Curtis Halladay
Doc cinematographer & director Short docs and brand films for people doing real work in wild places.
Films
- Science That Connects Us How collaboration, science and community come together to protect BC's watersheds.
- Breaking the Plastic Cycle The global plastic crisis, seen from one of the last truly wild shorelines on the planet.
- Untangling an Ocean 2 Divers, scientists and 'Namgis community leaders clearing decades of lost fishing gear from the seafloor.
- Untangling an Ocean A multi-day expedition to pull ghost gear out of protected coastal waters.
- A Rider's Style A portrait of cycling, identity and the quiet rituals of life on the bike.
- I'm Not an Athlete A conversation with Tre Ford about identity, creativity and the landscapes that shape us.
What clients say
“The video was incredible. Haunting. Moving. The visuals and cinematography were breathtaking, and most important of all, the tone of this work and why it matters was captured perfectly.”
“[Curtis] exceeded all our expectations and delivered an exceptional film that told people who we are in a beautiful, engaging and simple way. … The film is now a key communications tool for introducing ourselves to potential collaborators and funders.”
“Our moodboards and initial directions were well understood and elevated even further. The pacing, editing, and sound design were all very much on point. Working with Curtis was a real pleasure.”
About
I'm a Vancouver-based documentary filmmaker and cinematographer. For nearly a decade I've made short docs, brand films and adventure-driven productions for nonprofits, universities and brands, across 25+ major productions and hundreds of smaller shoots.
Before filmmaking, I was a Paralympic rower. A motocross accident at 17 left me with partial paralysis in one leg, so I took up para-rowing, set an indoor world record, and rowed for Canada at the Rio 2016 Paralympics, where our crew won the country's first-ever Paralympic medal in the sport. I bring the same crew mentality, and the same comfort with cold, wet mornings, to every shoot.
I'm hands-on through the whole process: shaping the look, leading camera and lighting teams, and bringing back strong images, especially when things get remote, wet, cold or fast.
If you're after authentic, cinematic work with heart, let's make something.
- Former Paralympian
- Paralympic bronze, Rio 2016
- Education
- Master's in Management and Entrepreneurship, Smith School of Business at Queen's University
- Based in
- Vancouver, BC. Works worldwide
Screen credits
Film and music video work, as listed on IMDb.
Cinematographer
- Fool Me OnceShort film · 2021
Production
- CoextinctionProduction consultant · 2021Feature documentary. Winner of the Rob Stewart Eco Warrior Award at VIFF 2021.
Lighting and grip, music videos
- Leïla Lanova & Izzy-S: Qui te connaît?Gaffer · 2021
- Louis-Jean Cormier: Les lignes de ta mainElectric · 2021
- Lydia Képinski: MTL me détesteGrip · 2021
- Lou-Adriane Cassidy: J'espère encore que quelque part l'attente s'arrêteGrip · 2021
- Apashe: Lord & MasterGrip · 2021
Behind the scenes
On set and out in the field with the crews behind the films.
Trusted by
- Canadian Paralympic Committee
- Rick Hansen Foundation
- Ocean Conservancy
- The Ocean Cleanup
- Global Ghost Gear Initiative
- Emerald Sea Protection Society
- Simon Fraser University
- Aquatic Research Cooperative
- Legacy Environmental
- Spotify Canada
- BRP
- Camso
- Nanuk
- Le Club
- Universal Colours
- Hunt Masters
- JENZA
- The Canadian Roasting Society
- Projet Montréal
Work with me
Full production
From first conversation to final cut: shaping the story, a small crew in the field, then editing, colour and sound. Short documentaries and brand films for nonprofits, universities and brands.
Typically 6 to 10 weeks from first call to deliveryCinematographer / DP
Camera and lighting for production companies and agencies, on documentaries and brand films. Comfortable in remote, wet and cold conditions, and available to travel.
Kit and capabilities
- Camera
- Sony FX6 package with Zeiss, Sigma and Sony G Master zooms, plus vintage Helios and Mir glass
- Systems
- Experienced on Arri, Red, Sony and Canon
- Drone
- Transport Canada Basic pilot certificate, DJI Mini 5 Pro
- Water
- Free-diving experience with cinema cameras in housings, plus a compact underwater rig
- Camera support
- Sachtler Flowtech with FSB 8 head, Manfrotto 502H tripod
- Lighting
- Amaran Halo 600x COB, F22x panel and fresnel, Aputure MC Pro, Octa Dome 120
- Grip
- C-stand, light stands, iFootage Magic Arm
- Audio
- Hollyland Lark Max 2 wireless lavs, Sennheiser MKE 600 and Deity D3 Pro shotgun mics
- Post
- DaVinci Resolve Studio and Adobe Premiere Pro
- Safety
- AST 1 avalanche skills training