Newark Cinematographer: Behind the Scenes of My Creative Process
Award-winning cinematographer Ishell Vaughan shares the realities, gear, and city-specific challenges of shooting in Newark and beyond.
The Reality of Shooting in Newark
Newark isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a character in its own right. The city’s industrial textures, historic brownstones, and raw energy have shaped how I frame shots for clients from NYC to Miami. But working here means navigating permits, weather, and the occasional unplanned interruption. Last winter, we lost a full day on a music video shoot when a sudden snowstorm shut down streets near the Ironbound district. That’s Newark: unpredictable, but always inspiring.
Budget constraints are real. Most indie music videos I direct hover between $10K and $30K, and Newark’s lower production costs help stretch those dollars. We’ve shot entire performances in abandoned warehouses along the Passaic River for a fraction of what it would cost in Manhattan. The trade-off? Less infrastructure. You won’t find a grip truck on every corner, so we bring our own.
Gear That Holds Up Under Pressure
My go-to camera for most projects is the ARRI Alexa Mini LF. It’s compact, handles low light beautifully, and the color science is unmatched for skin tones—critical for music videos where the artist is the focal point. For tighter budgets, the RED Komodo 6K delivers punchy images at a lower rental cost, and it’s small enough to mount on a gimbal for dynamic movement.
Lenses are where I refuse to cut corners. My Zeis Supreme Prime set lives in my kit bag. They’re sharp, consistent, and hold their value. For run-and-gun shoots, the Canon CN-E 20-50mm T2.4 L is a workhorse. And yes, I still shoot anamorphic when the project calls for it, even if it means renting the Angenieux Optimo Ultra 12x for a day.
Lighting in Newark’s older buildings can be a challenge. Many locations lack proper electrical setups, so we rely on battery-powered LED panels like the Aputure 300D II or the LiteMat 4. They’re lightweight, color-accurate, and can be powered by V-mounts when outlets are scarce.
Collaborating Across Cities
Working between Newark, NYC, Philly, and Atlanta means adapting to different crew cultures and logistical hurdles. In Miami, the humidity can fog up lenses mid-shoot if you’re not careful. In Philly, the unions are strong, so we often bring in local IATSE members to comply with regulations. Atlanta’s growing production scene means more competition for locations, but also more resources—like the Tyler Perry Studios, which we’ve used for larger-scale projects.
One constant is the importance of local fixers. In Newark, I partner with a network of location scouts who know which building owners are open to shoots and which neighborhoods to avoid after dark. These relationships save time and prevent headaches. For example, we once secured a rooftop in Downtown Newark for a sunset shoot by working directly with the property manager—a connection that wouldn’t have been possible without a trusted local contact.
The Creative Process: From Concept to Screen
Every project starts with a mood board and a conversation. For a recent hip-hop video, the artist wanted a gritty, cinematic look inspired by the films of Gaspar Noé. We translated that into a 2.39:1 aspect ratio, desaturated colors, and a lot of handheld camera movement. The shoot took place in an old factory in the South Ward, where the natural light filtering through broken windows gave us the raw aesthetic we needed.
Post-production is where the magic happens. I work closely with colorists to ensure the final grade matches the vision. For music videos, we often push the contrast and saturation to make the artist pop, but I always leave room for subtlety. The goal is to enhance, not distract.
Why Newark Stands Out
Newark’s proximity to NYC means we can tap into top-tier crews and equipment without the Manhattan price tag. But it’s the city’s authenticity that keeps me coming back. The diversity of its neighborhoods—from the artsy vibe of the Gateway District to the industrial grit of the Port—offers a range of visual storytelling opportunities you won’t find anywhere else.
There’s also a growing community of filmmakers here. Organizations like the Newark Museum and the CityPlex 12 Newark are fostering local talent, and it’s exciting to be part of that energy. As No Film School has highlighted, cities like Newark are becoming hubs for indie filmmakers looking for fresh perspectives.
If you’re planning a shoot in the area and want to discuss how to bring your vision to life, reach out via my contact page. I’m always happy to share insights or collaborate on your next project.