MANUELA CALDARA
1st Assistant Camera / Camera Operator / Cinematographer
Film student specializing in camera work as a 1st AC and camera operator, with a strong interest in photography and image-making in all its forms.
ABOUT ME
Hi, I’m Manuela, a Brazilian Cinematographer based in Lisbon. I am a film student at Universidade Lusófona, where I discovered my passion for working as a 1st Assistant Camera. Since then, I have been fully dedicated to developing myself in this role and building strong on-set experience.
I also enjoy working as a Camera Operator and have a strong interest in photography, composition, and capturing meaningful moments. I’m passionate about translating ideas into images and shaping visual storytelling through framing and perspective.
At the moment, I am focused on gaining more experience on set, growing within camera departments, and expanding my work in photography.
ALL PROJECTS
A comprehensive log of my work across short films, commercials, pilots, and music videos.
| Project / Title | Type | Director | DOP | My Position | Camera & Lenses | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waiting | Short Film | Eunice Figueiras / Vasco Souto | Vasco Souto | 1ª AC | Arri Alexa Mini LF, Zeiss Supreme primes | 2026 |
| Huenu | Short Film | N/A | Vasco Souto | 1º AC | — | 2026 |
| Untitled Project | Short Film | N/A | N/A | 2ª AC | — | 2026 |
| Event Reel | Event | N/A | N/A | Camera Operator | — | 2026 |
| Untitled Project | Short Film | N/A | N/A | 1º AC | — | 2025 |
| Music Video | Videoclip | N/A | N/A | 1º AC | — | 2025 |
| Ai, ó pão | Portrait | N/A | Vasco Souto | 1º AC | Sony FX6, IronGlass Rehoused Vintage Prime Kit | 2025 |
| Commercial Shoot | Commercial | N/A | N/A | 1º AC | — | 2025 |
| CHULÉ | Commercial | Margarida Kalinichenko | Vasco Souto | 1º AC | Sony FX6, Zeiss Standard Primes, Helios 44-2 58mm, Pentax 40mm | 2025 |
| Lote 28 | TV Pilot | Afonso Matos / Pedro Antunes | Vasco Souto | 1º AC | Arri Alexa Plus, Zeiss Standard Primes, Cooke Varotal 20-100 | 2025 |
| Pilot Project | TV Pilot | N/A | N/A | Grip | — | 2025 |
| Music Video | Videoclip | N/A | N/A | Camera Operator | — | 2024 |
| Untitled Project | Short Film | N/A | N/A | 1º AC | — | 2024 |
| Live Session | Live on Tape | N/A | N/A | 1º AC | — | 2024 |
Waiting
About the Project
"Waiting" is a highly atmospheric Short Film captured on location. The visual storytelling centers on long takes, heavy mist, and tight depth of field, establishing a dense, emotional atmosphere that matches the film's title.
Technical Specifications
- Camera Body ARRI ALEXA Mini LF
- Lens Package Zeiss Supreme Prime Lenses
- Director Eunice Figueiras / Vasco Souto
- Director of Photography Vasco Souto
- My Role 1ª Assistant Camera (Focus Puller)
Lote 28
About the Project
"Lote 28" is a fast-paced TV Pilot requiring swift camera maneuvers and highly accurate focus pulling. Working on a vintage zoom lens added technical complexity, demanding a precise understanding of focal distance shift.
Technical Specifications
- Camera Body Arri Alexa Plus
- Lens Package Zeiss Standard Primes Kit, Cooke Varotal 20-100
- Director Afonso Matos / Pedro Antunes
- Director of Photography Vasco Souto
- My Role 1º Assistant Camera (Focus Puller)
CHULÉ
About the Project
"CHULÉ" is a stylized commercial project characterized by vibrant primary color blocks, dynamic compositions, and quirky choreography. It was captured with customized vintage and modern primes to create a crisp yet organic image signature.
Technical Specifications
- Camera Body Sony FX6
- Lens Package Zeiss Standard Primes, Helios 44-2 58mm, Pentax 40mm
- Director Margarida Kalinichenko
- Director of Photography Vasco Souto
- My Role 1º Assistant Camera (Focus Puller)
Ai, ó pão
About the Project
"Ai, ó pão" is an intimate portrait piece emphasizing the textures of daily life and natural lighting. We utilized rehoused vintage prime lenses on a full frame Sony FX6 to yield a soft, nostalgic look with beautiful organic lens flare.
Technical Specifications
- Camera Body Sony FX6
- Lens Package IronGlass Rehoused Vintage Prime Kit
- Director of Photography Vasco Souto
- My Role 1º Assistant Camera (Focus Puller)