LATEST NEWS

CAMCAT FINISHED FILMING SHORT FILM "BROWNIE MARY" 

Lisbon, 28.06.2026

Today marked the last filming day of our beloved short film "Brownie Mary". If you can't wait to see all of the latest production updates, follow the film's Insta page.  

That is officially a wrap on our latest major production! We successfully transformed modern Lisbon and Almada into 1980s San Francisco, finishing the ambitious shoot ahead of schedule thanks to an incredible crew.

Here is how we brought this nostalgic vision to life across multiple complex locations.

Overcoming Logistical Challenges

• Multi-Location Scope: Filmed across six distinct locations spanning Lisbon and Almada.
• Streamlined Workflow: Our core production office team kept the fast-paced schedule entirely on track.
• Crowd Management: Coordinated 16 specialized background extras simultaneously.

Collaboration and On-Set Synergy

• Flawless Extra Coordination: Production Assistant Maria Savas managed wardrobe, briefing, and positioning seamlessly.
• Directorial Alignment: Producer T. Gordon Stanley stepped in to co-direct background action for maximum efficiency.
• Clear Long-Range Audio: Utilized CAMCAT's high-performance radio communication systems for seamless coordination during ultra-wide cinematic shots.

Sneak Peeks Coming Soon!

We cannot wait to share the final cut of this time-traveling production. We will be releasing exclusive behind-the-scenes and the film's screengrabs very soon. So head over to our Instagram page and follow us today so you do not miss the first look!

CAMCAT'S DOCUMENTARY WITH ÁLVARO SIZA VIEIRA TAKING THE FILM FESTIVAL CIRCUIT 

Lisbon, 09.06.2026

Even though I'd rather have my website visitors get the chance to see the full documentary with Pritzker-Prize winner Álvaro Siza, we will have to wait for the film festival cicuit to come to an end first. 

But there's good news: You can already watch a trailer to the documentary, which is now online as of today. "Tea for Two" (or Chá para Dois) is an architectural exhibition that highlights the dialogue between Portuguese Pritzker Prize-winning architect Álvaro Siza Vieira and Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Curated by Graeme Nicholls Architects, it debuted in Glasgow in September 2025. 

Exclusive Footage: 

The exhibition's launch featured an exclusive filmed interview (by CAMCAT Portugal) with Álvaro Siza reflecting on his admiration for Mackintosh and his own practice. For this interview we were allowed to visit Álvaro Siza in his office and studio in Porto, where we set up a 3-camera interview between him and Graeme Nicholls, who apart from being an architect himself, is a great fan of Alvaro Siza's and Charles Rennie Mackintosh's work.

Christopher Michael Heisler was gaffing, directing sound and operating cameras while Graeme Nicholls was responsible to overlook the entire process, logistics, pre-production and planning. 

Full film will be released towards the end of the year 2026 and will be announced on CAMCAT's socials.

LISBON VIDEO PRODUCER CAMCAT WITH YET ANOTHER AUDIO UPGRADE 

Lisbon, 31.05.2026

Another important upgrade in our sound kit: CAMCAT is now officially able to mic up to four people on stage or for podcasts with clipping-free 32-bit float technology.

The RODE Wireless Pro system has been a game-changer for our clients, delivering flawless, clipping-free audio in the most demanding production environments. Demand for this reliable 32-bit float setup has been so high that we just added another complete RODE Wireless Pro kit to our production fleet.

With this new addition, CAMCAT has significantly expanded your production capabilities. We can now support high-quality, simultaneous audio recording for up to six people.

Here is how we can configure the expanded setup for your next shoot:

• Four Presenters: Four discrete RODE Wireless Pro transmitters paired with premium lavalier microphones.

• Two Boom Operators: Two shotgun mics routed through additional wireless transmitters for maximum mobility.

• Zero Clipping: 32-bit float technology guarantees your audio will never distort, no matter how loud the talent gets.

Whether you want to shoot a multi-guest talk show, a complex reality TV setup, or a panel discussion, we can now capture crystal-clear audio for everyone on set. Both kits are fully prepped, updated, and ready to deliver.

Head over to our booking page or contact us today to reserve this expanded audio package for your next project.

CAMCAT HIRING YOUNG TALENTS FOR AN INTERNSHIP FROM MID-SEPTEMBER 2026

Lisbon, 12.05.2026

This is a hands-on role for someone interested in digital marketing, content creation, SEO, and creative business development within the audiovisual industry.

What you’ll work on:

Website Production

• Help build and improve the CAMCAT website
• Organize portfolio content, copy, visuals, and structure
• Coordinate updates and improve user experience

SEO Optimization

• Improve website visibility and search rankings
• Research keywords and optimize pages/articles

 
Social Media Content

• Create and schedule relevant posts for Instagram, LinkedIn, and other channels
• Help develop a consistent visual and editorial presence
• Capture/edit light behind-the-scenes or promotional content when needed

 
Studio Promotion & Distribution

• Help promote available rental slots in our photo/video studio
• Reach out to creatives, brands, photographers, and agencies
• Support partnerships and community visibility

 
Who we’re looking for:

• Interest in marketing, media, communication, film / photo / video, or digital content
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Familiarity with social media platforms and content trends
• Basic understanding of SEO and website tools is a plus
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Wix or similar tools is welcome
• Self-driven, curious, and comfortable working in a creative environment
• English required 

 
What you’ll gain:

• Real experience inside a working production company
• Opportunity to shape visible projects and campaigns
• Exposure to commercial production, creative strategy, and studio operations
• Flexible and collaborative working environment in Lisbon
• Paid role (dependent on experience)

To apply, send a short introduction, CV, and any relevant work/portfolio links to Christopher Michael: [email protected].

We’d love to hear from people who are curious, creative, and eager to contribute.

CINEMATIC VIDEO FOR FASHION DESIGNER FELIPE ZAMBUJEIRO'S NEW COLLECTION 

Lisbon, 07.05.2026

In short: it couldn't have went more smooth that it did. A small dedicated team made possible what otherwise is only achievable with a large team.

The direction and supervision of DP and director Christopher Michael Heisler made sure that not only the schedule is followed and team members knew what to do, but also all lighting is set up where needed to achieve the most cinematic and expensive look to give the production a high value / polished face. 

In total two shifts were worked for this horror / splatter style presentation of Felipe Zambujeiro's new collection of dresses: one during the day with the use of one over-the-head cinema camera and another one hand-held to give the piece the chaotic and "shaky" look it needed.
 

We worked the second shift after sunset where we worked with mixed lighting: the moonlight was mounted using a strong directional light with a low temperature and a light blue gel, while another directional light (this time tungsten) was mimicking a house window nearby. 

We will soon be sharing BTS material on our socials. Stay tuned!

CAMCAT IS EXPANDING: A NEW CREATIVE STUDIO IS SOON COMING TO LISBON

Lisbon, 30.04.2026

Exciting things are happening at CAMCAT. We’re currently working behind the scenes to bring a brand-new studio space to life—one that we believe will soon become one of Lisbon’s most affordable, versatile, and best-equipped creative environments.

Our upcoming studio will feature two spacious rooms, designed to accommodate a wide range of creative productions. Whether you're working on photography, video or hybrid projects, the space is being built with flexibility and functionality in mind. From professional shoots to experimental content creation, this studio aims to support creators at every level. And it's going to be in a very quiet neighbourhood, allowing for influential podcast productions and general sound recordings without any problems.
 

One of the standout features will be optional window configurations, allowing you to adapt the lighting conditions to your needs—whether you prefer controlled studio lighting or natural daylight. We are also planning to include a greenscreen wall, opening up even more possibilities for video production, visual effects, and creative storytelling.

In addition, we are currently exploring the availability of ultra-high-speed internet, potentially offering up to 10 Gbps with a Wi-Fi 7 router. This would make the studio an excellent choice not only for filming and photography, but also for live streaming, remote collaboration, and high-bandwidth workflows.

Another feature under consideration is the implementation of a cyclorama (infinity wall). If feasible within the space, this would further enhance the studio’s capabilities, providing a seamless background ideal for both photo and video shoots.

Renovation work is set to begin shortly, and we are moving quickly toward our goal: launching a high-quality, affordable “super studio” in the second half of the year. Our mission is simple—make professional-grade creative spaces more accessible without compromising on quality.

Stay tuned for updates as the project progresses. We can’t wait to welcome you into the new CAMCAT studio. If in the meantime you are looking for a studio, please check out one of the already existing ones in Lisbon.

