“Roger Ghantous: Mastering the Art of Cinematography Through His Lens”
Roger Ghantous, known as “Filming Masters” is a true maestro when it comes to capturing breathtaking visuals. With his extensive experience as a drone & camera operator, Ronin and Movi underwater operator, and an ambassador of Easyrig in the Middle East, Roger has left an indelible mark on the world of cinematography.
His journey began as one of the first Lebanese cinematographers to embrace the possibilities of drone cameras. With his skills, he effortlessly weaves aerial shots into his projects, lending them a unique perspective that captivates viewers. Roger has worked on a diverse range of projects, including movies, music videos, and commercials. His ability to adapt to different genres and styles is what sets him apart from the rest. Whether it’s capturing the raw emotions of a dramatic scene in a movie or creating visually stunning shots for a music video, his talent shines through in every frame.
Collaboration lies at the heart of Ghantous’s success. Throughout his career, he worked with esteemed individuals, including renowned Hollywood cinematographer Clive Jackson, whose portfolio boasts illustrious movies such as “James Bond”, “Gladiators”, and “Fast & Furious”, in addition to the cinematographer of “Tree of Life”, Peter Simonite where he worked with him on an international advertisement.
As he consistently seeks out partnerships with industry giants, he also worked with Wally Pfister, the cinematographer behind blockbuster hit “Batman”. Another influential figure in his career is director Neelay Shah who worked on groundbreaking advertisements. Roger refers to him as “Superman” for the crazy shoots that earned him an unmatched experience.
It is the Lebanese director Bassem Christo, however, who holds a special place in Roger’s heart. Serving as his mentor and idol, Christo is widely regarded as the number one director in the Middle East. He worked with him on different projects, including TV shows such as “Taratata” and “Dancing with the Stars,” both under the direction of Christo, and both augmented stunning reality experiences during these live shows.
Roger also shot mesmerizing musical shows and events, including unforgettable concerts featuring international bands such as Scorpions, Guns N’ Roses, Rednecks, and Yanni.
His expertise is not confined to Lebanon alone. His work has taken him to numerous countries worldwide, including Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Spain, France, Croatia, Italy, Maldives, Cyprus, and Africa.
His ability to effortlessly switch between operating various cameras and equipment, including shoulder-mounted cameras, cranes, Furio, drones, Ronin, Movie, Russian arm, and underwater gear, showcases his versatility as a cinematographer.
Not limited to the skies, Roger is also a skilled underwater cinematographer. With his expertise in operating underwater systems, he has the ability to create mesmerizing shots beneath the surface.
One of Ghantous’s proudest achievements was being the first Arab cinematographer to shoot in the renowned Opera Paris, an accomplishment that speaks volumes about his reputation.
Furthermore, his impressive portfolio boasts notable projects such as the Baalbak Festival in 2020 and 2021, where he masterfully captured the essence of this cultural event.
In the realm of music videos, his collaboration with Salim el Turk stands out as a testament to his prowess. Together, they accomplished the remarkable feat of shooting four music videos in a single day, creating a visual symphony. Roger’s flair for long takes and continuous shots stands out, with his longest unbroken shot spanning an astounding 11 minutes and 37 seconds.
Additionally, his talent extends to the realm of film, where he has worked on notable productions, such as the film “By Chance,” where he collaborated with director Bassem Christo and with a cast of big names including Carole Samaha, Badih Abou Chakra, Pamela el Kik, and other esteemed actors. Additionally, his work on the groundbreaking film “Khabsa,” directed by Shady Hanna and written by Abboudy Mallah, marked a significant milestone in his career.
In the world of commercials, Roger found kindred spirits in directors Neelay Shah and Maged Nassar, who constantly challenged the boundaries of what is possible, resulting in unforgettable shoots.
Currently, he’s reaching the skies by becoming a licensed drone operator in Europe with his “EU Drone Certificate” and by opening a drone company in Dubai with Director Bassem Christo.
In the hands of Roger Ghantous, cinematography transcends its traditional boundaries, ascending to new heights of beauty and innovation in the Middle East. Being a visionary artist who uses his lens to tell stories and evoke emotions, with the right framing and dedication to his craft, he truly became a Filming Master.
