
Chris Arata
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.
Credits
Newest first
Wonder Man"A" Camera Operator2026
A Man in Full"B" Camera Operator2024
The Out-Laws"B" Camera Operator2023
Black White and the GreysDirector of Photography2023
A Jazzman's Blues"A" Camera Operator2022
The First Lady"B" Camera Operator2022
NEXT"B" Camera Operator2020
NEXTSecond Unit Director of Photography2020
The 24th"B" Camera Operator2020
The 24thSecond Unit Director of Photography2020
DeportedCamera Operator2020
Just Mercy"B" Camera Operator2019
Dolly Parton's Heartstrings"B" Camera Operator2019
The Curious Creations of Christine McConnell"B" Camera Operator2018
Saint JudySecond Unit Director of Photography2018
Saint JudyCamera Operator2018
Mysteries & ScandalsCamera Operator2018
I'm Not HereCamera Operator2017
Unicorn Store"A" Camera Operator2017
The Glass Castle"A" Camera Operator2017
Flesh and SandCamera Operator2017
Lowriders"A" Camera Operator2017
Honor CouncilDirector of Photography2017
Max SteelCamera Operator2016
Max SteelSecond Unit Director of Photography2016
This Is UsCamera Operator2016
Karaoke ManFirst Assistant Camera2016
The Meddler"A" Camera Operator2016
SituationalDirector of Photography2016
Rock and Roll: The MovieFirst Assistant Camera2016
We Are Your FriendsCamera Operator2015
Larry Gaye: Renegade Male Flight AttendantCamera Operator2015
HelioFirst Assistant Director2015
Legends"C" Camera Operator2014
Land of LeopoldCamera Operator2014
Land of LeopoldSecond Unit Director of Photography2014
Presumed Dead in ParadiseAdditional Director of Photography2014
Buttwhistle"B" Camera Operator2014
In Your EyesFirst Assistant "B" Camera2014
ImmigrantCamera Operator2013
Short Term 12"B" Camera Operator2013
The Final Moments of Karl Brant"B" Camera Operator2013
How Sweet It Is"B" Camera Operator2013
I Am Not a HipsterCamera Operator2013
DGK: Parental AdvisoryCamera Operator2012
Home InvasionFirst Assistant Camera2012
You, Me & the CircusSecond Assistant Camera2012
Dream in AmericanFirst Assistant Camera2012
Behind Your EyesFirst Assistant Camera2011
WTFDirector of Photography2011
Pretty Tough"B" Camera Operator2011
Locked AwayFirst Assistant Camera2010
HeistSecond Assistant Camera2010
UncorkedElectrician2009
The Loneliest Road in AmericaAssistant Camera—