I’m Chaa Ustaoglu, a London-based director and filmmaker, and co-founder of independent filmmakers collective, Campdale Motion.
Over the last few years, I have been involved in several films with Campdale Motion — three as Director, and two as Director of Photography. My debut short, ‘Precipice’, secured the Future of Film Awards' Best First Time Director, while my debut project as a cinematographer, ‘The Holy Yield’, earned the TerrorMolins Film Festival's Best Short Film award.
I am passionate about thrillers, particularly those that confront characters with moral dilemmas, and I seek projects that explore deeply personal matters. I hope to integrate my academic background as a historian with my unique position as a Turkish-British filmmaker - born in Istanbul and raised in Kent – as I continuously work to strengthen my directorial voice.
I also favour celluloid film for its versatility. My first two projects as Cinematographer were captured on 16mm film. Moreover, my latest short was on super 8mm and I intend my next short film, which I am currently writing, to be my first directorial effort on 16mm.
Outside my narrative pursuits, my experience in various departments on film sets – most notably in lighting (my Sparking and Gaffing credits can be seen in my CV below) – coupled with my self-learning of editing software, has given me the confidence to shoot & edit a variety of promotional content for a variety of brands as a solo filmmaker: from music videos and sports promos, to fashion show trailers and behind-the-scenes photography & videography.
I hope you enjoy my work.