Cinemapodgrapher

Cinematographer Ksenia Sereda takes us behind the scenes for The Last Of Us Season 2. It's clear from the start how deeply she loves what she does. She lives and breathes her work and her passion is infectious. In this episode, we break down everything from the custom-built Cooke lenses she helped design, shooting cast on horseback and the responsibility of being setup DP for the show. We dig into several key episodes including the beautiful flashback scenes of episode 6 and unpack the technical hurdles of shooting inside a spaceship.  A true fan of the game and a master of her craft, Ksenia brings a mix of vision, precision, and genuine heart to bring the game to life. This one's a deep dive for anyone who aspires to work on the world's biggest tv series. This episode of Cinemapodgrapher is proudly brought to you by our technology partners Sony Produced by Deb Van Dieren Hosted and edited by Lucas Tomoana SOC

Chris Teague, an Emmy Award winning Director of Photography, has worked on a diverse slate of projects, from Russian Doll and Only Murders in the Building to entering the Star Wars universe with The Acolyte. In our conversation, we talk about his path into drama, the value of building strong creative relationships, and what it means to be a setup DP. We also get into preproduction, LUTs, fight choreography, and how Chris approached the unique lighting challenges of working within the Star Wars universe. 

Key Grip Adam "Skull" Kuiper and Best Boy Josh Calder lead one of Australia's top grip teams at AJK Grips. In this episode, we dive into how Skull earned his nickname, his journey into key gripping, and the art of building grip trucks from the ground up. Josh shares insights into the role of a Best Boy Grip and their shared vision for training the next generation of technicians. We also chat about their work in Namibia on Mad Max: Fury Road, the evolution of grip tech for Furiosa, and the sheer scale of stunts and logistics involved in filming The Fall Guy in the heart of Sydney. Tune in for one heck of a conversation about all things gripping. This episode is proudly brought to you by our technology partners Sony Produced by Deb Bauer Hosted and edited by Lucas Tomoana SOC

Aiden Kelly is one of the world's leading remote pilots and the co-founder of XM2. He shares how he started out flying remote helicopters and running a hobby shop, which led to building XM2 into a global remote head company with offices in Australia, the US, the UK, and Korea. We talk about the early days of drone cinematography and how XM2 expanded into arm cars, e-bikes, cable cams, and RC tracking vehicles. Aiden breaks down the challenges of flying on major films, including Tom Cruise's motorcycle cliff jump in Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning, high-speed car chases in James Bond, and stunt sequences in The Fall Guy. This episode offers a deep look at aerial and specialty camera work on some of the biggest action films in the world. This episode is proudly brought to you by our technology partners Sony. Produced by Deb Van Dieren, Hosted and Edited by Lucas Tomoana SOC.

Mandy Walker AM ASC ACS's stunning cinematography has captivated audiences around the world. From Australia to Elvis, Snow White, and commercials for global brands like Chanel, Nike, Louis Vuitton, and Audi — her work is bold, emotional, and always cinematic. In this episode, Mandy shares how she carved her own path without film school, became a trailblazer for women in film, and developed her approach to storytelling on big-budget productions. She also talks through her work on Snow White — from camera tests to musical sequences, and how she lit the sets of Disney's latest feature. She's an icon — and she's refreshingly honest about the challenges, the wins, and what it takes to keep pushing forward in this industry. This episode is proudly sponsored by Red. For more information on the latest red cameras head to www.red.com. Hosted by Lucas Tomoana Edited by Raphael Segal Produced by Deb Bauer

Netflix hit series Adolescence has taken the world by storm — a gripping 4-part mini series exploring parenting, misogyny, and bullying — each episode shot in one continuous take. This week on the podcast, we chat with Director of Photography Matt Lewis and Camera Operator Lee Brown, the duo behind the lens of this viral sensation. They break down exactly how they pulled off the oners- from the technical challenges to the physical intensity of each episode. We dive into Matt's history with the One Take technique, why he chose the Ronin 4D for this project, and how Lee got the job as his camera operator. We also deep dive into the details of pre-production, planning, and the intense choreography behind every episode. Join us for one of our most in-depth episodes ever — clocking in at 2.5 hours — as we go behind the scenes  for the global phenomenon that is Adolescence. This epiosde is proudly sponsored by Red. Hosted by Lucas Tomoana SOC, Edited by Raphael Segal, Produced by Deb Bauer

