San Francisco Staff Video Production Camera Crew

Ethan Schoenborn

DP — San Francisco, CA

Each production has its own rhythm, language, and look that shapes its voice. For over seven years, I've helped clients and filmmakers find or match their vision through immersive lighting and camerawork. Every project presents its own quirks and challenges. In moments of uncertainty, I take a direct approach and enjoy turning ideas into tangible results. Before Go To Team, I primarily shot digitally with Arri, Red, Blackmagic, and Canon Cameras; my favorite experiences, however, have come from shooting 16mm and 35mm Motion Picture Film. Now, I've been fortunate enough to work primarily with the Sony FX Line of Cameras. They are truly robust and can be applied to any type of production. It's been a pleasure testing their limitations and having this ecosystem be my "Go To" tool. With my past experience in the G&E Department, I'm familiar with the capabilities of contemporary LED Light fixtures (in particular DMX) and specialized camera rigging. I enjoy finding unique angles that enhance the story or add some visual intrigue. Creating the right atmosphere through lighting (and the absence thereof) is what keeps me creatively motivated and energetic. My favorite shoot so far has been for PBR's "8 Second Challenge" series: Rally Car Edition, which was filmed deep in the forests of New Hampshire. Our New England DP and I covered an entire track on our own. I set up around 11 GoPros in various parts of the track: strapping them to trees, burying them in the ground, and trying to get as close as I could without being hit by incoming debris! By the end, I was physically exhausted but fulfilled. You know it's a great day when you leave set glowing and five pounds lighter.