NICK HELFERS
Portfolio
FILMMAKER
EDUCATION
Cum Laude - June 2014
Cum Laude - September 2012
DePaul University | Chicago, IL
Master of Sciences in Cinema Production
Bachelor of Arts in Digital Cinema
FREELANCE FILM PRODUCTION EXPERIENCE
Cinematographer | Freelance | 2021 - Present
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Own the visuals of a given project from pre-production through production alongside the director to achieve the intended vision.
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Collaborate on the logistical approach for efficiently capturing desired visuals "on the day" and strategize the best execution.
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Assist with staffing and managing a professional and effective lighting and camera crew down the chain of command when necessary.
Director | Freelance | 2026 - Present
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Own the Creative Conceptualization and Execution of a given project from start to finish, focusing on compelling visual storytelling.
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Effectively communicate with department heads from pre through post to steer the entire team towards the best possible execution.
Gaffer | Freelance | 2021 - Present
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Work alongside the Cinematographer to achieve attractive, high-quality lighting on time and on budget.
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Manage and direct the lighting crew throughout each production day.
INTEGRATED CREATIVE EXPERIENCE
Cinematographer, Animator | Richter Studios | 2018 - 2021
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Create cinematically compelling content for all Richter Studios projects, and achieve a filmic quality that elevates all projects beyond "video."
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Manage and maintain all lighting, camera, and production equipment, and maintain a high level of expertise in all areas of production.
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Recommend, coordinate, and subcontract freelancers as needed on a per project basis, as well as rental equipment.
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Conceptualize and create high quality animated VFX sequences for a multitude of clients, for both standalone animation and mixed media pieces.
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Create interesting and moving storyline edits in post production as needed to uphold goals and messages of various projects.
Digital Media Producer | Exact Data | 2016 - 2018
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Work within the marketing team to conceptualize, develop, and create digital video media for Exact Data as well as a number of other formats.
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Produce professional quality videos, photography, motion design, and graphic design for various internal and external projects.
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Continue to develop skills, learn, and adopt new technology to stay with the latest digital trends.
NOTABLE PROJECTS
SHORT/COMMERCIAL
2026
The American Empathy Project Film | Director/DP | American Humanist Assoc. | Documentary | Ursa Mini Pro 4.6K G2 / Pyxis 6K
Scoochie Boochie "Bike Lane" | Director/DP | Scoochie Boochie | Music Video | Ursa Mini Pro 4.6K G2 / Insta360 6X
Drury Lane "Escape to Magic | Cinematographer | Mary Tilden | Commercial | Pyxis 6K
2025
Architectural Digest x Fidelity | Cam Op/Dolly Grip | Rubbertape | Corporate | Sony Fx9
ConnectWise RMM Gym Glow-Up Spoof Spot | Gaffer | DemoDuck | Commercial | Sony Burano 8K
Aspen Dental Patient Journey Short Film | Cinematographer | Impact | Corporate | Ursa Mini Pro 4.6K G2
Epilepsy Foundation Film | Gaffer | Move and Reach | Corporate | Sony Burano 8K
