledge of social video formats, platform requirements, and digital content best practices.

• Experience supporting federal government, public affairs, international development, or mission-driven communications programs is preferred.

• Ability to travel, transport production equipment, and support on-location filming activities as required.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance, as required by the position.

• Degree or relevant experience in Film Production, Digital Media, Broadcasting, Communications, Multimedia Production, or a related field preferred.

Eligibility Requirements:
• U.S. Citizenship: Must be a United States Citizen (required by government contract).
• Clearance Eligibility: Must be able and willing to obtain a U.S. Government Secret or Top Secret security clearance immediately upon employment.
• Background Screening: Must be willing to submit to a rigorous federal background investigation, which includes an in-depth review of personal finances, criminal history, employment history, and drug use.

The salary range provided reflects the anticipated compensation for this role across our Washington, DC and New York locations. Actual starting salary will be determined based on geographic location, relevant experience, skills, and other job-related factors.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT HERE

• Work on impactful programs supporting federal and defense-related initiatives.
• Collaborate with high-performing cross-functional teams across communications, digital and analytics disciplines.
• Opportunity to shape strategic public engagement initiatives at enterprise scale.

• Flexible hybrid working environment.
• Exposure to complex, mission-driven stakeholder engagement challenges.
• Career development opportunities within a fast-growing global organization.

WHAT YOU GET

We offer a competitive salary and a benefits package designed to support your health, family life, financial wellbeing, and growth:

• 12 weeks’ of full pay for primary caregivers and 6 weeks for secondary caregivers.

• Choice of three medical plans (HSA at $0 cost; EPO 75% employer funded; PPO 65% employer funded)

• 70% employer-funded dental and vision coverage

• Generous paid time off, sick leave, and company holidays, including an office closure between Christmas & New Year's

• 401(k) with 5% employer match

• Gym membership reimbursement and/or Wellhub subscription

• Mental health support through EAP and Self Space services

• Work from anywhere for up to 2 weeks per year (subject to approval)

• Social events, happy hours, professional development trainings, etc.

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