DOCUMENTARY ABOUT "LAST FLAG" WITH CAMCAT'S SHOTS OUT NOW!

Lisbon, 15.04.2026

London-based agency FUTURE hired me to shoot an interview with video game designer Brian Thomson for a documentary about his contribution to "Last Flag" as a Senior Art Director.

Production assistant Julian Langhans and DP Christopher Michael Heisler from CAMCAT-Portugal met Brian in Oeiras to shoot an interview and B-Roll shots at his office.

Equipment used:

We shot with an FX-6 as the A-cam and an A7IV as B-cam. Cinema prime lenses were mounted on both cameras. To reassure crystal clear audio a 32-bit float recorder along with the legendary Sennheiser MKE-600 shotgun mic was used. 

As for lighting, we applied the Nanlite FC500B as our key light and used a small panel for fill. Hair light was a Zhiyun RGB Molus x100.

Take a look yourself here to check out the image and sound quality of our work. 

CAMCAT PORTUGAL COVERING EUROPE'S FIRST EDITION OF "TV STREAM" WITH 7 CAMERAS

Lisbon, 13.04.2026

CAMCAT Portugal is currently pushing the boundaries of high-end event coverage in Lisbon. Managing a complex multi-cam setup, the team demonstrates how a lean, expert crew can deliver broadcast-quality content with a massive technical and logistical effort.

The Lisbon "Power Rig"

To capture every angle of the sessions, the team deployed a 7-camera setup operated by 4 experienced shooters. This allowed for a mix of wide, tight, and creative shots across the main stage and various breakout rooms.

• Livefeed Integration: Unlike standard recording setups, 3 Atomos Ninjas are being used to ingest the livefeed from the AV desk, ensuring high-quality backup and monitoring of the primary signals.
• Breakout Sessions: The coverage extends beyond the main stage. Several shooters rotate to capture intensive breakout sessions, maintaining consistent visual quality across all sub-events (the event is being filmed with 7 Sony cameras)
• Audio Precision: Three sound recorders are used to manage diverse audio sources. By leveraging 32-bit float technology, the team captures crystal-clear dialogue for both the stream and post-production, eliminating the risk of audio clipping during energetic sessions.
  
  Before its expansion the event (TV Stream) has established as a major industry gathering in the US.

UPDATE OF CAMCAT'S DIRECTORY: ALL PHOTO & VIDEO STUDIOS IN LISBON

Lisbon, 10.03.2026

We’ve just refreshed the CAMCAT directory of photo and video studios in Lisbon — making it easier than ever to discover spaces for shoots, productions, and creative collaborations across the city. It is the largest database of all studios in Lisbon.

This latest update welcomes several exciting newcomers to the list. Among them are SALA86, a fresh studio bringing a contemporary production environment to Lisbon’s growing creative scene, and Front Yard Studio, a versatile space designed with flexibility in mind for both photo and video work. We’ve also added Módulo Twist, known for its modular approach to studio setups, and comuna studios, a new creative hub that blends production space with a video gear rental space.

These additions reflect the continued growth and diversification of Lisbon’s production landscape. From compact studios suited for editorial shoots to larger, adaptable spaces for commercial productions, the city keeps expanding its options for photographers, filmmakers, and creative teams.

The CAMCAT directory aims to provide a clear overview of the studios available across Lisbon, helping production companies, agencies, and independent creators quickly find the right space for their projects.

Take a look at the updated directory on the CAMCAT website and discover the latest studios now part of Lisbon’s vibrant production ecosystem.

BEHIND THE SCENES OF TECHNICAL CHALLENGES

Lisbon, 06.03.2026

After filming Auvesta’s corporate event in Lisbon in November 2024, I’ll soon be travelling to El Gouna, Egypt, to capture their next partner event — and this one brings a set of exciting technical challenges from a filmmaking perspective.

The program includes several activities that require very different filming approaches: a daytime golf tournament, a night golf event with glow-in-the-dark balls, a sailing regatta, and even a snorkeling treasure hunt where participants will search for an object underwater.

From a technical standpoint, this means preparing for three very different shooting environments: Low-light cinematography will be essential for the night golf tournament. Capturing glowing golf balls and maintaining a cinematic look in near darkness requires cameras with strong low-light performance, fast lenses with wide apertures, and careful exposure control to balance the glowing elements with the surrounding environment. The sailing regatta introduces another set of challenges: fast movement, reflective water surfaces (polarizing filters), and filming from moving boats. Stabilization, long-lens tracking shots, and careful positioning are key to capturing both the action and the scale of the Red Sea lagoons. Finally, the underwater treasure hunt requires dedicated equipment such as underwater housings and wide-angle optics designed for shooting below the surface. Light behaves very differently underwater, so planning for color and clarity becomes an important part of the setup.

I’m looking forward to bringing these elements together in El Gouna and creating another dynamic event film for Auvesta.

By: Christopher Michael Heisler

HIGH-QUALITY EVENT VIDEO PRODUCTION AT HALF THE COST

Lisbon, 05.03.2026

Planning a TEDx event or a professional conference coverage usually means bracing for a massive bill. Industry standards for filming and editing 10 polished speeches often range from €3,000 to €12,000.

CAMCAT, led by Christopher Michael Heisler (MBA), is changing that narrative by blending business efficiency with high-end artistic execution. Asking himself "what is REALLY needed?" over and over again, Christopher focuses on the optimal ratio between quality and cost, allowing clients to slash their production budget without sacrificing the final result.

The CAMCAT Standard: €1,500 for Perfection

In a recent project, CAMCAT delivered a complete set of videos for just €1,500. To ensure a professional result, the setup included:

• Three-Camera Coverage: Capturing multiple angles for dynamic, engaging edits.
• Professional Lighting: Utilizing a dedicated spotlight to ensure the speaker pops against the background.
• 32-Bit Float Audio: Using cutting-edge lavalier mic technology that makes "clipping" impossible, ensuring crystal-clear sound regardless of the speaker's volume.

All included in the above rate.

What the Client Said:

"The video and sound quality are perfect!"

Later, they added:

"Thank you again, the quality is impeccable!"

By choosing CAMCAT, you aren't just saving money; you are partnering with a Master’s degree holder who treats your budget with the same respect as the art itself.

SET OF CORPORATE GREEN SCREEN INTERVIEWS FOR NEPTUNE SOFTWARE

Lisbon, 26.02.2026

During the first three days of this week, my assistant Maria and I had the honor to film green screen interviews for software producer Neptune from Norway.

Once in a while I forget about the wonderful possibilities of green screen works. And then over and over again I get reminded how relatively simple it is to set up (when you have enough lights) and how extremely versatile it is in its application with diverse backgrounds. A wonderful tool to deliver a high production value at relatively low cost.

For the setup of the interviews, we used a green screen wall that was separately lit with two diffusion boxes, one key light for the talent, along with a fill light and a top light to ensure balanced three point lighting. Exposure on the green screen was at all times controlled via an external monitor.

We recorded sound externally in order to have both shotgun mics separated from each other and worked with a color chart to ensure an easy color grading and color matching process for the editing team overseas.

Talking about sound, we were finally able to use the new system with two directional shotgun microphones mounted on boom poles (which were held by C stands) and connected them straight into a 32-bit float field recorder.

We were excitedly happy to hear that the client was head over heels with the results and we're looking forward to get the next round shot with Neptune.   

By: Christopher Michael Heisler

CAMCAT'S LATEST PURCHASE: BLACKMAGIC'S ATEM MINI PRO ISO

Lisbon, 24.01.2026

As multi-cam content production keeps getting increasingly booked, we felt the need for a solution that offers live streaming and quick editing options to be able to deliver fast edits despite their complexity.   

With this missing piece of a puzzle CAMCAT has now closed the gap between owning four cameras and being able to go live (i.e. to stream) using all of them at once. The ATEM Mini ISO Pro is capable of being used for both live streaming on plattforms like:

• YouTube
• Facebook
• Twitch
• Zoom etc.

but also as a single webcam that can easily switch between angles e.g. during calls with apps like:

• Whatsapp
• Zoom
• Google Meet

and anywhere else, where streaming or a webcam use is required. 

Apart from these amazing opportunities we are now finally able to also edit live during podcasts, talk shows, podium discussions, panels and so on. With the ISO Pro function we can not only record the whole session with separated channels / cams, but also adjust the edit in the post-production. But the large advantage is that most of the work can be done live during the show. 

The brand new device is now available for booking (including or excluding cameras and operators / a director). Contact us for more information.

