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Hi, I’m David Ortkiese, a union Local 600 Cinematographer and DGA Director based in Santa Clarita, California. Over 23 years, I’ve shaped cinematic storytelling for Apple TV+, Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, CBS, NBC, Roku, and Amazon Prime, working across scripted, documentary, commercial, and unscripted formats. I translate creative vision into powerful imagery, balancing artistry with efficiency on large studio shoots and agile run-and-gun productions. I’m known for building collaborative environments, leading camera and lighting teams, and delivering visually compelling work under pressure. I value safety, creativity, and clear communication on set, and I strive to keep the storytelling at the heart of every shot while pushing technical boundaries.…Hi, I’m David Ortkiese, a union Local 600 Cinematographer and DGA Director based in Santa Clarita, California. Over 23 years, I’ve shaped cinematic storytelling for Apple TV+, Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, CBS, NBC, Roku, and Amazon Prime, working across scripted, documentary, commercial, and unscripted formats. I translate creative vision into powerful imagery, balancing artistry with efficiency on large studio shoots and agile run-and-gun productions. I’m known for building collaborative environments, leading camera and lighting teams, and delivering visually compelling work under pressure. I value safety, creativity, and clear communication on set, and I strive to keep the storytelling at the heart of every shot while pushing technical boundaries.

David Ortkiese

Cinematographer, Film Director, Director of Photography

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Hi, I’m David Ortkiese, a union Local 600 Cinematographer and DGA Director based in Santa Clarita, California. Over 23 years, I’ve shaped cinematic storytelling for Apple TV+, Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, CBS, NBC, Roku, and Amazon Prime, working across scripted, documentary, commercial, and unscripted formats. I translate creative vision into powerful imagery, balancing artistry with efficiency on large studio shoots and agile run-and-gun productions. I’m known for building collaborative environments, leading camera and lighting teams, and delivering visually compelling work under pressure. I value safety, creativity, and clear communication on set, and I strive to keep the storytelling at the heart of every shot while pushing technical boundaries.…Hi, I’m David Ortkiese, a union Local 600 Cinematographer and DGA Director based in Santa Clarita, California. Over 23 years, I’ve shaped cinematic storytelling for Apple TV+, Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, CBS, NBC, Roku, and Amazon Prime, working across scripted, documentary, commercial, and unscripted formats. I translate creative vision into powerful imagery, balancing artistry with efficiency on large studio shoots and agile run-and-gun productions. I’m known for building collaborative environments, leading camera and lighting teams, and delivering visually compelling work under pressure. I value safety, creativity, and clear communication on set, and I strive to keep the storytelling at the heart of every shot while pushing technical boundaries.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m David Ortkiese, a union Local 600 Cinematographer and DGA Director based in Santa Clarita, California. Over 23 years, I’ve shaped cinematic storytelling for Apple TV+, Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, CBS, NBC, Roku, and Amazon Prime, working across scripted, documentary, commercial, and unscripted formats. I translate creative vision into powerful imagery, balancing artistry with efficiency on large studio shoots and agile run-and-gun productions.

I’m known for building collaborative environments, leading camera and lighting teams, and delivering visually compelling work under pressure. I value safety, creativity, and clear communication on set, and I strive to keep the storytelling at the heart of every shot while pushing technical boundaries.

Skills

Leadership

DaVinci Resolve Studio

Short Film

Experience Level

Leadership

Expert

DaVinci Resolve Studio

Expert

Language

English

Fluent

Work Experience

Director of Photography / Cinematographer at Freelance

January 1, 2001 - Present

Partner with producers and directors to establish a distinct visual language and maintain consistency across episodes and campaigns. Lead camera and lighting departments on location and stage, ensuring creative integrity and technical accuracy under tight deadlines. Design and execute cinematic lighting plans that enhance tone, depth, and narrative. Implement efficient on-set workflows and color pipelines to preserve look from capture through grade. Mentor camera crews and nurture emerging talent, emphasizing collaboration, safety, and innovation.

Director at Freelance

January 1, 2008 - Present

Direct episodic and branded content focused on dynamic storytelling and human connection. Manage multi-department teams to align creative vision, scheduling, and deliverables. Balance performance, pacing, and composition to achieve polished, network-ready episodes.