Bio
David Makin began shooting films in his teenage years alongside his brother Kelly, whom became a director himself.
Even though their father was a cinematographer, David had no idea while growing up, that his own passion for telling stories with light and shadow would become his lifelong career too.
Makin attended film school in Toronto (Ryerson) and Los Angeles (American Film Institute) and was twice awarded the Student Cinematography award (1982, 1986) by the CSC.
Concurrently, he put in his time on set, working his way up through the ranks as a PA, 2nd AC, 1st AC, and camera operator.
Upon finishing his program at AFI, Makin began shooting commercials and before long was asked to shoot the celebrated comedy series
“The Kids in the Hall”.
This was followed by short films for
“SNL”
&
“MAD TV”
Next were feature films and series. His recent credits include
“Taken”
“Schitt’s Creek”
“Sex/Life”
&
“What we Do in the Shadows”
As a dual citizen, David has strong relationships with numerous American and Canadian directors, producers, and studios on both sides of the border.
David began shooting for Disney on the network series
“The Wonderful World of Disney”
then nine Disney Channel movies, including
“Camp Rock 2”
&
“The Wizards of Waverly Place”
which won a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Children’s Program in 2010.
Makin has been nominated for his work multiple times. Most recently by the CSC for
“What We Do in the Shadows” (2024 & 2022)
“Schitt’s Creek” (2021)
“Crawford” (2019)
and twice for
“Beauty and the Beast” (2017 & 2015)
He has also been nominated by the Canadian Screen Awards for
“Seed” (2014)
His passion for the art of filmmaking has not waned since those early 8mm films. He continues to bring a unique eye and a positive attitude to the filmmaking process. With his 45+ years of experience, he’s able to balance the schedule and budget while not compromising the look of each new project.
“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”
BIO
David Makin began shooting films in his teenage years alongside his brother Kelly, whom became a director himself.
Even though their father was a cinematographer, David had no idea while growing up that his own passion for telling stories with light and shadow would become his lifelong career too.
Makin attended film school in Toronto (Ryerson) and Los Angeles (American Film Institute) and was twice awarded the Student Cinematography award (1982, 1986) by the CSC.
Concurrently, he put in his time on set, working his way up through the ranks as a PA, 2nd AC, 1st AC, and camera operator.
Upon finishing his program at AFI, Makin began shooting commercials and before long was asked to shoot the celebrated comedy series
“The Kids in the Hall”.
This was followed by short films for
“SNL”
&
“MAD TV”
Next were feature films and series. His recent credits include
“Taken”
“Schitt’s Creek”
“Sex/Life”
&
“What we Do in the Shadows”
David began shooting for Disney on the network series
“The Wonderful World of Disney”
then nine Disney Channel movies, including
“Camp Rock 2”
&
“The Wizards of Waverly Place”
which won a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Children’s Program in 2010.
Makin has been nominated for his work multiple times. Most recently by the CSC for
“What We Do in the Shadows” (2024 & 2022)
“Schitt’s Creek” (2021)
“Crawford” (2019)
and twice for
“Beauty and the Beast” (2017 & 2015)
He has also been nominated by the Canadian Screen Awards for
“Seed” (2014)
His passion for the art of filmmaking has not waned since those early 8mm films. He continues to bring a unique eye and a positive attitude to the filmmaking process. With his 45+ years of experience, he’s able to balance the schedule and budget while not compromising the look of each new project.
