Jeff Stitzel's Story, Director/ DP/ Drone Pilot/ Underwater Cinematographer

Jeff Stitzel is a seasoned Multi Cam Director and Director of Photography with over two decades of experience.

While in high school Jeff enrolled in the Broadcasting Arts program at Hamilton High School in Hamilton, Ohio. It was here where he directed a 60 minute live variety show five days a week and was nominated for a Regional Emmy award in Cincinnati, Ohio at the age of 17. It was then he knew he had to follow his passion and enrolled in Full Sail Center For The Recording Arts. He graduated with a degree in Film and Video Production. After graduation, Jeff quickly started his professional career as a grip/electric, mainly working on commercials, feature films and corporate style programming. He moved to Orlando, Florida and started working on episodic and game shows for Nickelodeon Studios in the camera department. He found his way into the unscripted/reality world as a technical supervisor. Jeff's collaborative, skillful work stood out to his supervisors and he was promoted to camera operator. A line producer noticed that Jeff could light a scene and shoot so he gave him a shot as a DP. Jeff has accumulated thousands of hours of network quality programming as a DP as well as an underwater cinematographer. Jeff has also directed a multi-cam competition reality shows.

Collaboration

Working and collaborating with producers and the crew is the most important part of any production. It is paramount to take an idea and work together to get a great product. Jeff is a true believer that a hardworking, fun set behind the lens will always create a better product in front of the lens. Jeff has a calm and fun approach with his crew. He has gained respect from everyone on set and is loyal to all who work with him. He believes the success of a show can only be achieved if everyone is working together.