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Art, Business, Craft and Philosophy of the Moving Image

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The Cinematography Podcast explicit

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Art, Business, Craft and Philosophy of the Moving Image

308 एपिसोडस

#Filmmaking #Entertainment #Cinema #Tech #Fine Arts #Arts #Cinematography

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1
Special: Hacks DP Adam Bricker, Live Podcast in Las Vegas 49:52

3 days ago49:52

49:52

Special: Adam Bricker, ASC Cinematographer Adam Bricker, ASC chats with Illya at our live podcast event hosted by the Broadcast Education Association at NAB Las Vegas. Adam discusses his early career and education, his breakthrough role as the DP of Chef's Table on Netflix, and his work as the sole cinematographer on all four seasons of the Max TV show, Hacks. Adam enjoys shifting between the documentary style of Chef's Table and the narrative scripted comedy of Hacks. "I want my documentary work to be like a movie, and I want my movies to feel more like documentaries," he says. "So I think that they're obviously different muscles. I've been lucky to do a season of Hacks, and then spend the summer traveling with my friends and shooting Chef's Table and then going back to Hacks." You can watch the current season of Hacks on Max, and the new season of Chef's Table: Legends will be on Netflix April 28. Find Adam Bricker: Instagram @realadambricker Hear our previous episode with Adam Bricker from 2021. https://www.camnoir.com/ep133/ Sponsored by Hot Rod Cameras: https://hotrodcameras.com/ The Cinematography Podcast website: www.camnoir.com YouTube: @TheCinematographyPodcast Facebook: @cinepod Instagram: @thecinepod Blue Sky: @thecinepod.bsky.social…

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Johanna Coelho: creating intense ER reality on The Pitt 1:15:09

10 days ago1:15:09

1:15:09

The Cinematography Podcast Episode 307: Johanna Coelho As the cinematographer of all 15 episodes of The Pitt, Johanna Coelho helped create a fresh take on the medical genre's visual style. Executive producer John Wells wanted a feeling of constant urgency and realism to the hospital drama. They chose to treat The Pitt as if it were live theater, meticulously choreographing and blocking every action and movement within the bustling emergency room setting. Most of the episodes of The Pitt were shot in order, which helped with continuity on set. Johanna used the scripts as her blueprint, which carefully detailed character positioning in the background and clearly indicated the point of view for each scene. Her shot lists were fluid, evolving organically from the actors' movements within the space. This approach gave the camera operators remarkable freedom to follow the kinetic energy of gurneys and operating tables as they navigated the ER. The set was entirely open, with few places for the camera people to hide, so the entire crew wore scrubs to blend in. “Because of the way it's shot, the way everyone moves, we do no marks on the set,” says Johanna. “There's no marks, there's no lighting on the ground. It's a 360 set completely.” This required flexibility from the crew to embrace the spontaneous adjustments made by both the actors and the camera team, only doing additional takes when absolutely necessary. With an open set, Johanna and the electrical team had to get creative with their lighting strategy. The lighting was all integrated into the ceiling and run through a dimmer board. Absolutely no stands, flags, or fill lights were on the floor of the set. The gaffer created custom lighting that could be attached to the matte box on the camera and the occasional fill light was handheld on a pole. Cameras were entirely hand held, using a ZeeGee camera rig on a Steadicam arm, enhancing the sense of immediacy. As a result, the actors and crew never had to wait around for lighting or camera setups, which enabled them to shoot at a fast pace, about 9-10 pages per day. “We shoot extremely fast,” explains Johanna. “We come in at call time, we do the blocking and then we're ready to shoot, because the lighting is integrated. It's happening so fast, and we know the space so well. It's mostly the same pace and space all the time.” The immersive world of The Pitt was primarily constructed on a stage at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, with select exterior shots filmed on location in Pittsburgh. The production heavily relied on practical effects, employing detailed prosthetics and makeup captured in close-up to amplify the raw and visceral feeling of working in a high-stakes emergency room. “When I read the scripts, I felt it was clear you needed to be immersed in the middle of it,” says Johanna. “It's an experience for the audience, but it was also an experience for the crew shooting it. We were really inside that bubble, inside that ER set with the cast and crew.” You can see The Pitt on Max Find Johanna Coelho: https://www.johannacoelho.com/ Instagram @johanna_coelho Sponsored by Hot Rod Cameras: https://hotrodcameras.com/ Sponsored by Laowa by Venus Optics: https://www.venuslens.net/ The Cinematography Podcast website: www.camnoir.com YouTube: @TheCinematographyPodcast Facebook: @cinepod Instagram: @thecinepod Blue Sky: @thecinepod.bsky.social…

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Daredevil: Born Again DPs Hillary Spera and Pedro Millán 1:07:49

