Duncan Cowles
Freelance Self-Shooting PD & Documentary Filmmaker
Hello. I’m Duncan, a self-shooting documentary filmmaker, director, and editor based in Edinburgh, Scotland. I specialise in filmed interviews, observational documentary, and human-driven storytelling, working across TV, branded films, and commissioned documentaries.
With 15+ years of experience, I’ve worked with broadcasters, charities, production companies, agencies, and global brands, including BBC, Channel 4, STV, HBO, ARTE, Adobe, TED, Guardian Labs, Maggie’s, Macmillan Cancer Care and many others… (see below)
With a BAFTA Scotland Award and a Royal Television Society Award, I bring a distinctive but adaptable filmmaking style to each project, whether it’s an in-depth filmed interview, an observational documentary, or an engaging branded story.
Beyond freelance commissions, I also direct and produce my own independent documentary projects, including my feature documentary Silent Men, which premiered at Sheffield Doc/Fest and was released theatrically in the UK in November of 2024. A film about male vulnerability with more awkward silences than action scenes, it reflects the same commitment I bring to all my work, making things feel authentic, engaging, and human.
This website is for client work, but if you’re more interested in my personal documentary work, festival films, and occasional existential crises on camera, you can find those over at duncancowles.com.
Clients & Experience
I’ve worked with a range of broadcasters, brands, and organisations.
✔ Broadcasters – BBC, Channel 4, STV, ARTE, HBO
✔ Corporate & Branded Films – Adobe, Guardian, TED, Maggie’s, Macmillan Cancer, National Galleries of Scotland, NHS, The European Commission, The Scottish Government, East Lothian Council, Edinburgh Zoo, Jura Whisky, Pernod Ricard, The Royal Academy of Engineering, Mahindra Racing, Team Sky, Business Insider
✔ Digital & Online Content – Little Dot Studios, Future Studios, Industria Studios, Studio Something
✔ Film Festivals – BFI London Film Festival, Edinburgh International Film Festival, Sheffield Doc/Fest, Tribeca Festival
✔ Awards – BAFTA Scotland Award, Royal Television Society (RTS) Award.
What I Do
🎥 Self-Shooting PD / Director – Directing & filming across documentary, branded content, and independent filmmaking.
📹 Camera Operator – Available for broadcast, digital, and corporate projects, with my own professional kit.
🎬 Documentary Filmmaking – Award-winning experience in festival, TV, and online documentaries.
🖥 Editing & Post-Production – Crafting engaging stories in the edit, or salvaging the unsalvageable.
🌍 Available for Travel – Based in Edinburgh, but will travel for a good story (or if asked nicely).
Equipment & Crew
I shoot with my own high-end cameras, lighting, and sound equipment, meaning no rental faff and fewer logistical headaches.
🎥 Cameras – Sony FX6 (Netflix-approved), Sony FX3, Sony A7RIII (for stills).
🔍 Lenses – A wide range of zooms and primes for all situations.
💡 Lighting – Aputure 600X & professional lighting setup.
🎤 Sound – Sennheiser Lapel/radio mics, MKH 416 directional mics, and full professional audio kit.
📜 Teleprompters – Available for scripted content & interviews.
For larger productions, I regularly collaborate with trusted local cinematographers, sound recordists, and editors, so the right crew can be brought in as needed.
Why Work With Me?
✅ BAFTA Scotland & Royal Television Society Award-winning filmmaker.
✅ More affordable than hiring a larger production company – get high-end filmmaking without unnecessary overheads.
✅ 15+ years of experience in self-shooting documentary filmmaking.
✅ A distinctive storytelling approach balancing emotion, honesty, and if appropriate… humour.
✅ Full production capabilities – directing, shooting, and editing.
✅ Own professional kit – reducing rental costs and making production smoother.
✅ Reliable, efficient, and, in some cases… even enjoyable to work with.
GET IN TOUCH
If you need a self-shooting documentary filmmaker in Edinburgh, let’s chat. Whether it’s a TV doc, branded content, or something a bit different, I’m happy to discuss.
Edinburgh Filmmaker 