
About
Chris Arata
Overview
Chris Arata is a Los Angeles–based camera operator and cinematographer who has cultivated his craft through a traditional, hands‑on journey in the camera department, beginning his career by advancing from camera assistant to camera operator. In 2020, Arata earned recognition from his peers by being inducted as an active member of the Society of Camera Operators (SOC).
Throughout his career, Arata has worked on a variety of high-profile feature films and television series, contributing as a camera operator to projects including Short Term 12, I Am Not a Hipster, Unicorn Store, This Is Us, Lowriders, Just Mercy, and The Outlaws, among others. His filmography includes operating both A- and B-camera units across genres, from independent dramas to major studio and streaming productions.
In addition to performing camera duties, Arata has distinguished himself as a director of photography, notably helming the visual narrative for the film Black White and the Greys. He has worked under esteemed directors and alongside prominent cinematographers, including Brett Pawlak, Emmanuel Lubezki, Amir Mokri, and Michael Bonvillain.
Arata's body of work spans feature films, episodic television, second-unit photography, commercials, and innovative projects, such as the virtual reality installation Carne y Arena, which received a Special Achievement Academy Award.
Known for
Directing |
||||
2015 | Helio | Directing | First Assistant Director | 58 Average |
Camera |
||||
2023 | The Out-Laws | Camera | "B" Camera Operator | 59 Average |
2023 | Black White and the Greys | Camera | Director of Photography | 58 Average |
2022 | A Jazzman's Blues | Camera | "A" Camera Operator | 62 Fair |
2020 | The 24th | Camera | Second Unit Director of Photography | 58 Average |
2020 | The 24th | Camera | "B" Camera Operator | 58 Average |
2020 | Deported | Camera | Camera Operator | 58 Average |
2019 | Just Mercy | Camera | "B" Camera Operator | 75 Good |
2019 | Saint Judy | Camera | Second Unit Director of Photography | 59 Average |
2019 | Saint Judy | Camera | Camera Operator | 59 Average |
2017 | I'm Not Here | Camera | Camera Operator | 58 Average |
2017 | Unicorn Store | Camera | "A" Camera Operator | 58 Average |
2017 | The Glass Castle | Camera | "A" Camera Operator | 66 Fair |
2017 | Flesh and Sand | Camera | Camera Operator | 58 Average |
2017 | Lowriders | Camera | "A" Camera Operator | 60 Fair |
2017 | Honor Council | Camera | Director of Photography | 58 Average |
2016 | Max Steel | Camera | Second Unit Director of Photography | 57 Average |
2016 | Max Steel | Camera | Camera Operator | 57 Average |
2016 | Karaoke Man | Camera | First Assistant Camera | N/A N/A |
2016 | The Meddler | Camera | "A" Camera Operator | 59 Average |
2016 | Situational | Camera | Director of Photography | 58 Average |
2016 | Rock and Roll: The Movie | Camera | First Assistant Camera | 58 Average |
2015 | We Are Your Friends | Camera | Camera Operator | 66 Fair |
2015 | Larry Gaye: Renegade Male Flight Attendant | Camera | Camera Operator | 57 Average |
2014 | Land of Leopold | Camera | Second Unit Director of Photography | 58 Average |
2014 | Land of Leopold | Camera | Camera Operator | 58 Average |
2014 | Presumed Dead in Paradise | Camera | Additional Director of Photography | 58 Average |
2014 | Buttwhistle | Camera | "B" Camera Operator | 58 Average |
2014 | In Your Eyes | Camera | First Assistant "B" Camera | 66 Fair |
2013 | Immigrant | Camera | Camera Operator | N/A N/A |
2013 | Short Term 12 | Camera | "B" Camera Operator | 72 Good |
2013 | The Final Moments of Karl Brant | Camera | "B" Camera Operator | 58 Average |
2013 | How Sweet It Is | Camera | "B" Camera Operator | 58 Average |
2013 | I Am Not a Hipster | Camera | Camera Operator | 59 Average |
2012 | DGK: Parental Advisory | Camera | Camera Operator | 58 Average |
2012 | Home Invasion | Camera | First Assistant Camera | 58 Average |
2012 | You, Me & the Circus | Camera | Second Assistant Camera | N/A N/A |
2012 | Dream in American | Camera | First Assistant Camera | N/A N/A |
2011 | Behind Your Eyes | Camera | First Assistant Camera | 58 Average |
2011 | WTF | Camera | Director of Photography | N/A N/A |
2010 | Locked Away | Camera | First Assistant Camera | 58 Average |
2010 | Heist | Camera | Second Assistant Camera | 58 Average |
The Loneliest Road in America | Camera | Assistant Camera | N/A N/A |
|
Pretty Tough | Camera | "B" Camera Operator | 58 Average |
|
Lighting |
||||
2009 | Uncorked | Lighting | Electrician | 58 Average |