It all started in 2016 with a trip to southern Africa. We visited Zambia, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. After a month full of experiences, extraordinary wildlife encounters and around 10,000 photos, I was hooked – I had to explore the world. My work as a freelance focus puller / 1st AC still gives me the flexibility to go out and discover our planet. A camera is my constant companion, often several, and sometimes inside an underwater housing (here you can find more information about my camera equipment). I try to capture the world the way I experience and see it. Every adventure brings new people, new stories and a massive amount of photos and videos.
For almost a decade now, I’ve been traveling across our planet, trying to capture every encounter, every experience, and every place with my camera — or sometimes several of them.
I’ve been working as a focus puller / 1st AC for almost seven years, based in Vienna and supporting series, feature film, and commercial productions. I’m experienced and reliable when working with high-end camera systems such as ARRI, Sony, and RED, as well as complex technical setups. My time as a 1st AC on the Hamburg-based series Großstadtreviershaped me significantly before I returned to Vienna in 2021.
On set, my goal is to make the camera operator’s job as smooth as possible so they can fully focus on image composition and creative direction.
I also offer specialized expertise as an underwater camera operator and am available for both national and international productions.
Experienced focus puller / 1st AC based in Vienna, skilled in working with ARRI, Sony, RED, and complex setups. I also offer specialized underwater camera work for national and international film productions.
Meeresschnitt is an underwater content house I founded. In cooperation with digitalworld Academy OG, we offer practical and informative underwater video courses.
In the UW Cinematography Basic course, you’ll learn the fundamentals of professional underwater camera work in an intensive, hands-on format. Over 8 course days and in small groups of up to 6 people, you’ll learn all the basics of this craft. Local dive masters guide you to the best dive spots so you can immediately put the theory you’ve learned into practice.
Meeresschnitt is an underwater content house I founded. In cooperation with digitalworld Academy OG, we offer practical and informative underwater video courses.
As an underwater camera operator based in Vienna, I work on national and international film, commercial, and documentary productions. I plan underwater shoots together with the director and cinematographer, including technical setup, safety, logistics, and coordination with the topside camera team. Depending on the project, I use different camera systems and housings, adapting the build and workflow to pool or open-water conditions. My focus is on delivering reproducible, technically clean shots that blend seamlessly into the overall look of the production. If needed, I also handle tests and sample footage to secure the setup before the actual shoot. You can find more infos at Meeresschnitt, my underwater content house.
Underwater camera operator based in Vienna, specializing in the technical planning and execution of underwater shoots using a variety of camera and housing systems. Available for film, commercial, and documentary productions in both pool and open-water settings. You can find more infos at Meeresschnitt, my underwater content house.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a focus puller / 1st AC do?
A focus puller (1st assistant camera / 1st AC) is responsible for focus on a film set: pulling focus manually during takes, preparing the camera package and keeping the camera department ready to shoot. I have been working as a focus puller for series, feature film and commercial productions for about seven years.
Where are you available as a focus puller?
I am based in Vienna, Austria, work across Austria and Europe, and I am available for international projects worldwide – the quickest way to reach me is the contact page.
Which camera systems do you work with?
I am experienced with high-end systems by ARRI, Sony and RED as well as complex setups – from series production to commercials. See my focus puller page for selected projects.
Do you also offer underwater camera work?
Yes. I offer professional underwater camera work for film, commercials and documentaries through my underwater content house Meeresschnitt – including planning, technical setup and coordination with the topside camera unit.
Can I learn underwater cinematography with you?
Yes – through the UW cinematography courses by Meeresschnitt: eight hands-on course days in small groups (max. 6 people) at real dive spots, from action cams to cinema cameras.
What equipment do you use when travelling?
You can find an up-to-date overview of my cameras, lenses and underwater housing on the camera equipment page.
Do you work in German and English?
Yes, I work on set in both German and English, which makes me a good fit for international productions and co-productions.
How can I book you for a project?
The quickest way is the form on the contact page. For underwater productions and courses, reach out via meeresschnitt.at.