Frequently Asked Questions
General Collaboration
1. What is the process of working with Daniel Petz, from the first inquiry to the final delivery?
After your inquiry, we start by clarifying your goals, target audience, and the desired impact of the project. I then develop a concept that combines creative ambition with technical feasibility. Next comes production planning – locations, crew, equipment, and schedule. The shoot itself is precise yet flexible, allowing us to respond to spontaneous opportunities. In post-production, I create a rough cut, work through feedback rounds, and deliver the final product in the agreed format.
2. Do you act only as a cameraman, or also as director and producer?
I can take on each role individually – or handle everything end-to-end. As a producer, I manage organization and budgets. As a director, I guide the creative and narrative vision. As a cameraman, I bring the visual concept to life. For larger productions, I work with a trusted network of professionals.
3. Can you develop the entire creative concept, or do you only execute existing ideas?
Both. Many clients approach me without a finished idea – that’s where I excel: turning a vague thought into a clear, viable concept. If you already have a concept, I execute it faithfully in the agreed style.
4. Which industries and topics do you cover?
From corporate and industrial to lifestyle, sports, culture, and documentary. I’m often involved in brand portraits, behind-the-scenes storytelling, high-energy sports, and image films with a documentary touch.
5. Do you work alone or with a permanent team?
Both. Smaller projects are often handled by me alone for maximum agility. For bigger productions, I bring in a well-established crew for camera assistance, sound, lighting, and post-production.
6. How flexible are you with international shoots or unusual locations?
Very. I have extensive experience shooting in diverse conditions – from studios to mountains to tropical beaches. My gear is designed for mobility, and I’m fully licensed to drive everything from cars to trucks.
7. How do you handle tight deadlines?
By prioritizing efficiency and clear communication. I plan ahead, work within a structured workflow, and deliver fast results without compromising quality.
Technical Standards & Equipment
8. What camera and lighting equipment do you use?
I work with Sony FX3 and FS7, paired with professional audio and lighting gear such as Aputure 300/600, Super Nova, and Shogun/Ninja+ recorders. Stabilization is handled with a Ronin RS3 Pro, C-Stands, and C-Stands.
9. What image and sound standards do you meet?
All productions are delivered in at least HD or 4K, with professional color grading and broadcast-quality sound. Higher resolutions and cinema standards are available for special projects.
10. Do you offer drone shots or special camera movements?
Yes – drones, gimbal work, sliders, and Steadicam setups are part of my toolkit. I use them strategically to enhance storytelling, never just for decoration.
11. In which formats do you deliver the final product?
Typically MP4/H.264 or ProRes in 16:9, vertical, or square formats, depending on platform requirements. Other codecs and formats are available upon request.
12. Which post-production software do you use and why?
Primarily DaVinci Resolve for editing, color grading, and audio. I also use Adobe Creative Cloud and AVID for specific needs. This ensures a professional, consistent workflow from start to finish.
13. Can you hand over raw footage to another post-production team?
Yes – I can deliver organized raw footage with metadata for seamless processing by other teams.
Creative Style & Philosophy
14. How would you describe your visual style?
Documentary-driven with a focus on real moments, paired with technical precision. I favor strong contrasts, authentic emotions, and visuals that stick in your mind.
15. Do you work more documentary-style or staged?
Primarily documentary, but I stage scenes when the story calls for it. Whatever the method, it has to feel believable.
16. How do you ensure the content feels authentic?
By staying unobtrusive behind the camera, preparing well, and genuinely engaging with people and topics. I observe rather than dominate.
17. What sets you apart from other cameramen and producers?
Over 10 years of creative and 20 years of organizational experience, combined with a hands-on approach. I bring structure to chaotic situations without interrupting creative flow.
18. How do you proceed if a client doesn’t yet have a clear vision?
Through targeted questions, mood boards, and test shoots, we shape the vision together before production begins.
Client Guidelines & Coordination
19. What should clients prepare before a shoot?
A clear point of contact, approved content outlines, any necessary permits, and, if needed, prepared interview subjects. I handle the rest in pre-production.
20. How many revision rounds are included in the price?
Two feedback rounds are included by default. Additional rounds are possible and billed by time.
21. How do you handle change requests during the project?
I’m flexible as long as they stay within the agreed scope. Major changes affecting budget or schedule are reviewed separately.
22. How are travel costs and expenses billed?
Either based on actual costs or as a pre-agreed flat fee.
23. How is communication handled during the project?
Short and direct: phone, email, or video call. For larger projects, I provide regular status updates and interim versions.
Rights & Usage
24. Who owns the rights to the produced content?
I retain the copyright, while usage rights are granted to the client as per our agreement.
25. What usage rights are included by default?
Typically unlimited duration for the agreed platforms and purposes. Additional uses can be negotiated.
26. Do you offer exclusive rights?
Yes – full exclusivity can be granted for an additional fee.
27. What happens to unused footage?
It is archived for up to 2 years and can be repurposed for future edits or additional content.
28. Can you adapt content for different platforms and formats?
Absolutely – from cinema screens to social media, including platform-optimized versions.
Special Situations
29. How do you handle sensitive or confidential content?
With complete discretion. NDAs can be signed if required.
30. What happens if a shoot has to be postponed due to weather or other reasons?
I keep backup dates available. Any additional costs are discussed transparently beforehand.