Markus Förderer ASC BVK takes us behind the scenes of September 5, an independent feature where he crafted an authentic 1970s broadcast aesthetic while pushing the boundaries of digital cinematography. He shares how he transformed the RED V-Raptor to look like film, lit the set for 360-degree shooting, and operated in a raw, documentary style without rehearsals. Markus also discusses the challenges of building a set that felt true to the era, working with vintage-inspired lighting, and his unconventional decision to pull apart and detune his own zoom lenses to create a messier, more organic look. Along the way, he reflects on his journey to Los Angeles and how his early work, including his debut feature Hell with director Tim Fehlbaum, shaped his approach to cinematography. Markus credits his early experimentation with photography as a child for helping him develop an instinct to break the rules and embrace unconventional techniques. This mindset has played a key role in his distinctive style, allowing him to challenge norms and create visually striking work. He also shares his passion for sharing knowledge through his website, Cineflares, which he founded to help fellow filmmakers explore the creative possibilities of lighting and cinematography. From embracing imperfections to rethinking the way digital cameras capture texture and movement, Markus offers a fascinating look at the creative choices that define his work. This episode is proudly sponsored by Red.

Sean Flannery has operated on some of the biggest live broadcasts in the world—Oscars, Grammys, Super Bowl Halftime Shows, you name it. In this episode, we sit down with Sean to unpack what it takes to operate under intense pressure while millions watch live. We dive deep into the technical side of Steadicam and Trinity, break down what it was like bringing the Kenergy with Ryan Gosling at the Oscars, and get an insider's look at filming some of the most iconic Super Bowl Halftime Shows—including performances by Rihanna and Kendrick Lamar. If you're into camera operating, live event production, or just love behind-the-scenes stories from the industry's biggest gigs, this one's for you.

In this episode, we sit down with Matt Poynter ACO, SOC Assoc, BSC to talk about his journey from a young assistant to becoming the President of the ACO (Association of Camera Operators). Matt shares insights into the ACO's role in the industry, as well as his own career path—moving to London, starting out in a rental house, and the pivotal moment when he met cinematographer Sean Bobbitt BSC. We also dive into his experience assisting on documentaries and drama, his step up to A-camera operator in Malaysia, and the nuances of A vs. B camera operating. Matt breaks down how to work effectively with directors and DPs to shape coverage, the importance of building a strong relationship with your dolly grip, and operating tools like cranes and Steadicam. Finally, we discuss one of the most critical skills for any camera operator—staying calm under pressure. Whether you're an aspiring operator or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with valuable insights from one of the industry's best.

What does it take to be the series DP for Beast Games, the most ambitious reality  series ever, helmed by none other than MrBeast? In this episode, we sit down with cinematographer Jason Elliott to break down the high-stakes spectacle—shattering camera world records, orchestrating shots with 1,000 contestants and a massive crew, and bringing extravagant sets to life. Jason shares how he landed a role at Beast Headquarters, managing over 100 camera crew and an astonishing 1,000+ cameras while shooting inside a $15 million Beast City. Want an exclusive look at the future of large-scale digital filmmaking? Hit play!  

In this episode, we dive into Invisible Boys, the Stan original series adapted from Holden Sheppard's award-winning novel. The story follows four young men navigating identity and sexuality in a coastal country town—a perspective rarely seen on Australian screens. Joining the podcast is Director Nicholas Verso and Cinematographer Jason Hargreaves ACS. We discuss how Nick optioned the book and his journey breaking into directing, the collaborative writing process, and the challenge of helming all ten episodes as the sole director. Nick and Jason break down their approach to coverage and lighting, and we share stories from filming in Geraldton—officially the windiest town in Australia.

