Hi, I’m Essey Harnet Mebrahtu, a multi-faceted media production professional based in Ottawa. Over the past 6+ years, I’ve built a track record in cinematography, videography, and content creation, delivering compelling commercial ads, events, and social media content. I’m fluent in English, Tigrigna, and Amharic, and I have strong French skills. I excel at turning client visions into polished visuals through skilled camera operation, lighting, and production design, paired with a proactive, collaborative approach to storytelling. Throughout my career, I’ve led cross-functional teams—from six-person cinematography crews to marketing and design collaborations—developing storyboards, shoots, and color-graded edits using DaVinci Resolve and the Adobe suite. I’ve contributed to campaigns for AEON-Multimedia and Cadmans Bagels, and my MBA and a Certificate in Arts and Cinematography underpin my mix of creative and business-minded thinking. I’m passionate about creating high-impact media that resonates with audiences while meeting timelines and quality standards.

Essey Harnet Mebrahtu

Hi, I’m Essey Harnet Mebrahtu, a multi-faceted media production professional based in Ottawa. Over the past 6+ years, I’ve built a track record in cinematography, videography, and content creation, delivering compelling commercial ads, events, and social media content. I’m fluent in English, Tigrigna, and Amharic, and I have strong French skills. I excel at turning client visions into polished visuals through skilled camera operation, lighting, and production design, paired with a proactive, collaborative approach to storytelling. Throughout my career, I’ve led cross-functional teams—from six-person cinematography crews to marketing and design collaborations—developing storyboards, shoots, and color-graded edits using DaVinci Resolve and the Adobe suite. I’ve contributed to campaigns for AEON-Multimedia and Cadmans Bagels, and my MBA and a Certificate in Arts and Cinematography underpin my mix of creative and business-minded thinking. I’m passionate about creating high-impact media that resonates with audiences while meeting timelines and quality standards.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Essey Harnet Mebrahtu, a multi-faceted media production professional based in Ottawa. Over the past 6+ years, I’ve built a track record in cinematography, videography, and content creation, delivering compelling commercial ads, events, and social media content. I’m fluent in English, Tigrigna, and Amharic, and I have strong French skills. I excel at turning client visions into polished visuals through skilled camera operation, lighting, and production design, paired with a proactive, collaborative approach to storytelling.

Throughout my career, I’ve led cross-functional teams—from six-person cinematography crews to marketing and design collaborations—developing storyboards, shoots, and color-graded edits using DaVinci Resolve and the Adobe suite. I’ve contributed to campaigns for AEON-Multimedia and Cadmans Bagels, and my MBA and a Certificate in Arts and Cinematography underpin my mix of creative and business-minded thinking. I’m passionate about creating high-impact media that resonates with audiences while meeting timelines and quality standards.

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Language

English
Fluent
Amharic
Fluent
French
Advanced

Work Experience

Cinematographer | Videographer | Editor | Creative Director at Duco media
January 1, 2025 - Present
Storyboarded shots to meet client creative needs; scheduled shoots and content generation; edited footage with DaVinci Resolve including dynamic color grading; delivered edited videos on time.
Content Creator | Editor at Cadmans Bagels
January 1, 2025 - Present
Researched industry-related topics to create informative content; collaborated with marketing and design teams to plan site content and layout; wrote, edited and proofread content to ensure accuracy and SEO optimization; created engaging social media content aligned with brand voice.
Cinematographer | Videographer | Editor | Content Creator at AEON -Multimedia
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2025
Developed client promotions and advertising campaigns; created storyboards for smooth production; led a six-person cinematography team; supervised filming operations for network outdoor reality TV shows; contributed to recognition as a top production manager in 2022.
Cinematography Support Technician at Zeleman Advertising
January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2020
Assisted with feature film production for a major motion picture studio; supervised camera setup and takedown; coordinated with set technicians to ensure seamless production.
Freelance Videographer & Video Editor at Ottawa & International
January 1, 2025 - Present
Assembled, configured, and tested video, audio, and lighting systems for commercial shoots, events, and on-site demonstrations. Prepared equipment kits, verified functionality using detailed pre-shoot checklists, and ensured readiness for transport and deployment. Troubleshot technical issues related to cameras, audio signal flow, lighting, and power during live and recorded productions. Collaborated directly with clients and marketing stakeholders to deliver video content aligned with brand and customer experience goals. Managed logistics for equipment setup, teardown, and safe handling across multiple locations and timelines.
Cinematographer | Videographer | Editor at Ducomedia
January 1, 2025 - Present
Developed storyboards aligned with client creative requirements. Scheduled and coordinated video shoots and content production. Edited footage using DaVinci Resolve, including dynamic color grading. Delivered finalized video assets on time and to specification.
Content Creator & Videographer at Cadman Bagels
January 1, 2025 - Present
Created engaging visual and written content for social media and digital platforms. Developed original ideas aligned with brand voice and marketing goals. Planned and managed content calendars and posting schedules. Collaborated with marketing and design teams on promotional campaigns. Researched trends to maintain relevance and audience engagement. Optimized content for SEO and platform-specific performance. Tracked analytics and adjusted content strategies accordingly. Maintained consistent branding across all content channels.
Event & Social Media Videographer at Africa
January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2020
Set up and operated complete production systems for commercial advertising production and live events, including camera, audio (XLR-based), and lighting workflows. Maintained organized equipment setups and ensured consistent performance under tight deadlines. Managed multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail and technical reliability. Delivered polished final products by following structured production workflows from setup through post-production.

Education

Master of Business Administration at UNICAF University, Zambia
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021
Certificate in Arts and Cinematography at Polytech Arts School, Ethiopia
January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023
Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Unicaf University
January 11, 2030 - February 18, 2026
Civil Engineer (BSc) at Eritrean Institute of Technology
January 11, 2030 - February 18, 2026
Certificate in Arts & Cinematography at Polytech Arts School, Ethiopia
January 11, 2030 - February 18, 2026
Master of Business Administration at UNICAF University, Zambia
January 1, 2021 - February 18, 2026
Certificate in Arts and Cinematography at Polytech Arts School, Ethiopia
January 1, 2023 - February 18, 2026

Qualifications

Master of Business Administration
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021
Certificate in Arts and Cinematography
January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023
Master of Business Administration
January 1, 2021 - February 18, 2026
Certificate in Arts and Cinematography
January 1, 2023 - February 18, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Software & Internet