 

By: Christopher Michael Heisler

CAMCAT VIDEO PRODUCTION TO SHOOT THE TEDx FEBRUARY EDITION IN LISBON 

Lisbon, 20.01.2026

An agreement has been reached this afternoon between producer Sophie Brookes and CAMCAT® to shoot their upcoming session on the topic of belonging.   

We're excitedly looking forward to this new opportunity of capturing the TEDx speakersand learning about new approaches regarding the interesting and relevant topic "fabric of belonging".

Not only will we be offering multi-camera work but also a light set to have the speakers appear in the best light while being on stage of the large auditorium at St Peters School in Palmela / Setubal district on the 7th of February.

In case you're interested in listnening to a day full of ideas worth spreading in one of the world's most renowned formats, you can order your tickets here.

By: Christopher Michael Heisler

RACCOON LONDON LISTS CAMCAT AS A PREMIUM LEAD VIDEOGRAPHER IN LISBON

Lisbon, 08.01.2026

CAMCAT has been officially listed as a premium videographer by international video production agency Raccoon London — a milestone that reflects our commitment to cinematic storytelling within the fashion, accessories, and product space.

Could the year start any better? CAMCAT is proud to announce our inclusion as a premium videographer with international video production agency Raccoon London, recognising our cinematic approach to fashion films, accessories, and product storytelling. 

In their assessment they valued our carefully crafted colour grading which we use to define mood and to elevate brand identity, but also dynamic drone cinematography that adds scale and movement, to prove that every visual decision is intentional. We pair this with selected music and crisp sound design to ensure that each film feels polished and emotionally engaging. 

This recognition highlights CAMCAT’s dedication to delivering high-end cinematic fashion content where visuals, sound, and narrative work seamlessly together—creating films that leave an impact across digital, social, and commercial platforms.
 

We’re excited to continue collaborating with fashion brands and agencies worldwide, producing visually striking films that balance art with precision.

 

By: Christopher Michael Heisler

CAMCAT NOW EQUIPPED WITH TWO FULL SETS OF DIRECTIONAL MICROPHONES

Lisbon, 29.12.2025

So far operating with mostly lav mics and one boom mic CAMCAT is now ready for more complex sound solutions during interviews, dialogue scenes and to increase availability for rentals.

During the past few months it has begun to turn out increasingly challenging to shoot executive interviews with one boom only. To avoid this limitation we are now ready to mic up two speakers with an entire high end set consisting of the SENNHEISER MKE-600, another carbon boom mic, holder, clamp for C-Stand and another C-Stand itself.

While many clients ask for lav mics assuming that this would capture sound in a more precise way due to its proximity I have achieved better and more nuanced results using the directional microphone from booms. Not only does it sound richer but it also creates a nicer look when you can make sure that the microphone isn't even visible anywhere.

The visual impact of a visible microphone is often overlooked by both clients and shooters alike. However these little details are certainly what separates the beginner from the more advanced shooter and producer. Everytime I've seen my own interviews and interviews from other shooters, where the microphone was visible, I had been swearing to myself that one day I will advance to the league where they are no longer visible. Today I am proudly joining that league. 

By: Christopher Michael Heisler

CAMCAT DP SHOOTS SERIES OF CORPORATE INTERVIEWS FOR INNOENERGY

Lisbon, 27.12.2025

CAMCAT Video Production shoots and post-produces various multi-cam executive interviews for innoenergy.

With the client's yellow backdrop I already had a neutral background to work with and was able to let the company's logo "shine through" on the close lens. I shot the face close-ups with a 56mm f1.4 prime lens, which I installed on a SONY A7IV due to its fantastic autofocus capabilities, while the wide shot was captured on a Blackmagic Cinema Pocket 6K with a Tokina 11mm - 16mm f2.8 lens.

In order to have a strong focus on the subjects I used a 500W key light from Nanlite with a large diffuser (for perfect skin tones) and grid, as I wanted the background to remain relatively uncovered by light, so I decided to have it point slightly away from the backdrop and onto the speakers. Another reason for using such a strong light despite shooting indoors was the infall of daylight into the room, which I sometimes had to compete against.

Having shot the interviews with two different camera systems I am now in the phase of post production, where I'm colour matching Blackmagic's BRAW with SONY's SLOG3 footage and planning to deliver before the end of the year.

The “Road to C-Suite” 12-Month Transformation Program is a career development and leadership acceleration program designed to prepare high-potential professionals for senior executive (C-level) roles. It’s structured as a year-long journey focused on practical career acceleration rather than just theory.

By: Christopher Michael Heisler

(Photo credit: Delta Ventures)

CAMCAT VIDEOGRAPHER TO SHOOT "WHY NOT" SODA COMMERCIALS 

Lisbon, 20.12.2025

With the commercial video shoot currently being in its pre-production, the shoot itself and post-production is scheduled to happen in Ericeira during the first half of January 2026 and thus to have a super quick turnaround time.

When wandering through Portugal's upscale locations (cafés, bars, restaurants and supermarkets) you probably stumbled upon the super successful premium brand - called "Why Not" - which offers delicious and organically sourced soda drinks straight from their HQ in Ericeira.

CAMCAT will have the honour to capture, edit, colour grade and sound design the brand's / client's expectations. We are already looking forward to an exciting shoot with a variety of backdrops, lighting techniques and diversity of shots (and lenses used for that). Apart from super fast prime lenses we will also be shooting using a 100mm macro lens and some super slow motion shots are planned as well. All captured with 6K cinema cameras.

As usual for a studio shoot we will be trying to offer a variety of high quality polished shots for one of the country's largest players in the premium refreshing drinks sector.   

By: Christopher Michael Heisler

CAMCAT VIDEO PRODUCTION SCOUTING LOCATIONS BETWEEN LISBON AND AFRICA 

Lisbon, 19.12.2025

Planning, shooting, editing, colour grading, mixing sound and finally also: scouting locations! 

Can a job offer more variety than this? I mean let this diversity of actions sink in. It feels like living the dream sometimes. I just came back from scouting locations for an upcoming short film with one of my favourite actresses (and co-directors) in Lisbon, Marie Frankie Rooney and then booked flights to Africa in a month time to do the exact same thing there. I'll travel to Egypt, where I'll be shooting a series of interviews for a client I've been working with for the past two years. (I'll be documenting cool moments in my stories on Instagram, if you're keen...)

But details of the exciting travel aside, I'd also like to share a spoiler: from 2026 CAMCAT will be offering a professional location scouting service as well. After developing a directory service with all photo and video studios in Lisbon we will shortly publish a catalogue of locations that our clients can pick from for their shoot.

Apart from standards such as family houses, apartments, supermarkets, cafés, quiosques, museums, hotels and and restaurants we also want to go beyond and offer scenic, mystic, hidden, strange, special and unusual locations to our potnetial clients. As usual they can expect the service to be quick, professional and joyful, or in short: generally speaking outstanding.

By: Christopher Michael Heisler

CONFERENCE COVERAGE WITH TWO SHOOTERS AND ON-SITE EDITING AT ARCHITECT@WORK

Lisbon, 03.12.2025

CAMCAT had the honour to shoot photography and video plus to be on-site editing for a super fast delivery on the client's socials.

Enthusiasts of architecture will certainly know about the importance of the internationally renowned and travelling show, which came to Lisbon again on December 3rd and 4th.

In a team of three we were assigned to shoot both photographs and video footage of the booths, the people, plenty of details as well as the general overall atmosphere of the stylish event. 

One of the main requests form the client was a super fast (same-day) delivery, which we were able to handle to the client's fullest satisfaction. It actually seems we are already booked for the next year. Now that's a compliment!  

CAMCAT FILMS PORTUGAL-BASED INTERVIEW WITH ART DIRECTOR OF BRAND NEW PC GAME 

Lisbon, 24.11.2025

It's not unusual for the PC Gaming Show's interviews to get several million views. CAMCAT had the honour to film one of them.

Game developers work slightly different than many other industries: they can have their team operate and work together remotely. For the underlying - and currently strictly confidential - PC Game we had the honour to shoot the interview with an art director of the industry who together with his incredible team developed a brand new game. The interview was filmed at his home close to Lisbon. 

Apart from a multi-camera setup director and producer Christopher and his assistant Julian also installed several light sources, placed negative fill all around and worked with two microphones: a shotgun mic on a boom and a lav mic, which was invisibly taped to the talent's colar. Thanks to the assistant sound and image has been monitored at all times to ensure an outstanding image quality and crystal clear sound without the need to compromise. 

