Bojan Bazelli

Bojan Bazelli is one of the great image makers working at the forefront of high profile, visually progressive films today. He is reunited on "Rock of Ages" with director Adam Shankman, as the two previously collaborated on "Hairspray."

He previously shot the Steve Antin-helmed musical "Burlesque," starring Cher, Christina Aguilera, Stanley Tucci, Alan Cumming and Kristen Bell; the Jon Turtletaub feature "The Sorcerer's Apprentice," a live-action adaptation of the classic Goethe poem-cum-Mickey-Mouse-cartoon starring Nicolas Cage, also produced by Bruckheimer; and Bruckheimer's live-action/animated "G-Force," directed by Hoyt Yeatman.

Earlier films in Bazelli's repertoire include the blockbuster "Mr. and Mrs. Smith," for director Doug Liman, starring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie; the spooky, foggy atmosphere of Verbinski's thriller "The Ring"; and the acclaimed independent films "The Rapture," "Deep Cover," "Dangerous Beauty," "King of New York," which garnered him an Independent Spirit Award nomination, and "Kalifornia," which took Best Cinematography at the Montreal Film Festival.

Bazelli approaches his work with an open, creative mind. His introduction to photography began at age seven, when his father took him into a projection room. The experience gave birth to a deep curiosity, as he wondered how a projector could create such beautiful images on the distant screen.

After high school, Bazelli trained at FAMU Film School in Prague. Impressed with one of Bazelli's student films, acclaimed director Abel Ferrara immediately offered him the job of shooting "China Girl" in New York City. Bazelli jumped at the opportunity and has lived in the United States ever since, rolling from one film to the next, challenging himself with each new project.

The world of TV commercials and music videos embraced Bazelli and became an avenue for experimentation. Acknowledged for Best Cinematography in both 1996 and 1998 at the prestigious American Independent Commercial Producers (AICP) show, Bazelli's contribution to shaping the evolution of the art and technique of the American television commercial is profound. He is one of the few cinematographers to have received the honor twice since the event's inception. Bazelli also took home a Gold Clio for Best Cinematography in 1998, for his work on Isuzu's "Giant" commerical.

With a style simultaneously sensual and atmospheric, beautiful and gritty, Bazelli keeps his creativity flowing with regular visits to galleries and by viewing as many films as possible. He loves both the art world and the entertainment industry.

Warner Bros.