Felix Sauermann Email & Phone Number

Los Angeles, Ca, Us

Los Angeles, California, United States

I conceptualize, prepare, and execute virtual production concepts. This process leads me to make choices around the creative intent and the process of capture. My specialty is creating final, or close to final, results in-camera, minimizing a post-process, and maximizing efficiency during production.To this extent, I combine Virtual Production techniques with traditional cinematography.I am involved in R&D around LED and camera technology. I evaluate offerings from major brands and develop methodologies and use cases around them. I heavily rely on my prior experience as a Director of Photography to determine creative and technical solutions and combine them for a goal-driven process. LED-Virtual Production is complex and yields the best results when being meticulousleading up to the process of photography.Because of my in-depth knowledge of cameras, image pipelines, and LED, I am placed in situations where an immediate result is a priority. My expertise as a colorist compliments this approach, as I know how to shape the path for a given result. This well-rounded knowledge base has led me to consult on projects with major partners, joint projects, product evaluation, and product development.In 2021, I traveled to Seoul, South Korea, to supervise and install an LED volume for Dexter Studios. This included setting up the technical hardware as well as a UE4 multi-node rendering system for production. Additionally, I trained the staff and film crew to shoot virtual environments prepared bythe Dexter team.My deep passion for technology and creative vision have come together in this format we currently call Virtual Production.

Los Angeles, California, United States

As a freelancer, I integrated the Pixotope software into production. Pixotope is a creative and technical management layer on top of Unreal Engine, essentially taking in live camera feeds and camera tracking data to render the final result for real-time output. This can be AR, XR, or several virtual production flavors. I supervised and supported the live AR for Pixotope during the opening show for the Superbowl 2021, as well as quarter-back stats.

Greater Los Angeles Area

As Virtual Cinematographer, I managed the Sony Innovation Studios stage on the Sony Pictures Entertainment Lot in Culver City. This included productions, as well as all equipment, such ascameras, lenses, lighting, tracking systems, carts, video engineering, render machines, LED, as well as green and blue screen workflows, including Ultimatte real time composites for use on Stage 7. For example, I supervised the virtual camera for Shark Tank, contributing to a second Lumiere Award asLead Engineer and Virtual Camera Operator. Preparations also included lighting with the Gaffer. Equipment deployed at Sony Innovation Studios: Venice Cine Alta Cameras, F55, Alpha cameras, Arri lights, Ncam camera tracking, Mo-Sys and Optitrack camera tracking, Arri cameras, Sony broadcast equipment, dollies, jibs, grip equipment, as well as the original CLED. Additionally, I engaged with on-the-lot Grip and Lighting as required by the project.I was directly involved with proving the goalposts for CLED B-Series through practical testing and use case development. In addition to Pre-Vis and production, I was deeply R&D oriented, working on the practical development of technology for use in Film and TV. For most of my time at Sony Innovation Studios, I reported to Bill Baggelaar, CTO of Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Greater Los Angeles Area

My job was to open the LA office for Ncam and to support camera tracking technology for Film, TV, and Broadcast. My specialty being cinema, I influenced workflows in this environment. This led to an infrared version, making the system immune to influences of dynamic visible light, isolating the tracking and thereby stabilizing and improving the quality. In 2018, I worked on Shark Tank as the Virtual Camera operator, contributing to a Lumiere award for Best Use of Virtual Production. I supported Ncam on the Avatar Sequels and the opening show of Superbowl 2019.

Greater Los Angeles Area

I shot or directed Films, Commercials, Music Videos, Documentaries, and Branded Content. I owned and operated an Arri Alexa Mini alongside a Steadicam. Additionally, I worked as a Colorist for final image processing.

Distribution of cameras, accessories and lenses to 3rd parties and high profile productions. Advised clients on camera package assembly. Marketing and sales for trade shows such as NAB and IBC.

Casting and Supervision of English content. Additionally, Camera Operator for Commercials and Series.

Greater Los Angeles Area

Development of scripts and treatments, directing and producing Branded Content for clients such as GUESS Jeans, TOMS Shoes and Smartwool.

Greater Los Angeles Area

Camera Operator or Camera Assistant on Feature Films, Commercials, Documentaries, Music Videos and Short Films.

Greater Los Angeles Area

Editor for Films, Commercials, and Web Content.