Cinematography Salon

Against the backdrop of industry upheaval and the rise of AI, Nicholas Lam joins hosts Ava Benjamin Shorr and David Kruta to explore what it means to future-proof creativity. Lam critiques performative diversity initiatives, warns against chasing trends, and makes a case for human, low-fi storytelling as the antidote to algorithmic content. Taking a personal turn, Lam recounts losing his home in t...

Director Mike Pecci joins host David Kruta to dissect the chaos of post-COVID Hollywood, the false promises of AI disruption, and the suffocating gatekeeping of the studio system. Pecci lays bare the existential challenges of trying to create authentic work in an industry gripped by fear, algorithmic control, and vanishing opportunities. In a world where pitching feels like shouting into a void, P...

As fears mount over AI’s impact on creative labor, cinematographer and technologist Jim Geduldick joins host David Kruta to dissect the frenzy surrounding artificial intelligence and its encroachment into the film industry. As AI-generated imagery floods social media and marketing departments chase cost-cutting automation, Geduldick challenges the doom-and-gloom narrative with a nuanced, insider p...

This week, we’re joined by Matt Workman—filmmaker, developer, and creator of Cine Tracer—for a candid look at the shifting landscape of cinematography. We explore how filmmakers can better communicate, justify resources, and protect their creative choices in a rapidly evolving industry, and why futureproofing your skillset now means knowing both a light meter and a game engine. From the emergence...

Rachel Clark, BSC, brings a poetic realism to the screen, and in this special edition episode recorded at the Camerimage Festival, she reveals how she constructs that visual language. Joining hosts Ava Benjamin Shorr and Lauren Guiteras to reflect on the making of “Edge of Summer”, a lyrical coming-of-age film set in the haunting landscapes of Cornwall. Clark unpacks her immersive handheld approac...

What does it mean to carry someone else’s artistic legacy forward? Bianca Cline joins the Cinematography Salon Podcast to share a rare and deeply moving look behind the lens, stepping into the unfinished production of Rust following the tragic death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, ASC. Bianca discusses the moral and emotional calculus behind accepting the role, her consultations with Hutchins’...

Joining us this week is Zach Kuperstein, a New York-based cinematographer known for his work on "Barbarian" and his collaboration with Anna Kendrick on her highly anticipated directorial debut, "Woman of the Hour". Zach sits down with host David Kruta to discuss why he’s running for office in Local 600, breaking down contract negotiations, leadership stagnation, and why democra...

Sam Levy’s body of work has helped define contemporary American independent cinema. In this episode, Levy pulls back the curtain on his methodical, deeply personal approach to cinematography, revealing how scripts, performances, and even sleep all shape his lens. Levy revisits career-defining moments with Greta Gerwig, Noah Baumbach, and Kelly Reichardt, and speaks on how technical mastery is ofte...

When the realities of censorship made filming in Cuba impossible, production of Los Frikis moved to the Dominican Republic, where cinematographer Santiago González and his team worked tirelessly to create a world that felt authentic down to the sodium vapor streetlights. In this special Camerimage episode, Ava Benjamin Shorr and Lauren Guiteras sit down with Santiago and break down how the film’s...

In an age of pristine, digitally clinical imagery, cinematographers are increasingly drawn to imperfection—the swirl of a bokeh, the dreamlike haze of vintage glass. The Soviet-era lenses that once defined an era of photography are experiencing a rebirth through IronGlass, a Ukrainian company turning vintage optics into modern cinema glass. Hosts Peter Pascucci and Ava Benjamin Shorr sit down with...

With the proliferation of accessible cinema cameras, affordable lighting, and the democratization of filmmaking tools, cinematography is changing with breathtaking speed. Hosts Peter Pascucci and Ava Benjamin Shorr speak with Jomo Fray and Oren Soffer about the unprecedented access to filmmaking tools, the impact of shifting industry models, and the dangers of complacency. As filmmakers navigate A...

On this special edition of The Cinematography Salon Podcast, recorded at the 32nd Camerimage Film Festival, hosts Ava Benjamin Shorr and Lauren Guiteras sit down with cinematographer Lol Crawley to dissect his latest collaboration with Brady Corbet, The Brutalist. Crawley discusses the philosophy behind his bold visual choices, the interplay between maximalism and minimalism, his daring use of und...

In this episode of the Cinematography Salon podcast, Jomo Fray discusses his distinctive approach to image-making on films such as All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt, Selah and the Spades, and Port Authority. He delves into the humanism shared by the directors he collaborates with and the significance of specificity in storytelling. Fray also explores how expanding his emotional spectrum enhances his wo...

In this episode of the Cinematography Salon podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Kira Kelly, ASC. Known for her work on the documentary 13th, the FX series Y: The Last Man, and the Hulu miniseries Echo, Kira has made a significant impact in the industry. With two Primetime Emmy nominations for Insecure and 13th, she shares insights into breaking barriers, pushing artistic boundaries, and the power...

Ava Berkofsky, ASC, joins hosts Peter Pascucci and Ava Benjamin Shorr on the Cinematography Salon podcast to provide a view into their methodical approach to cinematography. They explore how their work aims to forge emotional connections between the subject and the viewer, particularly in their approach to lighting and composition in projects like HBO's Insecure. Ava also speaks candidly about...

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, J...

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...

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 i...

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 c...

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...

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 Chin...

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 f...

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...

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...

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...