Jacob Whatley is a Director of Photography working in documentary, narrative and commercial spaces. His background in fiction film informs his documentary approach, bringing a cinematic eye, intentional composition & controlled lighting to real-world stories.He has shot short films across genres (including modern noir & multilingual projects) working in roles such as DoP, Gaffer & Grip. He worked in the grip department on a TV series in LA, gaining experience on large-scale sets.Jacob has filmed documentaries across Mexico, Peru, and Iceland working in remote and unpredictable environments. He has worked on commercial productions for Duke University and Athletics creating polished media for marketing.He is a licensed Part 107 drone pilot and incorporates aerial cinematography into narrative and documentary work. He owns his own professional production kit, including cinema cameras and Aputure lights.A North Carolina native, he brings a deep familiarity with the region.
SKILLS1. Cinema Camera Operation: Experience operating and rigging high-end cinema cameras including REDs, ARRI, BlackMagic.2. Lighting: Owner-operator of Aputure LED lighting systems3. Scripted Production: Experience creating lighting diagrams, mood boards, shot lists and taking care of actor coverage, blocking, and eyeline continuity on set.4. Documentary Field Production: Interview lighting. Vérité-style shooting in uncontrolled environments. Run-and-gun audio/camera coordination.5. Aerial Cinematography: FAA Part 107 certified drone pilot6. Set & Crew Experience: Worked as Director of Photography, gaffer, grip. Grip department experience on a television series (Los Angeles). Comfortable working within union and non-union crews.EXPERIENCE1. International Documentary Production: Field production in Mexico, Peru, Iceland. Remote logistics, travel gear management, and safety awareness2. Commercial / Institutional Production: Branded and institutional cinematography (Duke University, Duke Athletics)3. Regional Knowledge: North Carolina locations, crews, and permitting familiarity
Biopic, Comedy, Documentary, Drama, Family, International, Horror, Reality, Romance, Fantasy, Sports, Thriller
English