Attila Szalay, a highly accomplished and distinguished cinematographer, made his debut on the global stage with a humble beginning in Budapest, Hungary, where he was born. As fate would have it, his life took a dramatic turn in 1968 when, alongside his parents, he embarked on a momentous journey to Canada, a country that would become his new home. This transformative experience, marked by the excitement and uncertainty of a new beginning, inadvertently ignited a passion within the young Szalay for the art of filmmaking, a fascination that would only continue to grow and evolve as he delved deeper into the world of cinematography during his high school years.
Throughout his formative years, he was blessed with the privilege of attending a forward-thinking high school that afforded him the chance to thoroughly explore the captivating world of cinematography, thereby instilling within him a profound sense of purpose and conviction to dedicate his life to this art form.
As he navigated the academic landscape, his thirst for knowledge and creative expression led him to Sheridan University, where he was able to capitalize on a wide range of educational opportunities, ultimately culminating in the attainment of an honors degree in film production and cinematography.
As he emerged from the hallowed halls of academia, Szalay embarked on a professional odyssey, commencing his career as a camera assistant on a diverse range of projects, encompassing National Film Board documentaries, corporate films, and music videos. This hands-on experience served as a foundational springboard for his future accomplishments, and he soon discovered himself collaborating with his esteemed mentor, the renowned Laszlo George, CSC, on over 30 film projects, assuming the role of "A Camera Operator" between 1990 and 1996.
As the years unfolded, Szalay's proficiency and mastery of his craft continued to flourish, and he made a seamless transition to the role of director of photography around the mid-1990s. Throughout this period, his outstanding work garnered him a multitude of prestigious recognitions, featuring nominations for the esteemed Canadian Society of Cinematographers (CSC) Award for Best Cinematography for the pilot episode of the critically acclaimed television series Peacemakers, as well as two episodes of the popular show Smallville.
Szalay's remarkable and extensive body of work has garnered him widespread recognition and accolades, including the prestigious 2009 Leo Award, which is a testament to his exceptional skill and dedication to his craft. This esteemed award was bestowed upon him for his outstanding cinematography work on the mini-series "Iron Road", a project that showcased his remarkable ability to capture the essence of a story through his visual storytelling.
Furthermore, Szalay's impressive talent was acknowledged in 2010 with the Canadian Society of Cinematographers Award for Best Cinematography, a recognition that solidified his position as one of the most talented and respected cinematographers in the industry. This award is a testament to his unwavering commitment to his craft and his ability to consistently produce high-quality work.
In 2011, Szalay's remarkable talent was once again recognized with a Prime Time Emmy nomination for his work on the mini-series "Pillars of the Earth". This nomination is a testament to his exceptional skill and dedication to his craft, and it serves as a reminder of his ability to consistently produce work that is of the highest quality.
Szalay's unwavering commitment to his profession and his exceptional technical proficiency earned him the esteemed distinction of being inducted as a full member of the American Society of Cinematographers in November 2013.
Throughout his distinguished career, Szalay has consistently showcased his extraordinary aptitude and skill in the art of cinematography, thereby cementing his reputation as a highly regarded and accomplished cinematographer, renowned for his mastery of the craft.
