David Chung, a renowned cinematographer, was born on November 14th, 1947, in Hong Kong. At the tender age of seventeen, he began learning the intricacies of cinematography, serving as a camera assistant under the esteemed Shaw Brothers camera department. This early exposure laid the foundation for his future success, as he went on to become a skilled cinematographer for television in 1968.
Chung's remarkable career continued to flourish as he joined the prestigious TVB in 1973. He made his mark in the world of feature films with his first project, For Whom to be Murdered, in 1978. This milestone was soon followed by his first award for his exceptional work on Ann Hui's The Secret in 1979, earning him the coveted Best Cinematography award at the 17th Golden Horse Awards.
Throughout his illustrious career, Chung has had the privilege of collaborating with some of the most acclaimed directors in Hong Kong's New Wave movement, including Ann Hui, Patrick Tam, Yim Ho, Alex Cheung, Tsui Hark, and Dennis Yu. His impressive portfolio boasts a string of critically acclaimed films, such as Close Encounters of the First Kind, Nomad, My Love is that Eternal Rose, and Once Upon a Time in China, among others.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the world of cinematography, Chung was appointed vice chairman of the Hong Kong Society of Cinematographers in 1989. Eleven years later, in 1995, he made the decision to emigrate to America, bringing his extensive experience and expertise to a new and exciting chapter in his career.