Biografia
Charlie Gruet has worked as a Cinematographer and Director in New York, Los Angeles, and abroad, since the turn of the century. Charlie's work has brought him to all corners of the globe and his experiences as a Cinematographer in Documentaries, Scripted Features/Television, and Commercials has created a unique, visual style that blends eye-catching imagery with the intimate and emotional content necessary for shaping powerful narratives. These invaluable moments help sculpt Charlie's perspective and inform his work. This background serves as the foundation for Charlie's work in comedy as well as working alongside some of the great comedians and actors of our time. Charlie served as the Film Unit Director of Photography on SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE for Seasons 42 & 43 - helping to create some of pop culture's most influential content.
He teamed with Director Paul Briganti on SNL's Season 42 after lensing Briganti's feature film, BIG BROTHER VOLCANO, shot on location in Nicaragua and starring Aya Cash, George Basil, Echo Kellum, and Brandon Scott.
Charlie was again able to collaborate with his fellow SNL alumni, SNL head writers Chris Kelly and SarahSchneider, on the critically acclaimed show, THE OTHER TWO starring Helène Yorke, Drew Tarver, Molly Shannon, Ken Marino and Case Walker. The show is Executive Produced by Lorne Michaels. Charlie was the DP for SeasonS 1 through 3. Gruet also had the opportunity to Direct the Season 2 finale "Brooke and Cary Go to a Fashion Show." As well as 2 episodes in the forthcoming season 3.
Charlie worked as DP on the HULU drama, TELL ME LIES, starring Grace Van Patten and Jackson White. He had the chance to work closely with directors Robin Wright, Erin Feeley, and Isabel Sandoval on his episodes. The show was executive produced by Meghan Oppenheimer and Emma Roberts and was recently greenlit for a second season.
Charlie Wrote and Directed 3 short films for FREAKONOMICS RADIO highlighting the absurdity of making the podcast. The films are a hybrid between documentary and fiction utilizing the actual staff interacting with improv masters Tami Sagher and Chris Roberti. The films screened during the Freakonomics Radio Live Tour.
Gruet served as Director of Photography on HBO's HIGH MAINTENANCE for all 4 seasons of the show. The series has gathered praise from critics for its succinct character portraits. According to Indiewire, "HIGH MAINTENANCE beats out nearly every other series in terms of creativity and quality - acting, set design, cinematography, editing."
Charlie served as the DP for the Lionsgate feature film, MOST LIKELY TO MURDER, directed by Dan Gregor and starring Rachel Bloom and Adam Pally. Shot in the suburbs of New York, the film dances between the genres of humor and tense thriller. The film has been described as a "Rear Window" for stoners.
Gruet was the Director of Photography, and Producer, of the critically acclaimed feature documentary, CONFESSIONS OF A SUPERHERO; a fascinating exploration of the obsession, and allure, of fame through the eyes of four unique characters struggling to make it in Hollywood. The documentary quickly became a hit at film festivals, including South by Southwest and The AFI Film Festival, before picking up distribution. CONFESSIONS OF A SUPERHERO had its domestic television premiere on the SUNDANCE CHANNEL.
Gruet re-teamed with Director, Matt Ogens, to film the feature length documentary, MEET THE HITLERS.This incredibly moving portrait of bloodlines and family ties is currently airing on SHOWTIME. Charlie has lensed a number of the short documentary films for both CNN HEROES and STAND UP 2 CANCER highlighting each of the hero's contributions to their community. Another feature documentary shot by Gruet, THE SELF MADE MAN, explores the highly emotional, and timely, topic of a person's difficult end-of-life choices. The film was part of the PBS program, P.O.V. and was nominated for two EMMY AWARDS in the journalism category (long format).
Charlie is a member of the International Cinematographers Guild, Local 600 as well as a member of the Directors Guild of America. He lives in New Jersey with his wife and two children.
