Drew Lauer
Cinematographer | Director of Photography
Using wizardry, advanced tech, and elite cinema cameras to make delicious videos about pancakes.
There’s magic in a late afternoon. When a glow reaches out to touch the garlic mashed potatoes in just the right way and it reminds you of heaven. I know ways to film food so your mouth waters every time. Savory felafel, sweet chocolate pie, or tart margarita, I make taste buds pop. Whatever happens, I'll be here taking a painstaking approach, invoking Science and Art, for the king of all emotions: HUNGER
Working in Los Angeles for over 20 years with the biggest brands.
Every single film-day, I still get excited because I blend robots, motion control, pneumatics, and all sorts of gadgets with the most advanced cinema cameras, custom vintage lenses and a taste for lighting honed by years in Hollywood and a lifetime of drawing, painting, and composing shots.
Wide Reaching Resources
MEDIA[BOX] is my friends and my boutique camera equipment rental house. And it’s my toybox, full of the highest quality cameras and lenses in the world. Media[box] manages all of my camera gear.
I began my work with high-speed (aka slow motion) cameras in 2005 and founded HOLLYWOOD SPECIAL OPS in 2009. We specialize in Phantom slow motion cameras along with experienced Phantom Operators and Phantom Techs, the best in the business. Over the last 19 years, we were among the first in the world, always leading the charge, innovating new ways to make Phantom Cameras efficient on fast-paced modern film sets.
My residency at OPTIMIST STUDIOS in El Segundo is a mutually beneficial symbiosis. With two large stages and two medium stages, it’s an ideal film location for most of my projects. It also allows me the space to experiment with cinematography and test technology.
More History
Before the obsession with filming food and drinks and product, I traveled the world filming for the likes of National Geographic, Discovery, History, AMC, and many more. I’ve climbed active volcanoes and hundred-foot glaciers. I’ve filmed mountains exploding for mining shows and flown drones around oil riggers 30 miles out in the Gulf of Mexico. Later, as a camera operator, I filmed award winning music videos with Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Post Malone and many others. And comedy shows with Seth Rogan, Adam Sandler, John Mulaney, and all that gang. I’ve filmed specialty scenes with The Daniel Brothers and I’ve day-played on Marvel movies. My experience is vast. With almost 20 years in the business, I’ll always love an adventure in the wilderness with stunts. But more and more these days, I enjoy filming juicy smashburgers in a studio.
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