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 perspective—arguing that while jobs may shift, human storytelling will remain irreplaceable. However,...
Jul 03, 2025•1 hr 27 min•Season 3Ep. 43
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 of virtual production to the democratization of 3D previsualization, Workman unpacks how technology ...
Jun 12, 2025•1 hr 26 min•Season 3Ep. 42
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 approach, the challenge of lighting with only headlamps, and the deeply collaborative relationship with dir...
May 22, 2025•47 min•Season 3Ep. 41
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’ family, and the quiet determination to preserve Halyna’s memory. A memorial scholarship has been es...
May 01, 2025•1 hr 37 min•Season 3Ep. 40
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 democratic engagement among union members matters now more than ever. With elections looming, Kuperstein outlines a progressive...
Apr 10, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 3Ep. 1
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 often best used in service of disappearing. If you are enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting ...
Apr 03, 2025•1 hr 32 min•Season 3Ep. 38
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 color palette, lens choices, and shooting methodology reinforce its themes of rebellion and freedom....
Mar 20, 2025•48 min•Season 3Ep. 37
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 Alan Besedin to discuss how IronGlass, despite the challenges of war and supply shortages, has buil...
Mar 06, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 3Ep. 36
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 AI-generated imagery, studio uncertainty, and cultural shifts, they ask: Is this truly a golden age, ...
Feb 20, 2025•1 hr 23 min•Season 3Ep. 35
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 underexposure and the delicate art of framing iconic symbols like the Statue of Liberty in unexpected w...
Feb 06, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 3Ep. 34
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 work, the role of intuition in lighting, and the ongoing journey of self-discovery in mastering cinema...
Jul 19, 2024•1 hr 50 min•Season 2Ep. 33
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 of composition in visual storytelling. If you are enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting o...
Jun 25, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Season 2Ep. 32
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 their experiences as a non-binary cinematographer and how that informs their desire to create inclusive...
Jun 06, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Season 2Ep. 31
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 of f...
Apr 12, 2024•1 hr 33 min•Season 2Ep. 30
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 through...
Mar 28, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 2Ep. 29
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 wit...
Feb 29, 2024•1 hr 26 min•Season 2Ep. 28
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 indispensa...
Feb 15, 2024•1 hr 30 min•Season 2Ep. 27
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 offers a...
Feb 01, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 2Ep. 26
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 supporting ...
Jan 18, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Season 2Ep. 25
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 deve...
Jan 04, 2024•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 24
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 too...
Dec 21, 2023•1 hr 20 min•Season 2Ep. 23
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 ex...
Dec 07, 2023•1 hr 13 min•Season 2Ep. 22
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 over t...
Nov 23, 2023•55 min•Season 2Ep. 21
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 importance...
Nov 09, 2023•1 hr 15 min•Season 2Ep. 20
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 "Godzilla". T...
Oct 26, 2023•1 hr 19 min•Season 2Ep. 19
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 enjoying th...
Sep 14, 2023•55 min•Season 1Ep. 18
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 the ...
Sep 07, 2023•47 min•Season 1Ep. 17
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 coll...
Aug 31, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 16
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 envir...
Aug 24, 2023•40 min•Season 1Ep. 15
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, ensur...
Aug 17, 2023•55 min•Season 1Ep. 14
