Cam Batten

I’m a 35yr old Australian, based near the rich and diverse Byron Bay region, Bundjalung Country.

An experienced Cinematographer, I’ve specialised in technical camera equipment for Natural History work for the last 5 years, and 5 years of commercial work prior to that.

On this incredible journey, I’ve learnt what it’s like to track leopards for 8hrs, to film through Antarctic Blizzards, to be surprised by a Polar Bears in the Arctic, and to grind up countless summits with 40kg of Camera on my back. My approach comes with an insatiable taste for suffering, and to faciliate filming with the best possible equipment in the most difficult places.

To observe, document, and be an ambassador for preserving rapidly changing landscapes and environments is part of what is now becoming a life's worth of work for me.

I enjoy working with good characters and good teams, learning from anyone who offers, and sharing my own knowledge and experience where I can. No project is complete without a team, and the best projects come from the most cohesive crews.

Proficent at a high level, I’ve spend 1000’s of hours honing my craft in the below:

GSS - C516 trained technician and operator - Build and mount scaff rigs for vehicles, boats as well as A-Star mount trained for Helo Operations (100+ hours of Helicopter time, 1000+ hours of GSS time)

Remote Head - Scorpion, Shotover, MoVI XL, MoVI Pro, Ronin2, Ronin RS4

Long Lens - CN20 / CN10 both on foot and vehicle mounted

Drone - Inspire 3 (100+ hours) Mavic 3 (100+ hours), FPV (50+ hours, owner, builder, designer, 3D printer)

Gimbal - MoVI Pro Owner/Operator 11+ years experience, custom designed low mode rig for eyelevel shots small animal height with Red Raptor etc

Camera Traps - Cambush Cube and A7SIII systems

Phantom - 20+ shoot days on Phantom Flex and Vaio shooting natural and studio lit scenes

Lighting - Beginning in TVC space, I have a great grasp on lighting cinematically, with a fast documentary approach, bringing polish sync / doco projects.

Timelapse - 3 Axis Timelapse Slider kit owner operator

Amongst many projects, personal highlights include work completed for Apple TV, ABC Australia, PBS America, IMAX, ITV UK, Love Nature and many more.

I’m on the approved list of Operators for Nat History work, and have worked with the likes of Offspring, Humblebee, Talesmith, Northern Pictures, WIld Pacific Media and more.