Call for Director of Photography (DOP)/Cinematographer — ZÏbuwa Visual EP / Short Film Project
Project Overview
We are seeking a Director of Photography (DOP) to execute the cinematographic vision for Becoming of Zi, a visual EP and short film project accompanying Montréal-based R&B artist ZÏbuwa’s upcoming musical release.
The project will transform five songs from ZÏbuwa’s EP into a cohesive cinematic narrative, with each visual functioning independently as a music video while contributing to a larger interconnected story. The final project will exist as a short film, a series of individual music videos, and a collection of promotional assets for digital platforms, EPK materials, and festival submissions.
This project is being developed as part of a grant application to support emerging Canadian artists and creative professionals. The selected DOP’s information, biography, experience, and involvement in the project will be included as part of the official grant submission materials.
Project: Becoming of Zi — ZÏbuwa Visual EP
Position: Director of Photography (DOP)/Cinematographer
Compensation: Paid position, funded through successful grant approval
Production Timeline: August 2026 (Pre-production beginning prior)
Location: Montréal, QC
Role Overview
The Director of Photography will be responsible for establishing and executing the visual language of the project. Working closely with the director, creative director, artist, and production team, the DOP will translate ZÏbuwa’s artistic vision into a cohesive cinematic experience. The ideal candidate will bring a strong understanding of music-driven storytelling, narrative cinematography, lighting, and visual world-building, while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of filmmakers, designers, and artists.
Responsibilities
Creative Development
Collaborate with the director and creative team to define the cinematographic approach for the project.
Contribute to visual development, including shot design, camera movement, lens selection, lighting concepts, and overall aesthetic direction.
Help establish a visual identity that reflects ZÏbuwa’s artistry, themes, and emotional storytelling.
Pre-Production
Participate in creative meetings with department heads.
Assist in developing shot lists, camera plans, and production requirements.
Collaborate with the director and production team to determine technical needs.
Provide input on equipment, crew requirements, and cinematography logistics.
Production
Lead the camera department during principal photography.
Execute the approved visual direction across narrative, performance, and cinematic sequences.
Collaborate with the lighting department and other creative departments to achieve the desired look and atmosphere.
Ensure technical and artistic quality throughout production.
Post-Production
Collaborate with the editing and colour teams to maintain visual consistency.
Provide creative input during colour grading and final image treatment.
Ensure the final visual product aligns with the original artistic vision.
Desired Experience & Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have:
Experience as a Director of Photography on music videos, short films, commercials, or narrative projects.
Strong knowledge of cinematography, lighting, camera systems, and visual storytelling.
Experience working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary creative team.
A strong artistic perspective and ability to translate music into visual storytelling.
Interest in supporting emerging artists and independent creative projects.
Experience with the following is considered an asset:
Steadicam operation
Mechanical jib operation
Vintage lenses and cinematic image treatments
Narrative storytelling
Music video production
Festival-oriented filmmaking
Compensation & Grant Information
This is a paid professional position that will be compensated through grant funding upon successful approval of the project application.
As part of the grant submission process, the selected DOP will be required to provide:
Full name and professional information
Short biography
Relevant credits and experience
Confirmation of involvement in the project
Any additional information required for the grant application
The final compensation amount will be determined based on the approved project budget and grant requirements. We will compensate some travel expenses with grant funding, should the applicant come from outside of the Montreal area.
About the Project
Becoming of Zi is built around themes of identity, growth, community, and artistic evolution. The project prioritizes collaboration, mentorship, and the creation of opportunities for emerging and established artists within Montréal’s creative community.
The production team is composed primarily of female/femme QTBIPOC and LGBTQIA+ creatives to create a collaborative environment that supports diverse voices and provides meaningful professional opportunities within the Canadian arts landscape. Applicants who fall within these categories will be prioritized.
Interested candidates are encouraged to share their portfolio, relevant credits, and artistic approach to cinematography by email to apply@evergreenmusic.ca.
Company Description
Evergreen Music Company is a full-service artist management & publishing house, dedicated to elevating artists through long-term, impactful careers. The team specializes in artist management & development, A&R consulting, content strategy, marketing, and branding. With over a decade of combined industry experience, Evergreen builds customized strategies for artists at every stage. The company focuses on sustainable growth, innovative marketing, and authentic storytelling to help creatives build careers that endure.
