Stephan Pehrsson

Biography:

Stephan Pehrsson, born November 10, 1975 in Hillerød, Denmark, is a Danish cinematographer and assistant director celebrated for his distinctive visual work on major television and film projects. A full accredited member of the British Society of Cinematographers, he’s best known for his cinematography on Black Mirror, and his contributions to films such as Johnny English Strikes Again and Tolkien.

Pehrsson grew up passionate about filmmaking, often creating short VHS-C films with friends. After Danish national service, he studied at European Film College (1996–97), gained hands-on experience working from runner to lighting assistant and gaffer on low-budget and short film sets before earning an MA in Cinematography at the National Film and Television School in 2003 under mentors like Brian Tufano BSC.

Entering the UK TV industry, he worked as camera operator and director of photography on several series, including The Bill, Holby City, Bad Girls, and eventually high-profile shows like Doctor Who, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, Luther, Les Misérables, Inside No. 9, and Utopia. His work on the Black Mirror episode “USS Callister” earned both a BAFTA Craft Award nomination and a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Cinematography, and he won Best Photography & Lighting: Fiction at the 2024 BAFTA Television Craft Awards for the episode “Demon 79”.

On Black Mirror, Pehrsson was credited for introducing innovative visual strategies—such as using programmable TechnoDollys to create repeated handheld movements for complex double character shots—and for evolving the show’s palette between real world and sci-fi settings to heighten drama and emotional impact.

His film credits also include working as cinematographer or operator on Johnny English Strikes Again and Tolkien. Stephan remains at the forefront of cinematography innovation in television and cinema.