Cinematographer

$70–110/hr

rate as listed

Workload: ~40 hrs/week
Engagement: Project-based
Location: US
Field: Creative

Evaluate generative video for cinematic accuracy across optics, sensor behavior, camera movement, lighting, exposure and color. The role combines benchmark curation, shot-level critique and reviewer calibration for an AI lab's video model team.

The work

You would define standards for cinematic camera and lighting quality, then apply them to generated footage. Day to day, that means reviewing outputs shot by shot, diagnosing failures in lens rendering, sensor response, movement, motivated lighting, exposure and color, and turning those findings into precise evaluation notes and failure taxonomies. You would also create or curate difficult test cases using generative image and video tools.

What the screen is likely to examine

Mercor's screening should verify your production history, including 7+ years of professional experience, credits on 2+ professional films and relevant work in cinematography, lighting, camera, DIT or virtual production. Expect follow-up on specific shots or setups, how you distinguish optical or sensor artifacts from lighting and grading issues, and how you would convert expert judgment into repeatable captions, rubrics and reviewer calibration standards.

Practical details

This is a W-2 employment position with Cincinnatus LLC, with potential placement at a leading AI lab as part of its extended workforce. The expected commitment is approximately 40 hours per week during weekdays. The listing does not specify whether the work is remote or how much of it is asynchronous, so candidates should confirm location, working-hour overlap and review cadence during the process. Reliable access to a calibrated 4K display is preferred rather than required.

Pay band: $70–110/hr

What they look for

7+ years of professional film, television or virtual production experience
Credits on 2+ professional films
Professional background in cinematography, lighting, camera, DIT or virtual production
Expert judgment across lens optics, sensor behavior, camera motion, lighting, exposure and color spaces
Hands-on use of generative image and video tools for testing and comparison
Precise written critique, captioning and evaluation-template development

Included with this listing

Interview prep — 10 questions

Matched to what this platform's screening actually measures. Answer each out loud in 60–90 seconds: claim → concrete example → implication.

What it tests: This verifies the required experience and film credits while establishing whether your primary depth is in cinematography, lighting, camera operations, DIT or virtual production.
A strong answer: Give dates, titles, production types, credited roles and the camera or lighting decisions you personally owned. Prioritize at least two professional film credits and explain why they are relevant to evaluating generated footage.
Where people lose it: Candidates lose points by naming recognizable productions without separating their own responsibilities from those of the DP, gaffer, camera team or post team.

Summary, eligibility guidance and screening preparation are prepared by Sidequest from the platform's posting. Check the source listing before applying.