In the latest installment of the "Cinematography Salon Podcast," we sit down with renowned cinematographer Frederick Elmes, ASC, whose career has seamlessly intertwined with some of cinema's most innovative directors. Elmes, who is celebrated for his emotional and visionary approach to cinematography, shares insights into his collaborative processes with directors like David Lynch, Jim Jarmusch, John Cassavetes, and Ang Lee. His discussion on balancing the aesthetic and technical challenges...

This week on the Cinematography Salon Podcast, we interview Greig Fraser, ASC, ACS, cinematographer behind "Dune" and "The Batman”. He discusses collaborating with directors, the challenges of adapting source material, and his innovative approach to integrating visual effects into storytelling. Through thought-provoking insights into Dune: Part Two and other highly regarded films in his repertoire, Greig touches on the creative and logistical challenges of bringing complex worlds to life...

This week on the show, we welcome the Jay Holben, an associate member of the American Society of Cinematographers. Jay is known for his extensive contributions to film literature and technology, particularly through the books, "Cine Lens Manual" and "Shot Craft". He shares his journey as a cinematographer, filmmaker, writer, and researcher. Ever curious, Holben emphasizes the importance of continuous learning in the fluctuating landscape of the film industry, advocating for deeper engagement...

This week we welcome David Mullen, ASC, Emmy winner for his exceptional work on "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel". Sharing his insights into his creative journey, and his steadfast commitment to blending research with education, he takes us behind the scenes of renowned projects like "Westworld" and "The Love Witch," highlighting his collaborative ethos with both crew and cast, and his passion for the craft comprising the complexities of lighting, the evolution of camera technology, and the...

In this episode of the Cinematography Salon podcast, we’re joined by Dan Kanes, CEO and co-founder of Atlas Lens Co. Kanes shares his journey from lighting technician to entrepreneur, emphasizing the influence of his skateboarding and punk rock background on his creative and pragmatic approach to forging one’s own path and simultaneously uplifting those around you. Highlighting the significance of anamorphic lenses in film history and their emotional impact on storytelling, this episode...

On this episode of the Cinematography Salon Podcast, hosts Peter Pascucci and Ava Benjamin Shorr welcome Andrew Thomas Huang, a versatile director blending fantasy with reality. They discuss his journey from a Fine Art and Animation student at USC to becoming a Grammy-nominated director and how his collaborations with artists like Björk and FKA Twigs reflect his unique style, deeply rooted in Chinese heritage and queer Asian mythology. If you are enjoying the podcast, please consider...

As the new year begins, hosts Peter Pascucci and Ava Benjamin Shorr welcome guests Oren Soffer, former co-host of the podcast, and David Kruta, founder of Cinematography Salon. In 2023, the Salon expanded its reach, successfully hosted gatherings on both coasts, with holiday parties, panels, master classes and networking events, enriching the community's understanding and appreciation of the filmmaking process. Together they discuss how current events, technological shifts, and how personal...

Christopher Blauvelt joins us this week on the Cinematography Salon podcast as he shares his unique upbringing in LA within a filmmaking family and his journey to establish his own identity in the industry - a meeting with renowned cinematographer Harris Savides was a pivotal moment in Christopher's career, shifting his trajectory towards independent films. Discussing the advancements in both film and digital technologies, Christopher emphasizes keeping an open-minded approach to using these...

In this episode, cinematographer Natalie Kingston discusses her approach to achieving a dense, immersive quality in her images. She discusses lighting techniques, color grading, and the crucial role of collaborating closely with costume and production designers, underlining her meticulous attention to detail in creating visually striking work. Natalie reflects on the concept that lighting need not always be motivated by tangible sources but can be deeply rooted in emotional truth. She further...

Joining us this week on the Cinematography Salon podcast, we welcome Production Designer and Director, Griffin Stoddard, who offers an unconventional perspective on set design and breaking the mold of traditional concepts. His approach, blending gothic influences and surrealism, showcases his ability to create unique work. Hosts Peter Pascucci and Ava Benjamin Shorr explore the evolving landscape of set design through Griffin's experiences, charting the changes and trends he has witnessed...

Hosts Peter Pascucci and Ava Benjamin Shorr are back this week with Ashley Connor, whose hands-on experience with indie filmmaking has shaped her into a master storyteller with a flair for genuine representation. Connor discusses her transition into union work, the emotional intimacy of her cinematography techniques, and her advocacy for ethical filmmaking. The conversation offers profound insights into her personal and professional growth, emphasizing the impact of mentorship and the...

We’re back for the second season of the Cinematography Salon podcast, and we are thrilled to welcome our new co-host Ava Benjamin Shorr alongside returning host Peter Pascucci. Kicking off this season is a deep dive into the filmmaking process of "The Creator", with special guest, cinematographer Oren Soffer. Oren shares a treasure trove of insights about working on the film directed by the visionary Gareth Edwards, known for his groundbreaking work on "Star Wars", "Rogue One", and...

