Meet Denis Zemtsov | Cinematographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Denis Zemtsov and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Denis, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I can’t imagine doing anything else. I was always following my creative side. I’m a cinematographer in motion pictures, and I love being in the middle of the action surrounded by creatives. Helping tell stories that actually mean something. Film is the perfect blend of technical precision and creative expression, it keeps my brain engaged and my curiosity alive. Plus, no two days are ever the same. Every day on set is different. New places, new people, new challenges. I like being in a constant state of problem-solving, always thinking about the next step. That’s what keeps me going.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a Cinematographer in motion pictures. I’ve shot many stories in drama and thriller feature and short films. I’ve also worked on commercials for major worldwide brands.
I loved making videos from a young age. Growing up, I was filming skateboarding and music videos with my friends in a band. That’s when I discovered video editing and realized how exciting it is to create stories with the footage I shot. I kept filming more and more, and eventually, it led me to where I am now.
I started without a formal film degree, learning through self-training and experience on set. At first, I worked as a camera production assistant, helping the camera department with technical support. It was a great opportunity to learn from my colleagues, and I was lucky enough to meet people who were willing to share their experience. I learned practical skills, built a confident camera department workflow, and built discipline. Everything I learned helped me move forward in the camera department. Trying new positions and eventually working as 1st Assistant camera/Focus Puller. After years of working on film sets, I started filming as well and working as a cinematographer. But being a cinematographer is about more than just being creative and skilled behind the camera. It’s about collaboration and working with a team, handling different personalities, and navigating a room full of creatives. It’s about listening, truly hearing the people around you, and knowing when to trust your instincts. That’s a powerful tool, but a lot of people aren’t confident enough to use it. Our instincts make us unique. They allow us to bring something new to the world. I’ve learned to trust mine, though I’m still working on it. Most of the time, hesitation is what holds people back from succeeding. I truly believe in what I do, and I hope that belief always plays in my favor.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting for a week, I’d make sure they got a mix of great food and good vibes. We’d hit some iconic spots like Griffith Observatory, Venice Beach, and Mulholland Drive for the views. For food, I’d take them to Granville in Studio City, Yunomi Handroll in the Downtown Arts District, and some solid taco trucks for the real LA flavor. We’d catch a live show at the Hollywood Bowl, check out The Broad, LACMA, and The Getty, and hit an LA Kings or Lakers game.
For fun, we might go to an arcade bar in North Hollywood, Paperback Brewery in Glendale, or a speakeasy in Pasadena. Downtime could be a hike in the Valley, a picnic in Echo Park, or a film screening at a Cinespia event. Definitely setting aside a day for the ocean; surfing, seafood dinner, and a sunset. And in the end of the week, we could take a getaway to Palm Springs, Joshua Tree, or Pine Mountain Club.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are many people who have truly helped me get to where I am today. The film industry is always about collaboration and mutual efforts. No one succeeds alone. I’m especially grateful to my mentor, John Brawley, who has shown me the finest aspects of camera craft, professionalism, and work discipline. And of course, all my camera department friends, the people I’ve spent more time with than being at home sometime. They’ve been there through long days, tough shoots, and every challenge that comes with this job. This journey wouldn’t be the same without them.

Website: https://deniszemtsov.com

Instagram: denzemtsov

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/