Van Brummelen graduated from the Vrije Academie in The Hague, where he mainly attended workshops by filmmaker Frans Zwartjes.
Since the mid-1980s, he has been involved as a cameraman in several short films. He has also participated in several film and television lighting projects. In 1988, he was a gaffer in Peter Greenaway’s film Conspiracy of Women. Later, van Brummelen became chief cameraman for several Greenaway productions. Another director with whom he has worked several times is Ben Sombogaart. He is know for his artistic view and technical knowledge. You could call him a extended cinematographer.
Nominations: Golden Calf for Best Long Documentary, Golden Calf for Best Camera, Award for Best Technical Contribution