Darren Lew
Biography
Darren Lew is a highly acclaimed American cinematographer known for his visually stunning and innovative work across commercials, music videos, television, and feature films. His distinctive style and technical prowess have made him a sought-after talent in the industry, earning him various awards and collaborations with some of the most respected directors.
Early Life and Education
A native of Los Angeles, Darren Lew moved to New York City to attend New York University, where he studied philosophy. While seemingly an unconventional path to cinematography, Lew himself notes that his philosophical training fostered critical thinking, which he applies to analyzing scripts and commercial treatments. This background in dense, interpretive reading has undoubtedly contributed to his thoughtful and deliberate approach to visual storytelling.
After his studies, Lew gained valuable experience working as an assistant to renowned photographers Annie Leibovitz and Steven Meisel. It was during a trip to Paris that he purchased a Bolex camera, began filming the fashion world, and soon landed his first commercial job with Clinique, marking the start of his prolific career behind the camera.
Career Highlights
Darren Lew's career is characterized by his versatility and his ability to excel in diverse visual media:
Commercials: Lew primarily works in commercials, where he has lensed numerous high-profile campaigns for major brands. His notable advertising credits include Hellmann's Mayo Cat with Kate McKinnon, FTX's "Don't Be Like Larry" with Larry David, Tiffany and Co. featuring Lady Gaga, Apple AirPods Spatial Audio with Harry Styles, Lincoln featuring Matthew McConaughey, and Levi's "Go Forth America." His work in commercials has earned him accolades such as an AICP Show award and a Cannes Gold Lion.
Music Videos: He has a significant portfolio of music videos, contributing to some of the most visually impactful works in recent decades. His credits include David Bowie's "Blackstar," Beyoncé's "Pretty Hurts" (which won an MTV Award for Cinematography), and Miley Cyrus' "Malibu." Collectively, these three videos alone have garnered over one billion views on YouTube.
Television: Lew has made a notable impact in television, particularly through his collaboration with director Cary Joji Fukunaga. He served as the Director of Photography for all 10 episodes of the critically acclaimed Netflix limited series Maniac (2018), starring Emma Stone and Jonah Hill. The show's surreal blend of dark comedy, science fiction, and psychological drama allowed Lew to showcase his ability to craft complex visual narratives. He also worked as the second unit director of photography for Fukunaga's HBO series True Detective (Season One). More recently, he shot all eight episodes of the Netflix comedy Living with Yourself.
Feature Films: In feature films, Lew has taken on significant roles, including serving as the second unit director of photography for Martin Scorsese's The Irishman and Killers of the Flower Moon. Notably, for Killers of the Flower Moon, he filmed the prologue using Scorsese's own 35mm hand-cranked Bell & Howell camera. Other film credits include Jamie Marks Is Dead (2014), which was an official selection at the Sundance Film Festival.
Documentaries and Art Films: His diverse work also includes documentaries, such as Alex Gibney's film about Boris Becker and Nanette Burstein's exploration of Elizabeth Taylor's legacy. He has also shot art films like Alex Prager's Run and Past Forward, a short film directed by David O. Russell commissioned by Prada, both of which have been exhibited in galleries worldwide. His PSA series for The Meth Project, directed by Darren Aronofsky, was on the AICP Show shortlist.
Artistic Philosophy
Darren Lew aims to create projects that endure and provoke thought. He has expressed his objective as making "projects that stand apart, that people will think about for a long time — like The Sopranos and True Detective." He is known for using consistent camera equipment and movement styles, even across vastly different settings within a single project, allowing the performances, costumes, and production design to drive the visual "craziness."
Originally from Los Angeles, Darren Lew now resides in Brooklyn, NY, where he and his wife raised their three children. Outside of his demanding career, he finds time for his hobby of riding and restoring vintage BMW motorcycles. Darren Lew's career is a testament to his versatility, technical skill, and artistic vision, making him a prominent figure in the world of cinematography.