F.A.T. Karting Docu-Series Pilot | Cam Op | Production House Chicago | Documentary | Sony Burano 8K / Fx9 / Fx3
Stern Pinball Star Wars Lifestyle | Gaffer | Swagger | Commercial | RED
Tricoci "Daymakers Podcast" | Gaffer | Production House Chicago | Podcast | Sony Burano 8K / Sony Fx6
"Knead to Know" Mockumentary | Gaffer | Red Flag Mania | Narrative/Corporate | Sony Burano 8K
Beta Squad x Kai Cenat "Last to Leave the Grocery" | Gaffer | Production Craft | Reality | PTZ Hidden Cameras
2024
Iris Blue "Quality Time" | Cinematographer | Kate Alden | Music Video | Ursa Mini Pro 4.6K G2
NEIU Campus Life Film | Cinematographer | Production House Chicago | Commercial | Varicam LT
Tricoci University Libertyville Beauty Demo | Cinematographer | Production House Chicago | Corporate | Varicam LT
Karl Lagerfeld x Amber Valletta "Mirum" | Cinematographer | Karl Lagerfeld | Commercial | Alexa Mini
Adler University School Culture Film | Cinematographer | Production House Chicago | Documentary | Varicam LT
Frozen Garden Food Spot Video/Photoshoot | Gaffer | VisionOne | Commercial | Sony Burano 8K
2023
"The Anomalists" | Cinematographer | Year of the Phoenix | Narrative | Panasonic VHS Camera
Thompson Springs "Out of Range" Live | Cam Op | Thompson Springs | Music Video | Ursa Mini Pro 4
Launchpad Labs Film | Cinematographer | Walter Nini | Corporate | Ursa Mini Pro 4
Best Buddies CotY Gala | Director/DP | Best Buddies | Documentary | Sony Fx9
Heve "Patient Journeys" | Cinematographer | Motion Source | Documentary | Sony Fx9
Coleman Camp Batteries Lifestyle Film | Cinematographer | Motion Source | Commercial | Sony Fx9
Corporate Ethics Investigative Series | Cinematographer | Red Flag Mania | Corporate | Varicam LT
"Jewel-Osco Parties" | Cinematographer | Tribune Publishing | Commercial | Ursa Mini Pro 4.6K G2
"Rod Sawyer for Mayor" Campaign Spot | Cinematographer | Sway Media | Documentary | Ursa Mini Pro 4.6K G2
2022
"Blood Pressure" | Cinematographer | Year of the Phoenix | Narrative | Sony Fx9
G.E. "Masterclass" Style Lesson Film | Cinematographer | Motion Source | Corporate | Sony Fx9
"Microsoftly" | Cinematographer | Two Goose Productions | Music Video | Ursa Mini Pro 4.6K G2
Akorn Pharma Information Spot | Cinematographer | Motion Source | Corporate | Sony Fx9
2021
"The Little League" | Cinematographer | Year of the Phoenix | Narrative | Sony Fx9
Best Buddies "Champion of the Year" Promo Film | Director/DP | Best Buddies | Commercial | Sony Fx9
"Out of the Loop" Sketch Comedy Pilot | Director/DP | Questar | Narrative | Ursa Mini Pro 4.6K G2 / Alexa Mini
Gerber Plumbing "Not That Gerber" 30s Ad Series | Cinematographer | Motion Source | Commercial | Sony Fx9
Fibrebox Recruiting Film | Cinematographer | Motion Source | Corporate | Sony Fx9
"Tell Me" Chris Mar & Divina Kitty | Cinematographer | Motion Source | Music Video | Sony Fx9
Mussels at the Wild Mile | Cinematographer | Urban Rivers | Documentary | Varicam LT
2021 Harris Pontoon Brand Film "Fall In Love with Harris | Cinematographer | Richter Studios | Commercial | Alexa Mini
2021 Harris Pontoon Series Spots | Cinematographer | Richter Studios | Commercial | RED Weapon
Radio Flyer "Ultimate Go Cart" | Cinematographer | Richter Studios | Commercial | Varicam LT
2020
Tesla x Radio Flyer "My First Model Y" | Cinematographer | Richter Studios | Commercial | Varicam LT
"Create Holiday Magic" Virtual Santa Storytime | Cinematographer | Richter Studios | Commercial | Varicam LT
Walsh Construction COVID-19 McCormick Place Convert | Cinematographer | Richter Studios | Documentary | Varicam LT
2020 Harris Pontoon "Crowne" Spot | Cinematographer | Richter Studios | Commerical | RED Raptor
Walsh Contruction Vassar Pavilion "Healthcare on the Hudson" | Cinematographer | Richter Studios | Documentary | Varicam LT
