Jarriel Bolusan

I'm Jarriel “Jay” Bolusan, I was born and raised in San Jose, California; and I am a Filipino-American Cinematographer, 1st Assistant Cameraman, & Camera Operator. I am also a United States Marine Corps Veteran, with experience & background as a California Peace Officer. Currently, I am an active Student Associate Member of the Society of Camera Operators [SOC]. Since I was a child, I’ve always loved movies. Filmmaking started for me when I was a young boy - making family videos, short films with a camcorder, & creating stories from my own imagination. I consider myself blessed to have a family that always supports me through my filmmaking journey. In 2023, I applied myself to the Academy of Art University, Motion Picture & Television where I began my path into Cinematography.

Since I started my first semester, I’ve learned and trained to be a 1st and 2nd AC, Director of Photography, & Camera Operator. Although we live in the digital age, I’ve learned to love film over digital cameras, and overall learning the best of both worlds. My first experience on set, I got to learn with brilliant and like-minded filmmakers whom I consider my friends that helped me grow. Thereon, I’ve always loved being on set primarily as the Camera Team - building our skill sets and working together as a crew. I will always consider myself a student at heart because I am always learning. To me, Cinema is magic because I strongly believe in the power of storytelling through visual art & filmmaking. Throughout my life, I’ve always been known as the quiet kid, or even soft-spoken; however, it was filmmaking that helped me find my voice. I aspire to be a Camera Operator within the film industry because making movies truly makes me happy. Pursuing the path of a Cinematographer inspired me to give people the chance to see what I see - with all the stories that are made from my creativity and imagination. I will always look forward to creating more stories & especially making films come to life.