meet nicholas
I’m Nicholas Dorsey — a filmmaker and director. I craft authentic stories with evocative visuals. Every frame is designed to move people, stir emotion, and draw audiences in through energy, pacing, and intention.
I am an award-winning commercial and documentary film director/cinematographer known for capturing vivid, authentic stories.
Originally from Northern California, I find constant inspiration in the outdoors, grounding my work in the beauty and complexity of natural landscapes. My love for filmmaking traces back to childhood afternoons spent shooting DIY videos on family trips and wandering the redwoods, realizing that storytelling was my way of making sense of the world. Driven by a deepening interest in documentary storytelling, I moved to New Orleans to study Political Economy at Tulane University. While I was there, I made my debut film, Making Waves, which explored the underground surf culture in Louisiana, marking the beginning of my career-long passion for immersive, character-driven narratives.
Whether directing vérité documentaries or brand campaigns, I push creative boundaries with every project, continually exploring new approaches to filmmaking.
When I’m not making films, you can find me out surfing, taking photos (for fun), or hunting down the best burrito.
UCSF
MSNBC
Rockefeller Foundation
I am Voter
Vans
Slate Airlines
Asics
Trinchero Family Estates
Sempervirens
Meta
Coachella
Asics
Square
Open AI
Apple
Gap
Carhartt
Lululemon
Nike
Every Man Jack
Sony
Camelbak
Orbea
Birdies
Huff
Google
Amazon
TRUSTED BY
THE PROJECT THAT STARTED IT ALL
Making Waves was my first film - and the project that changed everything. What started as a wild idea during my senior year at Tulane became a deep dive into New Orleans’ underground surf scene and a love letter to community, culture, and doing it yourself. Made in partnership with Vans and powered entirely by instinct, this project sparked my career and my commitment to human-centered storytelling.
ARTIST STATEMENT
As a director and cinematographer, I am driven by a deep appreciation for the overlooked moments in everyday life and the raw beauty of the natural world. Drawing from the diverse landscapes of Northern California, I’ve developed a visual language that merges the organic with the cinematic, blending dynamic storytelling with immersive, emotionally resonant imagery.
My work, spanning both commercials and documentary filmmaking, is defined by a fast-paced, inventive editing style that keeps viewers engaged while staying grounded in authenticity. Whether crafting a brand narrative or capturing real-life moments, I aim to evoke emotion through movement, rhythm, and an acute attention to detail.
Beyond creativity, I take an organized and efficient approach to production, ensuring every project - no matter the scale - is executed with precision and clarity. I thrive as a collaborative creative partner, working closely with brands, agencies, and teams to translate ideas into striking, impactful visuals that stand out in an oversaturated landscape.
Ultimately, my goal is to create films that don’t just tell a story but make audiences feel something - drawing them in through energy, beauty, and the power of visual storytelling.
