
Camera
Chris Arata
EN cinema · 41 credits
Also known as Christopher 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.
Known for
Filmography

The Loneliest Road in America
Assistant Camera

Black White and the Greys
Director of Photography

The Out-Laws
"B" Camera Operator

A Jazzman's Blues
"A" Camera Operator

The 24th
"B" Camera Operator, Second Unit Director of Photography

Deported
Camera Operator

Just Mercy
"B" Camera Operator

Saint Judy
Second Unit Director of Photography, Camera Operator

Honor Council
Director of Photography

I'm Not Here
Camera Operator

Unicorn Store
"A" Camera Operator

The Glass Castle
"A" Camera Operator

Lowriders
"A" Camera Operator

Flesh and Sand
Camera Operator

Situational
Director of Photography

Max Steel
Camera Operator, Second Unit Director of Photography

Rock and Roll: The Movie
First Assistant Camera

The Meddler
"A" Camera Operator

Karaoke Man
First Assistant Camera

We Are Your Friends
Camera Operator

Larry Gaye: Renegade Male Flight Attendant
Camera Operator

Helio
First Assistant Director

Land of Leopold
Camera Operator, Second Unit Director of Photography

Presumed Dead in Paradise
Additional Director of Photography

Buttwhistle
"B" Camera Operator

In Your Eyes
First Assistant "B" Camera

I Am Not a Hipster
Camera Operator

Immigrant
Camera Operator

The Final Moments of Karl Brant
"B" Camera Operator

How Sweet It Is
"B" Camera Operator

Short Term 12
"B" Camera Operator

DGK: Parental Advisory
Camera Operator

You, Me & the Circus
Second Assistant Camera

Home Invasion
First Assistant Camera

Dream in American
First Assistant Camera

WTF
Director of Photography

Pretty Tough
"B" Camera Operator

Behind Your Eyes
First Assistant Camera

Locked Away
First Assistant Camera

Heist
Second Assistant Camera

Uncorked
Electrician

