A graduate of Arts Center, Sean Thonson first became interested in still photography at a very young age. Continuing in the footsteps of his father, who taught graphic design and photography at Humboldt State University, Thonson hardly recalls a time when he didn’t have a camera in his hands. Taking advantage of his father’s knowledge (and his dark room), Thonson began an ongoing study of light and composition that would eventually lead him to his career in directing/cinematography.

In 1992, Thonson made a transition from still photography to film becoming one the world’s top directors in the field of high performance automotive advertising. With a prestigious client list that includes Alpha Romeo, BMW, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ferrari, Fiat, Ford, GM, Hyundai, Honda, Lexus, Mercedes, Saab, Toyota and Volvo. Thonson has recently branched out to extend his vivid style of filmmaking to commercials driven by story and character.

Thonson is based in Southern California.