I’m a director and cinematographer with 15+ years’ experience across documentary, commercial and digital work. I have an insatiable appetite for exploration, discovery and making things, and a genuine love of being outdoors. My background in journalism has shaped how I work. I’m inquisitive, observant and detail-focused, with strong visual instincts and a calm, resourceful approach in the field. I’m comfortable working in remote or unpredictable environments, often with small crews and real-world constraints. I’m drawn to people who care deeply about what they do, unfamiliar places, new skills and new processes. I enjoy adapting quickly when plans change, balancing documentary honesty with commercial polish, and finding clear, visual ways to share stories.

Richard Maxton

I’m a director and cinematographer with 15+ years’ experience across documentary, commercial and digital work. I have an insatiable appetite for exploration, discovery and making things, and a genuine love of being outdoors. My background in journalism has shaped how I work. I’m inquisitive, observant and detail-focused, with strong visual instincts and a calm, resourceful approach in the field. I’m comfortable working in remote or unpredictable environments, often with small crews and real-world constraints. I’m drawn to people who care deeply about what they do, unfamiliar places, new skills and new processes. I enjoy adapting quickly when plans change, balancing documentary honesty with commercial polish, and finding clear, visual ways to share stories.

Available to hire

I’m a director and cinematographer with 15+ years’ experience across documentary, commercial and digital work. I have an insatiable appetite for exploration, discovery and making things, and a genuine love of being outdoors.

My background in journalism has shaped how I work. I’m inquisitive, observant and detail-focused, with strong visual instincts and a calm, resourceful approach in the field. I’m comfortable working in remote or unpredictable environments, often with small crews and real-world constraints.

I’m drawn to people who care deeply about what they do, unfamiliar places, new skills and new processes. I enjoy adapting quickly when plans change, balancing documentary honesty with commercial polish, and finding clear, visual ways to share stories.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Content Director at DDB Sydney
January 1, 2017 - January 1, 2019
Built and led digital agency’s in-house video production team. Directed, shot and edited 60+ projects spanning television, social media, and online platforms for brands such as Volkswagen, Virgin McDonald's and Westpac.
Freelance Filmmaker at Self-Employed / Freelance
January 1, 2019 - Present
Deliver end-to-end documentary and branded content; direct, shoot and edit projects; lead from pitch through delivery; collaborate with leading digital creators and agencies to produce high-engagement content for YouTube, Instagram and TikTok; remote and regional shoots with limited access to power, transport or communications.
Research and Production Assistant at National Geographic - The Green Way Up
January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2011
Researched, pitched and developed story ideas; planned travel routes and shoot opportunities for international documentary expeditions; managed crews, equipment, permits and logistics.
Digital Producer at Fox Sports
January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2011
Planned and managed content and segment ideas; researched, wrote articles and produced multimedia content for foxsports.com.au; oversaw live coverage on social platforms.
Digital Media Manager at Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
January 1, 2011 - December 31, 2013
Managed digital content strategy for the club’s website and social media channels; coordinated marketing campaigns and digital outputs.
Editor at Macquarie Radio National
January 1, 2007 - December 31, 2009
Editor and News Producer; produced articles and video features for online news.

Education

Bachelor of Arts at Charles Sturt University
February 15, 2005 - November 21, 2007

Qualifications

Graduate Certificate Documentary
January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2015
Graduate Certificate Cinematography
January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2015

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Education, Other, Non-Profit Organization