

Director of Photography
"With over 17 years in television, I've honed the craft of capturing compelling stories, specializing in documentary and hybrid drama/documentary for premier broadcasters."
Location: Bristol / London / Cardiff
Email: TomSwindelldp@gmail.com
Phone: +44 7825139341
About Me:
I'm a visual storyteller with a camera in one hand and a passion for culture in the other. My journey into filmmaking and photography began in South Wales, where I was born. Over the last 17 years, I've carved out a career as a Director of Photography in the TV industry, capturing stories across more than 40 countries.
My Career Journey:
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Storytelling with Impact: My work has ranged from directing and shooting the pre-title sequence for Raymond Blanc's 'The Restaurant' for BBC, to contributing to the BAFTA-nominated documentary "AIDS: The Unheard Tapes", and more recently, "D-Day The Unheard Tapes".
My Path:
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Roots: Raised with a deep appreciation for Welsh culture, my background offers a unique perspective on storytelling. From traditional choral songs to the vibrant energy of Butetown's Caribbean Carnival, my heritage continuously fuels my creative spirit.
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Global Explorer: My work has taken me from the cultural mosaic of Brazil, capturing its music, art, and traditions, to the tranquil landscapes of Southern Japan, each location teaching me invaluable lessons about life, humanity, and the art of visual storytelling.
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Sony Certified Expert: I've honed my craft with Sony's professional equipment, becoming a Sony Certified Expert. This certification underscores my proficiency with Sony's cutting-edge cameras, which I've utilized on numerous projects to deliver high-quality visuals.
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Painting with Light: Known for my lighting expertise, I've handled all the lighting for "AIDS: The Unheard Tapes" and contributed significantly to "D-Day The Unheard Tapes". My lighting skills sculpt scenes, creating depth and mood that enhance the storytelling experience.
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Lens Enthusiast: I own a vast collection of retro lenses, including those from Carl Zeiss and other renowned brands. These lenses add unique character to my work, blending modern technology with classic optics for images that are both sharp and rich with character. I also frequently use tilt-shift lenses and adapters to manipulate focus and perspective, giving my work a distinctive, artistic edge.
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Core Values: Authenticity, empathy, and capturing the essence of human experience are at the core of my work. I strive to create narratives that resonate, educate, and inspire. My approach blends art with documentary, ensuring each frame tells a story.
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A New Chapter: Moving to Bristol, I've embraced a healthier lifestyle which has opened up new avenues for both personal growth and creativity.
Recent Work Experience:
2024
2023
2022
D-Day: The Unheard Tapes / BBC TWO
As the Director of Photography, I was responsible for shooting all lip-sync interviews, capturing key drama reconstruction scenes, and filming expert history interviews. My lighting design significantly set the mood for this critically acclaimed series, which garnered numerous five-star reviews, praised for its poignant storytelling and visual authenticity. Employing my dual FX6 camera rig, I was able to add depth and authenticity to the visual narrative, enhancing the impact of the D-Day stories.
Julius Caesar: Making a Dictator / BBC TWO
I worked as Second Unit Director of Photography, contributing to the series’ visual narrative. Using a gimbal and extended monopod, I filmed from dynamic and unusual angles, especially during action sequences like the running scenes. My aim was to bring authenticity to the dramatic reconstructions and add depth to the story of Julius Caesar’s rise and the Roman Republic’s transformation. The series was well-received, with critics praising its visual storytelling and historical accuracy. My approach to cinematography played a key role in enhancing the narrative’s impact.
AIDS: The Unheard Tapes / BBC TWO
As the Director of Photography for AIDS: The Unheard Tapes, I was responsible for shooting all the lip-sync interviews, capturing the drama reconstruction scenes, and filming contributor interviews, bringing to life the stories from the AIDS crisis. My lighting design was crucial in setting the somber mood for this series, which has been highly praised for its poignant storytelling and visual authenticity, earning numerous five-star reviews. Utilizing my dual FX6 camera rig, I aimed to add depth and authenticity to the visuals, enhancing the impact of the personal accounts from the heart of the epidemic.