Heidi Jo Gilbert's journey in animation is as inspiring as the stories she brings to life. After losing her dream job at Disney and facing one of the darkest times in her life, Heidi found unexpected inspiration in the story of Tom Brady—a quarterback who overcame doubt to become one of the greatest. That spark ignited her comeback. She channeled her creativity into an Instagram reel about Wicked that went viral, catapulting her career to new heights. In this episode, Heidi shares how she turned career setbacks into success, including her role as Head of Story on the critically acclaimed The Wild Robot. Created during a deeply personal time after the loss of her mother, the film became a heartfelt tribute to their bond. From her early inspirations to her career-defining moments, Heidi offers an intimate look at the artistry and resilience that define her journey. Tune in for an uplifting and touching conversation with one of Variety's Top 10 Animators to Watch. Heidi is cementing herself as one of animation's brightest stars.

On this episode of Cinemapodgrapher, we sit down with international dolly grip Jamie Starr to discuss his incredible career. From starting out as a video assistant to working on James Bond, to dolly gripping on 1917, and Star Wars: Episode VIII. He also gives us an insider's perspective on the art of dolly gripping and working with telescopic cranes. And, of course, we couldn't miss chatting about his legendary Starr Grips merch, including the now-iconic Starr Grips “Budgie Smugglers.” Whether you're in the industry or simply love hearing how the magic is made, this episode is packed with stories, laughs, and inspiration.

Producer Patrick Caligiuri began creating content during COVID discussing the Film & TV industry on TikTok and Instagram. He has since amassed over 250k followers and established himself as a respected voice and thought leader. Patrick joins us to explore the biggest topics shaping the future of entertainment, including the decline of Hollywood, the clash between traditional studios and tech giants, the rise of independent filmmaking, the transformative impact of AI, and the growth of short-form content on social media. Plus, we discuss how brands like Chick-fil-A are moving away from traditional commercials to embrace branded storytelling, helping redefine the landscape alongside major players such as Amazon, Disney, and Netflix.

Helen Shaver has directed some of television's most celebrated shows, including Vikings, Orphan Black, Law & Order: SVU, Westworld, Station Eleven and The Penguin (Episodes 4 and 5). Helen takes us on a personal journey, sharing how a childhood illness led her to discover a passion for storytelling. We explore how her time in the hospital influenced her path to acting and, eventually, her transition to directing—during a period when female directors were still a rare presence in North American television. Helen opens up about her directing process, the preparation that went into her episodes of The Penguin, and her collaborative relationship with showrunner Lauren LeFranc.

In this episode, we chat with Larkin Seiple, the visionary cinematographer behind some of the most iconic visuals in recent film and music video history. Larkin discusses his early years working in reality television and shooting over 100 music videos. We break down his work on viral music videos like DJ Snake's "Turn Down for What" and Childish Gambino's "This is America". We also explore his long-time collaborations with directors Hiro Murai, The Daniels, and Jon Watts. Finally, we dive into some of his recent feature film work, including Everything Everywhere All at Once and Wolfs. This episode is sponsored by Soundstripe, Panavision and Film Tips Pro.

David Elmes, one of Australia's most experienced focus pullers, works predominantly on U.S. features with many of those films budgets exceeding $100 million. In this episode, we begin by discussing his top tips for new assistants and his insights into the role of the A Cam focus puller. David also shares his journey from New Zealand to Brisbane, and eventually Sydney. Later, we explore his work on iconic films like The Matrix, Ghost in the Shell, Hacksaw Ridge, and Mad Max: Furiosa. 

Cinematographer Sky Davies ACS is one of Australia's rising stars. She joins us for a conversation about navigating the camera department, from assisting to DPing on drama. We discuss her early years hustling on short films, how they shaped her work ethic, and inspired her to innovate creative techniques. We also talk about balancing family and work while avoiding burnout. Later in the episode, we dive into her projects, including House of Gods, Fake, and Videoland.

