ASC Welcomes John Grillo as New Member
The cinematographer’s recent work includes the series Preacher, Luck, Perry Mason and Tokyo Vice.
Beginning his career as a translator and production assistant on the sci-fi feature Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, John Grillo steadily rose up through the camera department ranks and ultimately became a full-time cinematographer in 2010.
Born in New York and raised in Acapulco, Grillo studied TV journalism in Mexico City. For his graduation project, he directed a short film Jeffy is Five, which ignited his passion for filmmaking. His journey in the industry began with his role as a translator on Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. He soon transitioned into production assistant and camera trainee roles, eventually working as a film loader when the production moved to Los Angeles.
In 1990, he joined Local 600 and spent much of the decade working on commercials and music videos as a focus puller. Grillo's first feature film role as a 1st AC came under cinematographer Amir Mokri on The Salton Sea.
From 2000 to 2020, Grillo worked extensively with producer-director Michael Mann, serving as a 1st AC, camera operator and cinematographer.
Throughout his career, Grillo has shot more than 100 hours of television, with notable credits including The Leftovers, Westworld, Preacher, Snowpiercer, Luck, Perry Mason and Tokyo Vice.
Grillo has earned recognition for his camerawork with nominations from both the ASC, for the surreal comic-book adaptation Preacher, and the Television Academy, for the sci-fi drama Westworld.
In addition to his cinematography achievements, he directed three episodes of Preacher and is a proud member of the Directors Guild of America (DGA).
Currently residing in Seattle, Grillo continues to bring his expertise and passion for visual storytelling to every project he undertakes.
You’ll find his personal website here.
