May 1, 2026

DP Greta Zozula on the look of The Testaments

DP Greta Zozula remakes the world of Gilead in The Testaments, a sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale. She chose a very specific color palette and brighter look to show the optimism for the young women at the school for future wives. Flashbacks to the world of Toronto are sharper, grittier and more realistic.

Key Podcast Highlights:

-How Greta kept the same camera and lenses consistent from The Handmaid’s Tale into The Testaments, while brightening and widening the look for the optimistic young women of Gilead.
-Establishing the aesthetic of The Testaments with a color palette of plums, pinks and greens rather than higher contrast reds and blacks. Greta also used different lenses and framing to separate Agnes’s world and Daisy’s world in Toronto.
-Using miniatures and a probe lens for the opening sequence of the show as the camera takes us through Agnes’s dollhouse.

Find Greta Zozula: https://www.gretazozula.com/
Instagram: @gzoz

Show Rundown:
02:17 Close Focus
09:22-48:35 Greta Zozula interview
50:05 Short ends
53:53 Wrap up/Credits

The Cinematography Podcast website: www.camnoir.com
YouTube: @TheCinematographyPodcast
Facebook: @cinepod
Instagram: @thecinepod
Blue Sky: @thecinepod.bsky.social

By Illya Friedman

.

In Cinematography Podcast, Latest Posts, Podcast Episodes

.


0 comments

April 24, 2026

The scrappy, indie production of Hunting Matthew Nichols

Hunting Matthew Nichols is an indie horror film that’s shot as a mockumentary/found-footage movie about a documentary filmmaker investigating her brother’s disappearance 20 years earlier on Vancouver Island. Writer/producer Sean Harris Oliver and DP Justin Sebastian shot the horror film in 12 days, then independently released it into theaters.

Key Podcast Highlights:

-How cinematographer Justin Sebastian used Sony FX9 cameras on autofocus, shot archival footage scenes on period-correct cameras, and then physically digitized the tapes for documentary authenticity.
-Keeping the camera crew small and the lighting natural, so that the film’s characters could realistically pull off the documentary.
-Detailed scriptwriting by Sean Harris Oliver, such as specifying who holds the camera in each scene. Sean scripted the film with cleaner, more deliberate camerawork that degrades into chaotic, survival-mode footage as events progress.
-How the team pushed hard for theatrical release against distributor pressure to go straight to streaming. They self-funded distribution and budgeted for marketing from the very beginning.

Find where to watch Hunting Matthew Nichols in theaters and play the interactive game on the website: https://www.huntingmatthewnichols.com/

Find Sean Harris-Oliver: https://www.seanharrisoliver.com/
Instagram: @SeanHarrisOliver

Find Justin Sebastian: https://www.justinsimonsebastian.com/
Instagram: @JustinSebastianDP

Listen to our episode with producer Ted Hope, who discusses similar approaches indie filmmakers can take to understand and control the entire filmmaking process from budget to shoot to distribution: https://www.camnoir.com/ep352/

Show Rundown:
02:45 Close Focus
13:04-01:02:59 Sean Harris Oliver and Justin Sebastian interview
01:03:19 Short ends
01:12:42 Wrap up/Credits

The Cinematography Podcast website: www.camnoir.com
YouTube: @TheCinematographyPodcast
Facebook: @cinepod
Instagram: @thecinepod
Blue Sky: @thecinepod.bsky.social

By Illya Friedman

.

In Cinematography Podcast, Latest Posts, Podcast Episodes

.


0 comments

April 17, 2026

Two horror films, one DP: They Will Kill You, Faces of Death

The Cinematography Podcast Episode 353: Isaac Bauman

Cinematographer Isaac Bauman captured the visual identities of two different horror movies in They Will Kill You and Faces of Death. Both films are currently in theaters. Bauman discusses the intricate technical gymnastics required to give each film a distinct, cinematic feel.