From barefoot kicker for the Michigan Wolverines and the Buffalo Bills to Hollywood 1st AC, Todd Schlopy shares behind-the-scenes stories from blockbuster films such as Starship Troopers, Air Force One, Spider-Man, Transformers, Wanted, The Revenant, and Swordfish. Throughout the episode, we discuss the techniques he uses for focus pulling, offering insights into his craft. We also explore his brief yet impactful football career, including his time as a walk-on place kicker at Michigan and the unforgettable moment when he clinched an overtime victory for the Buffalo Bills. This episode is a blend of sports and cinema, showcasing Todd's remarkable versatility and dedication.

Naaman Marshall spent his early childhood visiting famous film sets designed by his uncle, such as Hook and Saving Private Ryan. This inspired him to pursue a career in the art department, where he has worked as a model maker, art director, and production designer on films including Westworld, The Dark Knight, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, Mortal Kombat, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, and Alien: Romulus. We discuss his work in model making and the creation of the iconic Dark Knight motorcycle, his first collaboration with Fede Álvarez on Don't Breathe, and the challenges of designing the world of Alien: Romulus.

Catherine Goldschmidt BSC was nominated for both an Emmy and an ASC Award for her work on HBO's House of the Dragon and was named a rising star of cinematography by American Cinematographer. Two seasons later, she is credited with shooting three episodes: "Lord of the Tides," "Burning Mill," and the Season 2 finale, "The Queen Who Ever Was." In this episode, Catherine shares her experiences on the inner workings of the production, her collaboration with director Geeta Patel, and we break down several scenes from these three episodes. We also explore her work on the project Dummy, where she pioneered a new way of framing for both 16:9 and 9:16 formats, and discuss her role in co-founding Illuminatrix, a collective of professional female cinematographers based in the UK.

Erik Winquist is a renowned VFX Supervisor at Wētā FX, a leading visual effects company based in New Zealand. After leaving the US to work on the Lord of the Rings, he now has over two decades of experience working on iconic films such as Avatar, X-Men, I Robot, King Kong, Rampage, and the Planet of the Apes franchise. In this episode, we discuss the latest installment, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, the evolution of motion capture, on-set processes for the crew in relation to VFX, and the extreme detail Wētā FX puts into bringing the apes to life.  

The Cinemapodgrapher team travelled from Brisbane to Lisbon for Filmcare's Trinity 2, Steadicam & A Cam masterclass. We recap all the higlights of the camera operator workshop hosted by Geoff Haley SOC, Ari Robbins SOC, Curt Schaller & Fares Corbani SOC ACO. We also talk all things football, food, castles and one crazy Tuk Tuk ride down a mountain. 

The world's most famous stunt helicopter pilot, Fred North, has flown over 20,000 hours, shot 200 films, worked with directors Michael Bay, Roland Emmerich, and Sam Hargrave, holds a world record for altitude, and is the author of his autobiography, Flying Sideways. Some of his credits include Inception, James Bond: Spectre, Mission Impossible, Guardians of the Galaxy, Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon and much of the Fast Saga. We discuss growing up in Africa, his perseverance to become a pilot, and break down aerial sequences from the Fast saga, Extraction 2, and Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.

Mental health issues are significantly higher in the entertainment industry than in the general population. Symptoms of anxiety are ten times higher, depression five times higher, and sleep disorders seven times higher, with five suicide attempts every week. Early in his career, Ben Steel battled his own mental health issues, which led him to create the 2016 documentary "The Show Must Go On." Upon completion, Ben realized there was not enough support for filmmakers, so he founded Screen Well, an organization dedicated to improving the mental health and well-being of the Australian screen industry. 

At 21, Carlos Rosario left the fashion houses of Paris for the hills of Hollywood, where his illustrations landed him his first job. Now a costume designer himself, his recent credits include A Girl in the Spider's Web, Alien Romulus, and FX's hit series Shogun. We talk about his love for fashion, being mentored by four-time Oscar winner Colleen Atwood, and how he found his voice through the costumes of Shogun. This is not just for lovers of costume but an inspiring conversation filled with lessons for all creatives.

