Hidden Gems: Meet Zak Abitz of Zak Abitz Cinematography

Today we’d like to introduce you to Zak Abitz.

Hi Zak, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I’m originally from Oklahoma. There isn’t much to do in Oklahoma aside from playing in the backyard or hanging out at school. Those limitations forced me to be creative. I started playing around with the family VHS camcorder when I was around 7 or 8. I would remake my favorite movies with action figures and hot wheels. When I was in high school, I joined the video production team. I ran a handheld cameras for football and basketball games as well as learned to edit in Final Cut.

After high school, I decided to go to film school. I went to Full Sail University in Florida, majoring in the film program, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree. Once I graduated, I went back to Oklahoma and started working as a freelance videographer at a church. I was there for a few years before being reached out to by another church here in Phoenix. I started at CCV in 2015 and have been there since while maintaining a freelance business on the side. I’m currently the lead cinematographer at CCV and their resident gearhead.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Something that I’m glad I was able to learn early on was that I don’t know everything. Coming out of film school and going to work in Oklahoma, I acted like I knew it all and it was my way or the highway.

Filmmaking is such a collaboration between people that you can’t have that mentality. You don’t know it all. You are constantly learning and working with people. You have to learn that or no one will want to be around you.

As you know, we’re big fans of Zak Abitz Cinematography. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I specialize in lighting and camera work. I create music videos, corporate interviews, and commercials. I have a great working relationship with local bands and a local skateboard company.

My artistic style leans towards dark, rich colors with high contrast. I also love working handheld with the camera.

I’m up for any creative project! If you’re in need of video services, reach out! I’d love to talk to you about your project.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Reach out to me via my website, zakabitz.com, or follow me on Instagram @zakabitz. Feel free to DM me there as well!

Contact Info:

• Website: Zakabitz.com
• Instagram: @zakabitz

Image Credits
Sara Cummins, Quincey Sablan, and Joanna Polling