Leo Behrens
- Cinematographer
- Director
Leo Behrens is a Norwegian award-winning cinematographer, based in Los Angeles. In 2023, Leo earned his cinematography degree from The American Film Institute (AFI) in Los Angeles. He is an associate member of the Norwegian Society of Cinematographers (FNF) and the Society of Camera Operators (SOC).
Leo started his path in film when he was accepted into the Norwegian Film School Westerdals Film & TV in 2008. During his education, he wrote and directed four short films. Following graduation in 2010, he won the honorary award and 1st price in Best Documentary at Gullkalven (Norway's equivalent to the Student Academy Awards). He started working as a camera operator and director. A few years later, he progressed to become a cinematographer, contributing to numerous documentaries, music videos, short films, TV series, and reality TV shows in Norway.
Leo's short film "SKIN" won the Gold Medal in the alternative/experimental category at the 2023 Student Academy Awards, a 35mm short film he write, directed and was the cinematographer of. It earned him a mentorship through the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2024. "SKIN" was received numerous awards and was included in over 50 film festivals including AFI FEST, Newport Beach and Oldenburg.
As a 2024 ASC Vision mentee, he was awarded the Fresh Perspective Cinematography Grant for emerging cinematographers, sponsored by AbelCine, ARRI, and The ASC. Leo utilized this grant as the Director of Photography for the feature film, "Shadow Watchers".
Leo was one of the cast members in the documentary series "Født i Feil Kropp/Born in the Wrong Body", which won the "Golden Screen/Gullruten" in 2015. He was offered the role as one of the cinematographers for the second season of the award-winning documentary series in 2017.
Leo has a deep love for stories that showcase unique angles and provide fresh perspectives. He enjoys exploring subjects outside of conventional topics and challenging audiences with thought-provoking narratives that encourage questioning current social norms. He holds a special fondness for drama, thrillers, magical realism and science fiction. As a transgender filmmaker, Leo is also passionate about exploring LGBTQ themes across various genres.
Leo started his path in film when he was accepted into the Norwegian Film School Westerdals Film & TV in 2008. During his education, he wrote and directed four short films. Following graduation in 2010, he won the honorary award and 1st price in Best Documentary at Gullkalven (Norway's equivalent to the Student Academy Awards). He started working as a camera operator and director. A few years later, he progressed to become a cinematographer, contributing to numerous documentaries, music videos, short films, TV series, and reality TV shows in Norway.
Leo's short film "SKIN" won the Gold Medal in the alternative/experimental category at the 2023 Student Academy Awards, a 35mm short film he write, directed and was the cinematographer of. It earned him a mentorship through the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2024. "SKIN" was received numerous awards and was included in over 50 film festivals including AFI FEST, Newport Beach and Oldenburg.
As a 2024 ASC Vision mentee, he was awarded the Fresh Perspective Cinematography Grant for emerging cinematographers, sponsored by AbelCine, ARRI, and The ASC. Leo utilized this grant as the Director of Photography for the feature film, "Shadow Watchers".
Leo was one of the cast members in the documentary series "Født i Feil Kropp/Born in the Wrong Body", which won the "Golden Screen/Gullruten" in 2015. He was offered the role as one of the cinematographers for the second season of the award-winning documentary series in 2017.
Leo has a deep love for stories that showcase unique angles and provide fresh perspectives. He enjoys exploring subjects outside of conventional topics and challenging audiences with thought-provoking narratives that encourage questioning current social norms. He holds a special fondness for drama, thrillers, magical realism and science fiction. As a transgender filmmaker, Leo is also passionate about exploring LGBTQ themes across various genres.