At 14 years old, Fares Corbani SOC ACO, was helping a neigbour with wedding videography in Beirut, Lebanon. This would then lead him on a journey to becoming a Trinity, Steadicam and Camera Operator shooting in the Middle East and Europe. Fares' love of workshops inspired him to found Film Care, the home of elite film workshops. We discuss buying his first steadicam, adopting the Trinity and his operator journey through Beirut, Dubai & Paris. We also talk about his upcoming Trinity, Steadicam & A Cam Masterclass. 

Stuart Dryburgh ASC NZCS teamed up with Jonathan Nolan for four episodes of Amazon's new hit series, Fallout. Adapted from the popular video game series, we delve into shooting with 35mm film, combining virtual production, and working as a setup DP. We also cover Stuart's beginnings in New Zealand, shooting iconic films such as The Piano and Once Were Warriors, and his eventual move to the USA.

Sam McCurdy ASC BSC, shot five episodes of FX's new hit series 'Shogun.' Join us for our longest episode ever as we discuss honesty, love, dropping out of art school, Game of Thrones, lighting, football, and break down our favourite moments from the show.

At age 19, Sophie Darlington left Dublin for Tanzania to become a camp manager at the Ngorongoro Crater. It was there that she was mentored by Hugo Van Lawick to become a wildlife cinematographer. Now, 30 years later, Sophie is a BAFTA award winner, and her work has been screened globally on National Geographic, Netflix, BBC, and the Discovery Channel. Early in the episode, we discuss her mentorship under Hugo, her love and respect for wildlife, and the techniques she uses in the field. We then delve into her latest work as one of the series' DOPs and mentors on National Geographic's 'Queens,' a seven-part docu series helmed by a female-led production team that focuses on strong females in the animal kingdom.

Jeff Gaunt has been an archery champion, editor, VFX guru, director, and is now a skilled drone pilot for renowned company, Heliguy. His knack for learning new disciplines has seen him successfully pivot his career numerous times. We discuss his early days in post-production at Cutting Edge, directing VFX car commercials, and his transition to drone pilot, shooting cinema projects around the globe. Additionally, we break down oners, handoffs, and how to colloborate with a drone team.

Cinematographer Meg White spent her younger years watching horror movies with her older brother, it is there she developed her interest in photography and filmmaking. Her love of photography led her to participate in several exhibitions. One project took her on a journey across Australia, where she captured images of roadkill. We discuss her ability to juggle multiple commitments, from shooting short films while camera assisting to studying at AFI at night while working as a DP on TV dramas during the day. We also delve into her anxiety, exploring how it has become her secret weapon, as well as her recent move from Sydney to LA.

Dylan Goss has been the Aerial DP for some of the biggest films of the past decade. In this episode, we delve into his contributions to Denis Villeneuve's films such as 'Sicario', 'Blade Runner 2049', and the 'Dune' saga. Additionally, we discuss aircraft, gimbals, planning aerial sequences, and the journey to becoming an aerial director of photography.

Junior Lucano SOC ACO, is one of the most followed Operators in the world, the first Trinity Operator in Asia and the creator of the Trinity Lab workshop. We follow his journey from Peru to America, Italy, and finally to China. We discuss upgrading to Trinity 2, his emphasis on training, finding answers in one's past, and the struggle between work and love.

For International Women's Day, we present to you this special episode featuring Cinematographer and Operator Gretchen Warthen SOC. Gretchen's expertise spans across documentary, reality, and narrative genres. She is also the creator of the renowned Lady Camera Guy Instagram profile, dedicated to championing and promoting women behind the camera. In our conversation, we delve into her inspiring journey from law to film, the nuances of operating in reality versus narrative, and her unwavering commitment to uplifting other women ahead of herself.

Caitlin Royse is an Australian based in Sweden where she worked her way up the camera department ladder as an Assistant. With her recent move into Camera Operating she has also been working with Flowcine, a camera stabilisation company. We discuss flowcine's xArm, xSpine, xReach, GLink and the overall craft of camera operating.

Dave Chameides SOC is a two-time Emmy Award-winning Steadicam operator, environmentalist educator, and founder of The Op, a podcast, and website for camera operators. Dave's career has spanned productions such as ER, The West Wing, Ozark, From Dusk Till Dawn, Donnie Darko, Saint Vincent, and Shame. He has not only been nominated for Feature Operator of the Year and TV Operator of the Year but has also dabbled in TV directing. In this episode, we talk about his new website and podcast 'The Op,' his viral fame as a conservationist, and some of his favorite shots (oners) in his career.

