Welcome to the captivating journey of Christine Ng, an accomplished New York-based cinematographer. Known for her work across various genres including commercial, narrative, documentary, and music videos, Christine exemplifies the essence of passion, creativity, and community in filmmaking. In this article, we will delve into her early inspirations, career progression, and the vital lessons learned along the way that can inspire aspiring filmmakers and seasoned professionals alike.
Early Inspirations and Beginnings
Christine Ng’s narrative started in Hong Kong, where her parents often took her to their favorite childhood spots upon their return from the United States. A pivotal moment came when she witnessed a movie set outside her grandparents’ home at the young age of nine—it sparked a desire to pursue filmmaking. “I looked around and I was like, ‘Oh my God, there are like a hundred people here. I could be one of them one day,’” Christine recalls, profoundly inspired by the atmosphere and energy around film production.
As she grew up in New York, Christine pursued her interest in film through school media programs, documentaries, and film workshops. Notably, she applied to NYU’s filmmaking workshop, which laid the groundwork for her future in the industry. Although her parents, influenced by the traditional career expectations for their children, initially resisted her pursuit of film, they eventually recognized her passion. “At that moment when they saw that film, they realized how much I really was passionate about this,” Christine reflects.
The Path to Professional Cinematography
Christine’s path to becoming a cinematographer was not a straight one. During her time at NYU, she immersed herself in over a hundred student films, gaining invaluable experience behind the camera as a director of photography (DP), and later, as she put it, “I just wanted to be part of this team.”
After graduating, she transitioned to the professional world by securing an internship at a commercial production company. “It was amazing to spend time with my friend and learn about commercial production and meet all these people at this company.” This experience provided her with the connections and exposure needed to craft her own career.
Upon turning 25, Christine made the bold decision to quit her stable job to pursue her dream of becoming a DP. Armed with a Canon 5D Mark II, she began making her own projects, quickly gathering momentum and opportunities through networking. Strikingly, she became the go-to “kid with a 5D” for many freelancers.
Key Collaborations and Breakthrough Projects
One of the major turning points in Christine’s career was a collaborative project with acclaimed DP Bradford Young on a film shoot in Sri Lanka. Initially working as a focus puller, Christine was entrusted with operating a B-camera due to her affinity for storytelling through visuals. “He was always just like, ‘Just do something that I’m not doing,’” she recalls, describing how that trust helped her grow creatively.
The culmination of her efforts came when she participated as a DP on significant projects, including HBO’s Everything is Copy, which led to a shared credit with Bradford. “To see my name up there with him was just so special.”
Christine went on to work on acclaimed series like Poker Face and Rap Sh!t, allowing her to refine her creative skills further while navigating the challenges of continuity within differently styled episodes. Her ability to integrate feedback, understand crew dynamics, and innovate within production frameworks have set her apart in a competitive landscape.
Building Community in Filmmaking
A prominent theme throughout Christine’s career has been the importance of community and mentorship in the filmmaking process. Wright’s emphasis on collaboration is pivotal to her approach. During productions, she fosters an environment where ideas flow freely, ensuring each team member feels valued.
“If I pay attention to the people around me and help others, it strengthens the entire team and everyone gains from that,