# Lou Murrall > Birmingham-based filmmaker, cinematographer, Director of Photography (DOP) and producer. 17 years' experience. RTS award winner. Co-founder of independent production company Mercian Films. Works across Birmingham, the West Midlands, London, Manchester and UK-wide. Lou positions himself as a storyteller first: not just a DP. He works on commercials, brand films, music videos, short films and documentary, and is drawn to character-led stories about fighters, underdogs and forgotten heroes. Raised on 80s and 90s cinema. Clients and credits include Land Rover, Adidas, the BBC, the Royal Shakespeare Company, Huawei, Aston Villa FC, Sky Sports / British Basketball League and Picture This. Awards: Best Cinematography, Birmingham Film Festival 2021 (I'm Still Here); RTS award winner; Still Hear You nominated for Best Music Video, RTS Midlands Awards 2026. Kit: owner-operator camera, lighting and grip package; shoots on ARRI, Sony Venice and RED. Contact: WhatsApp +44 7809 682620 (https://wa.me/447809682620). Website: https://www.louismurrall.com ## Portfolio: Narrative - [Kamerad](https://www.louismurrall.com/louis-murrall-dop-cinematographer/kamerad-short-film): Short Film, 2023. Kamerad is a First World War short inspired by the story of Henry Tandey, the British soldier said to have spared a wounded German corporal in 1918. Directed by Toby Kearton and shot by Lou Murrall on RED Komodo with Xeen primes, it plays out almost entirely in a single shell crater: mud, smoke and two faces. The film has been on the festival circuit. Credits: Director: Toby Kearton; Cinematographer: Lou Murrall; Colourist: Karl Barnes-Dallas; Camera: RED Komodo; Lenses: Xeen. - [We Go Again](https://www.louismurrall.com/louis-murrall-dop-cinematographer/we-go-again-short): Short Film, 2025. We Go Again stars Walsall MMA fighter Vaughn Lee in a near-silent short about what happens after you lose. Made by Mercian Films with Andy Gough directing and Lou Murrall producing and shooting on RED Gemini, it was built on a deliberately lean crew to prove you can get scale and texture without a big budget. Credits: Starring: Vaughn Lee; Director: Andrew Gough; Producers: Andrew Gough, Lou Murrall; Production: Mercian Films; Cinematographer: Lou Murrall; Camera: RED Gemini; Lenses: Xeen. - [Brothers](https://www.louismurrall.com/louis-murrall-dop-cinematographer/brothers-short-film): Short Film. Brothers is an intimate family drama starring David Bradley (Harry Potter, Game of Thrones), directed by Ross Syner and shot by Lou Murrall on RED Gemini with Xeen primes. Warm practical light, lived-in rooms and a performance-first camera that stays out of the actors' way. Credits: Starring: David Bradley; Director: Ross Syner; Cinematographer: Lou Murrall; Camera: RED Gemini; Lenses: Xeen. - [Son](https://www.louismurrall.com/louis-murrall-dop-cinematographer/son-short-film): Short Film. Son is a short film directed by Hainsley Lloyd Bennet and produced by Jay Sutherland, Hainsley Lloyd Bennet and Lou Murrall. Lou shot it on RED Gemini with Xeen primes, leaning into night exteriors and hard practical colour. Credits: Director: Hainsley Lloyd Bennet; Producers: Jay Sutherland, Hainsley Lloyd Bennet, Lou Murrall; Cinematographer: Lou Murrall; Camera: RED Gemini; Lenses: Xeen. - [Debt Ridden](https://www.louismurrall.com/louis-murrall-dop-cinematographer/debt-ridden-short-film): Proof of Concept, 2024. Debt Ridden is a proof-of-concept scene for a Birmingham crime drama feature, shot on Sony Venice to test the tone, the performances and the world before the script was finished. The full story of how it was made is on the blog. Credits: Director: Jeremy Fisher; Cinematographer: Lou Murrall; Camera: Sony Venice. - [Reel