Denson Baker ACS NZCS is a Maori Aussie raised in Auckland, New Zealand, and Perth, Australia. An alumnus of the national film school, AFTRS, Denson eventually moved to the UK, where he shoots TV and feature films internationally. In this episode, we discuss his early beginnings in Auckland and Perth, his studies at AFTRS, transitioning into international work, meeting his partner Director Claire McCarthy and creative processes on set.

After the recent passing of my mentor and friend Mark Toia, I sit down with Jordan Toia, his son, and Jake Koning, fellow mentee. We have an open and vulnerable conversation on what Mark meant to us. We share some memories and lessons, and discuss how we will continue his legacy.

Episode 100 is a doozy and we're mixing it up with a special collaboration. LA based Camera & Steadicam Operator Brad Grimmett has worked on a huge amount of productions that include The Terminal list, Taken, Empire, CSI and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. In our longest episode ever, Brad shares stories from his career, our meeting via the backstreet boys tour and the creation of Walking Backwards, the first ever podcast for steadicam operators. Thank you to all the guests that have taken the time to share their stories and give advice for the past 100 episodes. Thank you also to the listeners who have tuned in and that have sent messages. This podcast was created 3 years ago, based simply on the idea that I wanted to give back and help people in this industry. Here's to the next 100. 

Sony has announced its new full frame cinema camera, the Burano. Director Tony Walsh owns an FX3, FX6 & FX9 so I've brought him back for a special segment I like to call "Sony with Tony". We discuss the Burano specs, how it compares to the rest of the CineaAlta line and where we see it being used in the market. 

Kirsty started as a camera assistant, won an Emmy as a producer, and is now the founder of Crew HQ, a one-stop shop for Australian film and TV crew. We discuss her transition from the camera department to production, how Crew HQ operates, and the upcoming Crewcon, a conference for below-the-line Film and TV crew.

Koon was studying to be a musician until he came across a camera and began filming his classmates. This led him to study in San Francisco where he learnt steadicam and joined the SOC. Now based in Bangkok, Koon is the first Thai SOC and the ACO full member. We discuss his student days in San Fran, steadicam rigs, segways, MK-V AR Omega and his recent venture into engineering.

Ashley Barron ACS is a globetrotting cinematographer who grew up between Ireland, Armenia and Australia. We discuss her attendance at the American Film Institute, working with agents, navigating different markets, and her approach to shooting Dangerous Liaisons in the Czech Republic.

You asked for it so here it is, tips for handheld operating. I go through building and balancing, different styles and various rigs for holding the camera, moving around set and working with your dolly grip. 

DP Jason Hargreaves ACS and Gaffer Glenn Jones discuss their long time collaboration from working on commercials to shooting ABC drama "In Our Blood". They talk about the DP Gaffer relationship, their visual approach and using almost entirely LED for the production.

I go through my new steadicam kit, what equipment I had been researching and my initial thoughts on the Arri Artemis 2.

Mark Toia returns to the podcast. This time to discuss the skills and techniques hes developed by photographing hundreds of car commercials around the globe. We cover getting his first car job, lighting for studio and exteriors, communication in arm cars and saftey in helicopters.

Spencer Frost is a Director, Cinematographer and avid surfer. After the success of his first feature in Iceland, Spencer and his mates traveled to a peninsula in Russia's far east to surf waves that have never been surfed before. We discuss development of the film, the logistical challenges they faced and filming in the surf in sub zero temperatures. 

Neal Bryant SOC was the A Camera Operator for HBO's The Last of Us. We talk briefly about the show, his love for steadicam, operating the ZeeGee rig and tips for new camera operators.  

Throughout our careers we will have to take a risk, move up the ladder or even change departments. After many years as an assistant, my good mate Danny made the decision to start shooting. We discuss the benefits of assisting, when is the right time to change and the challenges hes faced so far.