24 days ago1:07:49

1:07:49

Daredevil: Born Again cinematographers Hillary Fyfe Spera and Pedro Gómez Millán were both admirers of the original Daredevil on Netflix. As the lead cinematographer on the new series, Hillary wanted to bring something new to the look of the story. “The goal was to evolve it, to bring it to a more cinematic realm,” she says. This vision was achieved through the use of anamorphic lenses, lending a more elevated and cinematic feel. Influenced by 1970s cinema, particularly The French Connection, they established a strong visual reference point. Production, initially launched in 2022, was interrupted by the writers' strike. This hiatus allowed the showrunners to reassess the existing footage. Upon resumption, the production underwent rewrites and the addition of new material. Hillary was the DP for episodes 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, and 9, while Pedro shot episodes 4 and 5 and additional photography. Their collaborative approach was essential to maintaining a cohesive visual style. “We didn't want every episode to look the same,” says Pedro, “so what can we do to make it better? It's about being a team player and executing that one single vision that everybody's on board for.” A key challenge was visually representing Daredevil's heightened senses due to his blindness. Hillary explains, “One of our challenges that we collaborated on was the sensory stuff. We're trying to represent a visual thing that's not visual, so it was fun to put our heads together and see what worked and what didn't work.” Consistent communication was facilitated by a shared camera crew, ensuring a unified visual approach across episodes. The process kept the production dynamic and engaging. To define the visual world of Daredevil: Born Again, both DPs employed a range of cinematic techniques. Color transitioned from a desaturated palette to increased saturation as the narrative progressed, with a heightened use of red to signify Matt Murdock's return to his Daredevil persona. These choices were meticulously planned in collaboration with the production designer. Hard lighting was strategically used to emphasize that there was nowhere to hide in the courtroom settings. Pedro enjoyed using hard light on Fisk/Kingpin, noting, “Let's take the hard light and make it interesting, especially because these two actors can take it. It goes with the character and the story. He's in the spotlight as the New York City mayor.” Camera movement in the show was also carefully considered. Matt Murdock's world is depicted with handheld shots, conveying a sense of immediacy, while Fisk's world is characterized by locked-down shots, dollies, and wide-angle close-ups, reflecting his power and control. Hillary chose to use many long zooms throughout the show. “We called them 'doom zooms,'” she explains. “This impending doom that's happening in the first season, it's all relentlessly crushing down. And so the zooms are doing the same thing- they're pushing in and targeting one thing.” You can see Daredevil: Born Again on Disney+ Find Hillary Fyfe Spera: Instagram @hillaryspera Find Pedro Gomez Millan: Instagram @pedrogmillan Sponsored by Hot Rod Cameras: https://hotrodcameras.com/ The Cinematography Podcast website: www.camnoir.com YouTube: @TheCinematographyPodcast Facebook: @cinepod Instagram: @thecinepod Blue Sky: @thecinepod.bsky.social…

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Last Take: Rust and the Story of Halyna director Rachel Mason 1:13:50

4 weeks ago1:13:50

1:13:50

Rachel Mason's documentary, Last Take: Rust and the Story of Halyna, is not a sensationalist recounting of tragedy. It's a deeply personal exploration of the life and untimely death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, whose life was tragically cut short on the set of Rust. Rachel, a friend and fellow filmmaker, centers the narrative on Halyna herself, weaving together interviews with her friends and colleagues to illuminate her legacy beyond the sensationalized headlines. Rachel and Halyna became friends through their children, who were classmates at the same daycare. This shared experience blossomed into creative collaboration, with Rachel and Halyna working together on music videos, gallery installations, and performance art pieces. Following Halyna's death, her widower, Matt Hutchins, entrusted Mason with the task of creating a documentary, out of a desire to counter the overwhelming media frenzy. “At first, the idea of doing a documentary about Halyna made literally no sense,” Mason recalls. “She's the person I wanted to make films with. Suddenly I had to recognize, no, she has passed on, and someone's got to tell the world who she was.” Rachel dove into Halyna's filmography and personal film archives that she had stored on hard drives. Halyna's detailed notebook for Rust, filled with ideas and references, offered a profound insight into her creative process. While Rachel wanted to create a beautiful biography about her friend, she recognized the need to confront the media's portrayal of the shooting. “The media portrayal of the way things unfolded became part of the film, because all the different people involved got distorted in the media. That became part of grappling with this story and trying to find the truth by going back and meeting the real people who were there.” As Halyna's friend, Rachel gained the trust of Halyna's colleagues on the film, who shared their memories of her. Halyna's own words from her notebooks and in messages and emails add to the narrative. Rachel also had to sit through the trial of the armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, which was one of the of the hardest things she had to do for the documentary. The decision to complete Rust after Halyna's death sparked ethical debates within the film community. However, her family, including her mother, strongly supported the project. Rachel, who was granted exclusive access to the set during filming, believes that finishing Rust was essential. “Halyna wanted the world to see her work. She was so ambitious,” Mason emphasizes. “I have no doubt, Rust was gonna be the film that all the other directors would see a new, up and coming superstar. This would have taken their breath away. She would have gotten calls—she would have been a high level DP.” You can see Last Take: Rust and the Story of Halyna on Hulu. Find Rachel Mason: https://www.futureclown.com/ Instagram:@futureclown Sponsored by Hot Rod Cameras: https://hotrodcameras.com/ Sponsored by Aputure: https://aputure.com/ The Cinematography Podcast website: www.camnoir.com YouTube: @TheCinematographyPodcast Facebook: @cinepod Instagram: @thecinepod Blue Sky: @thecinepod.bsky.social…

