FAQ
Can you help me choose the right type of video for my project?
Yes. During an initial call I will ask about your objectives, audience, budget, and timeline, and recommend the format that best fits your goals — whether that is an executive interview, a conference highlight, a product testimonial, a corporate film, or something else. If the brief changes after we speak, the recommendation changes with it. There is no obligation to proceed after the consultation.
Where do you shoot?
I am based in Rome, Italy and shoot regularly in Lisbon, Porto, Milan, and other European cities. I also travel internationally — recent projects have taken me to San Diego, New York, Mexico City and Astana. If your shoot is in a city not listed here, contact me and I will tell you directly whether I can cover it and what the logistics look like.
Who will actually be on set?
I will. I am the cinematographer, director, and editor on every project Haikai Media delivers. On larger shoots — multi-camera conferences, events with complex audio requirements — I bring a local sound recordist or a second camera operator. Those collaborators are hired per shoot. I remain the author of the work and your single point of contact throughout.
What equipment do you use?
My primary camera is a RED Komodo 6K, paired with Zeiss Standard Speed Prime lenses — 16mm, 24mm, 32mm, 50mm, and 85mm. For audio I use a Sennheiser MKH-416 shotgun and Sanken COS-11 lavalier microphones. I own a full professional lighting package and travel with it when the shoot requires it. Full gear details are on the equipment page at theosolnik.com/gear.
How long does it take to deliver the finished video?
For a single-day corporate shoot — one or two interview subjects, standard conference coverage, or a product testimonial — first cuts are available within 24 to 48 hours. After your feedback, the final corrected video is delivered within 24 hours. More complex productions with multiple shoot days, motion graphics, or original music are scoped individually, with a delivery timeline agreed in writing before the shoot.
I know exactly how my video should look. Can you just shoot and edit to my brief?
Yes. If you have a detailed brief, a shot list, or reference footage, send it before we speak and I will tell you whether it is achievable with the available time and budget. I am comfortable working to a precise creative brief or to a loose one — the consultation call is where we establish which applies.
Do you handle locations, permits, and logistics?
I handle the camera, lighting, and audio. For locations that require permits — public spaces, government buildings, certain private venues — I advise on what is needed and can coordinate with a local fixer or production coordinator where required. For shoots in Rome I manage permits directly. For other cities I will tell you at the briefing stage what logistics support is needed and who handles it.
Do you provide VIP photography and videography for executives and public figures?
Yes, through Protocol Portraits. I have served as official photographer for the State Visit of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands to Portugal, documented the visit of Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg to Lisbon, covered a trade delegation from the State of New Jersey led by Governor Phil Murphy, and worked as director of photography on Swedish National Television's portrait of Nobel Physics laureate Giorgio Parisi.
VIP assignments are handled with a discreet workflow, minimal on-set footprint, and press-ready delivery. I am experienced working with dynamic schedules, last-minute changes, and protocol-sensitive environments. All enquiries for VIP work are handled directly and confidentially through the contact form.
Do you shoot outside Europe?
Yes. Recent international shoots include San Diego, New York, and Mexico City. I hold Italian and Brazilian nationality and a U.S. O-1B visa, which simplifies entry for U.S.-based assignments. I speak seven languages — Portuguese, English, German, Italian, Spanish, French, and Norwegian — which removes the language barrier on most international shoots.
How do I get a quote?
Use the contact form and describe your project briefly — what you need to shoot, where, when, and how many finished videos you expect. I respond within one business day with either a quote or a set of clarifying questions. There is no standard rate card because every project is different, but I will give you a clear number before any work begins.
