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Carl Elster is a Toronto-based Director of Photography and filmmaker with a deep passion for visual storytelling. Originally from Vancouver, he holds a BFA in Film Production (specializing in Cinematography and Producing) from York University. Over his career, Carl has worked on independent features like Trader and Boy City, as well as music videos, web commercials, and short films. He runs Forever Epic Films, collaborating with a network of directors he regularly partners with, and brings a hands-on, creative, and a technically skilled approach to every project.…Carl Elster is a Toronto-based Director of Photography and filmmaker with a deep passion for visual storytelling. Originally from Vancouver, he holds a BFA in Film Production (specializing in Cinematography and Producing) from York University. Over his career, Carl has worked on independent features like Trader and Boy City, as well as music videos, web commercials, and short films. He runs Forever Epic Films, collaborating with a network of directors he regularly partners with, and brings a hands-on, creative, and a technically skilled approach to every project.

Carl Elster

Director of Photography, Cinematographer, Camera Operator, +1

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Carl Elster is a Toronto-based Director of Photography and filmmaker with a deep passion for visual storytelling. Originally from Vancouver, he holds a BFA in Film Production (specializing in Cinematography and Producing) from York University. Over his career, Carl has worked on independent features like Trader and Boy City, as well as music videos, web commercials, and short films. He runs Forever Epic Films, collaborating with a network of directors he regularly partners with, and brings a hands-on, creative, and a technically skilled approach to every project.…Carl Elster is a Toronto-based Director of Photography and filmmaker with a deep passion for visual storytelling. Originally from Vancouver, he holds a BFA in Film Production (specializing in Cinematography and Producing) from York University. Over his career, Carl has worked on independent features like Trader and Boy City, as well as music videos, web commercials, and short films. He runs Forever Epic Films, collaborating with a network of directors he regularly partners with, and brings a hands-on, creative, and a technically skilled approach to every project.

Available to hire

Carl Elster is a Toronto-based Director of Photography and filmmaker with a deep passion for visual storytelling. Originally from Vancouver, he holds a BFA in Film Production (specializing in Cinematography and Producing) from York University. Over his career, Carl has worked on independent features like Trader and Boy City, as well as music videos, web commercials, and short films. He runs Forever Epic Films, collaborating with a network of directors he regularly partners with, and brings a hands-on, creative, and a technically skilled approach to every project.

Skills

Experience Level

Final Cut Pro X

Expert

Language

English

Fluent

Work Experience

Freelance Cameraman / Camera Department at Various (Freelance)

January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2010

Worked freelance in all departments both in production offices and on set; focus on camera and lighting.

Founder & Producer at Forever Epic Films

January 1, 2010 - November 25, 2025

Founded Forever Epic Films production company, specializing in corporate videos, commercials, music videos, and feature films.

Director of Photography / Cinematography at Forever Epic Films

January 1, 2020 - November 25, 2025

Intensified focus on feature film cinematography; proficient with Canon/Sony mirrorless to RED/ARRI cinema cameras; LED lighting; post-production workflows; greenscreen and VFX; color grading.

Director of Photography / Camera Operator at Forever Epic Films

January 1, 2010 - November 25, 2025

Founded Forever Epic Films (2010-present) and leads cinematography, camera operation, and production for corporate videos, commercials, music videos, and feature films. Responsible for on-set lighting, camera selection, framing, and creative storytelling in collaboration with clients and crew. Manages budgets from roughly $10K to $100K+, hires and directs crews, coordinates rental houses, and oversees location scouting. Oversees end-to-end post-production workflows including greenscreen, VFX, and color grading; proficient with Canon, Sony, RED, and ARRI camera systems; experienced in both studio and on-location environments.

Director of Photography / Camera Department (Freelance) at Freelance

January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2010

Worked freelance across camera and lighting departments in all production offices and on-set; gained broad experience across departments with a focus on camera and lighting.