Paid Director of Photography Needed – 11-Minute Narrative Short – NYC – Festival Target

Project Title: Mr. MicroWriters: Chinyelu Ingram & Jonathan FaderLocation: New York City (Harlem + interior locations)Shoot: 3-4 daysCompensation: Paid (DP fee + camera/lighting package)Cinematography Budget: $4,000–$8,000 total (?) About the FilmMr. Micro is an 11-minute narrative short about Mike Rowe, a beloved Harlem church pianist who survives the outside world by making himself small around white spaces. Each scene is shot twice with mirrored blocking and similar dialogue, revealing how the world responds differently to the same man depending on how much of himself he allows to exist.The film moves between warm, spiritually grounded Harlem church interiors, stark police encounters, sterile corporate spaces, and coded white social environments. It is performance-driven, actor-centered storytelling with psychological tension and visual precision.Mr. Micro will be submitted to top-tier festivals including Sundance Film Festival, Tribeca Festival, and SXSW.Visual ApproachWe are seeking a DP excited by:Designing two subtly distinct visual realities (Micro vs. Macro)Controlled framing and mirrored blockingExpressive close-ups capturing internal restraint vs. releasePsychological lighting shifts without gimmicksTonal contrast between warm, textured church light and cooler, clinical institutional spacesWhat We’re Looking ForA Director of Photography who:Has a strong narrative reel (short films preferred)Understands performance-based lightingCan build a cohesive visual language across mirrored scenesCan bring or source a camera + basic lighting packageIs comfortable leading a small camera/lighting teamCollaborates well with directorsStrongly Preferred: Experience thoughtfully and accurately lighting and capturing people of color. The emotional core centers a Black man navigating racial perception; sensitivity to skin tone, texture, and intentional lighting is essential.Scope3-4 shoot days1 prep day preferredSmall, focused crewHarlem church, street exterior, office, apartment, and gallery-style interiors