Storytelling with a vision
Synergy is the creation of a whole that is greater than the simple sum of its parts; and I firmly believe this stands true in the collaborative art of filmmaking. With focus on telling stories with an artistic vision and strong emotional connection.
Michael Tebinka is a Swedish cinematographer with Polish roots and a background in photojournalism and video art. He has over a decade of experience filming commercials, narrative, documentary, music videos and art house projects.
His approach to film is often described as a blend of participatory presence and embodied choreography. There exists an element in filmmaking that evokes a sense of heightened presence, both within the confines of a space and between humans and their expressions. This tactile quality is profoundly empowering and is one of the foundations to create a deeper connection to a story told through cinematography. Light also plays an important role in Michael’s work, with a preference for deep shadows and careful pockets of naturalistic illumination.
Michael has always been fascinated by time, space, and human perception as the constants through which experiences occur. He pursued this interest academically, earning a bachelor’s degree in video art from Lasalle College of the Arts in Singapore and a master’s degree in stereoscopic media from Ravensbourne University in London. Initially, in Singapore, he explored moving images as an installation-based medium, often creating large-scale multi-channel audiovisual structures. Later, in London, he shifted his focus to a more technical approach to perception in moving images at the production stage.
His approach to crafting images is characterised by a harmonious blend of artistic exploration and film technology. Drawing inspiration from literature and painting, Michael seamlessly integrates this with the framework of cinematography, allowing for a clear artistic vision and a strong emotional connection in storytelling.
Michael is multilingual, speaking Swedish, English, Spanish, Polish and has long-term experience living abroad which enhances his adaptability in international projects and his ability to communicate effectively both on and off-set.
Commercial credits include
National Geographic, ASEAN Para Games, Sandvik, Billerud, ALMI, Uppsala University, Sveriges Kommuner & Regioner, Gävle Konstcentrum, Yannis Sergakis Adornments, Singapore Telecommunications, Singapore Mass Rapid Transport System
Awards (selection)
2021 – Best International Cinematography “Tomorrow Island”, Kinofilm Manchester International Short Film Festival, United Kingdom
2020 – Winner “Blackout“, ARRI Unspoken Nordic Challenge, Sweden
2019 – Winner SILVER Best Cinematography “Tomorrow Island”, Queenpalm International Film Festival, United States
Member of
– Associate member of SOC (Society of Camera Operators)
– Association for Independent Filmmakers (OFF) in Sweden
– Medea Electronique Arts Collective in Greece
– The Swedish Union for Performing Arts and Film
Equipment package and travel
ARRI Alexa 35 owner and operator.
Full gear list available on request.
Licensed commercial drone pilot A1/A2/A3.
Based in Sweden, will travel worldwide.
Also available as Second Unit DP/Camera Operator, 1st Assistant Camera, technical consultant and running academic/educational workshops.
Education
2024 – Prevent – Safety on Set
2023 – University of Salford, United Kingdom – Certificate in film loading 16/35mm Arriflex camera systems
2021 – Remote Pilot Certificate A1/A2/A3
2019 – ARRI – Certified Online Training for Large-Format Camera System
2019 – ARRI – Certified Online Training for Camera Systems
2019 – ARRI – Lighting Technology Certified Training
2013 – Ravensbourne University London, United Kingdom – Master of Science – 3D Stereoscopic Media
2009 – Lasalle College of the Arts, Singapore – Bachelor of Arts (Hons) – Video Art
IMDB | Crew United | LinkedIn
Phone: +46764028266
Email: michael@michaeltebinka.com