I’m James Melrose, a Glasgow Director of Photography and lighting cameraman working across Glasgow, Edinburgh and throughout Scotland.
Alongside my North East home base, I have a regular working base in Glasgow. Therefore, I can support Scottish productions while remaining available for shoots throughout the UK.
I film commercials, branded content, documentaries, television programmes and corporate productions. Depending on the brief, I can lead a larger camera department or work hands-on within a smaller production crew.
Director of Photography services in Glasgow
As a UK Director of Photography, I work closely with directors, producers, agencies and clients. Together, we create a visual approach that supports the story, brand and intended audience.
My involvement can begin during pre-production. For example, I can advise on cameras, lenses, lighting, locations and crew requirements. This preparation helps productions make informed creative and technical decisions before filming begins.
On set, I oversee the camera and lighting departments. However, I remain flexible when schedules, locations or creative requirements change.
I can work as a dedicated DOP leading a larger camera team. Alternatively, I can operate the camera and manage the lighting within a smaller crew.
Commercials, branded content and corporate films
I regularly shoot commercials, branded films, interviews, social content and corporate productions. Recent work includes projects for Dacia, Sky Sports and FC Mobile. In addition, my wider experience includes productions for broadcasters such as the BBC and Channel 4.
Every brief requires a different visual approach. Some productions call for carefully controlled lighting and planned camera movement. Meanwhile, others benefit from a natural and unobtrusive filming style.
For interviews, I create polished lighting that suits both the contributor and the location. I can also help productions make the most of offices, studios, hotels and working environments across Glasgow and Scotland.
You can view further examples in my cinematography portfolio.
Documentary and factual television
My documentary and factual experience includes observational filming, contributor-led stories, interviews and location-based productions.
Because factual filming can change quickly, I’m comfortable reacting to developing situations. I can work efficiently within a small crew while capturing authentic moments without disrupting the story.
My factual credits include working as Director of Photography on The Secret Life of the Zoo for Blast Films and Channel 4. I have also worked across documentary, entertainment and sports productions for television and digital platforms.
Camera, lighting and production equipment
My principal camera package is built around the Sony FX9. Additionally, the Sony FX3 is available for second-camera, gimbal and compact filming requirements.
I use Sony G Master zoom lenses alongside a selection of fast prime lenses. Depending on the production, I can also provide lighting, audio and camera-support equipment.
For smaller shoots, I can supply a complete camera and lighting package. Alternatively, I can work with equipment provided by the production or hire company. I can also help source additional kit and experienced crew according to the scale of the project.
In addition, I’m available as a camera operator. I can also provide insured drone filming where local conditions and airspace restrictions allow.
Filming in Glasgow
Glasgow provides a wide variety of locations for commercial, television and documentary production. The city centre offers grand Victorian architecture, modern offices and busy urban streets. Meanwhile, the Merchant City and West End provide distinctive residential, cultural and historic settings.
The River Clyde offers modern architecture, bridges and industrial landscapes. Glasgow also has a strong network of studios, equipment suppliers and experienced production crew.
However, permits and access requirements can vary between locations. The official Glasgow Film Office provides support and information for productions planning to film within the city.
Careful planning is particularly important when working with restricted access, limited parking or a larger lighting package. Therefore, I can help assess the equipment, crew and practical requirements during pre-production.
Filming throughout Scotland
Beyond Glasgow, I’m available for productions in Edinburgh, Ayrshire, Stirling, Perth, Dundee, Aberdeen, the Highlands and throughout Scotland.
The country offers an unusually varied range of filming environments. Productions can move between historic cities, coastal landscapes, mountains, lochs, countryside and industrial locations.
Screen Scotland provides information about regional film offices, locations, crew and production facilities throughout Scotland.
My Glasgow base also provides convenient access to Central Scotland and the west coast. For productions travelling farther north, I can plan equipment and travel around the requirements of the schedule.
Glasgow base and UK availability
Alongside Glasgow, I regularly work from Newcastle, Manchester and London. Therefore, I’m well placed to support productions throughout the UK.
Whether you need a Glasgow Director of Photography, lighting cameraman or camera operator, I can tailor my involvement to your production. Camera, lighting, audio and drone packages can also be supplied when required.
To discuss an upcoming shoot, check availability or request a quotation, please contact me.
