The Trophy King

Having spent much of his adolescence without a clear path and moving all around the East Coast, Isaac Banks found filmmaking by accident – and after shooting his first narrative project, he’s never looked back. Isaac graduated from The University of North Carolina School of the Arts under the proud mentorship of Michael Chapman, ASC; Thomas E. Ackerman, ASC; John LeBlanc; and David Elkins, SOC.

Finally settling in New York in 2016, Isaac joined Local 600 as a camera assistant and has worked extensively in a wide range of feature films and commercials. His first feature film as Director of Photography, Lingua Franca (2019), directed by Isabel Sandoval, premiered at Venice Days and was in competition at the BFI London Film Festival, Independent Spirit Awards and AFI Festival. Isaac recently finished Sandoval’s fourth feature film, Moonglow.

Isaac’s recent work also includes The Trophy King, directed by Tighe Kellner and recognized at the ECA’s. The film’s comedic tone was elevated through a precisely crafted visual language using deep focus, wide-angle lenses and carefully choreographed camera movement. Shot on location at a real trophy shop in New Jersey, the film was captured on an ALEXA Mini with ARRI Master Primes and executed with a tightly followed shot list and storyboards.

Beyond the lens, Isaac is deeply attuned to both people and the natural world. He spends much of his free time cycling long distances and sleeping under the stars.

Isaac is profoundly grateful to his family, IATSE Local 600 and the many collaborators who have shaped his journey, without whom none of this would be possible.