I’ve been a lumberjack, a busker, a poet and a psychiatric nurse. I combined these essential skills to become a Director of Photography, now honed and seasoned. I shoot Features and TV Drama… with some Docs work, most recently An Idiot Abroad, the phenomenally successful comedy travel series with Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant and Karl Pilkington.
Jan Pester recent Work
I recently shot a feature film called “Hinterland” a comedy thriller with Eva Birthistle. Its in the edit suite. Previously The Wicker Tree a quirky “film fantastique” by Robin Hardy, director of the original cult success The Wicker Man with Christopher Lee.
I’ve got a very very broad background ranging from music videos through “serious” docs (eg. National Geographic) to commercials, low-budget features and major movies like Aliens and The Mission.
I photographed the Bafta-winning TV drama series Shoebox Zoo and in 2008 was EMMY nominated for Best Single Camera Photography on the international children’s drama series Dinosapien.
Jan Pester Details
I’ve got a Master of Arts degree but I trained on the job as a Camera Assistant… on Film. In the 80s and 90s I worked as a documentary cameraman and director, often in hostile environments (jungle, polar etc). I also got a reputation as a Steadicam Operator and spent years working alongside many many great cinematographers at international level.
I have directed and photographed 2nd Unit on several feature films.
I have bases in Glasgow, London and Vancouver. I’m a DP member of IATSE 669 and have a Canadian Permanent Resident Card.
This means I qualify as a Canadian DoP for Canadian Co-Production Treaty work.
I’m relaxed when working, though well-used to going very fast!
I get on well with all kinds of people and although I take work seriously I like to have fun doing it…
