SACTOWN Camera Guy

Hi, there! I’m Jason Elam. I’m a Sacramento, CA based DP, Camera Operator and Part 107 Certified Drone Op…but its easier to just call myself a camera guy. With 10+ years of full time creative experience, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with dozens of creatives to capture thousands of stories all over the country.

My favorite part of being a camera guy? The relationships that film brings on and off the camera. I love how film gathers people from all walks of life to tell a story and share unique perspectives. It excites me to see then how that story or mission can reach new audiences while inspiring hope, unity, change and connection.

As a filmmaker, I also genuinely love the craft and enjoy working with crews to address production objectives and challenges. I thrive in team centered, collaborative environments where the highest ends of filmmaking expertise and professionalism meets redneck MacGyver skills and plain ol’ fun.

My promise is to bring integrity, creativity, proactivity, dad jokes, nerdy gear conversations and ninja gimbal feet smoother than the sprint of a gazelle to any production I have the pleasure of serving.

CHECK OUT MY REEL

This is Jason Elam, Sacramento, California based freelance Director of Photography, Camera Operator and Part 107 Certified Drone Operator.

Let’s Work Together!

Who’s my ideal client? As a Camera Guy, I largely work with Agencies and Production Companies to help fill crewing needs.

Need to hire a full production company? Please reach out! I’m connected to a network of Northern California’s best production companies and crew members. I’ll be happy to help make an introduction or get the right folks on board!

What Can I Do For You?

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Need help translating your story into a visual work of art? I love working with Directors, Gaffers and Camera Operators to find the perfect frame. From ideation in pre-pro to execution on production, I’m stoked to hop on board wherever you need assistance.
CAMERA OPERATOR

Just tell me where to point the camera! I’ll echo “camera set!” faster than you can say “Betty Botter bought some botter…batter…? $#!&!…I mean…butter.”
PART 107 CERTIFIED DRONE

Aerial imaging is all the buzz (I promised dad jokes, right?)…I’ll drone for your next project with precision and creativity, all while operating safely and legally!

Let's Chat!

CAMERA SPEEDS!

This is Jason Elam, Sacramento, California based freelance Director of Photography, Cinematographer and Camera Operator using a RED Cinema camera behind the scenes at Sacramento Kings basketball.

I’ve been a full time creative for 10+ years. Like many Camera Guys, I started my career in weddings and I’ve captured more than 150 of them. That branched off into commercial work as I launched my own small production company in 2016.

Throughout the past decade, I’ve worn most hats on set…DP, Director, Project and Client Manager, Producer, Gaffer, Sound, PA, Editor…you get the picture. But most times I’ve been on set, I’ve gravitated towards DP, Director and Gaffer rolls. There’s something about shaping light and how you can tell a story through the lens really inspired me and I always love refining these skills along side other filmmakers.

One of the areas I have the most experience in as a filmmaker is narrative driven commercial work - i.e. company overview videos, interviews, b-roll, generally with a docustyle approach. I’ve directed, lit and shot hundreds or thousands of these type of productions. But I also have experience with events, commercials, music videos, sports, live streaming, products and more.

I always love a challenge. Even if its something new to me, I’m eager to learn, forward thinking and ready to collaborate.

Check Out My Reel!