Jonathan (Johnny) Karny
About
My first steps in the cinematography world were during Film School.
Story telling was a big part of my life and I felt that I was missing a way to convey it.
During our first assignments I fell in love with the magic of the set and quickly started working as a light gaffer. I kept lighting sets for a few years during and after my graduation from the Tel Aviv University Film School.
Light was a great tool, the things that were lit and the things that were kept in shadow could help the DOP's tell the story. But something felt as is I'm still not fulfilling my desire. That notion brought me to the camera department.
I've worked on many sets and shot films that participated in festivals in Israel and around the world.
My strong belief is that a collaboration with the director is key in making the images that support the script at hand - each time starting fresh with a new and unique vantage point and perspective.
Pre-production is key in creating a seamless, cost-effective, post production and a calm set. I strongly believe that most of the work is done before you set a foot on set. In-depth collaboration with directors and detailed shooting scripts help bring the script as the most affective for the audience. That being said there is always room for the magic that might spark on set.
In 2024, “Old Decorations”, a short film I shot, by Rami Fahel won the contest at the Tel Aviv "Solidarity" Film Festival. The short film "Underdog" by Gal Gonen was a part of the Haifa film festival and the short film "Midnight Red" participated in the Jerusalem film festival.