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Grace Point indie film director Rory Karpf & DP Al Francesco 1:20:17

5 weeks ago1:20:17

1:20:17

For director Rory Karpf, a core philosophy is that things are going to change- a lesson learned from years of documentary filmmaking. This flexibility proved invaluable when crafting his indie feature, Grace Point. Adapted from a larger, more ambitious script, Grace Point tells the story of a young man on his way to a remote drug rehab. His journey takes a dark and unexpected turn when he finds himself in a strange town being chased by the locals and his own personal demons. The genesis of Grace Point began with a documentary shoot in a very specific location. Rory and cinematographer Al Francesco were working on recreations in Laurinburg, North Carolina. Al suggested that Rory reimagine the script as a smaller, more intimate indie film, using the town's natural settings. They were able to find every location they needed in Laurinburg and the surrounding area. The rapid 19 day production schedule with 10-hour workdays required working around outdoor shoots and unpredictable Southern weather. With many locations donated, Rory and Al knew they couldn't waste time with reshoots or lose any days to the weather. They dedicated two weeks to detailed location and technical scouting, meticulously planning shots and coverage. Al found the time to be flexible and see compositions when they naturally occurred, like taking advantage of a beautiful foggy morning during the shoot. Rory and Al's background in documentary filmmaking proved to be a significant asset. "One thing I learned with documentaries are things are gonna change," Rory states. "With narrative scripted filmmaking, it could be the actor isn't getting the scene right for whatever reason. We're gonna try something a little bit different, and be open to that working." Al's documentary instincts led him to adopt a "keep the camera rolling" approach, even after "cut" was called, capturing authentic reactions. He also streamlined the process by lighting entire scenes and shooting multiple angles without resetting, and even capturing close-ups and inserts during rehearsals. The collaboration between Rory and Al began at NFL Films, where they honed their skills on sports documentaries featuring prominent figures like Peyton Manning (The Book of Manning) and Snoop Dogg (Coach Snoop). These “follow docs” often involved recreations, which served as mini-movies, providing valuable experience for their transition to narrative filmmaking. Their established network of crew members, producers, and access to affordable gear proved crucial. "It's not a negative for us to have a small crew and make the most of it- that's normally what we do," Al notes. For Rory, the most vital aspect of filmmaking is fostering a positive and enjoyable atmosphere. "Working with Al, he makes the stuff look great, but he also understands how it incorporates in the story," he says. This blend of technical expertise and storytelling acumen is what brought Grace Point to life, proving that even with limited resources, passion and ingenuity can create compelling cinema. You can purchase Grace Point on Apple TV and Amazon Prime. Find Rory Karpf: https://www.gracepointfilm.com/ Find Al Francesco: https://www.albefilms.net/ Instagram: @gracepointfilm Sponsored by Hot Rod Cameras: https://hotrodcameras.com/ Sponsored by ARRI: https://www.arri.com/en The Cinematography Podcast website: www.camnoir.com YouTube: @TheCinematographyPodcast Facebook: @cinepod Instagram: @thecinepod Blue Sky: @thecinepod.bsky.social…

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Stephen Murphy, BSC: balancing love and terror in Heart Eyes 1:13:02

