While living in Mexico City, John Grillo saw an opportunity to work on a film set, so he came on as a translator for a Disney film. While meeting the crew, he was drawn to the lifestyle.

These days, Grillo is a Cinematographer known for ‘Westworld,’ ‘The Leftovers,’ ‘Snowpiercer,’’ Preacher,’ and various Michael Mann projects such as ‘Luck,’ ‘Miami Vice,’ ‘Ali,’ and ‘Collateral.’

In this interview, Grillo discusses what he learned from Michael Mann, how to see subtext in images, how filmmaking is like jazz, what drew him to television, the importance of paying attention on set, and why you don’t need film school.

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