Terror](https://www.louismurrall.com/louis-murrall-dop-cinematographer/reel-terror-short-film): Short Film, 2024. Reel Terror is a horror short directed by Ted Bennett and shot by Lou Murrall on Sony Venice with Xeen CF lenses. Teal shadows, practical lamps and a film projector at the centre of it all: a love letter to the video shop horror shelf. Credits: Director: Ted Bennett; Cinematographer: Lou Murrall; Camera: Sony Venice; Lenses: Xeen CF. - [West Flies the Raven](https://www.louismurrall.com/louis-murrall-dop-cinematographer/west-flies-the-raven): Short Film, 2022. West Flies the Raven is a historical short directed by Ross Syner and created by Ed Halstead. Lou Murrall shot it on RED Komodo with Kowa anamorphic primes for firelit interiors and a raw, period texture. Credits: Director: Ross Syner; Created by: Ed Halstead; Cinematographer: Lou Murrall; Camera: RED Komodo; Lenses: Kowa Anamorphic. - [Penance](https://www.louismurrall.com/louis-murrall-dop-cinematographer/penance-short-film): Short Film, 2024. Penance is a short film directed by Ross Syner and produced by Dean Ridge and Lou Murrall, shot by Lou on Sony Venice with Xeen CF primes. Credits: Director: Ross Syner; Producers: Dean Ridge, Lou Murrall; Cinematographer: Lou Murrall; Camera: Sony Venice; Lenses: Xeen CF. - [Together, Alone](https://www.louismurrall.com/louis-murrall-dop-cinematographer/together-alone-short-film-dop): Short Film, 2022. Together, Alone is a domestic drama directed by Ross Syner and created by Ed Halstead, starring Samuel Anderson and Olivia Swan. Lou Murrall shot it on RED Komodo with Xeen CF primes, using soft, bright interiors that slowly turn against the characters. Credits: Director: Ross Syner; Created by: Ed Halstead; Cast: Samuel Anderson, Olivia Swan; Cinematographer: Lou Murrall; Camera: RED Komodo; Lenses: Xeen CF. - [Chasing Nothing](https://www.louismurrall.com/louis-murrall-dop-cinematographer/chasing-nothing): Short Film, 2023. Chasing Nothing is a short film directed by Ben Hands and shot by Lou Murrall on RED Komodo with Xeen CF lenses. Credits: Director: Ben Hands; Cinematographer: Lou Murrall; Camera: RED Komodo; Lenses: Xeen CF. - [Dusty Do Good](https://www.louismurrall.com/louis-murrall-dop-cinematographer/dusty-do-good): Short Film, 2022. Dusty Do Good is a short film directed by Jack Hughes and shot by Lou Murrall on ARRI Alexa Mini with Super Speed primes. Credits: Director: Jack Hughes; Cinematographer: Lou Murrall; Camera: ARRI Alexa Mini; Lenses: Super Speeds. - [Pricks](https://www.louismurrall.com/louis-murrall-dop-cinematographer/pricks-short-film): Short Film, 2022. Pricks is a short drama directed by Toby Kearton and created by Jade Byrne, shot by Lou Murrall on RED Komodo with DZO Pictor zooms. Credits: Director: Toby Kearton; Created by: Jade Byrne; Cinematographer: Lou Murrall; Camera: RED Komodo; Lenses: DZO Pictor Zooms. - [Amnesia](https://www.louismurrall.com/louis-murrall-dop-cinematographer/amnesia-short-film): Short Film, 2023. Amnesia is a short film shot by Lou Murrall in 2023: hard window light and a child's-eye view of a house that isn't quite right. Credits: Cinematographer: Lou Murrall. - [Chance](https://www.louismurrall.com/louis-murrall-dop-cinematographer/chance-short-film-dop): Short Film. Chance is a short film directed by Ryan Hayes and shot by Lou Murrall on RED Komodo with Xeen CF primes. Credits: Director: Ryan Hayes; Cinematographer: Lou Murrall; Camera: RED Komodo; Lenses: Xeen CF. - [Jack](https://www.louismurrall.com/louis-murrall-dop-cinematographer/jack-short-film): Short Film. Jack is a short film directed by Ross Syner and shot by Lou Murrall on RED Komodo with Xeen CF primes. Credits: Director: Ross Syner; Cinematographer: Lou Murrall; Camera: RED Komodo; Lenses: Xeen CF. - [I'm Still