Sandi Sissel


Sandra "Sandi" Sue Sissel is an American cinematographer, director and producer. Her interest in photography was apparent as early as high school, where she was a photojournalist for her school paper. She is best known for her work in documentaries such as Salaam Bombay!, Chicken Ranch, Mother Teresa as well as TV shows like 60 Minutes, and feature films like Mr. and Mrs. Smith. She has been a member of the American Society of Cinematographers since 1994 and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences since 2004.

Biography

She started college in 1967. She pursued her interests and desire to become a reporter by studying journalism and television. While she still wanted to pursue journalism, she did contribute to a few small films during her time in college. After completing this degree, she moved to Wisconsin with her husband where she taught and filmed for the University of Wisconsin. After this career, she moved to New York City, where she soon got a job with both NBC and later ABC. During this time, she contributed as cinematographer for "The Wobblies" and assisted in camera or electrical work for Best Boy, Paul Jacobs and the Nuclear Gang,, Fame, No Nukes and "Rush". After working for ABC for a few years, she eventually decided to pursue a career that focussed primarily on cinematography for documentaries and feature films. In her pursuit of this career she has gained a great deal of respect from her colleagues as a female working behind the camera. She currently teaches "Advanced Cinematography Techniques" and "Advanced Cinematography Practicum" at Tisch School of the Arts. Sissel adopted Raju Barnad, one of the real-life street children who was cast in Salaam Bombay!

Cinematography

Sandi is best known for her work as a cinematographer. She has a very impressive filmography that includes many well known, important documentaries. Her interest in being behind the camera may have originated from her father's interest in photography during her childhood.

Credits

Teaching

Sandi has had experience teaching at the University of Wisconsin, and Tisch School of the Arts. In both cases she has taught film related classes.

Awards