Filmmaker
NYC, Tokyo, Hong Kong
Chester Law
Based in Tokyo, I am a cinematographer and editor
who previously worked in New York City.
Cinematographer alumnus of
Kyoto Filmmakers Lab by Toei Studios, Shochiku Studios, and the Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF).
My films have screened at various international film festivals, including
Short Shorts Film Festival in Tokyo.
Coming from an international background, I speak English, Japanese, Cantonese, and Mandarin.
With a computer engineering background, I'm always interested in how to use the latest technologies to improve film production. Specifically in the arena of previs, I've found that reviewing camera angle options in the days or weeks ahead of production through 3D models allows for smoother days on set. See below for a video showcase.
Cinematography Reel
Previs Showcase
Portfolio
Before the End
Role: Director of Photography
Director: TJ Kayama/Takumi Matsumoto
Continued collaboration between TJ Kayama and I brought forth "Before the End", a short film that was produced with the Hachioji Short Film Festival.
Shot over 3 days, access to ballrooms and churches elevated the scale of the project.
The Cyclist
Role: Director/Director of Photography/Editor
The unique aspect of this short film is in that the camera is mounted to the titular cyclist's iPhone for the entire 6-minute runtime.
Regardless to whether he's holding the phone or it's on his bike or otherwise, we're looking squarely at the device.
The Kiss
Role: Director of Photography
Director: Haruka Yamakawa
Really enjoyed his opportunity to finally shoot a short film in the 4:3 aspect ratio.
While the story is straightforward, I think the experimental editing style paired well with my style of cinematography.
Pieces of Her Dream
Role: Director of Photography
Director: Cailee Oliver
A near-future sci-fi story from the mind of Cailee Oliver.
A larger scale project that tested the limits of my use of previs technology.
Father and Son
Role: Director of Photography
Director: Ryosuke Sugawara
A Japanese period short film (jidaigeki) shot in Kyoto at Shochiku's soundstages for the Kyoto Filmmakers Lab.
Working with an old-school Japanese lighting team was an interesting experience, both in the communication aspect and seeing their unique methods.
Synthetic Love
Role: Director of Photography
Director: Yoko Higuchi
This short film served as my testbed for previs. Actors' heights were taken during pre-production and put into the 3D computer model, upon which compositions were mulled over and decided. Knowing where to set the camera and at what focal lengths saved the shoot which was wrought with adverse weather conditions.
Dreams of an Everyman
Role: Director/Director of Photography/Editor
Inspired by the films of Terrence Malick, I took a break from my usual tripod style of cinematography and ventured into the handheld realm. Such was the perfect fit with the documentary setting, with the fluid nature of handheld allowing me to be more reactive to what was going on.
Unlike most documentaries that rely on interviews to drive the narrative, "Dreams of an Everyman" uses moments and events, much like a traditional scripted film would.
Screened at the Tokyo Art Tank in Shibuya.
Kohaku
Role: Director of Photography/Editor
Director: TJ Kayama
For this short film, every shot other than the B-roll wides were previs'd. Knowing we had a limited amount of time at each location, deciding during pre-production on the type of coverage we wanted was crucial to the shoot's success.
With faster setup times, more angles and takes were achieved than on non-previsualized projects.
STEALZ PV
Role: Director/Director of Photography/Editor
Client: Tailwalk
Product release promotional video for Tailwalk's STEALZ fishing reel.
Other than the drone shots, shot everything from the on-location boat shots to the the product shots of the reel with a rear LED wall to create interesting reflections and contrasts with the product.
A Colored Capsule
Role: Director of Photography/Editor
Director/Writer: Calvin Keisuke Shimohira
A short film on the pressures of the Japanese education system.
This ended up being the last scripted film I did not do previs on.
Let's connect!
chester@chester.la