Here](https://www.louismurrall.com/louis-murrall-dop-cinematographer/project-six-wlhbg): Short Film, 2020. I'm Still Here is a short film directed by Ross Syner and shot by Lou Murrall on RED Gemini with Cooke S4/i primes. It won Best Cinematography at the Birmingham Film Festival in 2021. Credits: Director: Ross Syner; Cinematographer: Lou Murrall; Camera: RED Gemini; Lenses: Cooke S4/i; Award: Best Cinematography, Birmingham Film Festival 2021. - [Francois](https://www.louismurrall.com/louis-murrall-dop-cinematographer/project-four-j3xmh): Short Film, 2020. Francois is a period short film directed by Ross Syner and shot by Lou Murrall on RED Gemini with Cooke S4/i primes. Credits: Director: Ross Syner; Cinematographer: Lou Murrall; Camera: RED Gemini; Lenses: Cooke S4/i. ## Portfolio: Music Videos - [Still Hear You](https://www.louismurrall.com/louis-murrall-dop-cinematographer/still-hear-you-music-video): Music Video, 2025. Still Hear You by Lived ft. Joel Winterflood is a Mercian Films music video directed by Andy Gough, produced by Andy Gough and Lou Murrall and shot by Lou on RED Gemini. It is nominated for Best Music Video at the RTS Midlands Awards 2026. Credits: Artist: Lived ft. Joel Winterflood; Director: Andrew Gough; Producers: Andrew Gough, Lou Murrall; Production: Mercian Films; Cinematographer: Lou Murrall; Camera: RED Gemini; Lenses: Xeen. - [Save Me](https://www.louismurrall.com/louis-murrall-dop-cinematographer/save-me-music-video): Music Video, 2026. Save Me by Lived ft. Lacey is the follow-up to Still Hear You: another Mercian Films music video directed by Andy Gough, produced by Andy Gough and Lou Murrall, and shot by Lou on RED Gemini with a warmer, nocturnal palette. Credits: Artist: Lived ft. Lacey; Director: Andrew Gough; Producers: Andrew Gough, Lou Murrall; Production: Mercian Films; Cinematographer: Lou Murrall; Camera: RED Gemini; Lenses: Xeen. - [Picture This: Leftover Love](https://www.louismurrall.com/louis-murrall-dop-cinematographer/picture-this-music-video): Music Video, 2023. Leftover Love is the official music video for Irish band Picture This, directed by Ross Syner and shot by Lou Murrall on RED Komodo with Xeen CF lenses. A 1950s-styled period piece with a full supporting cast. Credits: Artist: Picture This; Director: Ross Syner; Cinematographer: Lou Murrall; Camera: RED Komodo; Lenses: Xeen CF. - [SIPHO: Beady Eyes](https://www.louismurrall.com/louis-murrall-dop-cinematographer/project-two-dknkx): Music Video, 2021. Beady Eyes by SIPHO, directed by Cal Barnes and shot by Lou Murrall on RED Komodo with Xeen CF primes. Saturated colour and a single hard key. Credits: Artist: SIPHO; Director: Cal Barnes; Cinematographer: Lou Murrall; Camera: RED Komodo; Lenses: Xeen CF. - [Adam Zindani](https://www.louismurrall.com/louis-murrall-dop-cinematographer/adam-zindani-music-video): Music Video. A music video for Adam Zindani directed by Ross Syner and Ben Lowe, shot by Lou Murrall on RED Komodo with Xeen CF primes. Credits: Artist: Adam Zindani; Directors: Ross Syner, Ben Lowe; Cinematographer: Lou Murrall; Camera: RED Komodo; Lenses: Xeen CF. - [Aaron Smith](https://www.louismurrall.com/louis-murrall-dop-cinematographer/project-three-abah9): Music Video, 2019. A music video for Aaron Smith directed by Ross Syner and shot by Lou Murrall on RED Gemini with Cooke S4/i primes. Credits: Artist: Aaron Smith; Director: Ross Syner; Cinematographer: Lou Murrall; Camera: RED Gemini; Lenses: Cooke S4/i. ## Portfolio: Commercial - [Land Rover Defender](https://www.louismurrall.com/louis-murrall-dop-cinematographer/landrover-defender-social-campaign): Commercial, 2025. A social-first spot for Land Rover Defender introducing a new brand ambassador, shot by Lou Murrall on RED Gemini with Xeen primes. Built for the scroll: