Cinematographer

Overview

Scout Studios is building a modern storytelling engine. We’re looking for a cinematographer, to help define and elevate how Scout Motors and the Scout brand are seen in the world.

This role is for someone who sees stories in light, motion, texture, and place, and isn’t afraid to chase them. Someone who likes to get into the weeds, get their hands dirty, and pioneer new horizons with a camera. You’ll be responsible for dialing in the visual storytelling around our ongoing content capture across video and stills, shaping a consistent, cinematic visual language that brings Scout’s brand, vehicles, people, and purpose to life.

You’ll partner closely with our Creative Producer and Post-Production Specialist within Scout Studios as part of a tight, highly collaborative team responsible for capturing, crafting, and scaling world-class brand storytelling.

This role is also about building something lasting: a visually beautiful, cohesive storytelling portfoliofor the Scout brand, and a body of work that defines how Scout is seen, remembered, and felt over time. You won’t just be creating content; you’ll be shaping a visual legacy and helping capture the next great American moment as it unfolds.

What you’ll do

Become part of an iconic brand that is set to revolutionize the electric pick-up truck & rugged SUV marketplace by achieving the following:

• Capture with Purpose:Lead video and photography capture for product, automotive, lifestyle, and documentary storytelling.
• Go Where the Story Is:Confidently shoot in fast-moving, on-the-go environments as well as on established production sets.
• Direct in the Field:Serve as Director of Photography on shoots, guiding camera, lighting, composition, and movement to ensure every frame reflects Scout’s spirit and standards.
• Tell Stories Through Imagery:Support in capturing expressive, story-driven photography where needed.
• Light with Intention:Design and execute lighting guidelines across cinematic, branded/product, documentary, and news-style environments.
• Define the Visual Language:Together with the Scout Studios team, establish and evolve the cinematic look and feel of Scout’s visual storytelling across all content.
• Build a Visual Legacy:Create and curate a cohesive, visually engaging storytelling portfolio for the Scout brand.
• Pull Shoots Together:Collaborate with Scout’s Creative Producer to take ownership of shoot execution, pulling together crews, gear, and logistics.
• Think on the Spot:Solve creative and technical challenges in real time, adapting to the conditions and moment.
• Collaborate with the Best:Work shoulder-to-shoulder with a network of experienced photographers, filmmakers, and production teams.
• Build for Scale:Develop repeatable workflows, shot templates, and capture systems that allow Scout Studios to grow without sacrificing craft.
• Pitch Visual Concepts:Proactively suggest story ideas, shot approaches, and creative treatments.
• Shoot for the Platform:Capture with output in mind, supporting YouTube, web, social, paid media, and experiential content.

Location & Travel Expectations:

• This role will be based out of the Scout Motors corporate headquarters in Charlotte, NC. This role may be remote to start but will transition to an in-office setting at the headquarters within 3-6 months of start date. This role is not eligible for remote work in New York City.
• This role requires 5 days per week in the office, with regular in-person meetings and events. 
• Applicants should expect that the role will require the ability to convene with Scout colleagues in person and travel to participate in events on behalf of the company from time to time.
• Travel: Domestic and international travel required, approximately 50-60% of the time. Valid driver's license required. Passport required.

What you’ll bring 

We expect all Scout employees to have integrity, curiosity, resourcefulness, and strive to exhibit a positive attitude, as well as a growth mindset. You’ll be comfortable with change and flexible in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. You’ll take a collaborative approach to achieve ambitious goals. Here's what else you'll bring: 

• A portfolio showcasing high-end video and photography across product, automotive, lifestyle, and documentary storytelling.
• Experience shooting on-the-fly, on location, andin controlled set scenarios.
• Demonstrated ability lighting across multiple styles and scenarios, including:
  • Cinematic and narrative lighting
  • Branded and product-focused setups
  • Natural, and available light environments
  • News-style, fast-response, documentary situations
• Proficiency across a range of modern camera systems and capture tools, including:
  • DSLR & Mirrorless systems
  • Digital cinema ecosystems (Scout currently operates within RED and Arri ecosystems for cinematic productions)
  • DJI drone and camera systems (FAA Part 107 preferred or willingness to obtain)
  • Action cameras
• Strong understanding of lighting, grip, audio, codecs, and production best practices.
• Experience building coverage for post and clean handoff to editors and colorists.
• Willingness and enthusiasm to work outdoors in varied weather conditions.
• Excited by adventure, travel, and the adaptive nature of real-world storytelling.
• Ability to think on your feet and improvise.
• Passion for automotive, outdoor, adventure, and design-driven brands.
• Minimum of High School Diploma, GED or equivalent required for all roles at Scout Motors, Inc.
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required, approximately 50-60% of the time. 
• Valid driver's license required.
• Passport required

Who You Are

• A visually driven storyteller with 4-8years of experience in a marketing or automotive environment, preferably in a cinematographer, videographer, photographer, hybrid visual creator, or similar role.
• Equally comfortable improvising in the field or operating within structured production environments.
• A self-starter who thrives in fast-paced settings and takes ownership from concept through capture.
• Fluent in cinematic language, lighting, composition, movement, lensing, and emotional storytelling.
• Someone who enjoys getting into the details, the setups, problem-solving, and behind-the-scenes grind.
• Organized, adaptable, calm under pressure, and collaborative by nature.
• Comfortable driving vehicles and operating independently in rugged or remote environments.
• Collaborative, team-driven, and optimistic.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience shooting automotive content in dynamic environments, including rolling shots, rigging, action sequences, and environmental storytelling.
• Background in documentary or long-form storytelling, with the ability to follow real people and real stories over time.
• Drone or aerial cinematography experience.
• Experience working within small, agile creative teams helping to build a brand or content engine from the ground up.
• Familiarity with automotive technology, history, and/or the auto industry.
• Comfort collaborating cross-functionally.
• A strong point of view on visual storytelling, with the ability to articulate your vision and why you see it the way you do.

Why Scout Studios

Scout Studios isn’t just making content, we’re building a creative engine to tell stories rooted in grit, curiosity, craftsmanship, and freedom. If you’re excited to get your boots dusty, your hands dirty, and your camera pointed toward what’s next, this is your chance to help shape how a modern American icon is seen, felt, and remembered.

What you'll gain

The benefits of joining Scout include the chance to build products and a company from the ground up.  This is a chance to create something new and lasting – with an iconic brand at its foundation.  In addition, Scout provides competitive compensation and benefits to support your physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. Program specifics are detailed in company policies and employee benefit guides, select highlights:

• Competitive insurance including:
  • Medical, dental, vision and income protection plans
• 401(k) program with:
  • An employer match and immediate vesting
• Generous Paid Time Off including:
  • 20 days planned PTO, as accrued
  • 40 hours of unplanned PTO and 14 company or floating holidays, annually
  • Up to 16 weeks of paid parental leave for biological and adoptive parents of all genders
  • Paid leave for circumstances related to bereavement, jury duty, voting time, or military leave

Pay Transparency

This is a full-time, exempt position eligible to receive a base salary and to participate in an annual performance bonus program. Final salary offered will be determined based on factors including but not limited to the candidate's skills and experience. The annual performance bonus program is preset and not candidate dependent.

Initial base salary range = $90,000.00 - $115,000.00

Internal leveling code: IC9