A Day in the Life at Offbeat Creative: Grant Smucker, Director of Photography

On an Offbeat Creative set, things are always moving, even when it feels calm. Someone is tweaking a light, someone else is adjusting a lens, and small creative decisions are happening constantly. In the middle of all of that is Grant Smucker, Offbeat Creative’s Director of Photography, quietly shaping how every shot will look and feel. Based out of Jersey City, Offbeat Creative produces everything from commercials to branded content and cinematic storytelling, and Grant plays a huge role in giving that work its visual identity.

Grant has been working with Offbeat Creative for nearly three years, shaping the look and feel of countless shoots. As he puts it,

“I’m primarily responsible for all the lighting and the look of the video. I’ll come up with a plan that makes sure the video looks how it should, whether it’s polished, commercial look or more cinematic.”

That balance, between commercial precision and cinematic emotion, is what defines much of Offbeat Creative’s work.

1. The Role of a DP

While the camera may be what people notice, Grant’s job begins long before anyone hits record. He’s thinking through how a scene should feel, how the light should shape a subject, and how each shot supports the story being told.

At Offbeat Creative, that means every commercial, social video, and brand film starts with intention. Grant designs lighting and framing that not only looks great but communicates something deeper, whether it’s trust for a healthcare client or bold energy for a nationwide commercial campaign.

2. Life On Set & On the Road

One of Grant’s favorite parts of the job is travel. Working with Offbeat Creative means shooting across the country, in new cities and new environments.

“Working all over the country is usually fun, seeing new places, experiencing new cultures, different companies and work environments. You learn so much from each one of those.” 

That variety keeps the work fresh and constantly evolving, especially when paired with shooting in fast paced environments like New York City.

3. Big Brands & High-End Commercials

Grant thrives on projects where detail and precision matter. Large-scale commercial productions give him the opportunity to carefully shape each shot, making sure the lighting, composition, and camera movement all work together. Projects like Buffalo Trace’s nationwide broadcast campaigns stand out because they combine strong storytelling with high production value, resulting in work that feels both cinematic and impactful.

4. Advice for Aspiring DPs

Grant believes the best way to grow as a Director of Photography is to study the work of experienced professionals and then apply those lessons in the real world. Watching how top DPs light, frame, and move the camera helps build a visual foundation, but true improvement comes from getting on set and experimenting with those ideas yourself.

He also sees hands-on experience as the most valuable teacher. While he didn’t go to film school, he recognizes that it can be a helpful path for some, especially when it comes to building long-term relationships with other filmmakers. Those connections, combined with consistent on-set experience, can play a major role in shaping a successful career behind the camera.

5. Grant's Take on Offbeat Creative

What truly sets Offbeat Creative apart for Grant is the environment on set.

“Being on set with Offbeat Creative is probably unmatched with my other experiences. Everyone is super friendly, easygoing, and well organized, which makes the whole day run the way it should.”

That balance of professionalism and positivity allows the crew to stay focused while still enjoying the process, something that shows in the final work. From the first lighting setup to the final take, Grant and the Offbeat Creative team work together to create visuals that don’t just look great, but feel right.

---

#VideoContentCreation #ContentCreation #VideoEdits #IndustryTips #Film #OffbeatCreative #DP #Cinematographer