Bao Le is a cinematographer from Singapore, currently based in Los Angeles. She is a recent graduate of the American Film Institute (AFI), where she completed the program as a Cinematography Fellow. She previously studied cinematography at the School of Art, Design and Media (ADM) at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), where she trained under mentors like Nic Morris, BSC, and Lucas Jodogne. When she’s not on set, Bao finds joy in connecting with nature—whether it’s diving beneath the ocean surface or hiking into the woods. She can also be found experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.…

Bao Le Cheok

Bao Le is a cinematographer from Singapore, currently based in Los Angeles. She is a recent graduate of the American Film Institute (AFI), where she completed the program as a Cinematography Fellow. She previously studied cinematography at the School of Art, Design and Media (ADM) at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), where she trained under mentors like Nic Morris, BSC, and Lucas Jodogne. When she’s not on set, Bao finds joy in connecting with nature—whether it’s diving beneath the ocean surface or hiking into the woods. She can also be found experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.…

Available to hire

Bao Le is a cinematographer from Singapore, currently based in Los Angeles. She is a recent graduate of the American Film Institute (AFI), where she completed the program as a Cinematography Fellow. She previously studied cinematography at the School of Art, Design and Media (ADM) at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), where she trained under mentors like Nic Morris, BSC, and Lucas Jodogne.

When she’s not on set, Bao finds joy in connecting with nature—whether it’s diving beneath the ocean surface or hiking into the woods. She can also be found experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.

See more

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Cinematographer at Independent / Freelance
August 1, 2020 - Present
Specializes in narrative and docu-narrative cinematography in scripted storytelling, dynamic reality TV formats and music videos.
Co-writer and Cinematographer at AFI Short Film: Finding Yiyi
January 1, 2025 - Present
Co-wrote and shot 'Finding Yiyi', a slice-of-life LGBTQ+ short film; prepared for submission to festivals including International Asian American Film Festival, Singapore International Film Festival, Women’s Film Festival, LA Queer Film Festival, and others.
Cinematographer at AFI Visual Essay 2025: Eggsecution
January 1, 2025 - Present
Shot on 35mm film using Panavision Millennium XL2 and Kodak 250D stock; surreal horror comedy; directed by Japhet Velazquez; slated for festival submissions (e.g., Scum Fest, Scream Fest, Alter, etc.).
Cinematographer at NTU, ADM – Mosquito
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020
Undergraduate thesis film Mosquito (directed by Wong King Lam); won Best Short Film and Best Sound Design at Krak en International Film Festival, Milan; selected for other festivals including Day of the Dead and Berlin-Canada selections.
Cinematographer / Travel Video Producer at Its Clarity Co.
January 1, 2023 - Present
Shot a travel game series called 'Duo It All' for its YouTube channel, filmed on location in South Korea and the U.S.
Creator / Cameraman – You Got Watch at You Got Watch YouTube Channel
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2023
Filmed a game show series 'The Group Project' with on-stage and on-set visuals; produced narrative-driven footage for the channel.
Gaffer at Independent / Freelance
January 1, 2019 - Present
Assisted cinematographers by designing and implementing lighting plans; contributed to multiple short films including Fun Guy, A Wake, China Girl, Prospects, Snow Dad, Bring My Grandma Back!, Mixed Signals, and others.
Writer / Producer / Cinematographer at Haw Par Villa (Singapore)
January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2019
Wrote, produced and filmed 'Haw Par Villa', a short documentary about the last painter working in a fading tourist park in Singapore; featured in VidDsee Juree’s Out of Competition Films 2019.
Production Intern at Free Flow Productions
January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2018
Gained experience in production roles, wardrobe, casting, and general set responsibilities as a Production Intern.
Teaching Assistant at AFI
August 1, 2023 - August 1, 2025
AFI Teaching Assistant (2023–2025); worked with DP and faculty mentor to review and evaluate cycle books documenting fellows’ technical and creative processes; provided feedback on narrative alignment and execution; assisted in organizing workflow and critique.
AFI Camera Operator at AFI
January 1, 2025 - Present
AFI Camera Operator (2025–present); works under Chris Schwartz to document renowned guests and speakers at AFI events, focusing on film-related talks and work.
Co-founder at LA Collective
May 1, 2025 - Present
Co-founded a women’s collective with Dominika Podczaska to support emerging female-identifying cinematographers in the Los Angeles film community; organizing a September meet-and-greet to encourage collaboration and visibility.
Publicity Designer at ADM Graduation Show
August 1, 2020 - August 31, 2020
Led a team to create publicity materials for the film department’s ADM Graduation Show; organized public screenings.
Gaffer / Lighting Designer at Independent / Freelance
January 1, 2019 - Present
Continued as gaffer on various short films; designing and implementing lighting plans for multiple shoots.

Education

Master's degree in Cinematography at American Film Institute (AFI)
August 1, 2023 - August 1, 2025
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Filmmaking at School of Art Design and Media (ADM), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
August 1, 2016 - June 1, 2020

Qualifications

Master's Degree in Cinematography
August 1, 2023 - August 1, 2025
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Filmmaking
August 1, 2016 - June 1, 2020

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment