Chris Ekstein is a highly accomplished cinematographer who has made a significant impact in the film industry. He earned his Bachelor's degree from the prestigious New York University Tisch School of the Arts, and later received his Master of Fine Arts degree from the American Film Institute. Ekstein's 35mm thesis film received the esteemed Alfred P. Sloan Grant, a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication to his craft.
In addition to his academic achievements, Ekstein has received numerous awards and accolades for his work. He was the recipient of the Panavision New Film Maker Award, and in 2010, he won the Best Cinematography award at the American International Film Festival. His impressive portfolio includes cinematography work on several award-winning projects, including the feature films "Mexican Sunrise" and "Callous", which both received top honors at the WorldFest and IndieFest film festivals, respectively.
Ekstein has also had the opportunity to work on a variety of high-profile projects, including the theatrically released basketball documentary "Gunnin For That #1 Spot", which he shot with director Adam Yauch of the Beastie Boys. His work has also been featured in national commercials, including campaigns for the World Series of Poker and Lauren Conrad for Complete Eye Care Solutions.
Throughout his career, Ekstein has been a member of the IATSE Cinematography Guild and the Society of Camera Operators, demonstrating his commitment to upholding the highest standards of excellence in his field. He is also a founding partner of Market Street Productions, a production company based in Venice, California.