Dave Perkal
- Cinematographer
- Director
- Producer
Dave Perkal, ASC, is a seasoned cinematographer and commercial director known for creating
emotionally resonant, story-driven imagery across film and television. His work blends naturalism, psychological nuance, and character intimacy, making him a trusted collaborator for
filmmakers seeking cinematic realism rooted in emotional truth.
Perkal has served as director of photography on acclaimed series including Entourage (HBO), Chuck , The Vampire Diaries , Marvel’s Runaways , Wicked City , Zoo , Castle , and Netflix’s Cowboy Bebop . His pilot work, including Ramble On (also credited as producer), Franklin & Bash , Samantha Who , and FX’s Breckman Rodeo , has helped define the visual language of new series.
He has also directed commercial campaigns for global brands such as LG, Google, Sprint, and Jolly Time Popcorn.
Anchored in character-driven storytelling, Perkal’s signature style emphasizes motivated lighting, camera movement that responds to story rhythm, and a painterly understanding of space and place. He elevates mood and performance, whether capturing the high desert of the American West or a claustrophobic urban corridor, always finding light in the grit and vulnerability in strength.
An alumnus of San Diego State University (TV/Film) and the American Film Institute (Cinematography), Perkal has been an active member of the American Society of Cinematographers for over a decade, serving on the Future Practices and ASC Awards Committees. He continues to serve into his second decade on the National Executive Board of the International Cinematographers Guild.
Deeply committed to socially conscious storytelling, he produced and shot the award-winning film Do You Take This Man and mentors emerging filmmakers through ASC educational outreach programs.
His career has taken him around the globe - from Italy and Ireland to Mexico, Indonesia, and New Zealand. Outside of work, Dave is an avid outdoorsman, surfing, scuba diving, sailing, and pursuing both still and underwater photography.
Perkal has served as director of photography on acclaimed series including Entourage (HBO), Chuck , The Vampire Diaries , Marvel’s Runaways , Wicked City , Zoo , Castle , and Netflix’s Cowboy Bebop . His pilot work, including Ramble On (also credited as producer), Franklin & Bash , Samantha Who , and FX’s Breckman Rodeo , has helped define the visual language of new series.
He has also directed commercial campaigns for global brands such as LG, Google, Sprint, and Jolly Time Popcorn.
Anchored in character-driven storytelling, Perkal’s signature style emphasizes motivated lighting, camera movement that responds to story rhythm, and a painterly understanding of space and place. He elevates mood and performance, whether capturing the high desert of the American West or a claustrophobic urban corridor, always finding light in the grit and vulnerability in strength.
An alumnus of San Diego State University (TV/Film) and the American Film Institute (Cinematography), Perkal has been an active member of the American Society of Cinematographers for over a decade, serving on the Future Practices and ASC Awards Committees. He continues to serve into his second decade on the National Executive Board of the International Cinematographers Guild.
Deeply committed to socially conscious storytelling, he produced and shot the award-winning film Do You Take This Man and mentors emerging filmmakers through ASC educational outreach programs.
His career has taken him around the globe - from Italy and Ireland to Mexico, Indonesia, and New Zealand. Outside of work, Dave is an avid outdoorsman, surfing, scuba diving, sailing, and pursuing both still and underwater photography.
