ABOUT ME
Marie-Joëlle “MJ” Rizk
MJ Rizk is a seasoned Director of Photography and Camera Operator based in Chicago, IL, with over 30 years of experience in the industry. She is renowned for her sharp eye for captivating visuals, her talent for compelling storytelling, and her deep passion for the craft, bringing a wealth of expertise to every project. While she primarily promotes herself as a DP and Camera Operator, MJ also has a strong background in editing. This unique dual expertise allows her to approach each project with a comprehensive understanding of both the visual and narrative needs, from initial shoot to final cut.
Whether behind the lens or in the editing process, MJ believes that her experience as an editor makes her a more precise and creative shooter, while her cinematographic perspective enhances her ability to craft dynamic, engaging content during post-production.
Born and raised in Beirut, Lebanon, MJ is trilingual and has a distinctive view of the world and a deep respect for cultural diversity. Her upbringing in a region rich in history and complexity has profoundly influenced her approach to storytelling, fostering an understanding of different perspectives and the importance of representation.
Over the course of her decades-long career, MJ has honed her skills in stunning composition and lighting, always striving to create visuals that not only capture attention but also elevate the narrative—ensuring that every frame feels both purposeful and beautiful. MJ’s vast body of work spans across a wide range of genres, including reality TV, docu-series, and documentaries as well as corporate content and brand videos.
Above all, MJ has the utmost respect for the talent in front of her lens—whether celebrities or everyday people. Understanding that being on camera can make subjects feel vulnerable, she always strives to not only make them look their best, but also create an environment where they feel comfortable, respected, and empowered. She also deeply values her fellow crew members, recognizing that collaboration and mutual respect are key to bringing any project to life.
EQUIPMENT
CAMERA PACKAGES
CAMERA PACKAGES
CAMERAS:
Sony FX9 package
With shoulder mount, on-board shotgun mic etc.
Kit lens: Sony 28-135mm
E to EF adapter
Sony FX3 package
Includes kit handle, on-board mic,
2xE to EF mounts with and without ND
5” monitor
9 batteries and 3 chargers
Sony Fs7 mark ii package
With extension unit, shoulder mount, on-board mic etc.
Kit lens: Sony 18-110mm
Metabones speed booster
LENSES
CAMERA PACKAGES
SONY:
70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS ii
24-70mm f/2.8 GM ii
16-35mm f/2.8 GM ii
28-135mm f/4 FF ENG lens
18-110mm f/4 ENG lens
CANON:
50mm f/1.2 prime
11-24mm f/4L USM
SUPPORT
Sachtler video 18 tripod with VCT plate
Sachtler fsb6 tripod
Manfroto with VCT plate
Monopod
Dana Dolly with tracks and stands
36” motorized slider
DJI Ronin 3 Pro gimbal
3 suction car mount for FX3
LIGHTS
MISCELLANEOUS
· 1 Nanlite Forza 300B
· 2 Apertures 60x
· 2 Amarans 200
· Aperture Amaran Spotlight 36° with gobos
· 36” softbox Bowen mount with grid
· 33.5” lantern Bowen mount with skirt
· 2 x 23” Aperture Amaran mini softboxes with grids
· 1 Intellytech mega light cloth with softbox
· 3 1x1 Litepanel Astras
(1 soft, 1 6x and 1 regular)
With 2 chimeras
· 4 x 4ft Nanlite Pavotubes 30x
· 1 – 10” Nanlite Pavotube 6x
· 3x1 Quasar kit (includes 3 tube lights: 1-24”, 1-12”, 1-7”)
· Arri kit including: 1x650W, 1x300W, 2x150W
· Litepanel Caliber 3 light kit (daylight balanced Fresnel lights)
· Godox s30 with projection attachment and Gobo patterns
· Godox 150W
· GVM RGB Led light kit with 2 light panels
GRIP
MISCELLANEOUS
MISCELLANEOUS
STANDS:
5 Arri stands
4 Matthews 40” C-stands
1 Savage 40” C-stand (with additional junior receiver at base)
1 combo boom stand
2 x 86” boom arms
40” x40” Matthews flag kit
Includes: 1 silk, 1 flag, 1 floppy top hinge, 1 bounce flopppy
24”x36” road rags kit
2 apple box sets
12 sand bags
Stingers
Duvatyne
Green screen with stands
Grip/electric kit (including power strips, cube taps, ground lifts, gaff and paper tape, 4 Cartellinis, several Mafers, 3 additional gobo heads, spring clamps etc.)
MISCELLANEOUS
MISCELLANEOUS
MISCELLANEOUS
WIRELESS VIDEO:
1 Terradek Servpro
1 Accsoon
3 Ipads
GOPRO KIT
Includes 3 GoPro9s
Large variety of mounts, accessories, batteries and media
Osmo pocket
Came-TV 17.3” field monitor
BATTERIES:
8 Anton Bauer gold mount 90 batteries
4 Anton Bauer gold mount 150 batteries
2 gold mount quad chargers
MEDIA:
12 XQD cards 120GB each
4 Tough CFexpress Type A memory cards (2 x160GB and 2x80GB)
2 XQD card readers, 1 CFexpress card reader
INTERVIEWS
