Have you ever watched a commercial or video that perfectly captured the essence of Newfoundland and thought, “Wow, they really get it”? As someone who’s been filming in St. John’s for years, I’ve dedicated my career to capturing that authentic Newfoundland spirit in every frame I shoot.
I’m Roger Maunder, founder of UpSkyDown Films, and I believe there’s something truly special about working with filmmakers who understand the soul of this place.
Today, I want to share why hiring a local filmmaker in St. John’s—specifically someone like me who lives and breathes this unique landscape—can make all the difference for your next video project.
Let’s be honest—St. John’s isn’t like anywhere else in Canada. Our city has a character all its own, from the steep hills and colorful houses to the distinctive accent and maritime culture. When you hire me as your St. John’s videographer, you’re not just getting someone with a camera; you’re getting someone who understands the heart of this place.
Having grown up watching the fog roll in over Signal Hill, I know exactly when and where to capture that perfect mystical shot. I understand how the harsh winter light reflects off the harbor in January, or how to make the most of our legendary summer sunsets that seem to last forever.
Non-local production companies might get the technical aspects right, but they’ll miss those intangible qualities that make Newfoundland footage so distinctive. At UpSkyDown Films, authenticity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the foundation of everything I create.
I often hear from clients who initially assumed bringing in outside talent was the only option for high-quality results. I get it—there’s a perception that local means limited.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
Working with a local St. John’s video company like mine often ends up being more affordable than flying in outside talent. Consider the logistics: when you hire a filmmaker from Toronto or Vancouver, you’re covering their travel expenses, accommodations, and per diems—all before they even press record on their camera.
As a local videographer, I don’t need to factor those costs into my rates. Plus, I’ve spent years building relationships with other talented local professionals (sound technicians, lighting specialists, drone operators) who can enhance your project without the additional expenses of bringing in an entire outside crew.
If you’ve spent any time in St. John’s, you know our weather is… temperamental. One minute it’s sunny, the next you’re being pelted with sideways rain, and then the fog rolls in so thick you can’t see two feet in front of you.
After countless shoots across Newfoundland, I’ve learned to do more than just check the forecast—I understand it. I know that “chance of fog” in June might mean writing off an entire filming day, or that February shoots require triple the planned time because of likely snowstorms.
I once had a client who had previously worked with a mainland production company that scheduled a three-day outdoor shoot in April. They were shocked when we got 15 centimeters of snow overnight. I wasn’t surprised at all—that’s why I always build weather contingencies into every production schedule.
At UpSkyDown Films, I automatically plan for our unpredictable weather. I scout backup indoor locations. I know which angles work best when the inevitable fog appears. This kind of local knowledge isn’t just convenient—it’s essential for keeping your project on budget and on schedule.
Signal Hill and Cape Spear are gorgeous, no question. But they’re also in every tourist video ever made about our city.
After years of filming throughout St. John’s and beyond, I’ve discovered the hidden gems—the secret beaches, the perfect vantage points, the abandoned buildings with character. As a documentary videographer born and raised here, I can take you to a tiny cove that perfectly frames your product against the Atlantic, or a street in the Battery that offers a postcard-perfect view without the crowds.
Last year, I worked with a client who needed footage of the city skyline for a corporate video. Instead of the obvious Signal Hill shot, I took them to a little-known spot in Shea Heights that provided a stunning panoramic view they didn’t even know existed. That’s the kind of insider knowledge that elevates a project from good to unforgettable.
There’s a saying in Newfoundland that you’re never more than two people away from knowing everyone on the island. As someone who’s been making films here for years, I’ve built relationships throughout the community that prove this saying true.
Need permission to film at a local business? Chances are I know the owner—or know someone who does. Want to include some local characters in your documentary? I can make those introductions and establish the trust needed for authentic interviews.
I’ve seen it happen countless times at UpSkyDown Films. A door that would be closed to an outside production company swings wide open when I make the call. These connections don’t just make production smoother—they make the final product richer and more authentic.
Let me dispel a myth right now: hiring a filmmaker in St. John’s—specifically me at UpSkyDown Films—doesn’t mean compromising on technical quality. I’ve invested in the same high-end equipment, trained in the same techniques, and hold myself to the same standards as filmmakers in larger markets.
Throughout my career, I’ve worked on projects that demanded world-class production values, and I’ve delivered. The difference? I apply those high-end skills with deep local knowledge.
Whether I’m creating cinematic short films, corporate videos, or documentaries, every project gets the benefit of both technical excellence and that distinctive Newfoundland perspective that makes our stories so special.
When you choose to work with Me, here’s what you can expect:
First, we’ll have an in-depth conversation about your vision. The best professional video production comes from filmmakers who fully understand what you’re trying to achieve. I won’t just execute your idea—I’ll enhance it with my local perspective and technical expertise.
Second, I’ll develop a production plan that accounts for all the variables—including our infamous St. John’s weather. Every shoot day will have a backup plan, and every location will be thoroughly scouted in advance.
Finally, you’ll receive a final product that doesn’t just meet your expectations—it exceeds them. My goal with every project is to deliver footage that captures the authentic spirit of Newfoundland while achieving your communication objectives.
At the end of the day, when you hire me as your filmmaker in St. John’s, you’re not just paying for someone to point a camera. You’re investing in a visual storyteller who understands the rhythms and character of this unique place we call home.
I’ve seen too many projects fall flat because they looked like they could have been filmed anywhere. When you work with UpSkyDown Films, your final product will have that indefinable but unmistakable Newfoundland quality that resonates with audiences—whether they’re locals or from away.
So the next time you’re planning a video project—be it a corporate video, music video, a documentary, or a commercial—consider the advantages of hiring a filmmaker who calls St. John’s home. The difference will be obvious in every frame.
Ready to bring your vision to life with authentic St. John’s perspective? Let’s talk about your project. Contact me below, and let’s create something that truly captures the magic of this place we call home.
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Capturing Newfoundland’s Stories with Cinematic Excellence.
