Hi, I’m Ahmad El-Zain, a filmmaker and Director of Photography based in Istanbul. Over the past 15 years, I’ve crafted cinematic visuals and storytelling for global brands, influencers, and creative projects. I combine narrative storytelling, technical mastery, and strategic content thinking to produce films that evoke emotion and engage audiences worldwide.…

Ahmad El-Zain

Hi, I’m Ahmad El-Zain, a filmmaker and Director of Photography based in Istanbul. Over the past 15 years, I’ve crafted cinematic visuals and storytelling for global brands, influencers, and creative projects. I combine narrative storytelling, technical mastery, and strategic content thinking to produce films that evoke emotion and engage audiences worldwide.…

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Ahmad El-Zain, a filmmaker and Director of Photography based in Istanbul. Over the past 15 years, I’ve crafted cinematic visuals and storytelling for global brands, influencers, and creative projects. I combine narrative storytelling, technical mastery, and strategic content thinking to produce films that evoke emotion and engage audiences worldwide.

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Skills

Experience Level

Language

Arabic
Fluent
English
Fluent
Turkish
Fluent

Work Experience

Founder & Director at Verdun Photography
January 1, 2020 - October 18, 2025
Founded and managed an 18-member production studio specializing in wedding films and commercial projects. Produced 500+ wedding films and 1,000+ creative portraits with a distinct cinematic signature. Directed all operations from client relations to editing and social media branding.
Senior Filmmaker & Team Leader at Zain Films
January 1, 2025 - October 18, 2025
Visionary filmmaker and Director of Photography; leads a seven-person camera team, manages full-cycle production from concept to delivery. Directs productions for global brands and influencers, expanding international reach while coordinating multi-camera shoots and post-production.
Freelance Filmmaker & Director of Photography at Zain Films
January 1, 2020 - Present
Freelance filmmaker and Director of Photography delivering cinematic visuals for global brands, influencers, and creative projects. Responsible for concept, direction, filming, editing, sound, and delivery across on-location shoots and multi-camera setups.
Cinematographer & Editor at Sham City Center
January 1, 2012 - October 18, 2025
Film ed and edit commercials and event films for regional brands; developed a foundation in storytelling, color grading, and cinematic composition.
Founder & Director at Verdun Photography
January 1, 2020 - October 18, 2025
Founded and managed an 18-member production studio specializing in wedding films and commercial projects. Produced 500+ wedding films and 1,000+ creative portraits; directed all operations from client relations to editing and social media branding.
Senior Filmmaker & Team Leader at Zain Films
January 1, 2020 - Present
Visionary filmmaker and team leader crafting cinematic visuals for global brands; leads multi-camera productions, on-location shoots, and drone-enabled footage; manages end-to-end production workflows.
Freelance Film Maker & Director of Photography at Zain Films
January 1, 2012 - October 18, 2025
Freelance film maker and director of photography providing cinematic visuals and storytelling for various brands and clients in Istanbul and across Europe.
Founder & Director at Verdun Photography
January 1, 2020 - October 18, 2025
Founded and managed an 18-member production studio specializing in wedding films and commercial projects; produced 500+ wedding films and 1,000+ portraits; oversaw client relations, editing, and social media branding.

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Film, Cinema, and Video Studies at Lebanese American University, Beirut
January 1, 2012 - January 1, 2016
Bachelor’s Studies in English Literature at Notre Dame University - Louaize
January 1, 2009 - January 1, 2012
Bachelor's Degree in Film, Cinema, and Video Studies at Notre Dame University – Louaize (NDU)
January 1, 2012 - January 1, 2016
Bachelor's Studies in English Literature at Tishreen University
January 1, 2009 - January 1, 2012
Bachelor’s Degree in Film, Cinema, and Video Studies at Notre Dame University – Louaize
January 1, 2012 - January 1, 2016
Bachelor’s Studies in English Literature at Notre Dame University – Louaize
January 1, 2009 - January 1, 2012

Qualifications

Drone Pilot License
January 11, 2030 - October 18, 2025
Certificate in Business Administration (SEBC / EU Program)
January 1, 2009 - January 1, 2010

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Software & Internet

Skills

Experience Level