low sun, dust and a vehicle with somewhere better to be. Credits: Client: Land Rover; Cinematographer: Lou Murrall; Camera: RED Gemini; Lenses: Xeen. - [The School for Scandal](https://www.louismurrall.com/louis-murrall-dop-cinematographer/rsc-trailer-scandal): Theatre Trailer. Promo trailer for the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of The School for Scandal, directed by Sharni Tapako Brown and shot by Lou Murrall on Sony Venice. Period gossip, candlelit faces and full-frame texture. Credits: Client: Royal Shakespeare Company; Director: Sharni Tapako Brown; Cinematographer: Lou Murrall; Camera: Sony Venice. - [Huawei](https://www.louismurrall.com/louis-murrall-dop-cinematographer/huawei-tv-commercial): TV Commercial. A TV commercial for Huawei shot on location in Lagos, Nigeria. Directed by Charles Scowshill and shot by Lou Murrall on ARRI Alexa Mini LF with ARRI Signature Primes. Credits: Client: Huawei; Director: Charles Scowshill; Location: Lagos, Nigeria; Cinematographer: Lou Murrall; Camera: ARRI Alexa Mini LF; Lenses: ARRI Signature Primes. - [British Basketball League](https://www.louismurrall.com/louis-murrall-dop-cinematographer/bbl-basketball-commercial): Commercial. A Sky Sports commercial for the British Basketball League, made with And The New Agency and shot by Lou Murrall on RED Komodo with Xeen CF primes. Players from across the league, lit like a title fight. Credits: Client: British Basketball League; Broadcaster: Sky Sports; Agency: And The New Agency; Cinematographer: Lou Murrall; Camera: RED Komodo; Lenses: Xeen CF. - [Punt Casino](https://www.louismurrall.com/louis-murrall-dop-cinematographer/punt-casino-micheal-owen-dop): Commercial, 2022. A commercial for Punt Casino featuring Michael Owen, directed by Calum Barnes and shot by Lou Murrall on RED Komodo with DZO Pictor zooms. Credits: Client: Punt Casino; Director: Calum Barnes; Cinematographer: Lou Murrall; Camera: RED Komodo; Lenses: DZO Pictor Zooms. - [Hidden Wounds](https://www.louismurrall.com/louis-murrall-dop-cinematographer/spec-ad-hidden-wounds): Spec Ad / PSA, 2022. Hidden Wounds is a self-produced PTSD awareness spot made with director Toby Kearton on a tiny crew and no budget. Shot by Lou Murrall on Kinefinity Terra 4K with Xeen CF primes, it has found a large organic audience on YouTube. Credits: Director: Toby Kearton; Cinematographer: Lou Murrall; Camera: Kinefinity Terra 4K; Lenses: Xeen CF. - [FitQuest VR](https://www.louismurrall.com/louis-murrall-dop-cinematographer/fitquest-vr): Commercial. Live-action commercial for VR fitness game FitQuest VR, directed by Ryan Tinslay with And The New Agency and shot by Lou Murrall on RED Gemini. Credits: Client: FitQuest VR; Director: Ryan Tinslay; Agency: And The New Agency; Cinematographer: Lou Murrall; Camera: RED Gemini. - [Vivid Ink](https://www.louismurrall.com/louis-murrall-dop-cinematographer/vivid-ink-commercial): Promo. A promo film for Vivid Ink Tattoo Studios, directed by Andy Gough and shot by Lou Murrall on RED Gemini. Neon, attitude and a lot of black. Credits: Client: Vivid Ink Tattoo Studios; Director: Andrew Gough; Cinematographer: Lou Murrall; Camera: RED Gemini. ## Portfolio: Corporate & Charity - [Staffordshire Women's Aid](https://www.louismurrall.com/louis-murrall-dop-cinematographer/charity-video-cinematographer): Brand Film. A narrative brand film for Staffordshire Women's Aid, made with Tinker Taylor and shot by Lou Murrall on Sony Venice with vintage Canon FD glass on a three-person crew. Lou also shot the charity's 50th anniversary film, charting five decades from the Miners' Strike to today. Credits: Client: Staffordshire Women's Aid; Production: Tinker Taylor; Cinematographer: Lou Murrall; Camera: Sony Venice; Lenses: Canon FD. - [University