"Yong Duk has the Technical skills, the Artistic mind, and the Leadership capabilities to make every production with him an opportunity for SUCCESS!."
- Mike Mitchell/Director (Kung Fu Panda 4, Trolls, Shrek Forever After) -
Yong Duk Jhun is a distinguished Director and Cinematographer with over two decades of experience shaping the visual storytelling landscape in the animation industry. He has held leadership roles at some of the world’s most renowned studios, including DreamWorks Animation, Sony Pictures Animation, Paramount/Nickelodeon Animation, and Blue Sky Studios.
Throughout his career, Yong Duk has played a pivotal role in bringing iconic animated features to life, such as Kung Fu Panda, The Croods, and Shrek Forever After. Notably, he collaborated with Sir Roger Deakins, the multi-Academy Award-winning cinematographer, on The Croods and Vivo, combining their expertise to craft immersive, cinematic visuals that elevated both films’ storytelling to new heights.
Yong Duk leads groundbreaking creative initiatives, blending innovation and artistry to redefine how stories are told on screen. His expertise in camera direction, cinematic composition, and narrative development has garnered critical acclaim, establishing him as a leader in creating visually compelling narratives that engage and inspire audiences worldwide.
Beyond his work in the industry, Yong Duk is dedicated to fostering the next generation of creative talent. As an educator, he has taught courses on Animation Cinematography at institutions like the University of Southern California and the California Institute of the Arts. He is also an active member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, where he serves on the Executive Committee of the Feature Animation Branch.
Yong Duk Jhun’s career reflects a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and excellence in visual storytelling, making him a visionary force in the world of animation and beyond.
EXPERIENCE
2021 – Current Paramount Animation / Hollywood, CA, Co-Director & Head of Cinematography
2021 – 2021 Nickelodeon Animation / Burbank, CA, Assistant Director
2018 – 2021 Sony Pictures Animation / Culver City, CA, Head of Cinematography
2017 – 2018 Blue Sky Studios / Greenwich, CT, Director & Visual Consultant
2003 – 2017 DreamWorks Animation / Glendale, CA, Head of Cinematography
2001 – 2003 Big Idea Production / Lombard, IL, Animator, Layout Artist
FILMOGRAPHY
2025 The Smurfs (Paramount) Head of Cinematography
2024 Tiger's Apprentice (Paramount) Co-Director
2021 Star Trek Prodigy (Nickelodeon) Series, Assistant Director
2021 Vivo (Sony Pictures) Head of Cinematography
2019 Spies in Disguise (BlueSky) Camera and Staging Consultant
2017 Ferdinand (BlueSky) Camera and staging Consultant
2016 Trolls (DreamWorks) Head of Cinematography
2016 Kung Fu Panda 3 (DreamWorks) Layout Artist
2013 Croods (DreamWorks), Head of Cinematography
2010 Shrek Forever After (DreamWorks) Head of Cinematography
2009 Monsters vs Aliens (DreamWorks) Layout Artist
2008 Kung Fu Panda (DreamWorks) Head of Cinematography
2005 Over the Hedge (DreamWorks) Layout Artist
2004 Father of the Pride (DreamWorks) Series, Layout Artist
2003 Jonah (Big Idea), Layout Artist
2001 Veggietales (Big Idea) Series, Animator/Layout Artist
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
2021 – 2021 University of Southern California, California | Adjunct Professor - Animation Cinematography
2019 – 2020 California Institute of the Arts, California | Adjunct Professor - Animation Cinematography
EDUCATION
1998 – 2000 School of Visual Arts, New York, NY | Master of Fine Arts – Computer Arts
1990 – 1996 University of Seoul, Seoul, Korea | Bachelor of Fine Arts – Graphic Design
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
2016 – Present Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences | Executive Committee, Feature Animation Branch
2017 – Present Judge for the Student Academy Awards