In this special episode of Focus Check, Nino Leitner is joined by cinematographer and educator Tal Lazar, known for his work with AFI, Columbia University, Sundance, and MZed. Together, they dive deep into what it really takes to become a visual storyteller in today’s rapidly changing film industry.

Can cinematography truly be taught? Is film school still worth the cost? Why do we obsess over gear when storytelling is the goal? And how can filmmakers bridge the intimidating gap between creativity and technology?

Tal shares insightful and often provocative thoughts on education, collaboration, and why the best cinematographers are also great communicators. He also talks about his highly rated MZed courses (The Art & Science of Lenses, Cinematography for Directors and The Language of Lighting), his new podcast VISIUM, and his upcoming book The Language of Cinematography.

🎬 Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, this episode is packed with real talk, deep insights, and a refreshing perspective on what makes great images truly work.

Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by FUJIFILM. Check it out at (25:04)

Chapters & Articles Mentioned in This Episode:

(00:00) - Intro & Roger Deakins Story

(01:32) - Cinematography and Storytelling

(02:32) - Teaching Cinematography in Film Schools

(04:51) - Collaboration in Filmmaking

(11:45) - The Importance of Networking in Film Education

(26:06) - Understanding Lenses and Their Impact on Storytelling

(31:39) - The Role of Technology in Cinematography

(42:37) - Cinematography as a Language

(44:27) - Tal's New Podcast & Book

We hope you enjoyed this episode!