Key Podcast Highlights:

-Carefully developing the look of They Will Kill You and Faces of Death with each film’s director.
-Solving big lighting challenges for They Will Kill You’s climax, using a massive 18K light that had to be repeatedly moved.
-Working with practical puppeteering effects for the crawling eyeball in They Will Kill You, which gave the scene a higher sense of realism.
-Shooting on 35mm film for Faces of Death and intentionally reducing the camera’s visual capabilities. Isaac used wider lenses, stopped down, and embraced darkness to enhance the gritty, filmic quality of older movies.

Find Isaac Bauman: Instagram @isaacbauman
See They Will Kill You and Faces of Death in theaters.
Hear our previous interview with Isaac Bauman: https://www.camnoir.com/ep242/

Show Rundown:
02:12 Close Focus
10:28-01:00:24 Isaac Bauman interview
01:00:45 Short ends
01:07:34 Wrap up/Credits

The Cinematography Podcast website: www.camnoir.com
YouTube: @TheCinematographyPodcast
Facebook: @cinepod
Instagram: @thecinepod
Blue Sky: @thecinepod.bsky.social

By Illya Friedman

.

In Cinematography Podcast, Latest Posts, Podcast Episodes

.


0 comments

April 10, 2026

Ted Hope, Hope For Film: the rebirth of independent cinema

The Cinematography Podcast Episode 352: Ted Hope

Producer Ted Hope has worked in the film business for over 40 years, producing dozens of features with several Academy Awards nominations and wins. After leaving Amazon Studios in 2020, Hope went back to his roots as an independent producer and began writing his Substack blog, Hope For Film. He argues that the independent film ecosystem as we know it has reached its final days. However, far from being a tragedy, Ted definitely has hope for film. He sees what’s happening in the industry today as a necessary seismic shift. Hope has a vision for a more “punk rock” future of cinema, with a decentralized, artist-owned future that prioritizes “freak flags” and human empathy over corporate consolidation.

Key Podcast Highlights:

-How filmmakers should stop trying to emulate “mini-Hollywood” productions and embrace a DIY, experimental approach with room to fail.
-How the streaming era has killed the anticipatory joy of seeing a film when it’s simply dropped on a homepage, making it harder for the longer-term cultural engagement that helped independent films thrive.
-Why ownership is the new path forward, paired with self-financing and total IP control.
-Film’s best defense against AI is embracing cinema that mimics life and human complexity, with scripts that contain ambiguity rather than payoffs.
-Why filmmakers must understand and control the entire filmmaking process, from budget and shoot to distribution.

**A special note to our listeners: We have an exclusive discount link to subscribe to Ted Hope’s substack, Hope For Film! Get 50% a 1 year subscription at https://tedhope.substack.com/cinepod. This offer does expire on April 20 (4/20) at 4:20 PM PT. Yep, that’s on 4-20 at 4:20. Don’t miss out!**

You can also find the discount link in our shownotes for this episode at www.camnoir.com

Show Rundown:
03:07 Close Focus
06:44-01:13:14 Ted Hope interview
01:14:04 Short ends
01:25:42 Wrap up/Credits

The Cinematography Podcast website: www.camnoir.com
YouTube: @TheCinematographyPodcast
Facebook: @cinepod
Instagram: @thecinepod
Blue Sky: @thecinepod.bsky.social

By Illya Friedman

.

In Cinematography Podcast, Latest Posts, Podcast Episodes

.


0 comments

April 3, 2026

Two DPs, one vision: creating the look of Pluribus

The Cinematography Podcast Episode 351: Marshall Adams, ASC and Paul Donachie

Pluribus DPs Marshall Adams and Paul Donachie share a visual shorthand, love of wide shots, and creative freedom to craft inventive techniques using LED panels.

Key Podcast Highlights:

-Marshall and Paul’s collaboration as DPs, and how their shared aesthetic vision strengthens the show.
-Getting absolute top-down permission from producer/director Vince Gilligan to take creative risks.
-The importance of prep, rehearsal and flexibility in planning intriguing shots.
-Focusing on finding visual effects in camera instead of relying on VFX, such as the LED rig Marshall built for the truck oner in the pilot episode.

