Sean Coulton. Documentary Filmmaker. Cinematographer. Gaffer. DIT

Sean Coulton is an accomplished Kjipuktuk/Halifax-based queer Canadian documentary filmmaker, cinematographer, Steadicam operator, UAS pilot, gaffer, and DIT. Transitioning from a successful career as a commercial pilot, Sean is a self-taught filmmaker who seamlessly integrates his extensive technical skills and aviation expertise into his aerial cinematography and understanding of meteorology, a unique and powerful assist on both documentary and narrative film sets. He is deeply passionate about the power of storytelling to foster meaningful connections and drive positive change.

Throughout Sean's eight-year journey as a full-time filmmaker, he has covered diverse topics, from profiling Margaret Atwood to exploring AI, Indigenous-led conservation, education, and social issues. He has contributed to seven feature films, including "The White Goddess," honing his skills as a storyteller to raise awareness and empathy for global challenges.His exceptional work has been featured on prominent platforms and broadcast television, including National Geographic, Discovery Channel, CBC, Radio-Canada, TSN, APTN, Amazon, Disney+, and EastLink Community TV.

Driven by a profound passion for storytelling, particularly within the documentary genre, Sean excels in capturing compelling narratives and thrives in the intricate technical specifications of modern cinema and broadcast television with diverse colour deliverables.

Sean’s current projects include a documentary series celebrating influential queer individuals in Canadian society. The initial episode highlights a queer astrophysicist from McGill University known for contributions to understanding the cosmic microwave background (CMB) through the South Pole Telescope project in Antarctica. Through this series, Sean aims to illuminate the accomplishments of underrepresented voices in traditionally cis white-male communities, serving as inspiration for future generations.

He recently wrapped on National Geographic’s (Disney+) series “Hope for Wildlife: The Next Generation” as both second unit director and DoP. This Canadian documentary television series follows the work of Hope Swinimer and her team at the Hope for Wildlife rehabilitation center in Nova Scotia, documenting their efforts to rescue, rehabilitate, and release injured and orphaned wild animals. The show highlights the challenges and successes of wildlife rehabilitation, offering insights into animal rescue, care, environmental conservation, and the dedication required to help wildlife in need. It also emphasizes educational efforts to promote coexistence between humans and wildlife.

Additionally, he is developing a feature documentary in collaboration with CBC, showcasing the development of a Halifax-based wheelchair rugby league. The documentary highlights the powerful stories of its participants and their accomplishments in this unique, full-contact, accessible sport.

If you wish to contact him to inquire about collaborating on a project or you have an idea, event, or wedding that you wish for him to capture for you, please click the 'Contact Us' button below.

Equipment List

A-Cam (Fully ENG Rigged GH6)

• Panasonic Lumix GH6 with up to 5.8K 30p Open-Gate, 5.7K 60p DCI, or 4K 120p DCI in up to ProRes RAW HQ externally or ProRes 422 HQ internally in Panasonic V-Log, ARRI LogC3, HLG, or Rec709

• 4 channels of 24bit 48KHz on-board embedded audio with on-camera Sennheiser ME64/66 Shotgun, Sennheiser XWB Wireless Plug-on, and Rode Wireless Pro dual lav kit with Sennheiser MKE-2 Digital Shielded lav mics and 32bit on-board backup recording

• Metabones CINE T Speedbooster Ultra/XL, with cine modified Sigma 18-35mm and 50-100mm T2 Art Zoom lenses.

• Full Tilta Nucleus Wireless Focus/ND/Zoom controls with remote start/stop and Mirage 3-Stage Mattebox with wireless variable ND

• Timecode Systems UltraSync One wireless, set-wide, continuous-jam timecode network

• On-board wireless Comtek audio monitoring system

• SmallHD 502 Sidefinder Electronic Viewfinder

• Atomos Ninja V with Connect Module for real-time production integration with Frame.io

• DJI SDR Transmission wireless 3km LOS video system with optional handheld iPad Mini 6 director’s monitor or 21” video village monitor

• Standard VCT based shoulder rig with V-Mount power distribution system, Sirui Rapid 75mm Tripod with Manfrotto Nitrotech N12 fluid head and VCT receiver

B-Cam (Studio/Cine Rigged BGH1) - Optional

• Panasonic Lumix BGH1 with up to 4K 50p Open-Gate, 4K 60p DCI in up to ProRes RAW externally or 10bit h.265 internally in Panasonic V-Log-L, HLG, or Rec709

• 2 channels of 24bit 48KHz on-board embedded audio with Rode Wireless Go II dual lav kit with Rode Pro lav mics and 24bit on-board backup recording

• Metabones CINE T Speedbooster Ultra/XL, with cine modified Sigma 18-35mm and 50-100mm T2 Art Zoom lenses.

• Full Tilta Nucleus Wireless Focus/ND/Zoom controls with remote start/stop and Mirage 3-Stage Mattebox with wireless variable ND

• Timecode Systems UltraSync One wireless, set-wide, continuous-jam timecode network

• Atomos Ninja V with Connect Module for real-time production integration with Frame.io

• Long 502PL Manfrotto mounting system with V-Mount power distribution, Ultra-Light carbon tripod with custom modified Manfrotto MVH500AH fluid head and 502PL drop in receiver

Documentary 3-Point Interview Lighting Kit - Optional

• 1 x Aputure 300C full-spectrum, point-source LED fixture, with fresnel lens and barndoors, or 5’ by 1’ strip-softbox with grid

• 3 x Aputure P60C full-spectrum, 1’ by 1’ panel lights, with light modifiers, grids, and V-Mount adapters

• 2 x Aputure B7C full-spectrum “practicals” replacement Edison bulbs

• 1 x Steel Double-Riser Roller Baby Stand

• 2 x Manfrotto Combi-Boom Stands

• 3 x Ultra Compact Carbon Light Stands

Gimbal/SteadiCam Kit - Optional

• Highly-customized Tilta Float stabilizer system with Zhiyun Crane 3S gimbal and Lemo 2pin power distribution system.