CharlieGruet.
Specialties: Scripted comedy, collaborating with top-flight talent and influencers, series and films
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 a variety of formats has created a unique, visual style that blends eye-catching imagery with the intimate and emotional content necessary for shaping powerful narratives.
Charlie served as the Film Unit Director of Photography on the Emmy Award winning “Saturday Night Live” for Seasons 42 & 43. While there, he worked with A-list talent creating incredibly popular sketches that have since become part of the comedy and pop culture lexicon. His experience on the legendary show has allowed him to explore all types of cinematic techniques and storytelling devices while working with some of the most talented writers and directors.
After SNL’s Season 43 Charlie was able to collaborate with his fellow SNL alumni, SNL head writers Chris Kelly and Sarah Schneider, on the critically acclaimed show, “The Other Two,” executive produced by Lorne Michaels. Charlie was the DP for Seasons 1 – 3, and directed the Season 2 finale, as well as two episodes in Season 3. He wrote and directed three short films for Freakonomics Radio highlighting the absurdity of making the podcast. Hybrids 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. Charlie also served as DP on HBO’s “High Maintenance” for all 4 seasons of the show.
In scripted feature film comedies, Gruet was able to re-team with writers Dan Gregor and Doug Mand to film the Lionsgate feature film, “Most Likely to Murder,” directed by Dan Gregor and starring Rachel Bloom, Adam Pally, Vincent Kartheiser, and John Reynolds. Charlie also teamed up with fellow SNL Alum Paul Briganti to film the feature, “Big Brother Volcano,” shot on location in Nicaragua and starring Aya Cash, George Basil, Brandon Scott, and Echo Kellum. The relationship comedy had its premiere at the LA Film Festival and was picked up by Gravitas Ventures.
In documentary, Charlie was Cinematographer and Producer of the critically acclaimed feature documentary, “Confessions of a Superhero,” a hit at film festivals, including South by Southwest, The AFI Film Festival, and the Sundance Channel. Charlie collaborated with director Matt Ogens again to film the feature-length documentary, “Meet the Hitlers.” Both films were nominated for an Emmy Award in the News & Documentary section for Outstanding Promotional Announcement. He has also lensed a number of the short documentary films for both CNN Heros 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 Emmys 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 daughters.