Charles Swanson
Professor of Production and Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Loyola Marymount University
Biography
An accomplished cinematographer, Charles Swanson is the Cinematography Professor in the Production Department at Loyola Marymount University. He began his study of cinematography at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, where he earned an MFA in Film Production. After graduation, Charles freelanced as a cinematographer and in various production positions.
Charles served as cinematographer on the feature films: FROM BARBADOS WITH LOVE, GIRL'S BEST FRIEND, CONTRADICTIONS OF THE HEART, THIS IS NOT A TEST, and SMALL BEAUTIFULLY MOVING PARTS. The latter premiered at the South by Southwest Film Festival as well as earning the prestigious Sloan Award and can be viewed on Prime Video. Charles also photographed the award-winning short films, MONTGOMERY, TIA AND MARCO (premiered at SXSW), PROFESSOR, TWO WEEK'S NOTICE, YELLOW PERSONA, and ONE BEDROOM, ONE BATH.
The music video JAGUAR, which Charles photographed for Techno artist DJ Rolando, received wide play on MTV Europe. His work has aired nationally on both The Finer Living Channel’s show, I-Design, and the commercial spot Diabetes: Living Without Limits.
Recently, he developed the cell phone photographed project MODERN HOMOSEXUAL with Director Tommy O’Haver and Strand Media, which screened at the New York Museum of Modern Art (Moma), Hammer Museum, and the Criterion Channel.
Charles served as cinematographer on the feature films: FROM BARBADOS WITH LOVE, GIRL'S BEST FRIEND, CONTRADICTIONS OF THE HEART, THIS IS NOT A TEST, and SMALL BEAUTIFULLY MOVING PARTS. The latter premiered at the South by Southwest Film Festival as well as earning the prestigious Sloan Award and can be viewed on Prime Video. Charles also photographed the award-winning short films, MONTGOMERY, TIA AND MARCO (premiered at SXSW), PROFESSOR, TWO WEEK'S NOTICE, YELLOW PERSONA, and ONE BEDROOM, ONE BATH.
The music video JAGUAR, which Charles photographed for Techno artist DJ Rolando, received wide play on MTV Europe. His work has aired nationally on both The Finer Living Channel’s show, I-Design, and the commercial spot Diabetes: Living Without Limits.
Recently, he developed the cell phone photographed project MODERN HOMOSEXUAL with Director Tommy O’Haver and Strand Media, which screened at the New York Museum of Modern Art (Moma), Hammer Museum, and the Criterion Channel.
Education
University of Southern California
MFA
Film Production
Morehouse College
B.A.
English Literature
Social
Areas of Expertise
Cinematography in Digital
Traditional Film Lighting
Industry Expertise
Education/Learning
Research
Training and Development
Motion Pictures and Film
Affiliations
- Southwest Film Festival.
- Atlanta Film Festivals
Articles
ANNIE J. HOWELL AND LISA ROBINSON’S “SMALL, BEAUTIFULLY MOVING PARTS”
Filmmaker Magazine"Small, Beautifully Moving Parts" interview.
WESTCHESTER GOES HOLLYWOOD
The ArgonautIn-depth coverage of LMU's School of Film and Television.
SFTV’s O’Haver Pays Homage to Queer Cinema with 1-Minute Musical
SFTV NewsOverview of director Tommy O’Haver's film for “30/30 VISION: 3 Decades of Strand Releasing.”
