I’m James Melrose, an experienced freelance lighting cameraman based in the North East. I provide camera, lighting and production support for documentaries, branded content, corporate films, factual television and commercial projects.
My South Shields base sits between Newcastle and Sunderland. Therefore, I can work as local crew throughout North East England without travelling from another part of the UK.
I regularly support production companies, agencies, broadcasters and businesses across the region. They often need an experienced camera operator who can manage both camera and lighting on location.
Camera, lighting and sound for North East productions
My lighting cameraman North East service gives producers a flexible and technically self-sufficient crew option. I can join an established camera department or provide a compact filming package for a smaller production.
Depending on the brief, I can operate the camera, light interviews, record location sound and manage media backups. For larger shoots, I can work alongside a sound recordist, camera assistant, second operator or wider lighting team.
This flexible approach works particularly well for:
- Corporate interviews and customer case studies
- Documentary and factual television
- Branded and social media content
- Commercial films
- Location filming and observational content
- Multicamera interviews
- Live and fast-turnaround productions
For national coverage, you can also explore my UK lighting cameraman services.
Sony FX9 and FX3 camera packages
I can provide a complete camera and lighting package built around the Sony FX9 and Sony FX3. The FX9 is my principal camera for documentary, commercial and corporate productions. Meanwhile, the FX3 works well as a compact second camera, gimbal camera or discreet option for smaller locations.
My available kit includes Sony G Master zooms and prime lenses, professional tripods, monitors and audio equipment. I can also supply radio microphones, shotgun microphones, Aputure lighting and grip equipment.
In addition, I can provide insured drone filming when aerial footage would strengthen the production. I hold an A2 Certificate of Competency and carry the appropriate commercial drone insurance.
I tailor the equipment package to each production brief. As a result, producers only need to hire the equipment that the project genuinely requires.
My six-seat production vehicle can transport crew, cameras and lighting between locations throughout the region. This makes it easier to move a compact production team between several locations during the same filming day.
Filming across North East England
My South Shields base provides convenient access to productions in Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham, Teesside and Northumberland.
The region offers a wide range of filming environments. These include city centres, industrial sites, manufacturing facilities, coastlines, countryside and historic buildings.
Local knowledge also helps when planning travel times, parking, access and equipment requirements. For example, a city-centre interview needs a different approach from a remote Northumberland location or an operational industrial site.
Productions that require location or filming-permission support can contact the North East Screen Film Office. The organisation supports film and television productions working across North East England.
North East filming experience
My regional work includes directing and shooting Dacia’s Britain Off-Road. This nine-part social series followed adventurer George Bullard on a journey that began on Holy Island in Northumberland.
I have also filmed documentary-led content in Blaydon-on-Tyne. In addition, I have produced and directed projects for the University of Sunderland and South Shields FC International Academy.
These productions have included carefully controlled interviews, fast-moving location work and observational filming. They have also required compact crews to work efficiently without compromising the finished images.
Because I’m genuinely based in the region, I can also support visiting production companies with local knowledge. Where necessary, I can help source additional camera crew, sound recordists, assistants and specialist equipment.
Book a North East lighting cameraman
I’m available with or without camera, lighting, sound and drone equipment. Whether you need a single lighting cameraman or a wider crew, I can adapt the package around the production.
To check availability, send me your filming date, location, expected deliverables and initial equipment requirements through my contact page.