Weiman Leather Cleaner Car & Home | Cinematographer | Richter Studios | Commercial | Varicam LT
2019
Radio Flyer Stroll-N-Trike Product Spot | Cinematographer | Richter Studios | Commercial | Varicam LT
Radio Flyer Tinker Truck Product Spot | Cinematographer | Richter Studios | Commercial | Varicam LT
2019 Harris Pontoons Brand Film | Cam Op | Richter Studios | Commerical | Varicam LT
STEALTH Compressors Product Spots | Cinematographer | Richter Studios | Commercial | Varicam LT
Amcor-Bemis "One Great Future | Cinematographer | Richter Studios | Corporate | Varicam LT
2018
BISC Brand Film "The Wild Mile | Co-Cinematographer | British International School | Documentary | Varicam LT
2013
2012
2011
2014
BUTT DIAL | Director-Cinematographer | iO Comedy Network | Narrative | Canon 60D
WHERE THE WEEDS GROW | Director | Two Goose Productions | Narrative B | AJA Cion 4K
PIXEL PERFECT | Director-Cinematographer | Two Goose Productions | Documentary | Canon 60D
DEMONOID 1971 | First Assistant Camera | Blue Bassoon LLC | Mexican Narrative | Canon C100 w/ Atomos
VOTIMO APP PROMO | First Assistant Director | Digital Hydra, LLC. | Commercial | Red Scarlett
WAGABLES TREAT 'N' PLAY PROMO | Director-Cinematographer | Two Goose Productions | Commercial | Canon 60D
TOY CAR | First Assistant Camera | Digital Hydra, LLC. | Bosnian Narrative | Red Scarlett
WHAT A DOLL | Gaffer | Gracie Simonett | Narrative | Canon 60D
OFF WE GO | Gaffer | Ward Crockett | Experimental Narrative | Red Epic
THE VOID | Cinematographer-Camera Operator | Zoe Luebeck | Experimental Narrative | Canon 60D
GRACE ON THE GREEN LINE | First Assistant Director | Michael Peterson | Narrative | Red One, Red Epic
WORKING GIRL | Cinematographer | Rita Ciolek | Narrative | Canon 60D
PICKING A WINNER | Director-Producer | Two Goose Productions | Narrative | Red Epic
NORAH JONES - DON'T KNOW WHY LIPDUB | Director-Cinematographer | Two Goose Productions | Experimental | Canon 60D
COMMOTION | Writer-Director-Cinematographer | Two Goose Productions | Narrative | JVC HM700
KPGM New Hire Video | Grip | KPGM Chicago | Internal Corporate | Canon C300
TREATS | Cinematographer | Kristen Samuelson | Narrative | Canon 60D
SAD CLOWN | Gaffer | Two Goose Productions | Narrative | Canon 60D
PINS AND NEEDLES | Cinematographer | Nick Schmidt | Narrative | Canon 60D
THE TICKLER | Writer-Director | Two Goose Productions | Narrative | Canon 60D
9th PERIOD | First Assistant Director | Allen Lee | Narrative | Canon 60D
A BET'S A BET | First Assistant Director | Alex Sherman | Narrative | Canon 7D
THE BOX | First Assistant Camera | Amy Limpinyakul | Experimental Narrative | Canon 7D
SLUMBERIA | Writer-CoDirector-Animator | Two Goose Productions | Web Series | Canon 7D
THE ART POLICE | Grip | DePaul University - Project Bluelight | Narrative | Red One
PLASMA | First Assistant Director | Rick Peters | Narrative | Red One
IN THE DEAD OF SUMMER | First Assistant Camera | Junella Gabriel | Narrative | Canon 7D
BURNT OUT | First Assistant Director | DePaul University - Project Bluelight | Narrative | Red One
2016
2015
FEATURE
2014
THE VIEW FROM TALL | Second Assistant Director | The View From Tall, LLC | Narrative | Arri Alexa
RESURRECTING McGINN(s) | First Assistant Director | Gaffney Films/Black Apple Media | Narrative | Sony F5 / BMCC
TELEVISION
2014
2013
2012
POFTA BUNA DIN AMERICA | Cinematographer | Wild Mouse Productions | Foreign Cooking Show
COWL GIRL | Dolly Grip | Arrow & Key Productions | Narrative TV Pilot
BEST IN BRIDAL | Production Assistant | FYI, Half Yard Productions | Reality, Pilot
WRESTLING | Grip | AMC, Left Right Productions | Reality, Pilot
RANDY TO THE RESCUE | PA | TLC, Half Yard Productions | Reality
Taking Chicago | Key PA | Bravo, Half Yard Productions | Reality, Pilot
AWARDS AND HONORS
PROFICIENCIES
