Cinematographer Omar Ragab Leads Behind the Lens
To be a truly great cinematographer, one must understand far more than just the complex nuances of camera equipment. It takes hard-earned industry experience, unmistakable natural talent, innate leadership skills, and an almost unhealthy obsession with film and photography. In short, it takes someone like Omar Ragab.
Born in Cairo Egypt, Omar Ragab spent his youth obsessed with the beauty of the natural world. How could he grasp the morning light, or the blossoming of flowers; those fleeting moments that seem to elude capture? His reverence for the present moment, and his desire to preserve it naturally drew Ragab toward the art of photography, and later film.
Though he already had a keen eye and appreciation for light and framing, Ragab had to work his way up in the competitive film industry of Los Angeles after receiving his film degree from UC Santa Cruz. He began as a 1st Assistant Director on an independent film, where his diplomacy skills were quickly put to the test. An abrasive cinematographer made life on set difficult for Ragab and the rest of the crew; however, Ragab took it upon himself to smooth things over with the cinematographer, who would later hire Ragab as his lighting technician and camera assistant.
That fateful encounter provided Ragab with not only an opportunity to get into the camera department, but also with the opportunity to resolve conflict and lead effectively. These skills, which he was able to develop and express since the beginning of his career, would prove invaluable later on.
After working in almost every camera crew position imaginable, from PA to camera operator, Ragab had this to say: “I understand what it takes to achieve a shot, from the perspective of every single department head and crew member, as well as how to communicate my vision to the incredibly hard working, talented crew members that bring imagination to life!”
Recently, Ragab had the opportunity to work on a Calvin Klein PgLang campaign as a camera assistant. The crew had to shoot seven commercials in just three days, with a variety of complex sets, culminating in a boat chase with two camera units aboard two separate vessels. Ragab and his team had to solve a variety of challenges to adequately capture these shots given the short time period, but the results are simply stunning.
Lucas Dean, the 1st AC on set for the Calvin Klein PgLang shoot, was impressed by Ragab’s skillset, as well as his good vibes on set. “Omar’s passion for the craft in general is what makes him truly unique to any other individual I have come across,” said Dean. “He cares so much for not only the work we do, but for the quality and morale of how we do it.”
Not long after his stellar work on the Calvin Klein PgLang campaign, Omar Ragab was hired as a camera operator and 2nd unit Director of Photography for “Hype House,” a reality TV show centered around a group of social media content creators who live and work together in a Los Angeles “content house.’
With a cast of 20 social media influencers, you can imagine how hard it was to coordinate schedules and get the right people on set together. Ragab and his team had to get creative and work efficiently to maximize their time on set in order to capture all of the necessary footage.
“Omar always does his best to ensure there is a positive work environment, and is patient and caring to those who need guidance,” said Ryan Purugganan, Camera Operator on the set of “Hype House.” “He is brilliant at keeping morale high, and he is very easy to approach.”
“Hype House” is slated to release on Netflix in 2022, and is sure to be an interesting and engaging look into the lives of these 17–22 year old influencers in California, as well as a superb demonstration of the talent involved in its production, including Ragab’s immense contributions.
Ragab has paid his dues in the camera department, and now, as a cinematographer (also commonly referred to as “Director of Photography,” or “DP”) he excels at crafting visual languages that convey the story in accordance to the subject matter, style, and tone of the project and its director’s vision. On a film set, the cinematographer is also responsible for managing camera, lighting, and grip (rigging and camera support) departments. It takes a village to produce a film, and it takes a level-headed leader to organize that village on set.
With such a wealth of experience under his belt, there is no doubt that Omar Ragab is poised for a stellar career as a Hollywood cinematographer. Having a strong leader behind the lens is critical for the success of any film, and any production that Ragab is involved with is sure to be efficiently and tastefully captured.