During the recent weeks CAMCAT's client (and booking agency) Futur from the UK also shot other developers of the game in the US.

CAMCAT'S REHAB REEL OF ALEX OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN GETS NEARLY 1 MILLION VIEWS  

Lisbon, 23.11.2025

Posted a year ago the reel with Alex Oxlade Chamberlain has now been viewed 963k times and received over 50k likes.

A little bit over a year ago I shot the UK national midfielder together with a few other patients during their rehab activities with KPI at Quinta do Lago's "THE CAMPUS" in the Algarve / Portugal.

Former FC Liverpool sports chief Chris King from KPI (Key Performance Ideology) hired me to showcase his services along with the equipment he is using to measure his clients' performance improvement.  

From the footage that I shot there with a drone and a hand-held camera I was able to extract also a reel specifically designed for Alexander Oxlade-Chamberlaine, which he used on his Instagram and where it was watched nearly a million times and where it got more than 50 thousand likes. 

I must say that it makes me proud to see this development, as it was a challenging shoot. Especially the low flight drone shots were extremely challenging to achieve to ensure the players' safety at all times keeping the equipment safe as well at the same time. The result is a set of dynamically edited videos and reels used for educational and promotional purposes.  

CAMCAT VIDEOGRAPHER CHRISTOPHER TESTS LATEST GENERATION INSTA360 X5

Lisbon, 18.11.2025

One of our last purchases has been a Insta360 X5 and it surprises with a few features, while it stays behind expectations with others.

I had the oppportunity to shoot with three cameras during my last gig for "All Assistance" in Venice and Lake Garda, one of which was the new Insta360 X5. Some of the key features is the fact that several shots cannot be shot with any other camera than the X5. It also features the theoretical capability of capturing 8K resolution. 

Here are my favourite observations:

• long battery life
• affordable
• easy to use menu
• user friendly software (Insta360 Studio)
• Surprisingly good dynamic range
• gorgeous image under ideal conditions
• fits into a pocket
• potential for very engaging and unique shots
• solid codec and compression

Negative points:

• stabilizer could be improved
• sky tends to "fall apart" with some dark spots
• the "stitch" between the front and back lens creates wobbles

(Photo credit: Retevis Website)

CAMCAT PORTUGAL INVESTS IN LIGHTING AND COMMUNICATION ON SET

Lisbon, 15.11.2025

With the full-colour Nanlite FS300C and a brand new set of Retevis radios, CAMCAT is now ready for more complex lighting and improved communication during production.

It's been on the list for a while now, and as the gigs are getting more and more complex and bigger, it was just a matter of time, until CAMCAT® would be equipped with radios on set. We chose the ones above, as they not only feature a very long battery life, but also loud and clear voice quality, which is obviously essential. 

Apart from that, and as we're in the process of preparing for the production of a new short film - which will participate in a large variety of international film festivals - it was also about time to have another reliable lighting source for indoor and outdoor use. We chose the Nanlite FS300C, as it can be used to reproduce moonlight from outside, features several useful effects and can be controlled via app, which perfectly compliments with earlier purchases of professional Nanlite video lights.

CAMCAT FILMING EXCECUTIVE INTERVIEWS AT WEBSUMMIT 2025

Lisbon, 11.11.2025

China and Hong Kong based news channel "Phoenix" booked CAMCAT for executive interviews and B-Roll at this year's WebSummit.

Admittedly quite an unusual purpose, but why not, right? Christopher will have the honor to film three days with host, journalist and editor Angelina Li from Hong Kong's office's news channel Phoenix to shoot executive interviews with quite some big names in the tech game. 

A three camera setup and a full lighting kit have been booked and are now being transported to the summit, where Christopher is supposed to film Angela interviewing tech experts and experienced strategists such as Peter Skillman (Global Head of Design at Philips), Stefan Schaible (Global Managing Partner at Roland Berger), Patrick Cosgrave (CEO of the WebSummit itself) and a Portuguese Minister, that will also be visiting the summit.

(Photo credit: screengrab from "John Wick")

CAMCAT'S VIDEO FEATURED IN UK'S "ARCHITECT JOURNAL"

Lisbon, 31.10.2025

The article "Meeting up for tea: Glasgow exhibition explores Siza and Mackintosh’s tea rooms" features the exhibition that shows a comparison of both star architect's works in an interview with Alvaro Siza, which was shot, edited and directed by me. 

So, what exactly does this image have in common with the exhibition? Well, that's just a subjective excitement on my end: who knew, John Wick was - just like me - apparently a big fan of Alvaro Siza's work? Or how else would you explain that book on his table?

Regardless, it is a large honour for me to see a part of my work being featured in a magazine of this caliber.

If you haven't yet seen the trailer to the video, here we go.  Unfortunately the main film was - so far - only shown during the vernissage of the main event and is now taking its film festival circuit. Should it finally get publilshed, you'll get to know it here. Rest assured I'd love to share my work as a DP, drone pilot, colorist, editor and sound designer on it after all. 

WELCOMING THE NEXT CINE PRIME (24MM T/1.5) IN MY LENS KIT

Lisbon, 27.10.2025

This last weekend I finally had the long awaited chance to take my new Samyang 24mm T1.5 out for a test. And here's what I think about it plus some test footage.

During the last year or so I tested both the Samyang 14mm and 35mm cine lenses. And while the 14mm was performing excellent for the wide angles and the 35mm was quite tight on a Super35 sensor, I also wanted to test the middle grounds. Here's the result and I can tell that this is probably my new favourite lens. Just judge yourself: all the shots you see here have been shot with the 24mm T1.5, mostly with speeds between 2.0 / 2.8 (90%) and 4 / 5.6 (10%). This lens is the absolute dream for a BMPCC. It offers the width you would need when shooting with one lens only while keeping enough of a natural look when you get closer. If you had to shoot your next short film with one budget friendly cine lens only, here's my spoiler alert: go for this one! Totally recommend it. Apart from a butter smooth bokeh it also features a really nice behaviour on the edges and has super little chromatic aboration, especially when compared to the 35mm, while being friendly on the contrast side. Down sides? Well, I haven't had the chance to test the breathing and a few other parameters yet. But honestly? This seems to be quite a bargain if you consider how much value you'll get at such a relatively low price tag. 

SECOND ROUND OF VENICE ACTION FOR VIDEOGRAPHER CAMCAT AND ALL ASSISTANCE

Lisbon, 14.10.2025

Not even one year after the very successful episode about a hydro ambulance yet another set of interviews to be filmed by CAMCAT DoP Christopher Michael in Venice / Italy in early November 2025.

That's very exciting news: I'm honoured and touched to be called in for another set of high end corporate interviews in one of my favourite cities of all times. When we flew into Venice this last March, unfortunately I had very little time on my own to shoot some impressions, more B-Roll and just inhale this magic atmosphere the city has to offer. But, as love between client and videographer knows no boundaries, All Assistance's Marketing Department decided to go with my craft, skills and persona one more time. This time, however, things are a little bit more serious: we're not going to be filming one or two days... Nope. It's going to be a full week of dopeness, footage and that's freaking a loooot of time to capture some of the world's most iconic and simply lovable and beautiful heritage one could ever think of. Sooo much looking forward to that! 

CAMCAT TO FILM THE GLOBAL INVESTIGATION SUMMIT 2025 IN CASCAIS 

Lisbon, 08.10.2025

CAMCAT videomaker Christopher will shoot the summit's panel discussions as well as interviews with a 3-camera setup and a large lighting kit.

During this year's Global Investigation Summit - held in Cascais at the Grande Real Villa Hotel - videographer Christopher Michael will be filming sit-down interviews, panel discussions as well as B-Roll of the event for a smooth and representative aftermovie outcome and for educational purposes. 

The GIR Live Global Investigations Summit in Cascais, Portugal (October 8-10, 2025) is the fourth edition of the event, bringing together private practitioners, in-house counsel, and government officials to discuss key trends and strategies in global corporate investigations, including areas like US enforcement, international anti-corruption efforts, sanctions, and supply chain risk.

CAMCAT SIGNS WITH CHINTSOLAR TO FILM 3 OF THEIR SOLARPARK DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS 

Lisbon, 03.10.2025

CAMCAT started shooting for ChintSolar's Insua, Arestal and another large project (currently under disclosure). The filming works are ongoing for the next six months.

CAMCAT recently started shooting infomercials for the company's massive solarparks using drone footage, mapping, tracking and stabilization methods. The size and overall dimension of the three parks in total amount to impressive 100MW to be installed within the next few months. 