6 weeks ago1:13:02

1:13:02

Heart Eyes isn't your typical horror film or romantic comedy. It's a genre-bending fusion of sweet romance and chilling slasher horror. Cinematographer Stephen Murphy, BSC, ISC has crafted a film that authentically captures the tone of both genres. This ambitious goal required a nuanced approach to lighting and color, a visual language that could seamlessly transition between heartwarming romance and heart-pounding terror. Director Josh Ruben “was very clear from the beginning that he wanted to make a very earnest love letter to rom-coms AND to slasher movies- particularly rom-coms and slasher movies from the 80s and 90s,” says Stephen. “He didn't want us to shortchange either one. He wanted to make a genuine rom-com and a genuine slasher movie, but in the same film.” Stephen found it challenging mixing the two genres to find the right balance. The film begins with the warm, inviting tones of a classic rom-com, bathed in warmer colors that create a sense of comfort and affection. As the sinister presence of the Heart Eyes Killer emerges, the palette begins to shift into blue, moonlight shade that signal the arrival of horror. It was important to Stephen that the horror elements wouldn't succumb to gloomy, underexposed visuals. He aimed for clarity, using harder backlights and harder shadows to maintain a sense of definition and keep the actors looking their best, even amidst the chaos. This approach ensured that the rom-com aesthetic persisted, even as the slasher elements intensified. Both Ruben and Stephen were influenced by the movie I Know What You Did Last Summer and Jaws. They used storyboards for key moments in certain scenes, then built the rest of the scenes around the boards. Filmed in New Zealand, Heart Eyes was a fast-paced production, moving from greenlight to release in just twelve months. The film's horror sequences relied on a blend of practical and visual effects, with the Heart Eyes Killer's mask being a prime example of practical effects. Made in Los Angeles, Stephen had time to practice lighting it and testing the light-up eyes. During preproduction, Stephen discovered that keeping constantly moving lights on the killer in the mask kept it looking sinister. Stephen's previous experience working on horror films proved invaluable on Heart Eyes. He also was a cinematographer on the TV series Atlanta and Mr. & Mrs. Smith, for episodes shot in Europe. On these projects, he enjoyed the creative freedom to explore different styles and shoot those episodes a bit differently than the rest of the series. Heart Eyes is currently available for purchase on VOD. Find Stephen Murphy: https://www.stephen-murphy.com/ Instagram: @stephenmurphybsc Sponsored by Hot Rod Cameras: https://hotrodcameras.com/ Sponsored by Aputure: https://aputure.com/ The Cinematography Podcast website: www.camnoir.com YouTube: @TheCinematographyPodcast Facebook: @cinepod Instagram: @thecinepod Blue Sky: @thecinepod.bsky.social…

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Andrew Bird: editing The Seed of the Sacred Fig in secret 1:12:26

7 weeks ago1:12:26

1:12:26

Mohammad Rasoulof, the Iranian director whose films have consistently challenged the authority of the Islamic Republic, has faced imprisonment and persecution for his artistic vision. While serving time in Iranian prison for his films A Man of Integrity and 2020’s There Is No Evil, Rasoulof began to think about his next film, The Seed of the Sacred Fig. He was released from prison and began filming The Seed of the Sacred Fig in absolute secrecy while still under close scrutiny by the government. The Seed of the Sacred Fig is a gripping drama that explores the impact of authoritarian rule and political unrest on a family in Iran. Iman has just began a new job as an investigating judge in Tehran's Revolutionary Court when protests break out in Tehran. Paranoid about being hunted by protestors for his role in the regime, he clashes with his wife and daughters at home. When his gun goes missing, he suspects one of them has taken it, leading to a breakdown of trust within the family. In late 2023, Rasoulof reached out to editor Andrew Bird, with whom he had previously collaborated on Manuscripts Don't Burn in Germany. This time, however, the collaboration would be fraught with extraordinary challenges. With Rasoulof still in Iran, direct communication was severely limited, relying on long phone conversations facilitated by an interpreter. Andrew received an English translation of the script, but his lack of Farsi proficiency presented a unique hurdle. “I have edited a number of films in languages I don't speak,” says Andrew. “It's pretty easy to tell, even without the language, which performance is good and which isn't. I don't really need to understand the language for that.” Rasoulof sent footage in small, uploaded files, only with a few favorite takes marked. Andrew began editing as the film was being shot, piecing together the narrative puzzle without knowing the full scope of each scene. He was particularly struck by the film's powerful imagery and the challenging locations, given the clandestine nature of the production. “It was weird because normally you have a director with you so you're throwing ideas out there and the director's throwing ideas out there, and then suddenly something new emerges, and that leads you to places where you'd never have anticipated getting to,” says Andrew. “All that was lacking in this process because we were in two separate countries. I had to rely on myself, I had to really examine everything a lot more closely. It was enriching as well, because it really gives you more confidence in your own decisions and your own instincts.” After completing filming, Rasoulof made a daring escape from Iran, crossing the border illegally to return to Germany. He has since been able to travel and promote The Seed of the Sacred Fig, which has garnered critical acclaim, including multiple awards at the Cannes Film Festival and an Academy Award nomination for Best International Feature. For Andrew, the experience was profoundly meaningful. “I feel incredibly privileged to be part of this,” he says. “I think when I started making films, it was with this naive belief that you could change something in the world with your art. To be able to work on a film that does make a little difference somewhere in the world is an incredible privilege. I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to do it.” The Seed of the Sacred Fig is currently available for purchase on VOD. Sponsored by Hot Rod Cameras: https://hotrodcameras.com/ Sponsored by Laowa by Venus Optics: https://laowacine.com/ The Cinematography Podcast website: www.camnoir.com YouTube: @TheCinematographyPodcast Facebook: @cinepod Instagram: @thecinepod Blue Sky: @thecinepod.bsky.social…

