Summary of the Cinematographer job at Colossal Biosciences

Colossal is seeking a versatile Cinematographer to help define the visual language of de-extinction through ongoing documentary coverage across laboratories, field expeditions, interviews, and original productions. This role is designed for a passionate creative who can pair strong documentary instincts with cinematic craft, moving fluidly between scripted productions and real-time documentary coverage, capturing breakthrough science as it happens, and elevating everyday moments into compelling visual storytelling.

This role is based on-site full time in Dallas, TX. Relocation assistance is available.

Responsibilities:

Capture & Production

• Serve as Director of Photography, guiding camera, composition, and movement
• Shape visual tone and framing to achieve a cinematic, cohesive look
• Lead video and photography capture across lab environments, fieldwork, and controlled productions
• Operate confidently in both fast-moving documentary conditions and structured in-house shoots
• Capture with flexibility to support multiple outputs (social, YouTube, experiential)
• Partner with the entertainment team to plan shoots, coordinating crew, gear, and logistics as needed
• Adapt quickly to changing environments, scientific constraints, and production needs

Camera Systems & Innovation

• Evaluate and implement new camera systems, lenses, and emerging production technologies
• Stay current on advancements in cinematography and AI-driven workflows
• Advise on gear selection and build scalable camera packages for different production needs

Lighting & Image Craft

• Design and execute lighting setups across lab, interview, and documentary environments
• Balance technical accuracy with cinematic mood and brand consistency
• Adapt lighting approaches quickly based on environment and constraints

Post-Production & Color Pipeline

• Partner with post-production to ensure visual intent carries through
• Help define and maintain the final color look across projects
• Establish and refine brand-consistent LUTs for use across shoots and workflows

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience filming in both controlled (lab/studio) and natural (field/remote) environments
• Background in documentary or long-form storytelling, following real people and breakthrough moments over time
• Ability to make complex science visually compelling and emotionally accessible
• Drone/aerial cinematography experience in dynamic environments
• Experience building content systems within small, fast-moving teams
• Color grading experience, with the ability to work within color pipelines, including LUTs and collaboration with colorists to maintain visual intent
• Interest in science, technology, and de-extinction