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.

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. 

Bonnie Cee is a fashion photographer, filmmaker, Canon Ambassador and founder of the innovative Colourtone app. Her fashion photography has amassed 180k instagram followers and Colourtone has over 5 million downloads. We discuss her recent pivot into directing, the early days at Blackmilk clothing and the difficulties of balancing single parenting with a film career. 

Cam Batten was a snowboarder studying engineering when he started to pick up the camera. His love of snowboarding led him to specialise in gimbals, remote heads, FPV and eventually aerial cinematography. Cam now travels the worlds shooting Natural History for IMAX projects. We discuss his knack for technology, the importance of specialists and how he operates in remote locations around the world. 

Finding a career path to become a working Director is tough to navigate so I invited a friend from my old film school. Hannah Arriotti was recently added to the roster at well known Queensland production company, Taxi Film. We discuss her journey through film school, honing your craft through commercials, the pitch process and communication skills required for Directing.

Geordie Lillis is a country boy that bought a red camera and began documenting his adventures, mostly around extreme sports. His social media antics captured the attention of Hype Republic thus landing him a job shooting Red Bull content. We discuss Geordies early beginings, his role as a content creator at Hype as well as his process so he can quickly turn over content.

Failure to plan is planning to fail. Most people wing it in this industry and for the most part it works for them. However if you want to be successful long term and be more efficient with your time in this industry you need to have a guide for your career. On this episode I go through 4 simple steps that I use to plan ahead. I hope this helps you. LT

Katie Milwright was the tenth female cinematographer to be accredited by the ACS and was mentored by Mandy Walker ACS ASC. She has shot narrative for Netflix, Amazon, Disney and NBC. We talk about her early days as an assistant, finding mentors, breaking into drama and her approach to preproduction, coverage and lighting. 

Makeup artist Carlie Testt and I worked together on several productions in Australia before she made the move to the USA. I catch up with her to discuss her decision to pick Atlanta, Georgia over LA and her progress with getting into the Union. 

Kali Bateman has worked on films such  as Elvis, Dune and 1984 Wonderwoman. We discuss her colloboration with Baz Luhrman, co-colouring Elvis with Kim Bjoge, building LUTS and the colourist process. 

ACS President Erika Addis discusses a world first survey on the the Australian Camera Department. A Wider Lens has some confronting data on a number of issues such as lack of diversity, income inequality, discrimination, sexual harassment and unhealthy working conditions. The report also contains recommendations by the ACS and Deakin University to solve these issues. 

Mystery Road: Origin has been turning heads around the country. I talk to Cinematographer Tyson Perkins on what its like to prepare for your first major drama series, his non-tradtional path to becoming a DP and his collaboration with Director Dylan River and Colourist Matt Fezz. 

By purchasing the 7th Movi ever made Brett Harrison became one of the first gimbal techs in Australia. This led to working as a specialist on award winning productions such as Lion with Greig Fraser ACS ASC and Yellowstone with Ben Richardson ASC. We talk about the early days of Gimbal technology, being thrown in the deep end as an operator and his progression into steadicam. 

From James Bond to Star Wars, Aaron Corera has been traveling the world with XM2, a company that specialises in remote heads for action units. We discuss Aarons background in engineering, how XM2 originally started as a heavy lift drone company and then evolved into remote heads.