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2025 Academy Awards nominations with Jenelle Riley, Variety 43:41

8 weeks ago43:41

43:41

Long-time friend and colleague Jenelle Riley of Variety magazine chats with Ben and Illya for our SIXTH annual Oscar nominations special. With a focus on cinematography, they discuss what they liked, what will win, what should win, and their favorite movies of the year that may not have been recognized. They discuss this year's nominations, the BAFTAs as a predictor for this year's Oscars, the ASC Awards nominees, and a little about last year's nominee and winner, Hoyte Van Hoytema, for Oppenheimer. Both Alice Brooks for Wicked and Stéphane Fontaine for Conclave were not nominated this awards season, but were nominated for ASC Awards. Ed Lachman, cinematographer of Maria, won the ASC Award this year. Ben, Jenelle and Illya agree that Drew Daniels for Anora and Benjamin Kracun for The Substance were also cinematographers who deserve recognition for their work. Academy Award nominees for Best Cinematography this year are: Lol Crawley, The Brutalist Greig Fraser, Dune Part 2 Paul Guilhaume, Emilia Pérez Ed Lachman, Maria Jarin Blaschke, Nosferatu Find Jenelle Riley on Facebook, Instagram, Blue Sky, X: @jenelleriley and Variety: https://variety.com/ Sponsored by Hot Rod Cameras: https://hotrodcameras.com/ The Cinematography Podcast website: www.camnoir.com YouTube: @TheCinematographyPodcast Facebook: @cinepod Instagram: @thecinepod Blue Sky: @thecinepod.bsky.social…

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Paul Guilhaume, AFC: opera and realism in Emilia Pérez 59:45

9 weeks ago59:45

59:45

Emilia Pérez is about a Mexican cartel leader, Manitas Del Monte (Karla Sofía Gascón) who hires a lawyer (Zoe Saldaña) to help him disappear, undergo gender affirming surgery, and transition into a woman. But even as Emilia Pérez, she is unable to fully leave her dark criminal past behind. Director Jacques Audiard saw the film as a unique blend of gritty drama like Amores Perros and an opera. He approached cinematographer Paul Guilhaume, AFC to collaborate on his vision. With a combination of operatic grandeur, gritty realism, and dynamic camerawork, Paul Guilhaume has been nominated for an Academy Award for his visually stunning cinematography in Emilia Pérez. Paul was impressed with the story arc when he received the script for the movie. “There is something a bit like a classic drama or a very classic structure of a play,” he explains. “The actions of the past come back, and the darkness comes back in the film at the end.” This dramatic structure, combined with the operatic elements, presented a unique challenge. Audiard initially conceived Emilia Pérez as a five-act musical stage play before deciding to film it. The theatrical influence is apparent in the film's structure and visual approach. The drama unfolds during the musical numbers, revealing information about the story. All of the musical numbers were written into the script and became a thread interwoven throughout the film. Paul used a variety of styles to shoot each music scene. He chose classic shot-reverse-shot for intimate moments, to stylized, modern music video techniques and grand, classic musical visuals for moments of heightened movement and energy. Months of preparation and rehearsal allowed the actors to meticulously block and choreograph the dance scenes in tandem with the Steadicam, resulting in seamless integration of movement and camera. In Emilia Pérez, the camera is always in motion, matching the pacing of the music. “Jacques has an aesthetic of movement, the camera is almost never still,” says Paul. “There's something in motion in each and every frame that's not photographic composition, but cinematographic composition. Your eye is always in motion, taking you from one shot to the next.” The film's visual tone shifts as Emilia's past catches up with her. Paul responded to the shift with higher contrast, theatrical lighting, bringing up the darks with black walls and using an infrared camera. Despite the film's ambitious scope, it began as a small, independent production with a limited budget before being picked up by Netflix. This constraint led to the decision to shoot digitally with a Sony Venice, a choice that ultimately saved time and money. Paul and Audiard focused on crafting memorable moments, striving to create one key image per scene to build a lasting "visual memory" for the audience. Emilia Pérez is on Netflix. Find Paul Guilhaume: Instagram: @paul_guilhaume Sponsored by Hot Rod Cameras: https://hotrodcameras.com/ Sponsored by ARRI: https://www.arri.com/en The Cinematography Podcast website: www.camnoir.com YouTube: @TheCinematographyPodcast Facebook: @cinepod Instagram: @thecinepod Blue Sky: @thecinepod.bsky.social…

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Sugarcane filmmakers Emily Kassie and Christopher LaMarca 57:34

