Cinemapodgrapher

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.