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Josh Nagel Productions

About

Trust comes before the camera.

I'm a director and cinematographer based in Toledo, Ohio. I make commercial, documentary and sports films for brands, agencies and networks — sometimes leading the whole production, sometimes as the DP inside someone else's crew.

Josh Nagel operating a Sony cinema camera and monitor at a racetrack at golden hour, backlit by the sun.

Background

From 2012 to 2020, I worked at Charles Boyk Law Offices, where my work grew from graphic design into photography, filmmaking, and legal marketing. I interviewed injured clients and families, helped tell the stories behind Bikes for Kids, and made films that showed how people's lives had changed. That experience taught me how much a good interview depends on listening. It still shapes how I approach documentary and commercial work today.

I took Josh Nagel Productions full time in 2020. I lead projects from the first conversation through final delivery — building the right crew and finding the story worth telling. I work with companies close to home and on national assignments, and I like keeping both in the mix.

How I work

I direct and shoot commercial and branded documentary work from the first conversation through delivery. That means treatments and casting up front, production days that run on time, and an edit that actually says what we set out to say.

National campaign or a lean shoot that needs to move fast — the approach stays the same. I show up prepared, keep the set calm, and cut something worth watching.

Operating a cinema camera inside a helicopter during the Dewesoft conference production.

“Josh is one of the most passionate, empathetic, and meticulous people I’ve ever met. He has an impeccable vision for storytelling and capturing raw, beautiful moments.”

— Emily U., Client

Selected credits

My work has included productions for Netflix's Full Swing (Producer), Sony Music Entertainment, Applebee's, the USGA, The Wall Street Journal / Campbell's (Director of Photography), Blanton's, LAUV, Pentatonix, Dewesoft (Director of Photography), and more — plus Director of Photography on a production for NBC Sports. It has also been featured on ESPN, and I've worked as a contractor directly for TNT Sports and DAZN, including as camera operator for a Cleveland Cavaliers media day. My long-form work includes the feature-length documentaries ONE and H.O.O.V.E.S.: Healing Our Veterans.

My work also includes video production for U.S. EPA projects through Jacobs, including Great Lakes Restoration Initiative outreach, Toledo public-meeting coverage, and Otter Creek restoration films.

Production partners include JPA Creative, The Jakes Group, and BVK.

I’m based in the Toledo area and enjoy working with companies close to home. That includes Sylvania, the rest of Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan, alongside national and international assignments.

See the full record →

Community

Josh serves on FilmToledo's Advisory Council, supporting the growth of film production and creative opportunity across Northwest Ohio.

Press & Recognition

In the news

Voted Best Cinematographer/Videographer in the Toledo City Paper’s Best of Toledo in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019. After four consecutive years, he stepped back from the accolades to focus on national work and avoid being positioned only as a local filmmaker.