CAMCAT has filmed similar projects in the past, among others for a Bloomberg Originals documentary a year ago.

Chint Solar has carried out numerous solar park projects, particularly in the Netherlands, including notable ones like Zonnepark Stadskanaal, Zonnepark Ommelanderwijk, and the parks in Leek, Kampen, and Markelo. They have also expanded into Portugal and have ongoing projects in Germany, such as Solar park Hechthausen, and Hungary.

VIDEOGRAPHER CAMCAT SHOOTS FASHION VIDEO FOR SUCCESSFUL CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGN 

Lisbon, 01.10.2025

The campaign needed less than three days to convince its investors to purchase thecolorcult™'s new sunglasses. 

Very little did I know when first jumping onto this project. With the client having relatively high expectations in terms of the look, edit, colour grading and lighting I felt challenged and excited to be part of the project as a director, DoP, editor and colorist. And I must admit it wasn't only positive feelings about it, as I knew from my circle of friends that crowdfunding campaigns are not easy to be converted into success. You gotta tick so many boxes in the way you get the story across and convince people to buy. But today, after only three days of the camapign running, the minimum goal has already been reached and I am super thrilled to announce that I successfully shot my very first crowdfunding campaign ever. 

This for me is a great example of how a great team work, a steep learning curve and a few estra hours in the end pay off. And I'm very grateful for this experience that allowed me to grow another little bit as a professional in the field of visuals.  

EXPANSION OF LISBON VIDEOGRAPHER CAMCAT'S LIGHTING KIT

Lisbon, 11.09.2025

It is thanks to a higher than usual demand in gaffer work, that CAMCAT videographer Christopher Michael decided to upgrade the lighting equipment and step up the light design game.

After the purchase of a Nanlite 500W beast, which offers the opportunity to bring in artificial sunlight into any room, yard, or car (like Christopher Michael used it during the Volkswagen commercial shoot a few months back), it was about time to widen the gamma of lights with another purchase of an RGB light, this time a 100W cutie, that fits into your handpalm, which makes it an incredible choice for overhead lighting and for use when traveling light weight. You might be asking yourself why an RGB light. The answer is simple: as indicated in our last post, the mixed litghing technique(s) is such a wonderful method to increase the production value for any client, that it basically belongs into the kit of any serious filmmaker.

Further investements into lighting will be carried our later this year. Among others two tubes and a 300W bi-color light to then have the full range: 

• 20W (2x for ambience)
• 40W (bi-colour LED panel)
• 60W (1x daylight + 2x tubes)
• 100W (1x handpalm sized RGB)
• 150W (1x daylight)
• 300W (1x bi-colour) and 
• 500W (1x bi-colour)

For convenience during the shoot most lights are equipped with the function of being controllable via app. 

DP CHRISTOPHER MICHAEL TO SHOOT PORTUGUESE PART OF FLORAL IMAGE'S GLOBAL CAMPAIGN

Lisbon, 07.07.2025

Globally operating flower rental service company to shoot with CAMCAT in Lisbon this week

Who knew there was apparently a large market for renting flowers? What is more, apparently there are large players supplying the demand of that service with own vans, delivery guys, and even their own uniforms. So far only known outside of Portugal, the service is also to be established inside of Europe and particularly Portugal. 

As part of a global campaign, which will be shot in cities such as New York, Sudney, London and many more, CAMCAT's own DP Christopher Michael will be covering the footage of the Lisbon edition. The shoot will be taking place at a fine hotel and a café in the city center - with a team of production assistants and actors - but also at important landmarks of the city with the delivery van being shot from a variety of angles. 

CAMCAT PRODUCING HIP-HOP MUSIC VIDEO WITH RAPPER HD FROM ATLANTA, GEORGIA

Lisbon, 20.06.2025

After a record-breaking production turnaround of only six days, rapper HD is willing to come back to Lisbon and book my services as a video producer again. 

Being in my usual editing workflow I wasn't expecting anything when all of a sudden a request came in, in which the US-based rapper asked me to shoot, colour and edit the music video for his brand new single. I must admit I got very excited, as I'm a Hip Hop lover and this was my very first Hip Hop music video.

Needless to say, that the time window was super tight, but I managed: we shot on June 14th and the final video was delivered today. The shoot took place mainly in the Avenida da Liberdade area, Calçada da Gloria and by the Tejo river in Lisbon. We shot on two prime lenses, a 35mm f1.7 and a 56mm f1.4 for the closer shots.

Rapper HD was so blown away by the visuals and editing, that he suggested in an Instagram comment, that he would come back for "an encore". I couldn't be asking for a nicer compliment.

- Christopher Michael Heisler

CAMCAT EXCLUSIVELY PRODUCES DOCUMENTARY WITH STAR ARCHITECT ALVARO SIZA

Lisbon, 10.06.2025

Last week I was assigned by Glasgow-based Graeme Nicholls Architects to shoot a documentary about the influence of Charles Rennie Mackintosh on Alvaro Siza's work, specifically in his appreciation for geometric forms, simplicity, and a poetic modernism.

During the interview, which we had the honour to film at Alvaro Siza's studio, the 92yo architect explained his minimalist approach to us, focusing on balance and simplicity, and how it resonates with Mackintosh's refined aesthetic.

Álvaro Siza's achievements are numerous and widely recognized, including winning the prestigious Pritzker Prize in 1992, the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the Venice Architecture Biennale in 2012, and the Royal Gold Medal from RIBA in 2009. He has also received the UIA Gold Medal in 2008 and various other international awards and honors. His architectural contributions have been highly influential, particularly in Portugal, where he has designed iconic buildings like the Expo 98 Portuguese National Pavilion or the SERRALVES Museum in Porto. 

CAMCAT'S INTERVIEW SHOOT WITH FABRICIO RONCA

WEWOOD and I are in the meanwhile looking back at the fifth interview together. This time I had the honour to film Brasil designer Fabricio Ronca, whos work you can find here. Not only was it an exciting journey through practical / motivational lighting, I also believe that we lived up to the expectation of creating a visually more and more interesting environment for the interviewee.

Fabricio grew up in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, where he learned to see architecture, folklore and art in a playful and intimate way.

During his childhood he attended the Faculty of Fine Arts with his mother, where he learned to naturally appreciate drawing, painting and sculpture. He has been working in the area since 2003 with architectural, interior and furniture and product design projects and seeks beauty, sustainability, balance of materials and affective memory in his works.

Lisbon, 30.05.2025

CAMCAT SHOOTING WITH HORIZN STUDIOS AGAIN, FEAT. WILSON

After my initial collaboration with sustainable and luxury luggage brand HORIZN STUDIOS, I'm excited to announce that we've once again teamed up for another round of high end visuals. This time, we worked with Ukrainian female model Yana and Portuguese male model Afonso, both of whom impressed us with their strength and endurance throughout the production. 

Thanks to the extensive experience of producer Patricia Imbarus, who was also directing a stylist, a hair and makeup artist as well as two production assistants, we once again enjoyed excellent working conditions—something I deeply value. 

HORIZN STUDIOS will soon unveil their new collection, featuring select pieces curated in partnership with WILSON. In recent years, the brand has collaborated with several high-end partners—including a notable collection with Mercedes-Benz—to appeal to a discerning audience that values both design and durability.

Lisbon, 23.05.2025

INTERVIEW SHOOT WITH DESIGNER LEONHARD PFEIFER

Leonhard Pfeifer is a New Zealand-born industrial designer who is the founder of PFEIFER Design in London. He specializes in complex furniture design, creating both individual pieces and collections for various retailers and contract markets. His work is known for its modern aesthetic and attention to detail. He has received numerous awards, including Design Guild Marks and a German Design Award. 

A few days ago I had the honour to shoot an interview with Leonhard at the beautiful premises of WEWOOD Lisboa. 

The interview is set to be published in appr. one week, which is why it's currently in the post production.  

Lisbon, 13.05.2025

PRODUCT SHOOT FOR ENDURE SUPPLEMENTS

Just a few weeks after my first shoot for ENDURE the client booked me again for a pure product shoot in the studio. During a fun full-day shoot I had the chance to design the lighting for a variety of products, angles and backgrounds.

Thanks to the expertise of the ENDURE team we had a mood board ready according to which the shots were relatively easy to accomplish, as we knew exactly which look we are going for.

A few more final shots can be seen in my photo section.   



