Erik Messerschmidt

Erik Messerschmidt, ASC (born October 23, 1980) is an American cinematographer.

He is best known for his collaborations with director David Fincher, winning the Academy Award for Best Cinematography for his work on Mank (2020), which also served as his feature film debut.

Career After relocating to Los Angeles, Messerschmidt served as a gaffer on TV series like Bones, Everybody Hates Chris, and Mad Men. He also gained experience as a director of photography while shooting commercials, short films, and documentaries.

Messerschmidt had a working relationship with cinematographer Jeff Cronenweth, who recommended him to David Fincher. Fincher hired him as a gaffer on Gone Girl and, later, as director of photography for most episodes of Mindhunter.

With Mindhunter, Messerschmidt explained that the color palette, "has a desaturated green-yellow look... [it] helps give the show its period feel". He stated the effect is achieved through production design, costumes and filming locations—not necessarily through lighting used on set.

In 2024, he shot an advertisement for the virtual reality game Batman: Arkham Shadow.

Personal life Messerschmidt was born in Portland, Maine, and grew up in Cape Elizabeth.

He studied film production at Emerson College in Boston, where he was a classmate of filmmaker Jeremiah Zagar and served as co-director of photography on Zagar's award-winning indie documentary In a Dream (2008).

In May 2020, he married with Spanish journalist from San Sebastian, Naiara Eizaguirre-Paulos.

In January 2025, Messerschmidt's home in Altadena, California was destroyed by the Eaton Fire. He was in Spain with Eizaguirre-Paulos and their newborn daughter at the time.

Filmography Film + Year Title Director Notes 2008 In a Dream Jeremiah Zagar Documentary, with Mark Stetz 2020 Mank David Fincher 1st film collaboration with Fincher 2022 Devotion J. D. Dillard2023 The Killer David Fincher Ferrari Michael Mann 2025 Bono: Stories of Surrender Andrew Dominik Documentary2026 The Dog Stars Ridley Scott David Fincher Post-production, with Jeff Cronenweth 2028 Matt Reeves Filming

Television Year Title Director Episode(s) 2017–2019 Mindhunter David FincherAndrew DouglasAsif KapadiaTobias LindholmCarl FranklinAndrew Dominik 16 episodes 2018–2019 Legion Noah HawleyDana GonzalesJohn Cameron "Chapter 17";"Chapter 18";"Chapter 27"2020 Fargo Dana Gonzales "Storia Americana" Raised by Wolves Sergio Mimica-GezzanJames Hawes "Infected Memory";"Lost Paradise";"Umbilical" 2025 Dope Thief Ridley Scott "Jolly Ranchers"

Awards and recognition Year Award Category Title Result Ref. 2008 Camerimage Golden Frog In a Dream(Shared with Mark Stetz) 2020 Academy Awards Best Cinematography Mank American Society of Cinematographers Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography Satellite Awards Best Cinematography BAFTA Awards Best Cinematography Chicago Film Critics Association Best Cinematography Critics' Choice Movie Awards Best Cinematography Florida Film Critics Circle Best Cinematography Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Cinematography Mindhunter(For "Episode 6") 2023 Camerimage Golden Frog Ferrari Satellite Awards Best Cinematography 2025 Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Technical Direction andCamerawork for a Special Bono: Stories of Surrender