Biography

Stefan Mentil was born January 1, 1980 in the Bay Area, California. Stefan Graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Science in Television, Film & New Media. Stefan started his career in the Local 600 Camera Union as first assistant camera at 20th Century Fox working on television show's Fashion House and Desire. After completing both show's Stefan began working for Cinematographer/Director Sonny Miller. Sonny Miller is known for his work on Die Another Day (2002), Blue Crush (2002) and The Search 3 - Beyond the Boundaries. Stefan began as Sonny's first assistant camera, but quickly worked his way up to Camera Operator and eventually WWW we Cinematographer. In 2005, Stefan traveled with the Jackass crew to Brazil to film MTV's production "Viva La Bam" which starred professional skateboarder Bob Burnquist & Tony Hawk. It was this trip that ignited Stefan's passion for travel. Sonny Miller was also a living legend in the surf industry always traveling the world in search of the largest waves to document and film. Sonny could have hired anyone he wanted, that's why Stefan is forever grateful for Sonny giving him that opportunity at such a young age. Sonny brought Stefan around the world multiple times documenting pro surfers such as Laird Hamilton and John John Florence for different Surf Films. They also worked on multiple commercial's, network television shows and feature films for example "Shishito" commercial (skin cream from Japan), "John from Cincinnati" created by David Milch for HBO and they also started production on Helen Hunt's feature film "Ride" Starring Luke Wilson and Helen Hunt which was also written & directed by Helen Hunt. Unfortunately Sonny passed away while the movie was still in production. Stefan continues his career as Cinematographer filming Network commercials for companies like Samsung, Tesla, Apple, Coca-Cola, Mercedes-Benz, Chevy, Toyota, TikTok, Maven Ride-share and Coors Light just to name a few. A couple of these commercial spots that he filmed went on to win Telly Awards. Stefan's love/passion for narrative films and storytelling also won awards, for example "Leave Em Laughing" won 12 awards and 13 nominations. Two nominations were for cinematography. 2021 Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema Nominated, The Juan Ruiz Award Best Cinematography for "Leave 'em Laughing". Also in 2020 Five Continents International Film Festival it received 2nd place and Special Mention Cinematography Short Film Cinematography for "Leave 'em Laughing" NorthSide Pictures.
- IMDb mini biography by: Gianni Longmire