It’s very nice to meet you! My name is Savannah and I am a cinematographer, outdoor photographer, and 35mm film hoarder. 

I started making films at age 15 when I wrote an 18-page script for a sequel to James Cameron's Titanic. I’m sure you must think… Savannah it’s kind of a straightforward ending… and to that, I say “you’re wrong!” there’s always more story to tell. In that case, I filmed that (horrible but oddly creative) script with my best friend in our backyard on a shitty DV cam (RIP). But since then I’ve never not had a camera with me whether that be in the city, in the backcountry, in the water, or on a big wall.

While I have had a successful career in outdoor adventure photography over the last 5 years, my passion in life has always been and will always be cinematography. After completing my BFA in Film with a double minor in photography and creative writing from Pace University my life weaving in and out of the world behind the camera has given me a unique perspective while shooting. My production resume includes shows like Marvel’s Iron Fist, The Defenders, Amazons Mozart in the Jungle, and Seaoak and on films Still Alice, and The Seagull. After working at ARRI rental CC for over a year I began working independently in photography and camera department since my extensive knowledge of camera package needs seemed to be pretty useful outside an office space!

I believe that in order for one to capture the world and the ranging stories within it with clarity, vibrance, and creativity we must be more than just a viewer behind the camera. My style of shooting reflects this; working with natural lighting and spending authentic time with subjects outside of the rolling camera to find where those deep and honest human moments lie. While most of my cinematography work comes from the documentary world I rely heavily on narrative structure when shooting and pursue working in both sectors of film in the future. I work season to season stepping in with my RED and Leica R set up when I find stories to tell, and stepping out and into ski boots to work as a patroller in the winter months when the projects are slow. If we are to be true visionaries of this world we have to take the time to actually live in it rather than just capture it passing us by. I believe it is here where the passion for storytelling and life is found.

Please reach out with any questions regarding availability, project collaboration, or kit rental.

FOUNDATION TO MY MORALS ON SET AND OFF:

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Vulnerability is key in myself and others; it’s the real subject of all imagery I chase.

Awareness of my own boundaries and that of my subjects is my #1 priority.

It is all about connection. Connection to one another, to the land, and to the camera.

The crews we often see are never truly reflective of the stories we tell. That changes with every crew I build. Lift other women (or gender non-binary individuals) and minorities up alongside to create cinema - about the people for the people.

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I currently operate under my LLC

Understory 7 Films

Understory7films@gmail.com

@Sj_mccauley