Vern Nobles Jr.

Vern Nobles Jr. was born in Detroit, Michigan on October 29, 1963. He has been married to Elizabeth Nobles for 31 years and have two children, Nicholas and Jason. Vern Nobles Sr. was a prominent director for commercials during this time, which led to Vern's child-acting career. Starting at age 12, Vern's father taught Vern how to use the post tools at his studios and edit bays at Producers Color Studios in Detroit. Vern also worked as a PA in the camera department when he was not in school. Due to this experience, Vern developed a passion for photography and technology that later led him into a career as a cinematographer. Vern graduated high school six months early in 1981 in order to move to Los Angeles to work on "The Shadow Riders" as a camera trainee with Jack Whitman ASC. When interviewed by Whitman for the job, Jack asked why Vern desired to work with the camera department when his dad was a successful director and producer. Vern replied that he always had a passion for camerawork and the camera department was where he had the most fun in his child-acting days. Vern continued his career with Anthony Richmond ASC, BSC first as his driver and later as 2nd AC on "Slapstick of Another Kind" and "Cujo." In 1983, William Fraker, ASC, arranged for Vern to join IATSE Local 659 as an assistant photographer. The position was considered a made-up category to bypass the roster so he could continue to work on commercials as a 2nd AC with Billy. In 1985, Vern Started working as the 1st AC with Alexander Witt ASC, ACC, who he also met on "Slapstick of Another Kind" and "Cujo," when Alexander was a 1st AC. Vern and Alexander worked 2nd Unit together on "Always," "Hunt for Red October," and "Speed." These films transitioned Vern from 2nd Unit to 1st Unit. In 1990, Vern met friend and mentor Andrzej Bartkowiak, ASC. After nine movies together Andrzej moved Vern up to operator in 1998. Vern worked on 17 projects with Andrzej and has shot the last two movies that Andrzej directed. Vern is a master seaman and has sailed with Andrzej over 25,000 miles of open ocean on Andrzej's 80-foot boat. While sailing off the coast of Costa Rica, Andrzej chose Glen Macpherson ASC, CSC to shoot "Romeo Must Die" in 2000. Glen and Vern created their longtime relationship on this film, and have done 11 projects together since. Vern shoots all of Glen's 2nd Unit work. Vern and Glen developed the Cinesail Atom 3-D rig with 3Ality Technica, which won an Oscar at the Scientific and Technical Award. Vern still uses the rigs for IMAX 3-D projects. Vern met Director Paul W.S. Anderson through shooting Glen's Second Unit work. Vern used his scuba certification to shoot underwater while on "Resident Evil: Retribution" with Paul. Vern also holds a Multi-Engine Instrument Pilot Certificate and drone license with his camera mounts on his aircraft. Vern also shoots all of Paul's commercials as a cinematographer. Through the various mentor ships by ASC members, Vern has shot nine feature films, IMAX, and feature documentaries, 16 Second Unit jobs, and over 1,000 commercials. Vern's success has led to him being honored with multiple Cleo, NY Film, Tele, Addy, Aurora, Communicator, and Videographer Awards.