Romain Lacourbas

Biography

atmospheric depth to both film and television. Born in France, Lacourbas developed a passion for visual storytelling early in life and pursued formal education in cinematography at the prestigious École nationale supérieure Louis-Lumière in Paris, one of Europe’s leading film schools.

Career Beginnings

Lacourbas began his career working as a camera assistant and lighting technician, gaining valuable hands-on experience that shaped his understanding of lighting and composition. His early work included French commercials and short films, where he honed his craft and caught the attention of notable directors.

Breakthrough and Notable Works

Romain Lacourbas gained widespread recognition for his work on The Crimson Rivers: Angels of the Apocalypse (2004), which showcased his moody, stylized visuals. His international breakthrough came with the gritty French action thriller Taken 2 (2012), where his kinetic camerawork and precise framing stood out.

In 2014, he earned critical acclaim for his cinematography in The Hundred-Foot Journey, directed by Lasse Hallström and produced by Steven Spielberg and Oprah Winfrey. The film’s vibrant color palette and immersive visuals highlighted Lacourbas’s ability to enhance narrative through imagery.

He received a César Award nomination for his work on Renegades (2017), an action-adventure film set largely underwater, which posed unique cinematographic challenges that he met with technical expertise and creative flair.

Collaboration with Netflix and Global Reach

Lacourbas's talents extended to the small screen as well. He was the director of photography for Netflix’s historical epic series Marco Polo (2014–2016). His work on the series, especially in capturing sweeping landscapes and intricate battle sequences, was praised for its cinematic quality, bringing a filmic sensibility to serialized storytelling.