About
Chumbley is an American freelance cinematographer focused on news and documentary production based outside of Burlington, Vermont. His work behind the camera has won a Webby, Digital Publishing Award and has been nominated for a News Emmys, Prix Gémeaux and a Canadian Screen Award.
Whether he is the lead operator directing two-camera cross coverage, working solo while running sound or lighting stylized interviews on-location, Spencer maintains a balance between the pursuit of cinematic style with the needs of the story, finding the most efficient way to maximize both.
Chumbley has filmed documentaries in over 20 countries. Including Libya, Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Ukraine, South Sudan, Gaza and more. He has worked extensively with correspondents and presenters while filming hosted documentary series, but is no stranger to single camera vérité coverage.
Most recently Spencer served as the series director of photography of Investigation Discovery’s forthcoming series, Operation Undercover. He has previously been the series director of photography for The Interrogations Tapes (ABC / Hulu 2024), Keeper of the Ashes (ABC / Hulu 2022), The Prison Breaker (Investigation Discovery, 2021), The Genetic Detective (ABC, 2020), Mysteries at the Museum field specials (Travel Channel 2018-19) and Segment Director of Photography for several episodes of VICE on HBO’s awarding-winning current affairs series.
Prior to his career in media, his academic studies focused on international development and humanitarian response. He holds a MSc in Violence, Conflict and Development from the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London. Additionally he is a FAA Part 107 licensed drone pilot, HEFAT certified and is a licensed Emergency Medical Technician.
Press
2018 - Rough Cut Podcast - Filming War Zones & Benefits of Being Self-taught
2017 - VICE News - VICE on HBO Behind the Scenes in Syria
2017 - UW-Milwaukee - Econ Graduate Tells Stories Through a New Lens
2015 - Big Picture with Thom Hartmann - "Ticking Bomb" Below the Great Lakes
2015 - WORT 89.9 FM - Oil Pipelines that Dwell Beneath the Great Lakes
2015 - David Pakman Show - There's a Ticking Timebomb Oil Pipeline
2014 - Milwaukee Record - Inside the Milwaukee Film Festival
Writing
2018 - NewsShooter - Remembering David Ford of Ergocine
2017 - NewsShooter - Back to Basics With Rush Design's VCT Baseplate
2017 - NewsShooter - Zamboni Belt: Everything at Hand for Doc Shooters
2015 - Sony Action Magazine - Documenting Conflict and Crisis on the FS7
2015 - NewsShooter - Moving from the C100 to the FS7
2015 - NewsShooter - How I made the C100 A Web News Workhorse
2014 - NewsShooter - VICE News Goes Live: What Does it Mean for Gen 5D?