Bryan Donnell – Cinematographer, producer, writer
Bryan Donnell is a cinematographer for documentary films, television, and commercials. His work has appeared in theaters as well as networks such as Netflix, HBO, Showtime, CNN, CBS, NBC, ABC, ESPN, and many others, and in festivals such as Sundance, Tribeca, and Cannes; and he has worked worked frequently with directors such as Lucy Walker, Morgan Spurlock, Matthew Galkin, Steve Rivo, Peter Logreco, Brian Knappenberger, B J Perlmutt, Sandra Alvarez, and Matt Testa.
He has been nominated for a primetime Emmy for cinematographer, and films of his have won prizes like Palme d’Or (Best Short Film) at Cannes, Best Doc Feature at the LA Film Festival, and many other jury prizes and special mentions.
In particular Bryan has been called upon for vérité work, with sensitive material and subjects, being the “friend in the room” — that is, to help subjects to open up with a sympathetic presence, while capturing footage that is highly cinematic and shot with an eye for storytelling and ease of editing.
Unlike others who grew up making films, Bryan's background of creative writing and fine arts, which he studied at UNC-Chapel Hill, has given him a unique perspective on cinematography. He did not make the move to film til attending a summer program at NYU; shortly after he got his MFA at USC.
He considers documentary shooting to be the perfect combination of visual art, storytelling, athleticism, and above all empathy.