10 weeks ago57:34

57:34

Sugarcane is a powerful documentary film that delves into the dark history of abuse and murder at a Canadian residential school. These Catholic boarding schools in North America and Canada have caused lasting trauma across Indigenous communities. The film centers around the Williams Lake First Nation in British Columbia, where a ground-breaking investigation into the St. Joseph's Mission residential school is underway. Sugarcane is Oscar-nominated for Best Documentary Feature. Director Emily Kassie is an Emmy and Peabody-nominated investigative journalist and filmmaker. She was compelled to tell the story of the ongoing investigation and asked journalist and co-director Julian Brave NoiseCat to be a part of the team. NoiseCat's family has an intimate and painful connection to the residential schools. His father, Ed Archie NoiseCat, was born at St. Joseph’s Mission to a student there. The NoiseCat family story became inextricably woven into the fabric of the documentary. Emily envisioned a film that was not only informative but also deeply sensitive. She partnered with cinematographer Christopher LaMarca, whose verité style of filmmaking hinges on the power of time, trust and truth. Over two and a half years, Kassie and LaMarca spent 160 days in Williams Lake, embedding themselves within the community. “The approach to true verité filmmaking is time,” says Chris. “You need lots of time to shoot this way. You need to spend time with people before you even start shooting so that they trust you. It's a way of being instead of just being a cinematographer.” Emily fully embraced Chris's approach. “For me, what comes with time is trust and intimacy,” she says. “It was so important to earn the trust of this community that has been ravaged by colonization, that has been lied to and betrayed by white people since they arrived on the land.” This trust informed every aspect of their filmmaking. The decision to use prime lenses, for example, was a deliberate choice. Instead of the distancing effect of a zoom lens, prime lenses required the filmmakers to physically move closer to their subjects, fostering a sense of connection and intimacy. “Prime lenses render the face and space differently than a zoom does,” Chris notes, emphasizing the importance of physical proximity in creating a sense of genuine conversation. The resulting close-up shots, born from their time spent in the community, offer a powerful and intimate glimpse into the lives and experiences of those affected by the residential school. Both Emily and Chris were shooting with a Canon C500 Mark II camera at all times, simultaneously filming and recording their own sound. The emphasis on capturing dialogue was crucial, allowing them to connect the dots in the ongoing investigation and understand the full scope of the story. Emily meticulously logged and organized all the footage, immersing herself in the project for three and a half years. She became intimately familiar with every piece of research and evidence uncovered in the residential school archives. For Chris, the most vital part of their process happened after each day of filming. Every night, they would download the footage and reflect on the moments that resonated most deeply. “You're recalling all of the things that hit your heart the hardest and penetrated the deepest,” he explains. “And in that moment, that's where the film starts to get made – not on paper, but from the heart, being totally clear and focused on what was happening in the day.” Sugarcane premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival and is available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu. Find Emily Kassie: http://www.emilykassie.com/ Instagram @emilykassie Find Chris LaMarca: http://www.christopherlamarca.com/ Instagram @christopher_lamarca Sponsored by Hot Rod Cameras: https://hotrodcameras.com/ Sponsored by Aputure: https://aputure.com/ The Cinematography Podcast website: www.camnoir.com…

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Pierre Gill, CSC: lighting the darkness in Dune: Prophecy 1:07:20

11 weeks ago1:07:20

1:07:20

Dune: Prophecy, the six-episode prequel series to the Dune films, now streaming on Max, delves into the origins of the Bene Gesserit. The series is set 10,000 years before the events of the movies. Bringing this ancient future to life was just one of the challenges faced by cinematographer Pierre Gill, CSC, a veteran of science fiction and period pieces alike. Pierre, who has a deep affinity for the sci-fi genre, sees it as a close cousin to historical dramas. “It's like another type of period piece,” he explains, citing the importance of costumes, lighting, and set design in creating an immersive world. His experience in science fiction is extensive, having served as additional and second unit cinematographer on Denis Villeneuve’s Dune, Arrival, and Blade Runner 2049. This prior experience proved invaluable for Dune: Prophecy. “On Dune: Prophecy, the challenge is there's not really a lot of light source in the concept of the universe,” Pierre notes. The goal was to respect the established aesthetic of Villeneuve's Dune, avoiding an overabundance of typical sci-fi lighting. During his initial interview for the series, Pierre emphasized his understanding of the Dune look, a perspective informed by his work on the first film. He felt the series should align with the films, potentially even enhancing viewers' appreciation of the cinematic universe. However, Pierre was also determined to bring his own artistic vision to the project. “At the same time,” he admits, “it's difficult because as a cinematographer, I don't want to recreate what Greig Fraser, the master, did. I don't want to copy him.” Pierre's approach for Prophecy involved strong, wide shots with splashes of bold color. After extensive lens and camera testing, Pierre chose to shoot with the Arri Alexa 35. He also used two Steadicams to maximize efficiency during the action-packed shoot. Pierre favored a centered camera, even in close-ups, and faced the significant hurdle of lighting the massive sets. Time constraints limited pre-lighting opportunities, forcing Pierre to find innovative solutions. He employed mobile softboxes and book lighting to sculpt the actors' faces, creating soft bounce light. The presence of ceilings on some of the sets allowed for lower camera angles and the inclusion of more background detail. He was also able to use many practical lighting sources throughout the set. Dune: Prophecy has been picked up for a second season and Pierre is excited to explore the Dune universe further. “Season 2 will be even more powerful, I think,” he predicts. You can see Dune: Prophecy on Max. https://www.max.com/shows/dune-prophecy-2024/57660b16-a32a-476f-89da-3302ac379e91 Find Pierre Gill: Instagram @pierregill_dp Sponsored by Hot Rod Cameras: https://hotrodcameras.com/ The Cinematography Podcast website: www.camnoir.com YouTube: @TheCinematographyPodcast Facebook: @cinepod Instagram: @thecinepod Blue Sky: @thecinepod.bsky.social…