Lisbon, 09.05.2025

CAMCAT OFFERING FULL STAGE COVERAGE AT CONSCIOUS HEALTH SUMMIT

The Conscious Health Summit is a transformative event that bridges ancestral wisdom with modern science, aiming to empower individuals to take charge of their health journey. Held on May 2–3, 2025, at Pavilhão Carlos Lopes in Lisbon, Portugal, the summit offers a holistic approach to well-being, integrating physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. 

CAMCAT had the honour to fully cover the science stage with three cameras: side-on view for close-ups and half shots of speakers, full-on frontal view for a wide angle and hand held for interactive shots engaging with speakers and audience alike. 



Lisbon, 06.05.2025

FASHION SHOOT FOR UK BASED HELLO! MAGAZINE

I'm quite excited, and I just can't hide it:

As I’m writing this, I’m also putting the final touches on preparations for an upcoming fashion shoot with the prestigious HELLO! Magazine from the UK. The most thrilling part? I still don’t know who will be stepping in front of my lens! But one thing’s certain: HELLO! only works with top-tier celebrities. 

For those unfamiliar, HELLO! Magazine is a British weekly known for its exclusive access to the world of celebrities, royalty, and high society. Originally launched in the UK in 1988 as the local edition of the Spanish magazine ¡Hola!, it has built a reputation for in-depth interviews, stunning photo shoots, and coverage of major events around the globe.

More details to be released soon (as usual on my socials). Stay tuned! 

Lisbon, 21.04.2025

CAMCAT RETURNS TO WEWOOD FOR HQ INTERVIEW WITH DESIGNER

After three successful sessions, CAMCAT is heading back to WEWOOD Lisboa this Tuesday for another creative collaboration. Set in their elegant showroom on Avenida da Liberdade, the team will be filming two interviews with international interior designers.

The space — known for its clean lines, warm wood tones, and timeless design — provides the perfect backdrop for thoughtful conversation. With a focus on creativity and craft, these interviews will explore the designers' process and connection to WEWOOD’s philosophy.

CAMCAT is proud to continue telling stories that celebrate design, detail, and the people behind the work.

Lisbon, 14.04.2025

PRODUCT SHOOT FOR FITNESS BRAND "ENDURE" 

Today CAMCAT wrapped a high-energy photo shoot for ENDURE, the powdered supplement brand built for serious athletes. Shot just 10km south of Lisbon in a raw, industrial-style CrossFit gym, the goal was to showcase the product’s strength and simplicity in action.

With one male model, the team captured powerful, authentic moments — from intense lifts to quick sachet refuels between sets. The focus was on movement, recovery, and the sleek convenience of ENDURE’s single-serve format.

The result? A bold visual campaign that speaks directly to the athletes who live to push limits.

Lisbon, 11.04.2025

LIFESTYLE COMMERCIAL SHOOT WITH HORIZN STUDIOS 

Over the past six months, I’ve had the pleasure of working on three fashion and lifestyle shoots—projects I’m not only proud of but also thoroughly enjoyed filming. I particularly appreciate the creative freedom that comes with the dynamic nature of operating a camera during these shoots, which contrasts significantly with the structured approach required for documentary filmmaking for instance. 

This Sunday I'll have the honor of shooting for the German brand HORIZN STUDIOS  specializing in sustainably produced luggage, including trolleys, handbags, and backpacks. With the support of an experienced producer and location scout, we’ll be capturing stunning shots with two models in breathtaking locations in and around Lisbon.

Lisbon, 28.03.2025

INTERVIEW SHOOT WITH ISRAELI/FRENCH DESIGNER DAN YEFFET

Today I had the honour to gaffer and DP an interview with Dan Yeffet at the brand new WEWOOD showroom at Avenida da Liberdade in Lisbon.

Dan Yeffet is an Israeli-born designer based in Paris, renowned for his innovative work in furniture, lighting, and product design. Born in 1971 in Jerusalem, he studied Industrial Design at the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design before moving to the Netherlands, where he graduated with a Master's degree from the Gerrit Rietveld Academy in Amsterdam in 2002. After establishing his studio in Amsterdam in 2003, Yeffet relocated to Paris in 2005, where he continues to operate his design studio. ​

Wewood – Portuguese Joinery is a Portuguese heritage design brand specializing in the design and production of exclusive solid wood furniture. Established in 2012 by the second generation of the family-owned company Móveis Carlos Alfredo, Wewood builds upon a legacy of craftsmanship that dates back to 1964.

Lisbon, 27.03.2025

FILMING THE WORLD'S MOST UNIQUE AMBULANCE (IN VENICE)

After a successful season in January 2025, the Italian road assistance company All Assistance once again booked my services as a camera operator, sound engineer, editor, and colorist—this time for a season in Northern Italy. 

We’ve literally just wrapped up filming six new episodes covering technology, rescue techniques, first aid, and heavy towing vehicles on the roads of Genoa, Bolzano, Verona, Lake Garda, and even the unique “streets” of Venice. There, I had the incredible opportunity to (almost literally) dive into the city's history and its distinctive rescue methods—where, in the absence of streets, everything happens by boat. And who knew? These boats can reach speeds of up to 100 km/h—that’s wild! 

In other words, we filmed in the snowy Dolomites, along rivers, lakes, and canals, and through the stunning streets of various Italian cities. This project also gave me the perfect chance to fully explore the 32-bit float technology and sound recording capabilities of the Rode Wireless Pro system. Now, I can’t wait to dive into post-production and see (and hear) the final results! 

As always, stay tuned and follow my socials!

Lisbon, 20.03.2025

(Photo credit: Oribital 101 Studio)

INVESTMENT INTO NEW DOUBLE-LENS DRONE

Equipped with a double-lens system featuring the standard wide-angle camera (24mm, f/1.7) - great for smooth landscape shots - and a 3x medium telephoto camera (70mm, f/2.8) - perfect for compressing backgrounds and getting cinematic depth - the new investment is a true delight. 

Great to know that barely one day after the purchase I'll get the chance to be testing it directly with Joao Velez' new company LIS LUX for a prestigeous image shoot and hopefully achieve some stunning results. As usual to be shared on my socials. 

Stay tuned! 





Lisbon, 03.03.2025

GETTING READY FOR TEDx IN LISBON

I’m beyond proud to announce that CAMCAT.pt will be filming the upcoming TEDx talks in Lisbon on March 1st, 2025, held in the trendy neighbourhood of Marvila!

This event is all about spreading powerful ideas dedicated to "The Art of Being Human," exploring what makes us connect, thrive, and innovate, and we’re honored to be capturing every inspiring moment. At CAMCAT, we take pride in delivering high-quality video production that brings stories to life—and what better stage than TEDx to do literally that?

Stay tuned for behind-the-scenes updates (mainly as stories on Instagram) as we gear up for this incredible event. Let’s make this TEDx Lisbon edition one to remember!

And in case you'd like to participate, you can get your ticket(s) here.


Lisbon, 18.02.2025

(Photo credit: Jessica Keener)

SHOOT WITH CANON'S FLAGSHIP: C300 MARK III

Today I had the privilege of directing photography for another set of corporate interviews—this time for Schneider Electronics,  a global leader in energy management, automation, and industrial solutions. The project was carried out by the Paris-based "Palm Spring Production" under production manager Giovanni Vuolo.

What made this shoot particularly special, beyond the incredible team, was the opportunity to work with one of Canon's top cinema cameras: the C300 Mark III. This powerhouse delivers exceptional performance while remaining lightweight, especially compared to the ARRI Alexa. With an impressive 16 stops of dynamic range, it surpasses many cameras in its price range and offers unparalleled color accuracy.

As someone who began my career filming on a Canon consumer DSLR camera, this experience felt like a full-circle moment—a contrast and reminder of how far I’ve come as a professional videographer. It will truly remain a day to remember.

Lisbon, 15.01.2025

CAMCAT CELEBRATING A MILESTONE

Before I celebrate the registration of CAMCAT as a national trademark in Portugal, I'd like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to everyone who has supported CAMCAT’s journey so far. From clients to collaborators and friends — your belief in my work has been the driving force behind this milestone. 

As another step towards professionalization and brand awareness, I'm therefore proud to announce that CAMCAT is now officially registered as a national trademark with the Intellectual Property Office in Portugal. Protecting both the name and logotype was the next logical step to ensure my brand remains uniquely mine and continues to stand for quality, creativity, and innovation in producing cinematic content by streamlining down to what is necessary for a solid result without breaking the bank.

