Ivan Tonev graduated cinematography and directing from Krastyo Sarafov National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts (1989). In 1999 he created his own producer company ARS Digital Studio. He has been working as producer since 2005. He has been Chairman of the Association of the Bulgarian Cinematographers since 2006, and in the period 2008-2015 he was Vice President of the European Federation of Cinematographers (IMAGO). He has been member of the National Cinema Council sine 2012.
He participated in creating and realization of over 15 feature, 37 documentary and 45 television films.