Meet Wade Muller, Hksc, Acs | Director of Photography

We had the good fortune of connecting with Wade Muller, Hksc, Acs and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Wade, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I chose a career in cinematography because it allows me to blend my love for storytelling with my passion for visual artistry. There’s something magical about capturing moments on film and conveying emotions through light and composition. Every project presents a new challenge and opportunity to create something unique. I thrive on the collaboration with directors and teams, turning visions into reality. Ultimately, cinematography is my way of exploring the world, expressing my creativity, and sharing stories that resonate with audiences.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
About Cinematographer Wade Muller, HKSC, ACS
Born in the small town of Townsville, Australia, his journey in cinematography has taken him across continents, ultimately finding a second home in the bustling metropolis of Hong Kong at the age of 19.

A Cinematic Odyssey in Hong Kong
Navigating the unfamiliar, He dove headfirst into the world of cinematography, initially knowing no one and uncertain of the adventure ahead. Fast forward, and he found himself immersed in the dynamic landscape of Cantonese language feature films, collaborating with some of Hong Kong’s most iconic stars.

Hollywood Calling: Elephant White
His role as the Director of Photography for the Hollywood action film “Elephant White” marked a pivotal chapter in his career. Starring Academy Award nominee Djimon Hounsou and Golden Globe winner Kevin Bacon, the film, directed by the renowned Thai visionary Prachya Pinkaew (Ong-Bak).

Latest Cinematic Adventures
In recent years, He had the privilege of lensing captivating projects that span genres and continents. From the Hollywood blockbuster “Occupation Rainfall” featuring Ken Jeong and Temuera Morrison to the thrilling “Kiss of The Con Queen” starring Ravi Patel, each project has been a unique tapestry of storytelling.

He also had the honor of contributing as the Director of Photography for the Thailand portion of James Wan’s cinematic universe in “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” for Warner Bros.​

He is now based out of Los Angeles.

“Yes, there have been many challenges along the way thats for sure. Before I started shooting feature films, I was working on documentaries for years. Making the transition was tough. In the end, I had to turn down well-paying documentary projects to work, sometimes for free or for very little, on low-budget short films as this was the path i wanted to head on. My big break came in 2011 when renowned director Prachya Pinkaew, known for ‘Ong-Bak,’ found that his regular Director of Photography was unavailable. At the time, I was working on that film as a camera operator. They offered to promote me to Director of Photography on the film, starring Academy Award nominee Djimon Hounsou and Golden Globe winner Kevin Bacon.” I jumped at this opportunity!

“I am working across various genres, from action and thrillers to horror and even a couple of romantic films. Recently, I wrapped up an action/horror film called ‘Primitive War.’ Set during the Vietnam War, it features a unique twist involving dinosaurs, blending elements of ‘Jurassic Park’ and ‘Apocalypse Now.’ This has been my favorite film to date to work on as a Director of Photography. My style focuses on natural-looking lighting, ensuring consistency and that the visual aesthetics follow the emotional journey of the characters throughout all the films i work on.”

Contact Info:

Website: https://www.wademullerdp.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wademullerdp/

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1: Hollywood & the Classics

Hollywood Walk of Fame & TCL Chinese Theatre: Start the trip at the most iconic spot in LA.

Griffith Observatory: After the hike, head over to Griffith Observatory for some skyline shots, especially around sunset. The Art Deco architecture is stunning for wide shots or time-lapses of the city as day turns to night.

West Hollywood Sunset Strip

Day 2

Venice Beach and Venice Canals: Rent a bike and cruise around Venice

Arts District: Head downtown to the Arts District, filled with industrial lofts, street art, and creative studios. Grab drinks at Angel City Brewery, which is housed in a huge old warehouse. Great spot for photos with neon lights and industrial backdrops.

Day 3

The Getty Center:

Grand Central Market (Downtown): check out the food hall offering a wide variety of cuisines, from tacos to ramen.

Perch (Downtown): enjoy the breathtaking views of the downtown LA skyline.

Day 4 & 5: Malibu & Nature

Malibu Drive along Pacific Coast Highway

Malibu Farm (Malibu Pier): A farm-to-table restaurant on the Malibu Pier, offering fresh, organic dishes with an oceanfront view.

Topanga Canyon: Explore Topanga Canyon for a nature-filled afternoon.

The Bungalow (Santa Monica): Wind down at this beachside bar known for its laid-back vibes

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to take a moment to give a big shoutout to my west coast agent, Jeff Hawkins @ www.hawkinsfilmworks.com , for his incredible support and representation. Without him, I wouldn’t be as busy or have had the opportunity to connect with so many talented directors.

Website: https://www.wademullerdp.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wademullerdp/

Image Credits
Waraporn Chubanchong