Filming Conflict & Humanitarian Crises – An Interview with Alessandro Pavone

Alessandro Pavone is an experienced freelance Director of Photography and producer who has spent years covering major conflicts and humanitarian crises worldwide. Based in Dubai, he frequently works with PBS, CNN, BBC, Al Jazeera, and VICE, documenting some of the most challenging news stories across the Middle East, Africa, and beyond.

A Career in Conflict Zones

Pavone’s career has taken him to war zones, disaster-stricken areas, and regions experiencing political turmoil. He spent three years in Kabul before moving to Istanbul and London, covering events like the Paris and Brussels terror attacks, ethnic violence in South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and climate change crises in Greenland and Somalia. His work as part of the PBS NewsHour team earned him an Overseas Press Club citation in 2017.

Choosing the Right Equipment

Operating in extreme conditions requires a lightweight, durable, and adaptable camera kit. Pavone currently relies on the Canon C300 Mark I and the Sony a7S Mark II, a combination that offers versatility for documentary filmmaking. “The C300 delivers stunning image quality and is easy to customize for different shooting styles. The Sony a7S Mark II, with its exceptional low-light performance, is perfect for discreet filming and fast-paced environments,” he explains.

Camera Rig & Accessories

To ensure maximum efficiency in the field, Pavone has carefully curated his rig. He prefers the Movcam top handle, which allows easy repositioning of the monitor—crucial when wearing protective gear. For shoulder support, he uses the Vocas USBP-15 MKII, valued for its lightweight design and quick-release system. “When you’re working alone or with a small crew, every piece of gear needs to be efficient and easy to manage,” he notes.

Tripods & Stabilization

For stability, Pavone has relied on the Sachtler FSB-6 tripod for years. He also incorporates handheld stabilizers, using the Pilotfly H2 gimbal for dynamic shots. “Traditional gimbals like the MōVI or Ronin are too bulky for fast-moving news environments. A joystick stabilizer is a much better fit for my setup.”

Lens Selection

Given the need for a compact yet high-quality kit, Pavone sticks to a few key lenses:

• Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM – Ideal for documentary work with a perfect focal range.

• Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L + 2X Extender – Used for interviews and detailed b-roll.

• Canon CN-E 18-80mm T4.4 – A sharp and versatile cine zoom lens.

• Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 Art – Essential for low-light filming.

• Additionally, he has invested in lightweight Rokinon cine primes (50mm T1.5, 85mm T1.5, 10mm T3.1) for a cinematic look when needed.

Lighting & Audio Setup

For lighting, Pavone relies on the Cineroid FL400S Flexible LED and a Fotodiox bi-color LED panel, both are compact and easy to travel with. He also uses a CHIMERA lantern softbox for interviews. Given the nature of his work, he keeps his audio setup minimal—attaching a single radio mic receiver or a RØDE VideoMic to his rig for run-and-gun filming.

The Realities of Travel & Shooting in the Field

Frequent travel to remote locations presents unique logistical challenges. “I always ensure I can carry all my gear alone and that it fits inside a standard Toyota Corolla trunk—because in most of the world, that’s what you’ll be riding in,” he jokes. His packing strategy includes:

• C300 rig inside a foldable duffle bag

• Lenses, mics, and laptops in an F-Stop backpack (carry-on only)

• Lights and accessories in a North Face duffle (checked baggage)

• Tripods in a soft case (to avoid airline fees on hard cases)

Drones & Additional Tools

Pavone recently added a DJI Mavic Pro drone to his kit, though he warns that traveling with drones can be difficult due to customs restrictions. For handheld support, he swears by the HipShot Belt, which acts as a portable camera platform—especially useful for long interviews in challenging environments.

Final Thoughts

Alessandro Pavone’s approach to filmmaking is driven by adaptability and efficiency. Whether capturing conflict zones or humanitarian crises, his ability to work quickly and effectively ensures powerful storytelling under extreme conditions.

Contact Alessandro Pavone Today

Get in touch today for inquiries about documentary filmmaking services in Dubai and beyond. Let’s bring your story to life with compelling, high-quality cinematography.

Contact: +971 55 847 6982 | a.pavone@mac.com

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2019 - Newsshooter - Filming major conflicts and humanitarian crises around the world