David Darby, ASC, is a cinematographer based in Los Angeles, California. His love for photography began with a passion for black and white photojournalism at age 12. While studying Advanced Photojournalism at the Rochester Institute of Technology, an introductory class to film production bumped him in that direction and a full-time position opened-up within Eastman Kodak Company’s in-house Motion Picture Production Department. There, he learned film making from the ground up; everything from editing and cinematography to conforming A and B rolls for finished films. His first solo effort as a Director/Cameraman on a documentary film won the 1977 New York State Craftsmen International Film Festival and was aired nationally by PBS in February, 1977.
After his time spent in Public Television as a Director/Cameraman, Darby decided to return home to Los Angeles. Securing a position at National Geographic Society Specials was the goal, working as a documentary cameraman. The days of the 60-minute National Geographic special were drawing to a close however, and he was advised to try the impossible and unlikely; switching from documentaries to commercials and long form. The transition was the professional trial of a lifetime, but eventually he succeeded. Since 1985, Darby has been shooting commercials non-stop around the world with many of the most accomplished and celebrated directors ever to take on the genre. In addition to national and international commercials, Darby photographed the independent feature “True Rights” in 1999, and the feature short “Far Sighted” in 2009.
Commercial Directors:
Ken Arlidge, ACS Ray Dillman Michael Bay Erich Joiner Michael Downing Robert Lieberman Rob Legato
James Bryce Traktor Steve Beck Adrian Moat Clay Staub Theresa Wingert Eric Saarinen, ASC
Jonathan David Efrain Montanez Jan DeBont, ASC Bob Giraldi Jesse Dylan David Cornell Marc Chiat
John St Clair Nick Piper Willie Patterson Michael Grasso Jim Sonzero Stan Schofield Anthony Hoffman
Gary Johns Bill Butler, ASC Henry Sandbank David Wild Rick Levine Brent Thomas Paul Dektor
Commercial Production Companies:
| RSA | Tool | Sticks & Stones | MJZ | Untitled | Believe Media | Go Film |
| Harvest | Gartner | Trio Films | Directorz | Flying Tiger | Rhythm & Hues | Mob Scene |
| Partners | Revolution Pictures | HSI | Crossroads | Ant Farm | Roaring Tiger | Detour |
| Spine | Milagro | Tuesday Films | Big Lawn | A-List | Reactor | King & Country |
| Downtown Reel | ILM | Digital Domain | HKM | Dektor | Millenium Films | RMWD |
Long Form:
“True Rights”, 1999. Feature film, directed by Meg Thayer, Hollywood, CA. Produced by Harmony Pictures/Soundelux Entertainment. David Darby, Director of Photography. 35mm film.
“Farsighted”, 2009. Feature short, directed by Elyse Couvillion, produced by Elyse Couvillion and Filmmaker’s Alliance, Hollywood, CA. David Darby, ASC, Director of Photography. 35mm film. 22 minutes.
Awards:
1998 Finalist: London International Advertising Awards: Cinematography: “Samsung Desert”
1991 Finalist: London International Advertising Awards: Cinematography: “Infiniti Blurred”
1989 Clio Nomination, Cinematography: “Amtrak California Zephyr”
1989 Winner: Kinsale International Advertising Festival of Ireland, Transportation category. Cinematography: “Amtrak California Zephyr”
1988 Finalist: London International Advertising Awards in Travel / Tourism category: Cinematography: “Amtrak California Zephyr”
1977 Winner: New York State Craftsman International Film Festival. Director/Cameraman: “Behind The Fence – Albert Paley: Metalsmith”