SHAWN SCHAFFER – DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Shawn has been in the industry since 2002. He started as an actor, appearing in a few roles for local filmmakers. He soon realized he had more interest (and talent) behind a camera than in front of one.

Opting to not attend film school and develop a more complete education in both theory and practice, Shawn began jumping on to every set he could to learn. He has worked every role on a film set, from Production Assistant working for cold pizza to Boom Operator to Director of Photography, over the last 15 plus years. It has given him the ability to work with and relate to all of his colleagues across all departments on set to understand their wants and needs.

Leaving the security of a day job in 2007 to pursue work as a full-time freelancer, Shawn focused his energies into Cinematography. Through doing, trial and error, observation, and studying the work of his personal favorite Cinematographers, he began to develop his own cinematic style and methods. 

Shawn has worked as a the Director of Photography on hundreds of projects, ranging from commercials to theatrically distributed feature films starring Academy Award nominated talent. 

Most notably, Shawn was the Director of Photography for “Fighting for Freedom”, starring Kristanna Loken (Terminator 3) and Academy Award and Golden Globe nominee Bruce Dern (Nebraska).  

Shawn was also the Director of Photography for COMEDY WARRIORS: HEALING THROUGH HUMOR featuring the talents of Zach Galifianakis (THE HANGOVER), Lewis Black (ROOT OF ALL EVIL), BJ Novak (THE OFFICE), Bob Saget (FULL HOUSE), and five tremendous members of our Armed Forces; Bobby Henline, Rob Jones, Joe Kashnow, Darisse Smith, and Stephen Rice.

COMEDY WARRIORS not only had it's World Premiere on Showtime, it also won a 2014 Television Academy Honor, and was on Netflix following its theatrical run for approximately two years.

When approaching a project, Shawn works closely with the creative forces involved in the project to make a harmonious collaboration. This is his preferred method of working, it ensures a singular, unified vision when production begins and an end product that is representative of all the creative collaborative at it’s best.

Shawn resides in New York while working nationwide and abroad. He is married and has a daughter, whom is his most beautiful creation and achievement.  

In his off time, Shawn enjoys reading, writing screenplays, and plays pool, having competed five times in the American Poolplayers Association National Championships, finishing twice in the top ten.

Always a team player and willing collaborator, he looks forward to working with you on your next project. www.shawnschaffer.com