of Wolverhampton](https://www.louismurrall.com/louis-murrall-dop-cinematographer/university-of-wolverhampton-promotional-video): Promotional Film. Could It Be?, a spoken-word film by Nate Ethan Watson for the University of Wolverhampton. Directed by Jack Hughes for Tinker Taylor TV and shot by Lou Murrall on Kinefinity Mavo LF. Credits: Client: University of Wolverhampton; Director: Jack Hughes; Production: Tinker Taylor TV; Cinematographer: Lou Murrall; Camera: Kinefinity Mavo LF. - [Forward in Unity](https://www.louismurrall.com/louis-murrall-dop-cinematographer/forward-in-unity-promo-video): Charity Film, 2020. A charity short for Forward in Unity, self-shot and directed in 2020 on RED Gemini with RED Pro zooms. Credits: Director: Self-shooting director; Cinematographer: Lou Murrall; Camera: RED Gemini; Lenses: RED Pro Zooms. ## Portfolio: Documentary & Broadcast - [Beagnoth's Blade](https://www.louismurrall.com/louis-murrall-dop-cinematographer/fire-hound-forge-doc): Short Documentary. Beagnoth's Blade is a short charity documentary following an iron forger as he crafts a sword for a good cause. Lou directed and shot it for Mercian Films on RED Gemini, capturing the process from raw material through to the finished blade. Credits: Director & DP: Lou Murrall; Production: Mercian Films; Camera: RED Gemini; Lenses: Xeen. - [DawnStalkers](https://www.louismurrall.com/louis-murrall-dop-cinematographer/dawn-stalkers-documentary): Documentary, 2024. DawnStalkers is a documentary directed by Andrew McGovern and shot by Lou Murrall: early mornings, open water and the people who chase the first light. Credits: Director: Andrew McGovern; Cinematographer: Lou Murrall. - [Christmas at the Castle](https://www.louismurrall.com/louis-murrall-dop-cinematographer/carly-paoli-chritsmas): Broadcast Special. Christmas at the Castle 2, a festive special with Carly Paoli shot for broadcast. Directed by Ross Syner and shot by Lou Murrall on Sony FX9 with Xeen CF lenses. Credits: Director: Ross Syner; Cinematographer: Lou Murrall; Camera: Sony FX9; Lenses: Xeen CF. ## Services - [Music Video Production Birmingham | Louis Murrall: Cinematographer & DOP](https://www.louismurrall.com/music-video-production-birmingham): Birmingham-based music video cinematographer with 17 years experience. Louis Murrall DOP, cinematic visuals for artists and labels across the UK. Land Rover, RSC, BBC credits. Get a quote. - [Commercial Cinematographer Birmingham | Louis Murrall](https://www.louismurrall.com/commercial-cinematographer-birmingham): Birmingham-based commercial cinematographer with 17 years experience. Credits include Land Rover, Adidas and the BBC. Available for commercials, branded content and brand films across the West Midlands and UK-wide. - [Documentary Filmmaker & DOP Birmingham | Louis Murrall: West Midlands](https://www.louismurrall.com/documentary-filmmaker-birmingham): Birmingham-based documentary filmmaker and DOP with 17 years experience. Louis Murrall, cinematic documentary work across the West Midlands and UK. Broadcast, independent, and branded. Get a quote. - [Video Production West Midlands | Louis Murrall: Cinematographer Birmingham](https://www.louismurrall.com/video-production-west-midlands): Birmingham-based cinematographer available for video production across the West Midlands. 