Black Pearl

Director of Photography is needed in Tahiti, French Polynesia.

We are seeking an experienced cinematographer (Director of Photography) to collaborate on ‘Perle Noire, Cœur de Nacre,’ the first Polynesian short-form drama inspired by the visual storytelling and emotional depth of Chinese dramas. The project is a personal initiative from Le Temps des Arts, a non-profit organization in French Polynesia promoting arts, culture, and international exchange. The series will consist of 10–12 episodes, each about 8 minutes long, and will be filmed in both vertical (9:16) and horizontal (16:9) formats for smartphone and streaming platforms. The cinematographer will be responsible for defining and executing a C-Drama visual style, working closely with the local production team, leading both camera and lighting crews on site, and providing technical and artistic guidance throughout the project. Minimum requirements include at least 3 years’ experience as a DOP or cinematographer on C-Drama, TV drama, or web drama projects, experience with emotional lighting and visual storytelling, ownership of professional-grade equipment, and fluency in English (Mandarin is a plus). Filming will take place in Tahiti-Papeete, French Polynesia, and the expert will need to be physically present for the entire shoot. The project aims to authentically showcase Polynesian beauty and culture, fostering creative collaboration between local and international talent.

Budget range:
Receive offers

Examples:
Examples:

Love Between Fairy and Devil (苍兰诀)

Eternal Love (三生三世十里桃花)

Hidden Love (偷偷藏不住)

Key visual traits:

Soft, diffused lighting with pastel tones

Gentle camera movements (steady, emotional close-ups)

Warm highlights on faces, subtle flares

Shallow depth of field for intimacy and dreamlike texture

Emphasis on eyes, skin glow, and atmosphere

2. Modern Urban C-Drama Look

Examples:

You Are My Hero (你是我的城池营垒)

Go Ahead (以家人之名)

Falling Into Your Smile (你微笑时很美)

Key visual traits:

Clean, elegant color palette (cool blues, whites, soft golds)

Balanced natural/artificial lighting

Stylish framing with strong symmetry

Use of reflections, glass, and light flares

Slight handheld or dolly moves for realism and rhythm

Who are you, and what do you do?
Le Temps des Arts is a non-profit cultural association based in French Polynesia, dedicated to promoting artistic creation, education, and international cultural exchange.
Its mission is to “awaken talents and honor culture” through projects that bridge literature, theatre, dance, music, and audiovisual creation. Founded and directed by Dr. Christine Lara, Le Temps des Arts supports both emerging and professional artists by organizing workshops, performances, exhibitions, and film productions.
The association also fosters educational initiatives to help students and young adults discover and develop their artistic potential. In 2025, Le Temps des Arts launched the innovative concept of P-Drama (Polynesian Drama) — the first short-form, vertical series format produced in French Polynesia, inspired by Asian dramas but rooted in Polynesian identity.
The first project under this label, Perle Noire, Cœur de Nacre, is currently in development and aims to showcase Polynesian beauty, emotion, and storytelling to an international audience. Main objectives: Promote Polynesian arts and heritage. Support local and international collaborations in film, theatre, and literature. Encourage training, creativity, and artistic innovation among youth. Build a sustainable bridge between Polynesia and global creative industries.

In what capacity are you hiring?
For a personal project

Where are you in the hiring process?
I’m planning and researching

What type of work is this?
contract

What experience level is needed?:
Mid-level (Industry Average), Senior