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Here's a Longer Bio for those interested:

I’ve been pursuing a career in Cinematography for over half my life now.  At age 16, I fell in love with filmmaking and cameras, and like many others I followed my dreams to Hollywood.   It has its ups and downs, but there have been some incredible high points for me over the years, and I’m expecting even better things to come.

I started as a Lighting Tech in high school, and this led me to USC’s School of Cinema-Television and eventually to become a member of the lighting union, Local 728.  I pulled heavy cable and pushed big lights around, all the while learning from other talented Cinematographers.

I kept shooting small projects, developing my personal style and method of Cinematography.  In my mid- to late-twenties (I’m not sure of the exact moment) I transitioned from electrician to DP.  I’ve shot features, commercials, music videos, and corporates.  I get to travel, work with my friends, and make films… it’s awesome!

I’ve shot both film and digital, and have invested a huge amount of time to become an expert in HD and Digital Imaging.  I can talk your ear off about the differences among the various cameras out there, but it’s not really about the camera.  To achieve great Cinematography, the most important elements are composition, art direction, camera movement, and lighting.  I’m here to support the director’s vision for his film, and I’ve mastered the tools available so that I can properly execute my craft.

Every project that I shoot teaches me something new, and in fact, I try something unfamiliar as often as I can.  I believe that bold Cinematography is achieved by putting yourself in a challenging or foreign situation, because then it is your creativity and strengths that shine through. Whether it’s a lack of time or equipment, or trying a new technique, my work is best when I show up to set feeling a little nervous.

Finally, I enjoy being part of the filmmaking community.  I attend events, seminars, and screenings as much as I can, and I’ve made a lot of friends with my colleagues.  I’ve sought out mentors to whom I’m extremely grateful for sharing their advice and experiences.   Freelancing can be very challenging at times, but Cinematography is my passion, and I’m humbled and grateful for the opportunity to be in this business. 

RECENT NEWS:
I spent the summer shooting a few automotive spots for Toyota’s Prius and Matrix and Chevy’s new Silverado Hybrid for director Michael Moretti.  I also shot several music videos for my friend Mark Staubach, most recently a video on the RED One camera for the band Mayday Parade. Curves gym hired me to shoot a series of testimonials for their website, and the music video I shot for tobyMac’s “Boomin’” won a Dove Award for Best Short Form Music Video.  “The Journal”, “Pink Eye”, and “Dandelion Dharma” are out on the festival circuit, and of course you can pick up “The Beat”, “The List”, and “Zerophilia” at Blockbuster and Netflix.

CINEMATOGRAPHERS THAT INSPIRE AND INFLUENCE ME:
Conrad Hall, Roger Deakins, Emmanuel “Chivo” Lubezki, Janusz Kaminski, Newton Thomas Sigel, Matthew Libatique, Mauro Fiore, Allen Daviau, Harris Savides, Vittorio Storaro, Gordon Willis, Robert Richardson, Gregg Toland, Bill Pope, Robert Elswit, Roy H. Wagner, M. David Mullen, Mark Doering-Powell, Michael Barrett, Amy Vincent, Geoff Boyle, Pawel Edelman, Bill Bennett, Daniel Pearl, Ketil Dietrichson, Chris Probst, Bobby Bukowski, and about 1000 others.

 

If you would like to consider me for your upcoming project, please drop me a line:  (323) 394-1132 or GFCine@gmail.com

 

Graham Futerfas is a Los Angeles based Cinematographer and Director of Photography.  He shoots both film and digital and has worked as a DP on features, commercials, music videos, and television. His narrative credits include the feature film The Beat, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, and also The List starring Wayne Brady.  He has shot commercials for clients such as Toyota, Chevrolet, and Nike, and music videos for Godsmack, Tobymac, V Factory, and Dredg, as well as many other artists.  Graham also has experience shooting corporate videos and multi-cam live events.  Active in the filmmaking community, he’s a member of the Cinematographer’s Guild and the Digital Cinema Society, and is always current on new technology and creative trends.

Contact Graham at (323) 394-1132 or GFCine@gmail.com
Demo Reel available here at www.GFuterfas.com