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The beauty of The Brutalist: Lol Crawley, BSC 1:21:37

12 weeks ago1:21:37

1:21:37

The Brutalist tells the story of László Tóth (Adrian Brody) a Hungarian-Jewish architect who survives the Holocaust and emigrates to the United States. He meets a wealthy industrialist, Harrison Lee Van Buren (Guy Pierce), who recognizes his talent, and commissions him to design a grand community center. The opportunity presents both a chance for redemption and a descent into a dangerous power dynamic. Cinematographer Lol Crawley, BSC is currently nominated for an Academy Award for his stunning work on The Brutalist. He and director Brady Corbet chose to shoot on VistaVision, which uses 35mm film horizontally instead of vertically, significantly increasing the image area and resolution. Corbet was always interested in shooting on a larger format in order to capture the landscapes and architecture in the film. VistaVision proved to be a less expensive way to shoot on large format, especially since many rental companies were reluctant to rent their 65mm cameras to a modestly budgeted, independent feature. Lol knew fellow cinematographer Robbie Ryan had also used VistaVision for parts of Poor Things. He was able to use the same technicians Robbie used while The Brutalist shot in Budapest. The choice of VistaVision was not just about technical specifications. For The Brutalist, set in the early late 1940s and early 1950s, Lol felt it was appropriate to use a camera and film stock that evoked the era. Even the photochemical process of film itself added a unique character. “What we have chosen to do with the Kodak stock is to abuse the stock slightly, to underexpose it, to push process it, to come up with a more painterly image or something that we feel depicts a certain era,” says Lol. “And we've found that by underexposing the stock and distressing the dye layers, then forcing the image back up, you're dragging up colors within the shadows that we find to be very pleasing, interesting and more impressionistic or painterly image.” One of the most striking sequences in The Brutalist is the opening scene, a single continuous take following László through a ship as he disembarks in America. Lol, who also operated the camera in most of the film, used a smaller handheld camera for the scene. To accentuate the disorientation as László gets off the boat, the editor decided to flip the images around. “The idea is supposed to be that he comes to America, and it's a new hope,” says Lol. “But the fact that it's untethered and disorientating and flipped on its head is a really ingenious way of representing that László's time in the US is not going to be all he imagined.” Lol's approach to cinematography emphasizes a balance between documenting reality and fiction. “I've always thought that my cinematography was about responsiveness,” he says. "Cinematography is about light, camera movement, and composition. If I had to get rid of one or let one of those things go, it would be the lighting. What I like to do is to have one foot in documentary and one foot in fiction, and be open to respond. So I tend to shotlist less, I tend to storyboard less.” The cinematographer Christopher Doyle told him once, “In Western cinema, you say, 'Here's the frame, how do we fill it?' In Asian cinema we say, 'Here's the world, how do I frame it?'” You can see The Brutalist in theaters. Find Lol Crawley: https://lolcrawley.com/ Instagram: @crawleylol Sponsored by Hot Rod Cameras: https://hotrodcameras.com/ Sponsored by Aputure: https://aputure.com/ The Cinematography Podcast website: www.camnoir.com YouTube: @TheCinematographyPodcast Facebook: @cinepod Instagram: @thecinepod Blue Sky: @thecinepod.bsky.social…

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Rina Yang, BSC: Igniting The Fire Inside 1:08:30

