Cinematographer

About the Role

Colossal is seeking a versatile Cinematographer to help define the visual language of de-extinction through ongoing documentary coverage across laboratories, field expeditions, interviews, and original productions. This role is designed for a passionate creative who can pair strong documentary instincts with cinematic craft, moving fluidly between scripted productions and real-time documentary coverage, capturing breakthrough science as it happens, and elevating everyday moments into compelling visual storytelling. This role is based on-site full time in Dallas, TX. Relocation assistance is available.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Director of Photography, guiding camera, composition, and movement
• Shape visual tone and framing to achieve a cinematic, cohesive look
li>Lead video and photography capture across lab environments, fieldwork, and controlled productions
• Operate confidently in both fast-moving documentary conditions and structured in-house shoots
• Capture with flexibility to support multiple outputs (social, YouTube, experiential)
• Partner with the entertainment team to plan shoots, coordinating crew, gear, and logistics as needed
• Adapt quickly to changing environments, scientific constraints, and production needs
• Evaluate and implement new camera systems, lenses, and emerging production technologies
• Stay current on advancements in cinematography and AI-driven workflows
• Advise on gear selection and build scalable camera packages for different production needs
• Design and execute lighting setups across lab, interview, and documentary environments
• Balance technical accuracy with cinematic mood and brand consistency
• Adapt lighting approaches quickly based on environment and constraints
• Partner with post-production to ensure visual intent carries through
• Help define and maintain the final color look across projects
• Establish and refine brand-consistent LUTs for use across shoots and workflows

Qualifications

• Experience filming in both controlled (lab/studio) and natural (field/remote) environments
• Background in documentary or long-form storytelling, following real people and breakthrough moments over time
• Ability to make complex science visually compelling and emotionally accessible
• Drone/aerial cinematography experience in dynamic environments
• Experience building content systems within small, fast-moving teams
• Color grading experience, with the ability to work within color pipelines, including LUTs and collaboration with colorists to maintain visual intent
• Interest in science, technology, and de-extinction

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Excellent paid time off and company holidays
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
• Company matched 401k retirement plan
• Paid parental leave at 100% salary for up to 12 weeks
• Education reimbursement

An opportunity to help us return the Earth to a healthier state. The team at Colossal is committed, colorful, passionate, intelligent, collaborative, creative, experienced, scientific and world-class.