Cinematography & Lighting
At SIMZ Productions, we believe a great story is defined by how it’s seen. With over 20 years of experience as both a Director of Photography (DP) and a Gaffer/Lighting Director, James Simmons brings a rare and comprehensive skillset to every project.
As your Cinematographer, he artfully shapes the visual language of your story, from framing and camera movement to shot composition. As a Gaffer, he commands the lighting, mastering the interplay of light and shadow to create mood, depth, and stunning on-screen visuals. This unique dual-expertise ensures a seamless, cohesive vision from the very first shot.
The Art of the Director of Photography
As your Director of Photography, James Simmons works to translate your creative vision into a compelling visual narrative. Our approach is to select the right tool for the story, and our in-house capabilities include the latest cameras from the Sony line. With our extensive network of gear houses and skilled crew, we are equipped to meet the demands of any production, from intimate interviews to large-scale commercial sets. For a detailed list of our current in-house equipment, please visit our Gear page.
The Science of the Gaffer
The strategic use of light is what separates a good shot from a great one. As a Gaffer, James meticulously designs and executes a lighting plan to create the perfect mood and ambiance for your project. We have a robust in-house inventory of the latest Aperture lighting systems, as well as a network of trusted crew and rental houses that allow us to scale our lighting package to meet any need, ensuring your production is flawlessly illuminated.
Why Our Dual Expertise Matters
Having a single individual who is an expert in both cinematography and lighting ensures a unified vision from the moment you hit record. This unique dual-expertise streamlines communication on set, optimizes efficiency, and guarantees a seamless and cohesive visual identity for your project.