Claire was born in Aberdeen Scotland and was raised there for 6 years before making the move to Dubai UAE with her parents. She was coached in the art of photography and video by her Grandfather on nature trails and family holidays.
Claire got her first SLR Camera from her father in 1998 and began shooting 35mm stills for The English College Dubai news paper at sports events and special occasions.
Teaching herself 3D design software she learned how to create and build objects in 3D, creating short animations and editing them together into video clips.
On leaving school she joined the SAE institute in Dubai and purchased an HD Video Camera and DSLR. Exceeding at all aspects of Video and Editing it was not long before she began working on small projects and delivering paid work to happy clients.
With SAE behind her and qualifications under her belt she was recruited by a Dubai Production company. Flicker Show Productions L.L.C challenged her to Produce, Script, Shoot, Edit and Deliver full HD projects to high level clients. Claire learned how to work on Film Sets, Lighting Techniques, 4K Shooting and Editing using RED Cameras.
While with the company she was the DOP for a film that would play at the opening of the Burj Khalifa Tower, was the official photographer for The Dubai Shopping Festivals and filmed multiple TVCs and Corporate videos.
Claire gained a positive image within the industry and developed many good relationships with suppliers and clients. Through working hard and saving she was able to build up a collection of high quality equipment including the memorable 5D Mk2 DSLR.
In 2012, Claire decided to leave Flicker Show Productions and began her Freelance career. In partnership with her father, The McHardy Group L.L.C was born followed by ClaireMcHardy.com
Claire McHardy.com was a way for Claire to become independent. She maintained a philosophy of providing the best work possible with competitive pricing. Claire worked with The British Council, French Council, Arabian Notions, Belhasa Group, Action Filmz, Coca Cola, VW, Dejavu and many more companies. Working as a DIT and Camera Asst Claire became skilled in the use of ARRI ALEXA and RED Epic Digital Film Cameras. Claire began to film projects on these high end Cinema cameras.
With the workload increasing Claire required help handling larger projects teaming up with producer Marianne Gladwin.
Marianne Gladwin was able to handle the ever increasing Production challenges within the company. Since forming the alliance, Marianne and Claire have been able to work on some fantastic projects. The combination of our many years of experience produced the kind of work Claire had been striving to achieve.
Claire has worked on Master Chef Arabia. Filmed and Photographed multiple Royal weddings. Created content for Abu Dhabi University, Diners Club Card, Cavali Club, Maserati, Ferrari, Baker Hughes, UM Mena, VICE ARABIA and Coca-Cola. Using Multi Cam technology her team created a live video recording during the opening of The Galleria Shopping Mall in Abu Dhabi and much more.
Claire purchased multiple Canon C100 Cameras to handle the bulk of her filming needs, filmed beautiful slow motion footage with the Sony FS7 and completed shoots using the Red Epic and ALEXA cameras. With new and exciting equipment being used and purchased daily including the world renowned Canon C300 Mk2 Camera.
The future looks bright and full of challenges but through working with the right talent and clients Claire hopes to achieve bigger and better things. Every day she works with extremely high work ethics towards becoming a master DOP within the MENA Region.
In Summary, Claire is excited to expand her creative horizons and take on new challenges in the world of filmmaking and documentary video capture and looks forward to working with new creative individuals to produce quality content for the ever changing online landscape.