13 weeks ago1:08:30

1:08:30

The Fire Inside is the true story of Claressa "T-Rex" Shields, a boxer from Flint, Michigan and her trainer, Jason Crutchfield. She became the first American woman to win Olympic gold in boxing. The Fire Inside is the feature directorial debut for Rachel Morrison, the first woman cinematographer nominated for an Academy Award. Cinematographer Rina Yang, BSC enjoyed the ability to speak with director Rachel Morrison in a shorthand way about shooting the film. “It did help that I've known Rachel for a while, just being female DPs in this boys' game,” she says. “It was nice to be able to skip the tech chat and get to the point, because we had a really insane schedule.” The film's production had faced numerous challenges, having to shut down during COVID in 2020 which halted filming for two years. Once The Fire Inside was greenlit again, they faced an accelerated production schedule in Toronto. Rina prepped by watching a documentary about Claressa Shields called T-Rex and watched all her fights in the 2012 Olympics as references. She and Rachel meticulously shotlisted every scene and entered it into a detailed spreadsheet so that they knew what they needed each day. The Fire Inside focuses on capturing the intensity of Shields' journey, both inside and outside the ring. “Rachel and I talked about how we wanted to shoot the boxing,” Rina explains, “but we decided that ultimately, we just wanted to feel the fight from Claressa's point of view rather than doing cool boxing shots.” This approach led to a raw and intimate portrayal of the sport, emphasizing the emotional and physical toll on Shields. Actor Ryan Destiny underwent rigorous training to perform all the boxing scenes herself, and Rina often opted for handheld cameras to capture the raw energy of the story. Rina and Rachel both operated a few of the boxing scenes. Rina didn't hesitate to tell Rachel how her camerawork was looking. “I was really honest. She would ask if she did a good job. I'd say that was good, or suggest a move that's less active and a little bit more quiet with the camera.” Rina's path to becoming a cinematographer was not a direct one. After moving to London from Japan at 21 with limited English, she decided to pursue film school. While working on a film set, Rina was inspired by Sara Deane, a female cinematographer, and realized that cinematography was her true calling. She subsequently honed her skills through a series of short films, music videos, and commercials. You can see The Fire Inside currently in theaters and streaming on VOD January 28. Find Rina Yang: Instagram @the_rinayang Hear our previous interview with Rachel Morrison about her work as a cinematographer on Mudbound: https://www.camnoir.com/ep19-2/ Sponsored by Hot Rod Cameras: https://hotrodcameras.com/ Sponsored by Venus Optics/Laowa: https://www.venuslens.net/ The Cinematography Podcast website: www.camnoir.com YouTube: @TheCinematographyPodcast Facebook: @cinepod Instagram: @thecinepod Blue Sky: @thecinepod.bsky.social…

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Jarin Blaschke: Crafting Darkness in Nosferatu 1:08:39

14 weeks ago1:08:39

1:08:39

Nosferatu is a gothic tale of obsession, about a young woman, Ellen, who faces a terrifying supernatural entity after her husband travels to Transylvania to conduct business with the enigmatic Count Orlok. As Orlok arrives in her town, he brings a plague of death and terror, forcing Ellen to confront the monstrous vampire and the darkness within herself. Cinematographer Jarin Blaschke wanted to create a visually distinct and unsettling experience for Nosferatu, drawing inspiration from F.W. Murnau's 1922 classic, while developing his own unique look. Both he and director Robert Eggers chose a more romantic approach to the film, with a palette of blue and black. Shooting on film with candlelight and moonlight added to the haunting atmosphere. Jarin tested several lenses and the film scanning process to get the grain and color just right. He wanted Nosferatu to feel very composed and controlled. “If it feels claustrophobic, we lean into that,” he says. “How you pan, when you pan, what's the feeling of it, and how you guide the camera operator to execute that pan, all contributes to the overall feeling.” Jared has collaborated with Eggers on all of his films, beginning with the short film, The Tell Tale Heart, The Witch, The Lighthouse and The Northman. The two share a love of fairy tales and the golden age of illustration. As with most of their films, the two had several months to prep for Nosferatu. They talked through the scenes and shotlisted the movie, while Jarin drew small storyboard thumbnails as a draft for the storyboard artist. “I love the luxury of a long prep time,” says Jarin. “The ideas that you come up with over the course of four months, as opposed to four minutes, are much, much better, you know? Like if I'm just reacting to stuff in the moment, I'm going to go for the easiest thing. But if I have time to come up with an idea and think about how to surprise people, that's a lot more fun.” This meticulous approach extends to post-production, where Jarin even directed the lighting for visual effects. "I enjoy being an obsessive perfectionist," he admits. You can see Nosferatu in theaters and on VOD January 21. Find Jarin Blaschke: https://www.luxartists.net/artists/jarin-blaschke Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/18192666@N00/ Sponsored by Hot Rod Cameras: https://hotrodcameras.com/ Sponsored by ARRI: https://www.arri.com/en The Cinematography Podcast website: www.camnoir.com YouTube: @TheCinematographyPodcast Facebook: @cinepod Instagram: @thecinepod Blue Sky: @thecinepod.bsky.social…

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Media and the Munich massacre: September 5 DP Markus Förderer 1:14:22

15 weeks ago1:14:22