Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
Education & Training
Accomplishments
Languages
Affiliations
References
Timeline
Generic

Elie M. Khadra

Oakland,CA

Summary

Creative and versatile video leader who has worked as a director of photography and editor, with over 17 years of experience in television, documentary film, and branded content. A proven leader, as well as a strong collaborator, with a passion for storytelling and creative direction. Born in Lebanon, I’ve led teams in Beirut, Dubai, Qatar, and the Bay Area, but I have the attitude of a lifelong student, always honing my mastery of light, cinematography, and storytelling to elevate every project on which I work.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

Director of Photography, Editor

Bay Area
01.2015 - Current

Filmed and edited for creative agencies and production companies, including HEIST, Vice, The New York Times, and The Economist. Corporate videos for Google, Salesforce, YouTube, Twilio, Intuit, Writer, and Hippo Insurance. Served as lead editor on Showtime Emmy-winning series "The World According to Football," a 50-minute long-form production. Acted as director of photography and editor for KQED’s documentary "When the Waters Get Deep," a 37-minute film. Managed editing for several episodes of KQED series "If Cities Could Dance" as director of photography and lead editor. Edited content for YouTube Creators and contributed to KQED cooking show "Beyond the Menu."

Director of Photography, Director

Qatar TV
Doha, Qatar
01.2012 - 01.2015

Hired as a cameraman for the channel launch, later promoted to story producer and director.
Led creative development for numerous series and productions with international team.
Produced, directed, and shot diverse styles including travel programs, documentaries, and studio shows.
Executed projects primarily in Qatar, with additional work in China, Mauritius, Russia, and Germany.

Director of Photography, Camera Operator

Freelancer
Doha/Dubai
01.2011 - 01.2015

Captured footage for diverse clients, including Mediadante in Qatar and The New York Times,

Alongside various productions in the region, and filmed projects across Thailand, Egypt, South Korea, and Turkey.

Camera Operator

Studio Vision
Lebanon
01.2008 - 01.2011

Initiated role as Assistant Camera, facilitating setup of large-scale studio productions utilizing up to 12 cameras, and rapidly advanced to Cameraman

Skills

  • Filmmaking and storytelling: directing, producing, script development, storyboarding, visual storytelling
  • Cinematography and camera operation: ARRI, RED, Sony, Canon (quickly adapt to new camera systems, production equipment, and emerging technologies)
  • Lens and composition knowledge: cinematic and artistic composition (prime vs zoom, vintage vs modern, anamorphic, depth of field control
  • Lighting and technical expertise: studio and natural light (studio and natural light, LED, tungsten, HMI setups)
  • Post-production: editing (Adobe Premiere Pro), color grading basics, sound design basics
  • On-set workflow: media management, scheduling, budgeting, production logistics
  • Professional strengths: creative problem-solving, team leadership, cross-cultural collaboration, adaptability under pressure, adaptability to different genres (documentary, narrative, music video, commercial)

Education & Training

American Society of Cinematography | Los Angeles CA |01/2024 - pre-pro, lighting, optics, post, color grading

American University of Technology | Lebanon | 01/2008 - Audiovisual

Accomplishments

  • Emmy Award, 2019/2020 - Public/Current Affairs - Feature/segment (Editor), Northern California
  • Emmy Award, 2020/2021 - Arts/Entertainment - News or short-form content (DP/Editor), Northern California
  • Emmy Award, 2021/2022 - Human Interest - Long-form content (DP/Editor), Northern California
  • Emmy Award, 2022/2023 - Arts/Entertainment short-form content, (DP/Editor), Northern California
  • Society of Professional Journalists - Excellence in Journalism Award 2022, Northern California

Languages

English
Full Professional
Arabic
Native/ Bilingual

Affiliations

  • Enjoy tennis, camping, and other outdoor activities.
  • Enthusiast of visual storytelling; attends art exhibitions, cultural events, and film festivals.
  • Active parent, engaged in creative and educational activities with two children.
  • Passionate about cooking, exploring new cuisines, and experiencing different cultures.
  • Enjoy dancing occasionally.

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Director of Photography, Editor

Bay Area
01.2015 - Current

Director of Photography, Director

Qatar TV
01.2012 - 01.2015

Director of Photography, Camera Operator

Freelancer
01.2011 - 01.2015

Camera Operator

Studio Vision
01.2008 - 01.2011

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Elie M. Khadra