I am Russel Zehnder, born in Singapore in 1970. I work as a Director, Cinematographer and Executive Producer at freestate productions, a company I helped build when it was founded in 2000 in Singapore. I earned a BA in Film & Video Production with a minor in Photography from Edith Cowan University in Australia. Since graduation I have explored short films and black-and-white photography, maintaining an eclectic mix of commercial and personal projects. I enjoy working with both new and old technologies, from Super 8mm filmmaking to darkroom fibre-based prints. I am currently available for full-time or freelance work as the company is taking a sabbatical. I love blending technical craft with storytelling. My career spans across independent shorts, documentaries, and broadcast projects for channels like CNA and CH5, with a focus on production, cinematography, and executive production. I aim to bring thoughtful visuals and clear narratives to each project, collaborating closely with teams and clients.

Russel Gerrard Zehnder

I am Russel Zehnder, born in Singapore in 1970. I work as a Director, Cinematographer and Executive Producer at freestate productions, a company I helped build when it was founded in 2000 in Singapore. I earned a BA in Film & Video Production with a minor in Photography from Edith Cowan University in Australia. Since graduation I have explored short films and black-and-white photography, maintaining an eclectic mix of commercial and personal projects. I enjoy working with both new and old technologies, from Super 8mm filmmaking to darkroom fibre-based prints. I am currently available for full-time or freelance work as the company is taking a sabbatical. I love blending technical craft with storytelling. My career spans across independent shorts, documentaries, and broadcast projects for channels like CNA and CH5, with a focus on production, cinematography, and executive production. I aim to bring thoughtful visuals and clear narratives to each project, collaborating closely with teams and clients.

Available to hire

I am Russel Zehnder, born in Singapore in 1970. I work as a Director, Cinematographer and Executive Producer at freestate productions, a company I helped build when it was founded in 2000 in Singapore. I earned a BA in Film & Video Production with a minor in Photography from Edith Cowan University in Australia. Since graduation I have explored short films and black-and-white photography, maintaining an eclectic mix of commercial and personal projects. I enjoy working with both new and old technologies, from Super 8mm filmmaking to darkroom fibre-based prints. I am currently available for full-time or freelance work as the company is taking a sabbatical.

I love blending technical craft with storytelling. My career spans across independent shorts, documentaries, and broadcast projects for channels like CNA and CH5, with a focus on production, cinematography, and executive production. I aim to bring thoughtful visuals and clear narratives to each project, collaborating closely with teams and clients.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Partner, Executive Producer, Director / Cinematographer at freestate productions
January 1, 2000 - January 1, 2025
Oversees production, direction, and cinematography for a range of corporate, broadcast, and documentary projects. Co-founded freestate productions in 2000 and continues to lead creative and operational aspects.
Camera Assistant at Moviola Asia Pte Ltd
January 1, 1998 - January 1, 2000
Supported the camera department on multiple productions; assisted with camera setup, lens changes, and workflow coordination.
Visual Merchandiser at Esprit Retail
January 1, 1991 - January 1, 1993
Visual merchandising for brand retail spaces in Singapore; designed displays and ensured product presentation alignment with brand standards.
Sales Representative at Esprit Retail
January 1, 1990 - January 1, 1991
Sales and customer engagement in Singapore retail stores; built relationships and achieved sales targets.

Education

Bachelor of Arts at Edith Cowan University
January 1, 1996 - January 1, 1998
at Canning College
January 1, 1994 - January 1, 1995
Diploma in Audio Engineering at School Of Audio Engineering, Singapore
January 1, 1992 - January 1, 1993
at St Patrick’s Secondary School
January 1, 1983 - January 1, 1986
at St Stephen’s Primary School
January 1, 1977 - January 1, 1982

Qualifications

Diploma in Audio Engineering
January 1, 1992 - January 22, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services