Ella Van Cleave
Documentary Filmmaker | Cinematographer | Journalist
I’m a Vancouver Island based documentary filmmaker / journalist who specializes in producing stories and imagery about wildlife, the outdoors, and our relationships with nature.
I work on shows for broadcast TV and streaming services within the natural history genre as an associate producer and field director. I also produce and direct independent films and in 2024 I co-founded the production company, Freeride Films, with close friend and creative partner, Will Clothier, based on a shared mission of amplifying community-centered and impact-driven stories about our relationships with the natural world. I’m a proud member of the Wildlife Camerawomen Collective as well as the Canada Underwater Film Network.
I also work as a freelance documentary / underwater cinematographer and support productions as a camera assistant and safety diver. I own and operate a Sony FX3 and Nauticam underwater system.
skills & certs
I have experience with a range of camerawork including underwater, drone, long lens, and obs doc. Below is a list of camera systems I have experience with as well as technical certifications that I hold.
Camera
RED DSMC 2 & 3
Sony FX3, FX6, FX9
Black Magic Pocket Cinema Camera
Z Cam E2 S6
Panasonic GH5 & 6, S1H
Canon CN20 50-1000mm lens
DJI Mavic 2 & 3, Inspire 2
GoPros
Multi-axis motion control sliders
DJI RS2 & 3
Laowa probe lens
Cable cameras
Underwater
DCBC Occupational Scuba Diver with commercial nitrox endorsement (internationally recognized certification)
O2 Administration
Dive Accident Management
Cold water experience (live and train in Canada)
Current commercial dive medical
Sony FX3 and Nauticam Housing owner
Gates STO
Field Skills, etc.
FAA Part 107 and Transport Canada licensed drone pilot
IRATA Level 1 Rope Access Technician
Experience setting up and executing shoots in remote environments
BA&Sc in Conservation Biology and an MA in Wildlife Filmmaking from the University of the West of England in partnership with the BBC’s Natural History Unit.
Trained in wildlife handling and rehabilitation
Recent Credits
Terra X - Fascination Earth for ZDF
Underwater Camera
Upstream for IMAX
Production Coordinator, Camera Assistant
Pioneer Films for Theatrical Release
Researcher, Underwater Camera, Assistant Camera
Produced for CBC, PBS and Arte (4 x 60)
FORESTS: Assistant Camera, Researcher
WATERS: Additional Photography/Assistant Camera/Researcher
OPEN SPACES: Assistant Camera/Researcher
CITIES: Researcher
Produced for BBC2 and BBC Scotland
Researcher
Produced for TVO and Smithsonian Channel
Researcher
Get in touch 🎥
ella@freeride-films.com