17 years experience, credits include Land Rover, Adidas, RSC and the BBC. Shooting on ARRI Alexa 35 and Sony Venice. ## Blog - [Shooting Debt Ridden: A Proof-of-Concept Short Film in Birmingham](https://www.louismurrall.com/cinematographer-blog/debt-ridden-proof-of-concept-short-film) (2026-06-21): How I shot Debt Ridden, a proof-of-concept short film for a Birmingham working-class crime drama, directing, shooting and lighting a sizzle scene on favours. - [What camera are you shooting with?](https://www.louismurrall.com/cinematographer-blog/the-350-camera-that-taught-me-everything) (2026-06-01): A 2016 Panasonic G80, bought second-hand for £350. Lightweight, frictionless, run-and-gun. Here's why this little camera is still one of my favourites, and why emerging DPs need to stop obsessing over kit. - [Why I Sat On A Finished Film For 8 Years](https://www.louismurrall.com/cinematographer-blog/why-i-sat-on-a-finished-film-for-8-years) (2026-05-21): Birmingham cinematographer Lou Murrall on why he sat on a finished film for eight years, and what perfectionism actually costs creative people. - [Shooting We Go Again: A Birmingham Cinematographer's Approach to Doing More With Less](https://www.louismurrall.com/cinematographer-blog/shooting-we-go-again-birmingham-cinematographer) (2026-04-27): Behind the scenes of We Go Again, a short film shot on location in Birmingham by DOP Louis Murrall. Lighting breakdowns, the Mercian Films ethos, and why limits make better films. - [How to Hire a Director of Photography in Birmingham](https://www.louismurrall.com/cinematographer-blog/hire-director-of-photography-birmingham) (2026-04-06): Looking to hire a Director of Photography in Birmingham? Here’s what actually matters when choosing the right DOP for your commercial, branded film, documentary, or business video. - [FILMMAKERS: We’re Cooked (No We’re Not)](https://www.louismurrall.com/cinematographer-blog/filmmakers-are-cooked) (2026-02-13): AI will disrupt film, but it won’t kill cinema. Filmmaking is people, taste, pressure, and collaboration. Here’s my take and the video. - [For The Love Of Analogue](https://www.louismurrall.com/cinematographer-blog/super-35mm-stills-photography) (2025-12-27): Why 35mm film photography is making a comeback in 2026. Shooting on a Canon T70 helped me rediscover patience, nostalgia and the beauty of analogue. - [Narrative Brand Video - Small Budget, Big Results - Case Study](https://www.louismurrall.com/cinematographer-blog/staffordshire-womens-aid-narrative-brand-video) (2025-08-02): A powerful narrative brand film for Staffordshire Women’s Aid, shot on Sony Venice with a 3-person crew. Cinematic storytelling on a small scale. - [AI Is Here. What Are We Going To Do About It?](https://www.louismurrall.com/cinematographer-blog/ai-and-filmmaking-why-storytellers-must-act-now) (2025-07-25): AI is replacing filmmakers faster than anyone predicted. Why your story still matters and how to survive the AI wave. Read this before it is too late. - [Why This Charity Video Still Means So Much to Me](https://www.louismurrall.com/cinematographer-blog/why-this-charity-video-still-matters) (2025-07-19): This charity video was filmed for free with a tiny crew and real heart. Discover how authentic charity videos create genuine impact beyond marketing. - [Using the Sun as Your Key Light](https://www.louismurrall.com/cinematographer-blog/golden-hour-cinematography-key-light-suncalc-guide) (2025-07-10): Learn how to plan and shoot cinematic golden hour footage using the sun as your key light. Real-world advice, tools like SunCalc and Google Earth, plus practical tips from cinematographer Louis Murrall. - [Make Films Stoic Again: Why Cinema Needs Its Spine Back](https://www.louismurrall.com/cinematographer-blog/make-films-stoic-again) (2025-07-08): Modern films have lost their backbone. Here's why cinema needs stoic, purpose-driven characters again. A cinematographer’s honest take. ## Profiles - [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3722869/) - [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKlUD41JXCk4DlGMSpR-FQQ) - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/loumurrall/) - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/lou-murrall/)