Find Marshall Adams, ASC: Instagram @smadadp
See Pluribus on Apple TV

Show Rundown:
02:22 Close Focus
11:46-46:45 Marshall Adams and Paul Donachie interview
47:22 Short ends
55:47 Wrap up/Credits

The Cinematography Podcast website: www.camnoir.com
YouTube: @TheCinematographyPodcast
Facebook: @cinepod
Instagram: @thecinepod
Blue Sky: @thecinepod.bsky.social

By Illya Friedman

.

In Cinematography Podcast, Latest Posts, Podcast Episodes

.


0 comments

March 20, 2026

Lawrence Sher, ASC reimagines Frankenstein for The Bride!

The Cinematography Podcast Episode 350: Lawrence Sher, ASC

DP Lawrence Sher felt creatively challenged on The Bride! The “everything burger” movie combines many film techniques and influences, 1930’s and contemporary lighting, contemporary actors dropped into archival movie footage, and practical makeup effects.

Key Podcast Highlights:
-Creating a stylized movie with director Maggie Gyllenhaal using multiple techniques and film influences
-Honoring 1930’s filmmaking with longer lenses, and using real archival footage for the “movie within a movie” sequences.
-The challenge of lighting and filming practical makeup effects on actors Christian Bale and Jessie Buckley
-Finding creative inspiration in projects that excite and scare him

Find Lawrence Sher: https://www.lawrencesher.com/
Instagram @lawrencesherdp
See The Bride! in theaters
Check out Shotdeck: https://shotdeck.com/
Hear our previous episodes with Lawrence Sher: https://www.camnoir.com/ep293/
https://www.camnoir.com/ep56/

Show Rundown:
01:38 Close Focus
09:43-50:05 Lawrence Sher interview
50:21 Short ends
57:08 Wrap up/Credits

The Cinematography Podcast website: www.camnoir.com
YouTube: @TheCinematographyPodcast
Facebook: @cinepod
Instagram: @thecinepod
Blue Sky: @thecinepod.bsky.social

By Illya Friedman

.

In Cinematography Podcast, Latest Posts, Podcast Episodes

.


0 comments

March 13, 2026

2026 Academy Awards nominations with Jenelle Riley

The Cinematography Podcast 2026 Oscar Special

Jenelle Riley, three-time Emmy-winning entertainment journalist and host, chats with Ben and Illya for our SEVENTH 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, including the likeliest Best Picture and Best Director contenders, Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another and Ryan Coogler’s Sinners. F1 is also mentioned as an outlier for the category, although the cinematography by Claudio Miranda is excellent. This year’s new category, Achievement in Casting, is celebrated as a much needed addition. The cinematography competition is a heated one, with both Autumn Durald Arkapaw and Michael Bauman as favorites, with Bauman recently winning the ASC Award. Some of the snubs this year include one of Jenelle’s favorite movies, Life of Chuck.  Song Sung Blue also didn’t receive much awards love. Last year’s awards omitted the worthy film, Thelma. 

Also discussed: Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Supporting Actress.

Find Jenelle Riley on Facebook, Instagram, Blue Sky, X: @jenelleriley
and Substack: https://substack.com/@rileywrites74/note/p-183180534
Tune in to the SAG/AFTRA foundation YouTube Channel to see Jenelle’s interviews with several of the nominees this year. https://www.youtube.com/@SAGAFTRAFoundation

The Cinematography Podcast website: www.camnoir.com
YouTube: @TheCinematographyPodcast
Facebook: @cinepod
Instagram: @thecinepod
Blue Sky: @thecinepod.bsky.social

By Illya Friedman

.

In Cinematography Podcast, Latest Posts, Podcast Episodes

.


0 comments

March 6, 2026

James Whitaker: Good Luck Have Fun Don’t Die’s visual chaos

The Cinematography Podcast Episode 349: James Whitaker, ASC

Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die DP James Whitaker, ASC played with different genres, with over 70 setups a day in the Norm’s diner set. He used LED walls and projectors to cast real, interactive light on the characters in the film’s climax, and swapped to a different camera system for certain scenes to play up the glow of cell phones.

