Cinematographer Mayur Patankar transforms visuals for global stars like Snoop Dogg & Billie Eilish

Cinematographer Mayur Patankar’s rise in the film industry is a testament to his passion, resilience, and ability to blend diverse cultural experiences. From his humble beginnings in Bramhapuri, India, to working with global stars like Billie Eilish, Travis Scott, and Snoop Dogg, Mayur has become a significant force in the industry, bringing his unique artistic vision to the world.

One of Mayur’s standout collaborations was with Grammy Award-winning artist Billie Eilish. Known for her distinctive music style and evocative visuals, Eilish has built a reputation for creating music videos that are as much a part of her storytelling as her lyrics. Working on these projects presented a unique challenge for Mayur, as her music videos often push the boundaries of visual storytelling. As a cinematographer, Mayur’s task was to align his style with Eilish’s deep, often surrealistic vision. His work required an acute understanding of lighting, mood, and framing to match the intensity of her music.

In Eilish’s world, visual aesthetics play a crucial role, and Patankar’s expertise in capturing her ethereal and haunting tones through dynamic compositions and creative lighting brought her vision to life. His attention to detail and ability to create an atmosphere that complements her music is evident in the depth and richness of the shots. These projects allowed Mayur to showcase his technical precision and artistic flair while working under the creative pressure of such a high-profile artist.

In contrast, Mayur’s work with hip-hop icon Travis Scott pushed him into a completely different creative space. Known for his larger-than-life concerts and genre-defying music videos, Travis Scott’s projects demanded a bold, energetic visual approach. Mayur’s task was to capture Scott’s intensity, weaving together high-energy performances with stunning visual effects. Through fast-paced editing, dynamic camera movements, and a keen sense of rhythm, Mayur was able to mirror Scott’s unpredictable and immersive style, creating videos that resonated with audiences worldwide.

Similarly, his work with Snoop Dogg, a legend in the hip-hop world, required a fresh approach. Snoop’s laid-back persona and smooth delivery demanded a style that emphasized cool, effortless visuals. Mayur incorporated bold color palettes, innovative camera angles, and a fluid visual flow to match Snoop’s charismatic presence. The result was a series of iconic music videos that solidified Mayur’s reputation as a versatile cinematographer capable of adapting to any artist’s unique vision.

Mayur’s versatility extends beyond music videos. His collaboration with actor Danny Trejo, known for his intense roles in action films, presented an opportunity for Mayur to apply his techniques to a more cinematic format. Working on projects with Trejo allowed him to explore gritty, raw aesthetics, blending powerful imagery with dramatic lighting to craft immersive, narrative-driven visual stories. These projects not only showcased Mayur’s technical prowess but also highlighted his ability to contribute meaningfully to the storytelling process.
These collaborations highlight Mayur’s adaptability and the breadth of his cinematographic expertise. While the artists he worked with differed vastly in their artistic vision—Eilish’s dark, introspective vibe versus Travis Scott’s high-energy performances—Mayur was able to adapt and deliver results that exceeded expectations. His ability to navigate different artistic landscapes is what sets him apart.

As a cinematographer, Mayur believes in pushing creative boundaries and embracing each project as a unique challenge. Whether it’s lighting Billie Eilish for a hauntingly beautiful shot or creating a bold, energetic world for Travis Scott, his ability to blend technical skill with personal creativity sets his work apart.