Cinemat grapher
Projects | Photography | About me
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FESTIVALS:
Don Chingón (short film | DP)
* CineYouth Chicago International Film Festival
* Windy City Shorts
* Bensenville Short Film Festival
Lightning in a Bottle (short film | DP)
* Crown Point International Film Festival
* Indie Vegas Film Festival
* Athens International Monthy Art Film Festival
Hi! I’m Louis, a cinematographer with 4+ years of experience shooting narrative short films and commercials, several of which have been recognized at film festivals
such as CineYouth at CIFF.
Having grown up in four countries across Europe and Asia, I bring a global perspective to the stories I help tell. My journey began with love of street photography, taking any chance to photograph the places I travel and share their subtle details that make them unique, but I felt the need to tell stories with motion.
I value authenticity. I aim to honor the director’s vision - the core of any project - while bringing my own perspective to the work. I seek to understand what makes their story personal, encouraging them to share their experiences and inspirations behind it. From there, I offer my ideas so our visions can merge and shape the film together. As a cinematographer, my intention is to immerse viewers in a character’s world. Through lighting and camera work, I draw the audience away from their present reality and into the emotional truth of the story. I enjoy telling stories about identity—where someone comes from, what they’ve experienced, and why their journey matters to the viewer.
In recent years, alongside narrative filmmaking, I’ve developed a strong interest in commercial filmmaking, particularly narrative-driven campaigns that connect with audiences on a deeper level.
My approach to pre-production is grounded in preparation and intentionality. I believe that careful planning empowers the crew, creates a collaborative environment, and leaves room for creativity on set.
Collaborative, organized and determined, my goal is to hone your ideas and create remarkable and engaging images for your audience.
Based in Chicago, USA | Lyon, France.
louismellinand.dp@gmail.com
PRESS:
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
CANVAS REBEL