Cameron Thuman: Crafting Immersive Worlds with Purpose and Emotion

Cameron Thuman’s filmmaking journey began not with a big break or a traditional film school experience, but with raw ambition and a bold initiative. At just 19 years old, he sent hundreds of cold-emails to a long list of Utah-based line producers, having learnt that production companies like A24 often shot locally. "I didn’t know if I was going to get a response," Cameron admits, "but I figured it was worth a shot."

His proactive approach paid off in a big way. Cameron was recruited to work on A24’s Hereditary, the chilling Ari Aster film that would go on to become a critical hit. He was offered the opportunity to shadow line producer Scott Chester as an assistant. This early exposure to one of the most critically acclaimed films of the decade proved invaluable. "On Hereditary the director or producer could work all night, and there'd still be more work to do," he recalls. "You learn the importance of being cool, calm, and collected and the necessity of orchestrating a team.”

Working through every phase of the filmmaking process—from pre-production all the way through to post—Cameron gained an expedited education of the industry. In the summers between school years, he spent over 100 days working on other features and TV shows such as Paramount's Yellowstone. “I learned filmmaking is like attending to 50 fires at once. Great filmmakers are confident in taking care of the biggest ones first while being comfortable letting the other smaller ones grow. It's a constant ebb and flow of problem-solving.”

Cameron’s filmmaking is rooted in a deep love for storytelling. "I love building visually immersive worlds and focusing on striking, character-driven narratives that launch you on a journey," he says. "I always prioritise the story. While there are common stylistic traces across my work and tendencies that blend into each piece, I let the story inform the approach."

This sensitivity to the emotional core of a narrative informs much of his work, whether he’s crafting commercials or larger film projects. His passion for balancing spectacle with raw human emotion is perhaps most evident in ‘Dreaming of a Better Place’—a project that served as both a creative exercise and a deeply personal one.

"It was the first time I used filmmaking as a form of healing," Cameron explains, referencing his father’s battle with blood cancer. The project, which blends documentary-style filmmaking with poetic storytelling, was an attempt to bring beauty and meaning to a family legacy. 

"I felt I could do something that had never been 'seen' or 'felt' in the winter/ski film space," he notes. The result was a visual and emotional journey that not only told a personal story but also captured a broader sense of longing and hope.

Cameron’s creative process is deeply influenced by research—a phase that he views as essential to building the visual language of a piece. "When I first read a script or boards, I naturally see visuals in my head. These visual 'imprints' become the chapters that guide the storyline," he explains. From there, he dives into a period of research, which can include reading articles, browsing visuals, and listening to music.

"It’s about discovering inspiration through tangible, real-life experiences," he adds. "That’s how I find my style for each project." For Cameron, the research phase is a process of unlocking the deeper layers of a story, of connecting the dots between emotion, character, and visual expression.

His detail-oriented research approach is evident in Team Ireland’s 2024 Paris Olympics campaign which Cameron directed for PTSB (Personal and Business Banking). Working with the creative team at Publicis Dublin, this project exemplifies Cameron’s commitment to authentic storytelling.

He took a reserved, elegant approach to telling the stories of the athletes—highlighting not just their physical prowess, but also the emotional and psychological aspects of their journeys. "I am most proud of the performances," he says. "We had intimate and vulnerable beats they had to live in, embody, and act through."

This attention to emotion, character, and performance is at the heart of Cameron’s filmmaking ethos. And it’s not just the visuals that take centre stage—it's the story, always.

One area where Cameron’s innate ability to combine narrative with striking visuals has proven especially effective is automotive advertising. A standout project in his career came with Toyota’s Tacoma Campaign, ‘Hill Run’, a collaboration that involved some creative challenges. "We were shooting in Montreal during the spring 'turn-over' period," Cameron recalls. "The high alpine land had dirty snow. So we had to get creative with our location choices."

Instead of being discouraged, Cameron and his team saw an opportunity to explore new visual possibilities. "When put in a box, you have to become more curious and optimistic," he says. "We kept our eyes open for 'slices' of land that worked for the script." This hands-on, solution-oriented approach reflects Cameron’s commitment to getting the best out of every project, regardless of obstacles.

His efficient collaboration with creatives like Craig Brandon (VP creative director at Saatchi & Saatchi) and Mike DeCandido (VP creative director) on this campaign reinforced his belief in the importance of team chemistry. "My favourite partners are the ones who want to get into the creative trenches," he smiles. 

The result was a campaign that balanced the ruggedness of the Tacoma vehicle with a cinematic visual style that emphasised the beauty of the environment and the journey of the drivers.

An undeniable factor in Cameron’s recent successes is his partnership with Radke, the Canadian production company instrumental in nurturing his growth. "Edie Weiss has been a mentor of sorts," he says of Radke’s founder. "She puts me in the mindset of building a long, deliberate career." This mentorship, paired with the support of the Radke team, has provided Cameron with the resources to take on more ambitious projects while staying true to his creative instincts.

"The Radke team and culture are unmatched," he adds, pointing to the collaborative nature of his work with Dan Ford, Scott Mackenzie, Max Yates, and Julian Weiman. "They’ve been remarkable people to have in my corner."

Looking to the future, Cameron remains focused on honing his craft and building roots in the Canadian market. He has shot in diverse locations across Canada—from the Yukon to Vancouver to Montreal—and is committed to continuing this journey. "I want to stay close to the fire and give my full attention to whatever is in front of me," he says, reflecting on his dedication to the work at hand.

While he's not actively seeking out a specific creative brief, Cameron is eager to explore new forms of filmmaking. Whether it’s a genre he hasn’t tackled yet or an entirely new medium, he’s open to the next challenge. For Cameron, it’s not about seeking novelty for its own sake, but about pushing himself to "do something I have not done before."

When asked what sets him apart as a director, he is thoughtful in his response, reflecting on the work of his peers. "Prior YG winners are the creatives and storytellers who have always been my North Star. It’s incredible to be surrounded by others I admire."

Now a Young Guns 22 award winner himself, Cameron’s career is already marked by an impressive body of work that showcases his vision and skill as a director. With his unique blend of visual artistry, emotional depth, and relentless curiosity, he’s poised to continue making waves in the world of filmmaking. One thing is clear: Cameron Thuman’s journey is one to watch closely.