Behind the Scenes With a Newark Cinematographer: My Process
Award-winning cinematographer Ishell Vaughan shares real insights on gear, budgets, and shooting in Newark, NYC, and beyond.
The Reality of Shooting in Newark
Newark’s industrial edges and urban energy offer a distinct backdrop for music videos and commercials, but it’s not without challenges. Lighting in the Ironbound district can be unpredictable—warehouses cast deep shadows, while the Passaic River reflects harsh midday sun. I’ve learned to lean on portable LED panels like the Aputure 300D II for flexibility, especially when budgets hover between $15K and $30K for a single-day shoot. The city’s permit process is streamlined compared to NYC, but securing locations near the airport requires early coordination with the Port Authority.
Gear That Travels Well
My kit is built for mobility. The ARRI Amira is my go-to for its durability and color science, but the Sony FX6 often wins for tighter budgets or guerrilla shoots in Philadelphia’s narrow streets. Lenses are a mix of Zeiss Supreme Primes and vintage Cookes—renting from AbelCine’s NYC facility keeps costs manageable. For music videos, I’ve found the DJI Ronin 2 stabilizer indispensable, especially when tracking artists like H.E.R. through Miami’s Wynwood Walls, as Variety has noted in their coverage of on-location challenges.
Budgeting for the Unexpected
Every shoot has its surprises. In Atlanta, a sudden downpour forced us to pivot from an outdoor set to an abandoned factory in 90 minutes. Having a contingency fund—typically 10-15% of the total budget—saved the day. Newark’s lower production costs compared to LA or NYC make it a smart choice for indie projects, but don’t underestimate the value of a local fixer. They know which parking garages double as soundstages and which cops will wave you through without a permit.
Collaborating with Directors
The best music videos start with a shared vision. I’ve worked with directors who storyboard every frame and others who prefer to improvise on set. For the former, pre-visualization tools like FrameForge help align expectations. For the latter, I rely on my experience shooting for artists like SZA, where spontaneity is part of the creative process. As Billboard has highlighted, the most memorable music videos often emerge from a balance of planning and in-the-moment decisions.
Post-Production and the Final Touch
Color grading is where the magic happens. I work closely with colorists at Company 3 in NYC to ensure the footage matches the director’s intent. For a recent project shot in Miami’s neon-lit nights, we used DaVinci Resolve to push the contrast and saturation, creating a hyper-stylized look that complemented the track’s energy. No Film School frequently covers how post-production can elevate even modestly budgeted shoots.
Why Newark?
Newark’s proximity to NYC makes it a practical choice, but its character is what sets it apart. The city’s mix of grit and renewal offers a visual language that’s hard to find elsewhere. Whether it’s a moody R&B video or a high-energy commercial, the backdrop here adds depth without the LA price tag. Reach out through my contact page if you’re planning a shoot in the area—I’d love to discuss how we can bring your vision to life.