Toby Oliver

Biography

Toby Oliver, ACS, is an accomplished Australian film and television cinematographer celebrated for his striking visual work across a diverse range of genres, particularly horror and thrillers. Born in Australia, Oliver has established a prominent career that spans his native country and international productions, earning him recognition as one of Variety's "10 Cinematographers to Watch" in 2017. He currently resides in Sydney, Australia, after having moved to Los Angeles, California.

Early Life and Career Beginnings:

Oliver's interest in filmmaking was sparked during high school in Melbourne, Australia, where he participated in a "Media Studies" class and made short films. He then attended Swinburne Film School in Melbourne, a program that encouraged students to experience all crew roles. Although the course was primarily for writer-directors, Oliver realized his main interest was in cinematography. After graduating, he worked at a major rental house in Melbourne to gain practical experience before shooting his first feature film, Everynight ... Everynight (1994), a low-budget independent production that premiered at the Venice Film Festival.

Breakthrough and Notable Works:

Oliver's career gained significant momentum with his work on the critically acclaimed horror film Get Out (2017), directed by Jordan Peele. His distinctive cinematography for the film contributed to its widespread success and cultural impact. Following this, he became a sought-after cinematographer for other successful horror titles, including:

• Happy Death Day (2017) and Happy Death Day 2U (2019)
• Insidious: The Last Key (2018)
• Fantasy Island (2020)
• M3GAN (2022)

Beyond horror, Oliver has showcased his versatility in other genres. His credits include the action-comedy Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar (2021), the action-thriller Day Shift (2022) starring Jamie Foxx, and the Mötley Crüe biopic The Dirt (2019). He also received an Australian Film Institute Award for his work on the WWI suspense war drama Beneath Hill 60 (2010).

Television and Future Projects:

Oliver has also made significant contributions to television, including shooting for the second season of the acclaimed black comedy series Dead to Me (2020) and the upcoming limited series Apple Cider Vinegar (2025).

He is slated to return as cinematographer for the highly anticipated sequel M3GAN 2.0, scheduled for release in 2025, further cementing his impactful presence in the genre. Toby Oliver's career is marked by his consistent ability to craft compelling visuals that elevate storytelling, making him a respected figure in the world of cinematography.