I’m James Melrose, an experienced freelance lighting cameraman in Newcastle providing camera, lighting and production support for documentaries, factual television, branded content, interviews and corporate films.
I’m based nearby in South Shields, giving producers access to genuinely local crew without bringing a camera operator from elsewhere in the UK. I can work independently with my own equipment or join a larger camera and lighting department.
Camera and lighting support for Newcastle productions
As a lighting cameraman, I combine professional camera operation with practical location lighting. This approach works particularly well for productions that need excellent images from a compact and efficient crew.
I regularly film:
- Corporate interviews and customer stories
- Documentary and factual television
- Branded and social media content
- Presenter-led films
- Commercial productions
- Observational sequences and supporting footage
- Multicamera interviews
Depending on the brief, I can manage the camera, light interviews, record sound and capture supporting footage throughout the day. For larger productions, I can also work alongside a sound recordist, camera assistant, second operator or dedicated lighting crew.
You can learn more about my wider UK lighting cameraman services or explore my main North East lighting cameraman service.
Sony FX9, FX3 and professional lighting equipment
My principal camera is the Sony FX9, supported by the compact Sony FX3. Together, they provide a flexible package for interviews, documentary sequences, commercial content, gimbal work and multicamera filming.
I can also provide Sony G Master lenses, professional tripods, monitors, radio microphones, shotgun microphones and Aputure LED lighting. In addition, insured drone filming can be included when aerial footage suits the production. Drone operations remain subject to location, landowner and airspace permissions.
I tailor the camera and lighting package to each job. Therefore, producers only need to hire the equipment and crew their production genuinely requires.
My six-seat production vehicle can transport people, camera equipment and lighting between locations across Newcastle and Tyneside.
Local filming knowledge across Newcastle and Gateshead
I cover Newcastle city centre, the Quayside, Ouseburn, Jesmond, Gosforth, Gateshead, Team Valley and the wider Tyneside area.
The city offers a varied range of environments, from contemporary offices and university buildings to industrial settings, sporting venues and distinctive riverside locations. However, each area presents different access, parking, sound and lighting considerations.
Because I’m based locally, I can help visiting producers plan sensible travel times and equipment requirements. Productions requiring additional support with locations, facilities or filming permissions can also contact the North East Screen Film Office.
Newcastle and Tyneside filming experience
My work around Tyneside has included filming at St James’ Park, documentary-led productions in Blaydon-on-Tyne and sports content across the region.
I have also produced and directed content for South Shields FC International Academy. This involved combining controlled interviews with supporting footage to create a complete story around the organisation and its participants.
These projects have required different approaches, from carefully lit interviews to fast-moving observational coverage. As a result, I’m comfortable adapting the camera and lighting setup when schedules, contributors or locations change.
For productions requiring creative leadership and responsibility for the wider visual approach, visit my separate Newcastle Director of Photography page.
Book a lighting cameraman in Newcastle
I’m available with or without camera, lighting, sound and drone equipment. I can also help source additional camera crew, sound recordists, assistants and specialist kit when required.
To check availability, send me your filming date, Newcastle location, expected deliverables and initial equipment requirements through my contact page.