Key Podcast Highlights:
-Shooting the opening sequence of the film in a set replica of Norm’s Diner
-How director Gore Verbinski’s complex, hand-drawn storyboards allowed the crew to maintain a “ballet-like” precision during Rockwell’s complex physical performances.
-Using LED walls and projectors to cast real, interactive light on the characters in the film’s climax
-Swapping to a Sony Venice 2 when the cell phone light source wasn’t strong enough in some scenes

Find James Whitaker: Instagram @jameswhitaker_dop
See Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die in theaters
See James’ most recent series, DTF St. Louis, on HBO Max
See Patriot on Amazon Prime
Hear our recent interview with Nicole Whitaker: https://www.camnoir.com/ep338/

SHOW RUNDOWN:
02:05 Close Focus
12:14-01:00:49 James Whitaker Interview
01:01:30 Short ends
01:06:46 Wrap up/Credits

The Cinematography Podcast website: www.camnoir.com
YouTube: @TheCinematographyPodcast
Facebook: @cinepod
Instagram: @thecinepod
Blue Sky: @thecinepod.bsky.social

By Illya Friedman

.

In Cinematography Podcast, Latest Posts, Podcast Episodes

.


0 comments

February 27, 2026

Danny Cohen, BSC: Slow Horses ‘dirty London’ cinematography

The Cinematography Podcast Episode 348: Danny Cohen, BSC

DP Danny Cohen, BSC, reveals how he crafted the “dirty London” look of Slow Horses through motivated lighting, high ASA grain, and the grit of Slough House.

Key Podcast Highlights:
-How Slow Horses ditches the typical block shooting system, with one DP and one director to create the entire season’s visual look.
-Using camera settings to bake in noise and deep, inky blacks for that signature London grit.
-Shooting with 2–3 cameras, which allows for weird, accidental angles that a single camera would never catch.
-Why Danny bans traditional backlighting and soft fill to keep his characters trapped—and embedded—in their murky environments.
– A look at the multi-story Slough House sets that let actors and cameras move through floors without ever hitting a fake wall.

Find Danny Cohen: http://wwwb.co.uk/

See Slow Horses on Apple TV.

SHOW RUNDOWN:
02:23 Close Focus
13:41-51:27 Danny Cohen Interview
51:53 Short ends
01:03:18 Wrap up/Credits

The Cinematography Podcast website: www.camnoir.com
YouTube: @TheCinematographyPodcast
Facebook: @cinepod
Instagram: @thecinepod
Blue Sky: @thecinepod.bsky.social

By Illya Friedman

.

In Cinematography Podcast, Latest Posts, Podcast Episodes

.


0 comments

February 20, 2026

Into the Dark Ages: the gothic vision of The Dreadful

The Cinematography Podcast Episode 347: director Natasha Kermani and DP Julia Swain

In the medieval horror film The Dreadful, director Natasha Kermani and cinematographer Julia Swain transport audiences to the brutal landscapes of the Dark Ages. The independent film shot in Cornwall, England over 17 winter days.

Key Podcast Highlights:
-Development: Kermani spent years crafting the folkloric tale, prioritizing a “gothic storybook” aesthetic that blends historical iconography with psychological dread.
-The Power of Partnership: Kermani and Swain have collaborated on several projects. Early on, they worked together to map out the film’s framing, lens choices and color story.
-Practical Immersion: The crew built a practical cottage set on location, allowing for seamless camera movement between the interior hearth and dark forest.
-Embracing the Elements: Filmed in the dead of winter, the production utilized the low December sun and natural ambiance to create an authentic, oppressive atmosphere without the use of hard, artificial lighting.

Find Natasha Kermani: Instagram @natakerm

Find Julia Swain: Instagram @juliaswain

See The Dreadful in theaters and on VOD now.

SHOW RUNDOWN:
01:59 Close Focus
14:23-01:03:57 Natasha Kermani and Julia Swain Interview
01:04:43 Short ends
01:09:24 Wrap up/Credits

The Cinematography Podcast website: www.camnoir.com
YouTube: @TheCinematographyPodcast
Facebook: @cinepod
Instagram: @thecinepod
Blue Sky: @thecinepod.bsky.social

By Illya Friedman

.

In Cinematography Podcast, Latest Posts, Podcast Episodes

.


0 comments