Joseph Yao
Based in Los Angeles
Joseph
Yao

I'm a director and cinematographer based in Los Angeles, working in commercial, narrative, and music video. My work is built around finding the emotional, human core of a story or brand — years shooting and grading make sure it lands.

I studied at USC's School of Cinematic Arts and have directed or shot for FINNEAS, RENCE, MEG & DIA, ALABASTER, and FIDM. My work has appeared on HBO, PBS, DUST, and Vevo.

In 2023 I was selected for the ASC Vision Mentorship Program.

Selected Recognition
Colorist
Under Darkness — Telluride · Sundance Horizon Award · Student Academy Award finalist
The Yellow — TIFF
Kodama — SXSW
Cookie, Love — Tribeca
Cinematographer
Memo — Sedona International Film Festival · Best Feature Narrative, DisOrient
The Show — Panavision Award, Filmland
Neh — HBO APA Visionaries finalist
SQAG — New York Asian Film Festival · LA Shorts