Here’s to the next chapter of CAMCAT—a story that’s just beginning to unfold. Stay tuned for what’s next, and thank you for being part of the journey!

Lisbon, 13.01.2025

(Map design by: Louise Demuysère)

ITALY'S PUGLIA CALLING CAMCAT PORTUGAL...

Could there be a better way to kick off the year than with a road trip to Italy? After wrapping up corporate interviews for my client, 'All - Assistance,' back in October 2024, they reached out again—this time with an even bigger idea: creating a road movie.

The concept? Capture the company’s story through its staff, suppliers, and whoever we meet along the way. It’s a week of adventure on the open road, followed by another week in the editing suite, pushing my creative limits. 

Challenge accepted! Whoop whooop...

Lisbon, 03.01.2025

CAMCAT ORDERS PRIME LENSES FROM THREE CONTINENTS

This year, I used Christmas as the perfect excuse to upgrade my lens collection—and I decided to go for something truly special. Over time, I’ve noticed top-tier cinematographers consistently singing the praises of the Canon FD series. They highlight its impressive sharpness, build quality, speed, affordability, and—most importantly—the distinctive look it offers. Many have raved about its beautiful saturation and contrast ratio.

Intrigued, I decided it was time to see what the fuss was about. I took the plunge and went all in, picking up the full range: 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, and 70–210mm.

Finding lenses in pristine condition was no small task—it took me nearly two entire days of browsing the literally worldwide web to ensure there wasn’t a trace of dust, fog, or fungus on any of them. My search spanned the globe, with lenses coming from Japan, Germany, Belgium, and the US.

Now, I’m eagerly waiting for their arrival—and even more excited to take them out for a shoot. As always, I’ll be sharing the test results on my YouTube channel, so stay tuned!

Lisbon, 28.12.2024

(Photo credit: Louise Demuysère)

SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR PROFESSIONAL VERTICAL CONTENT

Both of our Blackmagic Cameras have just been updated with the 8.6 version which adds support for vertical aspect ratio recording, allowing to create cinematic vertical video for platforms such as TikTok or Instagram. This update adds automatic rotation of the camera’s on screen HUD and automatically tags files as vertical so they display correctly when imported for editing, making it much easier to both shoot and edit vertical content. When customers then import their files into DaVinci Resolve, clips are automatically tagged as vertical so they appear correctly in their timeline. Once they have finished their project, it’s easy to upload to their channel with direct exporting to TikTok, Instagram or YouTube.

We have just been shooting a vertical campaign for the brand new Volkswagen Tayron making use of this very handy gimmick. Bottomline: Not only insanely convenient during the shoot, but also a grateful leap for the editor in charge. ;-)

Lisbon, 13.12.2024

(Photo credit: Louise Demuysère)

COMMERCIAL SHOOT: THE NEW VOLKSWAGEN TAYRON

As the year draws to a close, just like that and out of nowhere an incredible opportunity landed in my lap: I’ve been asked to serve as the Director of Photography for a commercial of one of Germany’s largest car manufacturers. Needless to say, that I accepted, am fully committed and thrilled to kick off the shoot next week.

What makes this project even more exciting is the fact that we'll have a professionally trained dog onboard and of course its trainer — a first for me. I’ll share more details (and a few BTS on my Insta) soon. 

Stay tuned!

Lisbon, 01.12.2024

(Photo credit: Mario Cuadros, Pexels)

TV COMMERCIAL SHOOT FOR TRAVEL AGENCY IN BCN

This weekend Barcelona is calling for an exciting TV commercial shoot. And we're announcing this with a big amount of pride, as the travel agency "The Good Life Abroad" hired Christopher Michael Heisler (aka "Mister Camcat") as their 1st DP for this commercial, which will be entirely shot on an ARRI Alexa with a set of Carl Zeiss Standard Speed Prime lenses. 

The commercial will be streamed across major platforms, including Hulu, Peacock, and network television in the U.S. and is designed to be a visually striking, high-impact piece, so we’ll be aiming for production values that reflect the best of TV-level advertising.

Obviously more details about this very exciting shoot along with a few BTS will soon be published on our socials.

Lisbon, 15.10.2024

FASHION SHOOT FOR "ANY" EYEWEAR CAMPAIGN

This time the weather wasn't on our side. With a wild mix of sunrays, clouds and even rain we still managed to carry out a fancy shoot for ANY eyewear sunglasses.

The eclectic location close to Fonte da Telha offered a wide range of possibbilities, from pool side, tennis court, driveway and many more, which allowed for continous shooting even when weather was tricky.

Huge thanks to the entire team from producer, through make-up to stylist and photographers. CAMCAT was responsible for the entire video part (shoot with cine prime lenses, colouring and editing).

More details soon to be published on our socials.

Lisbon, 08.10.2024

BLOOMBERG DOCUMENTARY RECEIVES 100K VIEWS IN 3 DAYS

Proudly announcing that this is only the result on YouTube, while a lot more traction has been achieved on the direct page of Bloomberg, which according to Bloomberg's spokesperson is by far higher than the average video achieves.

Christopher Michael Heisler from CAMCAT was hired as 1st DoP to film all interviews, B-Roll shots of the city and surroundings plus additional drone footage for the documentary. 

Click one of the above links to educate yourself on the Golden Visa programme, that Portugal has now adjusted to investments in climate friendly funds.



Lisbon, 07.10.2024

COMMERCIAL SHOOT FOR CODING ACADEMY "SHECODES"

Right after the summer break we're back with some exciting storytelling of two women who managed to change their career for the better thanks to SheCodes, which is an online coding academy designed specifically for women. On their platform women can not only learn about coding, but also get connected with like-minded participants and exchange their experiences, share job opportunities and alike.  

Christopher Michael Heisler provided his knowledge in camera operation / directing photography, gaffer services and sound recording. 

Both commercials are now in post production.

Lisbon, 15.09.2024

Image: by Katja S. Verhoeven

GERMAN HOTEL COMMERCIAL IN POST PRODUCTION

For the entire first week of August CAMCAT has been booked to provide directing, lighting and DoP services abroad for the extensive shoot of two hotels in Germany's picturesque cities of Goslar and Friedrichshafen. The footage is now being post - processed and the final results to be delivered before the 23rd of August 2024.

Our seven-person team has persevered brilliantly and everyone is now extremely excited about the upcoming results.

Lisbon, 12.08.2024

FINALLY OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED

As of today, CAMCAT is fully certified to operate drones across all EU countries and Switzerland. Christopher Michael Heisler, CAMCAT's head of operations, has successfully passed the A2 exam, in addition to the A1 and A3 classes he had previously completed. With this crucial step in meeting all EASA requirements, CAMCAT is now primed to deliver even more exceptional services / footage to its clients. 

Lisbon, 22.07.2024

1ST DP ON DOCUMENTARY SHOOT FOR BLOOMBERG

News provider Bloomberg is planning to shoot a documentary on a variety of visa programs that require an investment in multiple European countires. One of them is Portugal and it's here that a hand-full of expats will be interviewed and their stories and experiences with the respective programme told.

CAMCAT's Christopher Michael Heisler has been picked by the production "Bloomberg - Originals" to serve as the 1st Director of Photography during the 4-day shoot. Areas of responsibility will cover operation of four cameras, thereof two cinema cameras, lighting / light blocking, as well as directing camera crew.

Lisbon, 13.07.2024

ALL EXPECTATIONS EXCEEDED

After a brilliant start in March 2024, CAMCAT and KPI - King Performance Ideology worked together for the second time in June of this year. This time, eight professional athletes were filmed training. The whole event was captured and edited by CAMCAT into a 55-second action-packed video and exceeded all expectations: the video received over 100,000 views in the first 6 hours after publication and can be viewed here.

Lisbon, 06.07.2024

MUSIC VIDEO SHOOT FOR RADI FROM "CARAVAN DREAM"

Caravan Dream are a multinational Pop-Rock band formed in 2019 in the Middle East, while living as Expatriates in the state of Qatar.

As they gear up for a busy schedule of events, tours, and festivals, the band is currently busy with recording their debut album and shooting music videos. For the Lisbon segment of a new single release, frontman Radi has enlisted Christopher Michael Heisler to capture cinematic footage, enhancing the video with greater visual variety.

Lisbon, 04.07.2024

ACTION-LOADED VIDEO WITH UK PRO-FOOTBALLERS: ROUND 2

The paths of KPI - King Performance Ideology, a UK based professional personal training operator and CAMCAT - Portugal crossed again at the High Performance Campus in Quinta do Lago, close to Faro.  

