CASS O’NEIL

Director of Photography / Camera Operator

CSC (Canadian Society of Cinematographers) affiliate member

ICG 669 (International Cinematographers Guild) member

Cass has spent the majority of her career on the west coast of Canada. With a background in documentary and commercial filmmaking, her style can best be described as intimate, dreamlike and emotional. Her time is spent in between the narrative, documentary, and commercial worlds. 

My art has always been inspired by life itself. I am inspired by the big and small moments- memories, love, heartbreak, grief, lust, depression, nostalgia. There is so much inside of me that is yet to be expressed; sometimes it can take a lot of time and exploration. I read a lot of interviews with artists, and I’ve noticed a common thread; their breakthrough often comes when they realize their inspiration can come from their own lives and experiences. It’s usually when they start to feel the most fulfilled. Sometimes it can happen after a long while of imitating other artists, or doing what they think other people will like. This “philosophy” of drawing inspiration from your own life has followed me along as I’ve created over the years.

Recent projects include AMPLIFY HER (2019, feature documentary, Prime Video) which explores the rise of the feminine in the electronic music world. Cass was the cinematographer for the Amplify Her Universe, documenting female-identifying animators and illustration artists at work creating the comic book series. LIFE AFTER DARK (documentary) explores the stories of suicide survivors across Canada & their story of hope. BIG HEARTS (documentary, Sony Nashville) tells the story of Nashville musician Tenille Townes’ fundraising efforts for a youth shelter in Northern Alberta. Most recently, Cass has captured artists such as The Offspring, Bob Rock, and Matchbox Twenty.

In 2023, Cass was accepted as an affiliate member of the CSC and entered the CSC Field of View Mentorship program.

Above any other occupational title, Cass considers herself a storyteller. Life is fleeting and in the end, our stories and moments will be most treasured.