I'm Elio Dal Lago, a passionate cinematographer and filmmaker specializing in drama, commercials, and documentary production. I have graduated with a BA in Filmmaking at the University of the West of England (UWE), where I focus on camera and lighting, constantly refining my craft through hands-on projects and collaborations with industry professionals.

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I've been making films for as long as I can remember, but my real journey started in college, where I had to create entire productions on my own. From directing and cinematography to editing and sound, I handled every aspect of the filmmaking process. This experience gave me a deep understanding of how every department operates, making me a more well-rounded filmmaker who can communicate effectively across different roles on set.

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Through my work in the industry, I've gained extensive experience with a wide range of cameras, including the ARRI Alexa Mini, Sony FX6, and RED Epic-W. I also have a strong background in working with Super 16mm cameras, including loading and maintaining them, which has given me a solid understanding of film-based cinematography. In addition, I'm experienced with vintage lenses, lighting setups, and advanced grip equipment like DJI gimbals and Easy Rigs.

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My industry experience includes:

• I was commissioned as the Director of Photography to shoot a commercial/documentary for the iconic Glade Stage at Glastonbury 2025, capturing the energy and atmosphere of one of the festival’s most legendary venues.

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• My final drama project at the end of my 2nd Year at University was nominated for best entertainment/comedy at the student RTS awards 2025 as well as me winning a camera craft award For my DOP work on The Enduring Legacy of Gus Comstock 

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• ​Shooting short documentary/promotional video for latitude festival 

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• Working as a 2nd Camera Assistant on the award-winning Kodak commercial Saved by the Bell

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• Shadowing the camera team on BBC Casualty

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• Serving as a runner on high-end commercial productions like Kingdom Royal

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• Assisting camera technicians at Films@59’s kit room, where I worked hands-on with a variety of camera systems, troubleshooting, and maintenance procedures​​​

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I'm also deeply interested in the intersection of AI and cinematography, which is the focus of my dissertation: How AI Technology Can Enhance the Creative Role of the Camera Operator/DOP. My time in kit rooms, on set, and working with both film and digital cameras has made me adaptable and technically proficient. I love the balance between technical precision and creative storytelling, and I’m always looking to push the boundaries of what I can achieve as a cinematographer.

Looking ahead, I hope to specialize in adventure and underwater cinematography, combining my passion for visual storytelling with my love for capturing unique and challenging environments. No matter the project, I bring a strong work ethic, technical knowledge, and a keen eye for composition to every shoot.