We were lucky to catch up with Shun Man Cheung recently and have shared our conversation below.

Shun Man, appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

My interest in watching movies started when I was a little kid. However, I only started learning how to use a camera when I joined the multi-media group in high school. Since then, I have been teaching myself about filming and joining student competitions. But I wanted more. I want to learn how to be a professional filmmaker and be able to shoot a film that is shown in the cinema. Therefore, at 18, I decided to leave for Los Angeles to pursue cinematography professionally.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Shun Man Cheung. I am a director of photography who was born in Hong Kong and grew up in both Hong Kong and Macau. I graduated from Chapman University Dodge College, and I am also an associate member of the Society of Camera Operators in the US.

I have loved watching films since I was a kid, when my fascination with visual storytelling began. During secondary school, I joined the multimedia group in my high school and started shooting short films and event videos with a Canon 5D. That was how I fell in love with filmmaking in the beginning. But I wanted more. At 18, I left for Los Angeles to pursue cinematography professionally. I first started with a two years film production degree at Santa Monica College. During that period. I would go back to Macacu every half or once a year and work there as a freelance 1st AC or cinematographer. After two years, I transferred to Chapman University Dodge College with a film production cinematography emphasis major. I am very grateful to have some amazing professors such as Johnny Jensen, ASC to be my mentor during that time and improve my visual storytelling skills as a cinematographer. In 2023, I joined the ASC Masterclass and trained under some prominent ASC cinematographers. After finishing shooting my first feature film in 2023, I returned to Asia and worked professionally as a Director of Photography.

I think one thing that I am most proud of is that I have worked in multiple places and counties. For example, I have worked in the US, Hong Kong, Macau, Vietnam, and different parts of China. Recently, I shot a proof of concept short film in which part of the story happened in Harbin, and we had to work under -25 degree celsius.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a filmmaker or cinematographer is the collaborative process of bringing a film to life alongside a team of incredibly talented and passionate filmmakers. There’s something truly magical about working together to translate a vision from script to screen—each person contributing their unique skills, creativity, and perspective to create something greater than any one individual could achieve alone.

Film is a medium that relies on collaboration, and being able to work alongside directors, production designers, gaffers, and other creatives who are equally dedicated to their craft is incredibly inspiring. The moments when everything aligns, when the performances, visuals, and storytelling click into place, are what make all the challenges worthwhile.
At its core, filmmaking is about connection: connecting with the audience, with the story, and with the people who help bring it to life. That’s why I find this work so deeply rewarding.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

In my view, one of the most important ways society can support artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem is by actively engaging with and valuing their work. Right now, one of the biggest challenges filmmakers face is the decline in theatrical attendance, which leads to fewer films being made. Especially original, mid-budget, and artistically ambitious projects.

The simplest yet most powerful way to help is for audiences to go to the theater and watch movies on the big screen. Theatrical revenue isn’t just about box office numbers, it’s a signal to studios, investors, and distributors that cinema matters. When people choose to experience films in theaters, they’re directly supporting the livelihoods of filmmakers, crew members, and the entire creative ecosystem that depends on a healthy film industry.

Beyond that, society can foster a thriving arts culture by advocating for better funding and policies that support independent creators, promoting arts education, and celebrating diverse voices in storytelling. But at its core, it starts with audiences showing up, because when people invest their time, attention, and money in creative work, they ensure that artists can keep telling stories that inspire, challenge, and connect us all.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jackyshunmancheung.com/
• Instagram: jackycheung_cine

Image Credits

ffankai, spacemountta, Uy Do, Elly VC Aronson, Vinh Pham, Bach Vo, Michael Placenti, Jessica Luo