Lukas Ettlin is a multifaceted filmmaker, whose impressive array of skills and talents has earned him widespread recognition and acclaim, particularly in his roles as both director and cinematographer, where he has consistently demonstrated an unparalleled versatility and adaptability, seamlessly transitioning between vastly different projects and genres, resulting in an impressive repertoire that showcases his remarkable range and expertise, featuring notable credits such as the popular and critically acclaimed television series Black Sails, the thought-provoking and emotionally charged film Lincoln Lawyer, and the visually stunning and action-packed blockbuster Battle Los Angeles.
Born in the picturesque city of Luzern, Switzerland, a young and ambitious individual named Ettlin set his sights on a career in the film industry, starting his journey at a remarkably early age. As a teenager, Ettlin embarked on an ambitious project that showcased his dedication and passion for filmmaking - a meticulous, shot-for-shot remake of the iconic movie "Back to the Future", but with a unique twist: it was recorded in German, with the innovative use of VCR technology, transferring the footage from one VCR to another. This remarkable project not only demonstrated Ettlin's technical skills but also his unwavering enthusiasm for the art of storytelling.
Following the successful completion of his academic pursuits at the esteemed New York University film school, Ettlin's remarkable cinematic talent was formally acknowledged and celebrated with the esteemed ASC Heritage Award, thereby opening doors to a lucrative and illustrious career as a cinematographer, initially within the realms of music videos and commercials.
Ettlin's impressive portfolio of short films, comprising Rings, Genesis, Catastrophe, and Fast Forward, garnered widespread critical acclaim, serving as a precursor to his subsequent breakthrough as a skilled and accomplished cinematographer.
He made a significant impact in the industry with his work on Michael Bay's Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning, a project that showcased his technical expertise and artistic vision. Moreover, Ettlin's additional photography for the Transformers franchise, a global blockbuster series, further solidified his reputation as a talented and in-demand cinematographer.
As his professional trajectory continued to unfold with remarkable velocity, Ettlin effortlessly transitioned into the realm of television direction, amassing a truly impressive and diverse repertoire of programs, which included, but were by no means limited to, the critically acclaimed series Power, the cerebral and thought-provoking Counterpart, the action-packed and visually stunning Daredevil, the espionage-filled and suspenseful Jack Ryan, and the historical and visually striking Barkskins.
Noteworthy beyond his esteemed directorial credentials, Ettlin has concurrently assumed the mantle of producing director for a considerable number of seasons across the realm of television, specifically within the parameters of the esteemed productions Black Sails, See, and the 2020 critically acclaimed series, The Old Man, thus further cementing his reputation as a multifaceted and accomplished filmmaker within the sphere of the entertainment industry.