Cinematographer Mandy Walker, ASC, ACS, joins hosts Peter Pascucci and Oren Soffer on this week’s episode of the Cinematography Salon podcast to demystify her techniques, with real-world examples from blockbuster hits like Elvis and Mulan. From collaborations with Baz Luhrmann and the intricacies of lens choice, to translating the director's vision onto the screen in the most collaborative and artistic manner, Mandy's expertise makes this an episode you won’t want to miss. If you are...

Are you fascinated by how visual effects can transform storytelling? Tune in to this episode featuring two-time Emmy-winning VFX supervisor Andrew Roberts, who has worked on bringing the worlds of Avatar, Obi-Wan Kenobi and The Creator to life. This episode touches on his experience working in virtual production at ILM, how he approaches collaborative-decision making in his role, and the modern tools VFX teams use to enhance cinematic stories. If you've ever wondered what it's like to bring...

On this episode of the Cinematography Salon podcast, hosts Peter Pascucci and Oren Soffer interview cinematographer Todd Banhazl, ASC about his work on HBO’s “Winning Time” and “Hustlers” starring Jennifer Lopez. Touching on the mechanics of bold decision-making and the necessity of exciting everyone involved in a project, this episode peels back the curtain on artistic integrity across different budget levels, the audacity to take calculated risks, and the power of working with like-minded...

In this episode of the Cinematography Salon podcast, hosts Peter Pascucci and Oren Soffer answer your questions about the film industry. From building relationships with directors to evolving from low-budget projects to big-budget shoots, learn how to convince potential collaborators of your skills, even without past work to show, and discover strategies for career planning in an unpredictable industry. We dive into discussions about artistic voice, burnout, and navigating tough production...

In this episode, director Marysia Makowska imparts wisdom from her rich career, stressing the significance of enthusiasm, meticulous preparation, and clear vision. Marysia shares her insights on transitioning from art directing to helming a film, the digital revolution in cinematography, and how platforms like TikTok are reshaping editing techniques. Listen in to unravel the ever-evolving landscape of commercial and cinematography trends, and her approach to filmmaking—prioritizing health,...

On the latest episode of the Cinematography Salon podcast, hosts Peter Pascucci and Oren Soffer are joined by producer Jeremy Truong. From selecting the right cinematographer to nurturing a positive working environment, today’s episode is a compelling exploration of authenticity, representation, and the transformative power of storytelling. Jeremy reveals the inner workings of the documentary "38 at the Garden," the joy of a majority queer shoot, and the challenges faced by people of color in...

This week on the Cinematography Salon podcast, Peter Pascucci is joined by David Kruta as they interview renowned Ukrainian cinematographer and producer Andrii Kotliar. Kotliar discusses his experience growing up in post-Soviet Ukraine, the profound impact of the Revolution of Dignity, and the Ukrainian film industry's resilience amidst war and conflict. He discusses the riveting story behind "Iron Butterflies," a film exploring the tragic incident of MH17 flight shot down by a Russian...

Actor Mackenzie Lansing joins hosts Peter Pascucci and Oren Soffer to take a critical look at the complexities and politics of acting. Lansing offers her perspective on the issues plaguing the industry, particularly the importance of actors supporting each other amidst a competitive environment. She expresses her solidarity with the ongoing strikes, and explores the challenging aspects of residuals from streaming platforms and networking dynamics that often pit actors against one another. The...

In Part 2 of a fascinating discussion with Mark LaFleur, hosts Peter Pascucci and Oren Soffer discuss the intricacies of running a camera rental house instead of committing to a freelance cinematography career. Mark underlines the importance of education and workshops to give budding filmmakers access to both equipment knowledge and hands-on experience. They also discuss his love for Lomo Super Speeds, vintage lenses, and anamorphic lenses, and the crucial role of lens choices. If you are...

In Part 1 of a fascinating conversation with Mark LaFleur, hosts Peter Pascucci and Oren Soffer dive into the nuances of lens testing and vintage lens characteristics. They dissect topics like the "sweet spot" of a lens, the implications of shooting at varying apertures, and the contrasting traits of anamorphic and spherical lenses. Mark also underscores the significance of fostering a sense of community, the crucial role of social media in demystifying the lens selection process, and how Old...

In this week’s episode, hosts Peter Pascucci and Oren Soffer host UK-based cinematographer Olan Collardy. Collardy emphasizes the importance of demystifying the craft and making it accessible. He discusses his self-education journey, DIY approach, and how he transitioned from replicating others' techniques to finding his unique voice in cinematography. From utilizing a friend's studio space in Hackney to test different setups to his mentorship program and creation of a Discord community,...

In this episode of The Cinematography Salon Podcast, Peter Pascucci and Oren Soffer host senior colorist Kath Raisch. The conversation uncovers Kath's journey from working with film in a darkroom to becoming a colorist, emphasizing the necessity of mastering film basics while navigating the possibilities of digital technology. They explore the dynamics of the relationship between a colorist and a director of photography, the nuances of translating a director's vision onto the screen, and her...