Director of Photography/Producer in Covington, Kentucky at Mills James Inc

Mills James is seeking an experienced and visionary Director of Photography/Producer to join our Cincinnati creative team. This is a cinematography and visual production leadership role, with producer responsibilities supporting the planning and delivery of each project. This position leads the visual execution of video productions, including camera, lighting, grip, composition, movement, image quality, and on-set technical direction, while also coordinating key production details such as scheduling, budgeting, client communication, resource planning, and post-production follow-through. The ideal candidate is an organized visual storyteller with strong technical judgment, creative problem-solving skills, and the ability to interpret creative briefs, scripts, client messaging, production plans, and technical requirements while balancing visual quality with scope, schedule, budget, and client expectations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Director of Photography Responsibilities
• Lead the visual approach for each project in collaboration with the Creative Director, directors, producers, and clients.
• Translate scripts, treatments, and creative briefs into shot lists, lighting plans, camera plans, lens choices, movement concepts, and visual references.
• Determine and operate the appropriate cameras, lenses, lighting, audio, and grip equipment, and technical workflows for each production.
• Direct camera, lighting, and grip teams through gear prep, setup, blocking, shot execution, and wrap.
• Shape composition, framing, camera movement, lighting design, contrast, color temperature, depth, and visual continuity to support the story and client objectives.
• Monitor focus, exposure, image quality, lighting consistency, media capture, and technical accuracy throughout production.
• Maintain ownership of the visual style from pre-production through production, edit, color, and final delivery.
• Coordinate camera tests, equipment checkouts, maintenance, data capture practices, and on-set safety protocols.
• Troubleshoot technical and creative challenges quickly while maintaining production momentum and visual standards.
• Stay current on cinematography, lighting, digital capture, camera systems, and production technology trends.
Producer Responsibilities
• Support video projects from concept through final delivery, ensuring scope, budget, schedule, and quality expectations are met.
• Assist with scripts, storyboards, budgets, production plans, timelines, schedules, and post-production milestones.
• Coordinate crews, resources, locations, vendors, freelancers, logistics, and editing sessions as needed.
• Partner with clients, creative teams, and external collaborators to support effective multimedia content creation and file management.
• Manage client communication, feedback, approvals, and production updates in collaboration with internal teams.
• Maintain a professional, inclusive, and accessible production environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Education and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in film production, cinematography, video production, communications, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience and training may be considered.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional video production experience, including significant experience as a Director of Photography, Lead Cinematographer, camera operator, gaffer, or similar visual production leadership role; producing experience preferred.
• Portfolio showcasing strong technical, creative, and storytelling capabilities.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, communications, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Physical Requirements
• Ability to lift and carry camera, lighting, and production equipment up to 50 lbs.
• Endurance to stand, move, and operate gear for long periods in varied production conditions.
Work Environment and Additional Requirements
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, and additional hours as production demands require.
• Availability to work in the office, on location, and in studio production environments as needed.
• Ability to lead and collaborate in high-pressure, deadline-driven environments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and production-related planning, communication, and workflow tools.
• Valid driver’s license.

Benefits
Mills James offers a comprehensive benefits package for this full-time position, including:
• Anthem ERC medical, Guardian dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) and Roth 401(k) with discretionary company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Additional benefits consistent with company policy