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.

Crew

Black White and the Greys
Director of Photography
Just Mercy
"B" Camera Operator
I Am Not a Hipster
Camera Operator
Honor Council
Director of Photography
Situational
Director of Photography
WTF
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
Saint Judy
Second Unit Director of Photography, Camera Operator
I'm Not Here
Camera Operator
Unicorn Store
"A" Camera Operator
The Glass Castle
"A" Camera Operator
Max Steel
Camera Operator, Second Unit Director of Photography
Lowriders
"A" Camera Operator
Flesh and Sand
Camera Operator
Rock and Roll: The Movie
First Assistant Camera
The Meddler
"A" Camera Operator
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
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
Karaoke Man
First Assistant Camera
DGK: Parental Advisory
Camera Operator
You, Me & the Circus
Second Assistant Camera
Home Invasion
First Assistant Camera
Dream in American
First Assistant Camera
Pretty Tough
"B" Camera Operator
Behind Your Eyes
First Assistant Camera
The Loneliest Road in America
Assistant Camera
Locked Away
First Assistant Camera
Heist
Second Assistant Camera
Uncorked
Electrician