Updated 2020
"While technical expertise is a standard requirement, nothing is more prominent in art than the ability to convey emotion. This is as vital for a songwriter or painter as for a filmmaker. Cinematographer Tigran Mutafyan is continually recognized for this component in his work. Whether it is as a part of groundbreaking VR production with Grammy winning artists like the Black Eyed Peas, commercials with world famous athletes, or award-winning films, this DP finds the means to bring something simultaneously universal and yet unique to each project. Stories have always been a first-person experience for him, even before he was a part of the international filmmaking community. He relates, Fifteen years ago, I used to walk to the subway station crossing the most beautiful places in the center of Saint Petersburg, Russia. It was always crowded with tourist, alcoholics, beggars, artists, kids; all types of people in active life conditions. I was selecting certain parts from this reality that I would collect in my memory. When I was doing this, I noticed that these memories would self-edit. They created bridges and evoked a third meaning. It was like I was my own DP and editor. I thought to myself Here it is, the real movie in my mind. I want to tell visual stories in virtual reality. It is this progressive approach that has caused many in the global film community to seek out Tigran to bring his creativity and passion to manifest their visions." Kelly King