Meet Christy Chen

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Christy Chen. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Christy, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

My work ethic comes from a mix of how I was raised and the kind of work I do. My parents taught me early on to take responsibility for my actions — to admit mistakes without feeling embarrassed, and to see them as chances to grow. I was also raised to be dependable, even in the smallest things — to pay attention, follow through, and not overlook any details.

Working in film reinforced all of that. On set, every small task matters, and everyone depends on each other. I’ve learned to take pride in the process — staying focused, prepared, and doing things the right way, even when it’s hard. That mix of accountability, care, and collaboration has really shaped how I approach my work and the people I work with.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m a cinematographer who loves visual storytelling that feels raw, emotional, and textured. What excites me most about what I do is the collaboration — translating someone’s vision into something tangible through light, movement, and rhythm. Every project is different, and that constant process of problem-solving and discovery keeps me inspired.

I believe good cinematography isn’t about flashy shots or complex setups — it’s about storytelling. Sometimes the simplest composition or most standard lighting setup can be the most powerful, if it serves the story. The best cinematography brings you closer to the characters and their emotions; it pulls you deeper into the world rather than reminding you that you’re watching a movie.

Besides my work as a cinematographer, I also enjoy working as a camera operator and assistant camera. I love supporting other DPs and helping them bring their visions to life — that’s a huge part of what keeps me grounded. I also work at DFI Rentals as a rental technician, which continues to strengthen my technical knowledge and my ability to troubleshoot and anticipate what a production might need. For me, all of these roles connect through the same idea: supporting people.

Whether I’m working as a DP, an AC, or a rental tech, I see filmmaking as a team effort. I like to say that I work with people, not that they work for me. That spirit of collaboration — being adaptable, dependable, and open to learning from others — is what I love most about what I do.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Dependability matters so much in film — people remember when you show up prepared, stay calm under pressure, and follow through on your word. This industry is built on helping each other out, and I try to carry that mindset with me. If I’m not completely exhausted, I’ll always hop onto a friend’s project, even if it’s unpaid or a role I don’t usually do. It’s a way to support others and stay connected, and those relationships often come back around when you need a hand too. My advice is to take pride in the small things: being on time, keeping your gear organized, checking in with others. Those habits form the foundation of professionalism and community.

Adaptability has also been key. Every set, every director, every project is different, and things rarely go exactly as planned. Learning to stay flexible — to adjust your creative instincts to what the story or team needs — makes you a stronger collaborator. I’d tell anyone starting out to stay open to trying different roles and ways of working. You’ll learn so much more that way.

And finally, curiosity — never stop learning. Whether it’s testing a new piece of gear, watching how light behaves at different times of day, or asking questions on set, curiosity keeps you growing. The moment you think you already know enough, you stop improving. Stay curious, stay humble, and keep showing up — that’s what sustains you in this industry.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

Lately, one of the biggest obstacles I’ve been facing is confidence — learning to fully trust my own instincts and the work I do. In this industry, you’re constantly surrounded by talented people, and it’s easy to compare yourself or overthink whether your work is “good enough.” I’ve realized that kind of self-doubt can hold you back more than any external challenge.

I’m trying to overcome it by focusing on the process rather than perfection. Every project, no matter how small, teaches me something — about storytelling, collaboration, or even myself. When I start to feel unsure, I remind myself that everyone’s learning, and that growth doesn’t happen without taking risks or making mistakes.

I’m also learning to lean on the community around me. Talking openly with other filmmakers, supporting each other’s work, and celebrating small wins really helps. Confidence isn’t something that appears overnight; it builds slowly through experience, consistency, and kindness toward yourself.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @christyc0207

Image Credits

BTS Photographer: Kevin Yi