Kai Kobayashi Ryan
‘Cage’ is Kai’s Cinematography graduate film. This film required meticulous preparation in order to nail the carefully crafted look. Having the additional time and focus allowed Kai to work in detail and bring on several key collaborators in the camera, grip and lighting departments.
‘Investment Fears’ is a Spec AD shot in 16mm film that Kai was Director of Photography for as part of the Kodak/NAHEMI student competition. This was a newer area as he expands into shooting more commercial work.
'Cage' Cinematographer
Elena finds herself locked in a cellar by a strange man. When she thinks her torment is over, she speaks with a pair of detectives, but soon discovers that she was never truly freed, but simply locked in another prison. Their accusations only confuse her more, and she is forced to face her long repressed memories. But what will it take to finally escape this cage?
'Investment Fears' Director of Photography
A 30 second spec ad about overcoming the fears young people can have about investing. As part of the Kodak/NAHEMI student commercial competition this ad was shot on 16mm Kodak 200T film based on a commercial brief for 'Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust’.
As a cinematographer I enjoy the workflow and discipline by using analogue film and look forward to continuing to explore this medium with its beautiful highlights and textural physical nature.
Assistant Work
I work extensively in both camera and lighting and did so on a number of the graduate films this year. Apart from the major project graduate films I have worked in various capacities on over thirty shoots in addition to my course work this academic year and pride myself on working hard and staying active on sets. These were my main roles across the graduate films this year.
'Remembered if Outlived' Focus Puller and B-Camera Operator
'My Poor Boy' Focus Puller
'Splinters' Dailies Focus Puller and Lighting Technician
An exploration of the cinematography and visual style of Akira Kurosawa's brilliant and enduring films. How his visuals affect the audience and transcend language and cultural barriers, while remaining rooted in a unique culture, time and place.
Kai is a Irish-Japanese cinematography major in the National Film School. Drawn into film making for its visual and collaborative nature, cinematography was the natural path. Kai brings a deep technical knowledge and works extensively as camera assistant and lighting technician on features, high end TV, commercials, music videos and short films.
Having developed and learned massively throughout his time in college he looks forward to continuing to film and grow as a cinematographer.
