Prakash Matada is a wildlife cameraman who predominantly captures behavioural sequences for natural-history programs. His technical specialities involve expert use of long lenses, gimbals and drones. He is a trained Shotover and Cineflex technician and operator. He relishes the challenge of innovating and pioneering camera rigs, developing novel filming techniques and pushing himself to find new ways to tell engaging stories. His experience includes blue chip landmark filming and sync/actuality across some of the most challenging environments. He has filmed in sub-zero conditions in the Himalayas to the rain-battered forests of the Western Ghats. It is a somewhat perplexing confluence – where the most challenging conditions meet the most fulfilling, joyous experience – a wonder that inspires him to give his camerawork a distinctive style..
Throughout the Covid pandemic I’ve been working with Prakash on a big natural history project. Despite all the problems Covid has caused, Prakash has excelled in solving problems and working undirected to create fantastic rushes and images. His attention to detail is excellent, his eye for composition superb, and he has excelled expectation at every stage. He has been a delight to work with, regularly feedbacking comments, queries and observations from the field, eliminating many of the headaches of working with a Producer in one continent, and a Cameraman working in another. It has been a real privilege to work with him and I hope that we get to work on many projects to come.
Prakash continues to be a trusted, reliable and innovative DoP. I am extremely glad I could work with him to cover a species that had never been filmed with such precision and quality. Working remotely, we communicated clearly and often; Prakash handled everything with professionalism and charm. I cannot wait to work with him again.
For almost a year it has been my pleasure to work with Prakash and it soon became clear how privileged we are to have him as a key member of the camera team. Prakash has a gentle and unassuming manner about him, he treads gently with a keen and original eye for filming intimate and beautiful wildlife behaviour. Pouring over his rushes has opened my eyes to the natural treasures of India I’ve not seen or experienced before.
I have had the privilege of working with Prakash for over 10 years now. He has created multiple award filming documentaries and short films for my organisation. He is the consummate professional and a joy to be in the field with.
I have had a long association with Prakash. In the year 2015, during my first posting as Deputy Conservator of Forests, Bengaluru Rural Forest Division, he introduced me to drone technology & it's successful applications in forest management & wildlife conservation. He is passionate, professional & most importantly ethically sound when it comes to filming/recording documentaries. All his projects are unique and innovative. He has a keen understanding of the natural history, life cycle, pattern of the flora/fauna etc.essential to be an accurate and effective story teller. His drive and dedication reflects in his work. He doesn't leave any stone unturned to bring out the best. I wish him the best and look forward to keep working with him for conservation.
Prakash and his team are a joy to work with - professional, creative and adaptable to any situation. We worked with them in-person and remotely and their breadth of experience and understanding of equipment made the project a breeze. Highly recommended!
BBC – Planet Earth III – Principal Cameraman – Long lens
BBC – NDA – Principal Cameraman – Long lens, Drone Pilot, Gimbal
Apple TV – Big Beasts – Principal Cameraman – Long lens, Movi
Discovery – NDA – Principal Cameraman – Long lens, Movi, CameraTrap
Nat Geo Society Fund – Mitra Series – Principal Cameramen – Long Lens
Disney Nature -NDA – Long Lens, Drone Pilot
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Private Link: Kindly get in touch for password.
Camera Body
Sony Venice 2 Camera Kit- PL Mount
Arri Alexa 35 Camera Kit – PL Mount
Red Weapon Helium 8k Camera Kit- PL Mount
Long Lens
Canon CN20 – Cine Servo 50-1000 PL Mount
Filters
Kippertie Revolva Filter System for Red DSMC2
Prime Lens Kit
Canon Cinema Lens Kit – PL Mount
Cooke S7i Full Frame – PL Mount
Gimbal
Movi Pro with Mimic
DJI Ronin 2
Tripod Head
Oconnor Ultimate 2575D Fluid Head
Heavy Duty Short, Medium, Tall Tripod
Drone
DJI Inspire 2 Kit
DJI Mavic Pro 3 Cine
Prakash likes to craft stories about science, culture and wildlife conservation and their intersection that influences opinion and changes behaviour.
Prakash’s experience as a cinematographer includes filming for blue chip landmarks and sync/actuality across some of the most challenging environments.
Prakash teaches the artistic and technical details of wildlife filmmaking in his workshops, sharing the lessons and inspirations gleaned during a decade in the wild.
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