Chris Kentis Biography

A graduate of New York University's Tisch School of the Arts film program, Chris Kentis is an award-winning film editor.

He and his wife, Laura Lau, co-wrote his feature film directorial debut, Grind (1997), starring Billy Crudup. Lau also produced, while Kentis edited the film.

His second film, Open Water, received a wide release even though it was shot in digital video on a very low budget (approximately $130,000) with a limited crew. The actors had to do their own makeup and hair and take care of their own costumes. He sent out a casting call for unknown actors to star in the shoot, and filmed it in the ocean using chunks of tuna to attract real sharks while the actors were in the water. Lau again produced, while Kentis edited the project, which made a sizeable profit during its opening weekend in the United States alone.

Kentis and Lau live with their daughter in New York City.

Filmography:

Open Water (2004)
Grind (1997)