This time I was filming Femi Seriki, Andre Brooks (both from Sheffield United), Harrison Reed (Fulham Football Club), Alexander Oxlade-Chamberlain (Besiktas & England's National Player) during their off-season training, rehab and analytical drills. Three cameras were used to capture the event.

Watch this space and / or other CAMCAT channels to see the highly dynamic outcome, soon to be published. 

Lisbon, 25.06.2024

500K VIEWS WITHIN 24 HOURS AFTER POSTING

My new video for Pérola - Luxury Villas in cooperation with Giovanni Perice and Molly Brown has generated 500k views and far over 7000 likes in less than 24h, which - frankly speaking - neither the client nor I have been expecting. 

The goal of this video was to showcase the luxury lifestyle in a stunning location, featuring beautiful weather, exquisite wine, and the offerings of two premium brands: VITA, Giovanni Perice's new fragrance, and Pérola, which provides luxury villa accommodations. I believe we successfully wove these elements into a cohesive and visually appealing narrative, while effectively capturing the essence of both brands.

I had the honour to film, edit and colour grade the video along with adding sound design to it. 

Lisbon, 23.05.2024

340K VIEWS AND COUNTING...

A few weeks back I had the honour to film Alex Oxlade-Chamberlaine with his fitness trainer Dr. Tom King (from KPI) down in the Algarve. 

Not only was it a very inspiring shoot, it was also quite impactful, what we were able to pull off within just 3 hours of shooting. No taking into account any other social media channel, the video was viewed over 340.000 times on Instagram only.

The outcome of the video might be one of the reasons why the client decided to book CAMCAT again for another shoot appr. 2 months from today. I'm excitedly looking forward to be shooting with more high-profile sports people in the summer. It'll be getting hot in here!

Lisbon, 22.04.2024

ALGARVE SHOOT WITH ALEXANDER OXLADE-CHAMBERLAINE

In collaboration with Dr. Tom King, esteemed former sports director at Liverpool FC (under the legendary Jürgen Klopp) - who is now running King Performance Ideology - and renowned footballer Alexander Oxlade-Chamberlain, I embarked on a journey to the prestigious sports camp in Quinta do Lago, nestled in the heart of the Algarve. Over the course of a couple intense days, my cameras captured the action at the high-performance sports center. Now, as the footage undergoes post-production, I'm looking forward to unveiling several top-class advertising videos that will hopefully captivate their audiences.

Lisbon, 19.03.2024

HONEST SEA MOSS COMMERCIAL FINALLY ON AIR!

Even though we shot the commercial already back in November, both the post production took a little while and the (amazing) team of Honest Sea Moss were waiting on the second batch of the production to arrive, as it didn't make sense to advertise something, that was already sold out.

In short: the ad is finally on air and can be watched either on the various channel of the brand or here.

Lisbon, 02.03.2024

2ND MUSIC VIDEO OF CARLOS CAVALLINI PUBLISHED TODAY

Today marks the long-awaited online release of Carlos Cavallini's "Nem Tudo Mundo." Audiences will not only be treated to Carlos's remarkable voice harmonizing with an expertly composed melody but also witness another proud addition to CAMCAT's portfolio: a captivating music video.

Filmed entirely at the CAMCAT studio in a single take, this music video represents a fresh creative endeavor for Director of Photography, Christopher Michael Heisler. Alongside location-specific lighting, innovative techniques such as the rotational split diopter and prolate prism glass were expertly employed to enhance the visual narrative.

Lisbon, 23.02.2024

NEW CINEMA PRIME LENS IN CAMCAT'S KIT PORTFOLIO

In a recent development, following the acquisition of 35mm and 135mm cine lenses, I've made a strategic investment in the 14mm T3.1 Cine Prime lens—an acquisition that has left me thoroughly impressed. Boasting remarkable sharpness and delivering a cinematic allure right out of the box, this lens is a game-changer for me. Notably, its adept handling of distortion and absence of noticeable chromatic aberration enhance its appeal.

However, despite its commendable features, certain limitations exist: the absence of a thread for ND filters, a comparatively slower T3.1 aperture when juxtaposed with other Samyang lenses, and a divergent gear ring positioning when compared to other Samyang lenses. Nevertheless, the overall consensus stands—this lens represents a remarkable investment, one that fills me with anticipation as I look forward to employing it in my upcoming projects.

(Test footage can be watched here).  

Lisbon, 11.02.2024

CAMCAT TO SHOOT EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME AT "GOETHE INSTITUT" IN LISBON

Lisbon, 10.02.2024

The Goethe Institute Lisbon is launching a free series of educational events on Web3, AI, NFTs, and more for artists, with CAMCAT handling video production for six sessions.

Appr. one year after shooting "Lola Runs - Lisbon Edition" for the 20th anniversary of German Film Festival at Cinemateca and Cinema São Jorge, I am proudly announcing another exciting cooperation, that is about to start this month. The Goethe Institute in Lisbon will be hosting a series of educational (panel) talks and workshops regarding web3, working with AI, NFTs, VJing and many more, mainly aiming at artists. And the best part? It's FREE for all participants. So, in case you are interested, you shouldn't miss this opportunity. Everyone is welcome. So why not get in touch with them today? My role will be shooting, editing and colour grading the footage of six events.

- Christopher Michael Heisler

CARLOS CAVALLINI SOON TO PUBLISH SECOND MUSIC VIDEO

Only a few weeks after releasing "SEMPRE MAR", we can't wait to hear the echo of the second video, we shot together at the legendary CAMCAT studios in Almada. 

"NEM TUDO MUNDO" will appear online on the 23rd of February 2024. Stay tuned!


Lisbon, 08.02.2024

ANOTHER CAMCAT VIDEO OF JOÃO VELEZ GOES VIRAL

How does that sound:

~ 480.000 views (on 22.6k followers on TikTok) and 490.000 on Insta
~ 22.800 / 7.300 likes
~ 250 / 136 comments
~ 4000 saved
~ 2000 forwarded

And counting... On a single video! :-)

These are the statistics of one of the first reels I've shot for João Velez earlier this month. Want to know how much initial capital you need to buy a 200.000 EUR home in Portugal? Check out the video on TikTok.

Lisbon, 04.02.2024

ENRICHING EQUIPMENT UPGRADE

We're talking about the 32-bit float  technology, which in its entirety I recently tested with charismatic Vhils (here with Farokh from Rug FM) but also with real estate investor and public person João Velez in his new series of Social Media reels "29 videos in 29 days". 

For all my other clients this means - due to the ver high dynamic range of the recorder - never have to worry about clipping sound again: The Sennheiser MKE-600 on a carbon fibre boom feeding into a Zoom F3 sounds fantastically full-bodied and will do justice (not only) to João's and Vhils' lively style. Both the sound system and I are looking for more happy clients in the near future.

Lisbon, 26.01.2024

CAMCAT'S PHOTOGRAPH ON PUBLICO

Lisbon, 24.01.2024

After signing his contract with Altafonte Portugal's largest newspaper "Publico" invited Carlos for an interview. And on this occasion, one of my photographs was used as a reference by PUBLICO.
 
Read the full article here. 

CAMCAT SHOOTS INTERVIEW WITH TIM VIEIRA

Lisbon, 18.12.2023

CAMCAT just shot the first interview with Portuguese President Candidate (for the 2026 elections) since the announcement of his candidacy.

Tim Vieira, a prominent Portuguese entrepreneur and investor renowned for his impactful ventures in business and television, recently granted an exclusive interview to Adrien Hardy. This marked one of Tim's initial interviews following his announcement of candidacy for the Portuguese Presidency in 2026.

I had the privilege of orchestrating the technical aspects of the interview. From setting up the 3-point lighting and lavalier microphones to operating three cameras and overseeing sound control, I ensured that every detail was meticulously attended to. Additionally, I managed the post-production process, crafting the final presentation of the interview.

It was an honor to contribute to such a significant dialogue, and I'm proud to have played a role in bringing Tim Vieira's insights to life. Thank you Tim, thank you Adrien. Watch full interview here.

AAAND THE "ACTIVE CINEMATOGRAPHERS CLUB" IS ON AIR!

Our new-born has now grown to a little baby is beginning to crawl. In other words: After its start in May 2023 (with a five cameras and five lenses test setup click on the picture to see the test result), the ACC is now gaining popularity! :-) Feel free to be invited to one of Lisbon's most active filmmaking communities, independent of your skill level.

More details here.

Lisbon, 04.05.2023