Available to hire
I’m Jake Simkin, a cinematographer, photographer, and media producer with a broad skill set spanning commercials, documentaries, and humanitarian work. I work across all camera formats, including drones, and I edit in Premiere and Final Cut to bring stories to life for brands, news, and NGOs.
My path began in youth when I answered the Banda Aceh tsunami relief call and has since taken me around the globe, telling stories in conflict zones and supporting organizations with media and management. I’m passionate about storytelling that informs, inspires, and drives action, and I love collaborating with teams to craft compelling content.
Experience Level
Language
English
Fluent
Work Experience
Videographer at Aaron Sansoni Group
August 1, 2023 - December 1, 2025Videographer and Brand Producer for Aaron Sansoni, a business and life coach working on social media streams, documentaries, live and media content. Use of all format of cameras, including drone photography and editing and export content on online social streams.
Semester Lecturer at RMIT
February 1, 2024 - July 1, 2024Guest Lecturer for RMIT Design course with Michelle Mantsio “Ground Zero” teaching film and media techniques as well as story telling in the digital media.
Cinematographer at WHEELER HILL PROD.
June 1, 2023 - PresentCinematographer for the feature film, DARK INFLUENCE, A true crime documentary style production. Lighting interviews and operation of RED Komodo and creative vision.
Media Content Producer at Self-employed / Development Pictures
January 1, 2022 - PresentProducer of media content for several motorcycle related companies like Moto Est., Oxford Street Garage, Kustom Kommune, and Nemean Clothing and well as developing my own moto adventure content for Adventure Machine and creating a content company called Creative Fuel. (Instagram: @creative_fuelco). Managing Photography, Video, Editing work provided for clients and managing their Instagram or webpage.
Freelance Shooter/Producer at Development Pictures
January 1, 2012 - PresentFreelance Shooter/Producer of various film productions from commercials, documentaries and feature Hollywood films and television series often shooting production in conflict countries. Able to work solo to working in a full production team. Notable productions include Rock the Kasbah, The Fighting Season and the Volunteers. Our production company produced a short film, Buzkashi Boys which was nominated for an Academy Award.
Photo Journalist at Freelance
January 1, 2000 - PresentBegan an early career photographing fashion and live music events and progressed to working on campaign photography generally for humanitarian organization such as the ICRC, Save the Children, MSF and Global Peace Mission. Later photographed as a freelance war photographer with Associated Press, Le Monde and the Guardian and have work on investigative pieces for the New York Times, VCD and Paris Match. Returned to Australia and mainly shoot fashion and motorcycle campaign for several Motor companies and apparel.
Media Officer and Teacher at Skateistan
January 1, 2009 - December 1, 2011Producer of Media Content for Skateistan, an NGO teaching children skateboarding in Kabul, Afghanistan shooting either photo or video content. Also worked as an educational teacher teaching class to children, mainly film making, journalism and art as well as being a skateboard and rock climbing teacher. Also was involved in Paralympic Olympic Committee and supported the disable basketball team of Afghanistan.
Communication Director at United Nations
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2009Worked in a sub branch of the United Nations Development Program, UNDP, in the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development of Afghanistan to highlight the work of the UNDP. My task involved producing videos and photography of their programs. The job also involved writing and formatting the Annual Report that would be submitted the UN Council. Part of my job was also to train the national staff in being able to manage the communication and media team.
Producer / Director at Dork Films
January 1, 2000 - January 1, 2008Producer and Director of music videos and commercials and well as cinematography. Also organized band cover photography and promo photography for high end bands. Highlight bands have been Gotye, Pete Murray, Jet, Dallas Crane, Interpol, and Something for Kate. Also produced video art installations for concerts and VJed live for such bands like Gotye and the Presets.
Cinematographer / Camera Operator at Feature Film Production (Drama and Documentary)
January 1, 2005 - December 1, 2023Cinematography or camera operator on various feature drama and documentary productions. Credits include Dark Influence (2023), Rock the Kasbah (2015), The Fighting Season (Netflix 2016), The Volunteers (2018) and more.
Programmer at TED X Kabul / TED X Mogadishu
January 1, 2013 - December 1, 2016Programmer for TED X Kabul and TED X Mogadishu programs to foster innovation and change.
Videographer and Brand Producer at Aaron Sansoni Group
August 1, 2023 - December 1, 2025Videographer and Brand Producer for the Aaron Sansoni, a business and life coach, covering social media streams, documentaries, live content, and other media. Proficient with all camera formats, including drone cinematography; responsible for editing and exporting content for online streams.
Semester Lecturer (Guest Lecturer) at RMIT
February 1, 2024 - July 1, 2024Guest Lecturer for RMIT Design course with Michelle Mantsio 'Ground Zero' teaching film and media techniques as well as storytelling in digital media.
Media Content Producer at Various motorcycle-related companies (Moto Est., Oxford Street Garage, Kustom Kommune, Nemean Clothing) and Creative Fuel
January 1, 2022 - PresentProducer of media content for several motorcycle related companies and developing moto adventure content; managing photography, video, editing work for clients and managing their Instagram or webpage.
Photojournalist (Freelance) at Various
January 1, 2000 - PresentBegan an early career photographing fashion and live music events; progressed to campaign photography for humanitarian organizations such as the ICRC, Save the Children, MSF and Global Peace Mission. Later photographed as a freelance war photographer with Associated Press, Le Monde and The Guardian; contributed to investigative pieces for the New York Times, VCD and Paris Match. Returned to Australia to shoot fashion and motorcycle campaigns.
Education
Master of Arts in Conflict and Peace Studies (Counter Terrorism Initiatives and Prevention) at Yale University
January 1, 2012 - March 12, 2026Bachelor of Arts - Film and Media Studies at Victoria University
January 1, 2000 - March 12, 2026Master of Arts in Conflict and Peace Studies at Yale University
January 1, 2012 - March 12, 2026Bachelor of Arts – Film and Media Studies at Victoria University
January 1, 2000 - March 12, 2026Qualifications
Cannes Film Festival Prize
January 1, 2006 - March 12, 2026Kodak Student Cinematography Prize
January 1, 2006 - March 12, 2026Head On Photo finalist
January 1, 2022 - March 12, 2026HIPA Photography finalist (Audience award)
January 1, 2016 - March 12, 2026Visual Art Exhibit – ACMI
January 1, 2012 - March 12, 2026Kodak Student Cinematography Prize
January 1, 2006 - March 12, 2026Head On Photo finalist
January 1, 2022 - March 12, 2026HIPA Photography finalist (Audience award)
January 1, 2016 - March 12, 2026Visual Art Exhibit – ACMI
January 1, 2012 - March 12, 2026Human Rights Film Fest
January 1, 2011 - March 12, 2026Industry Experience
Media & Entertainment, Non-Profit Organization, Education, Professional Services, Software & Internet, Government
Content creation for an Afghan rug brand that sells in the United State
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