Film Roundtable

Film Roundtable is thrilled to welcome Cinematographer Jason McCormick (Olivia Wilde’s Book Smart, and Ryan Murphy’s Dahmer) + Assistant Director Francisco Ortiz (Ryan Murphy’s American Horror Story, and Martin Scorcese’s The Wolf of Wall Street) Jason + Francisco recently teamed up on the Ryan Murphy anthology drama Feud; Capote vs. the Swans. This project was directed by the inimitable Gus Van Sant.

The conversation is thoughtfully moderated by Cinematographer Maceo Bishop. 

Jason and Francisco share their story of collaborating for the first time on this beautiful series and the partnership that took shape as well as the gift of a new found friendship. They both share their journey on how they made their way up the path of success in this not so easy business which was marked by relentless hard work, incredible mentors/teachers and a passion for learning.

Tune in to hear Jason + Francisco's insights on their respective crafts. This episode offers a glimpse into the world of a talented cinematographer and a top notch assistant director and the dedication it takes to excel in the film industry.

Enjoy!!

From Your Friends at Film Roundtable

Check out this conversation wherever you listen to podcasts and also available to watch on our Youtube Channel.

Film Roundtable is thrilled to be joined this week by Roshan Sethi, a screenwriter, director, and physician, to discuss his most recent film, A Nice Indian Boy. Alongside Roshan, we’re joined by the incomparable Amy Vincent, who lensed the film which had its SXSW premiere this year. 

Led by Maria Prieto, this conversation dives deep into their collaboration on the film. We discuss the ways in which Roshan’s medical experience has shaped his directing work, the importance of preparation, Amy’s experiences as a mentor and mentee, as well as a wide range of other topics. 

Enjoy!

Film Roundtable is happy to welcome back Creative Director + Production Designer, Ethan Tobman. He is hosted and interviewed by Film Roundtable co-founder, Erin Wile.

Ethan shares the story of his journey from NYU to indie films in the 90s' golden age to helping shape the visual landscapes of global icons like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift.

Explore the trajectory of his career, including designing a restaurant after working as the production designer on the film, The Menu. Ethan shares the secrets of finding his joy as he continues to push creative boundaries.

Enjoy!!

Film Roundtable is welcoming for the first time, Cinematographer James Friend. James is the 2023 recipient of the Academy Award + the BAFTA for Best Cinematography on Edward Berger's All Quiet on the Western Front. He is hosted and interviewed by Visual Artist + Cinematographer Bradford Young.

James shares the story of his path to success, marked by relentless hard work, a passion for learning everything about lighting, and a determination to shoot every opportunity that came his way. He also emphasizes the crucial role of perseverance and the unwavering support of his family throughout his career.

Tune in to hear James Friend's insights on the art of lighting and the intricate deconstruction of removing it. This episode offers a glimpse into the world of a talented cinematographer and the dedication it takes to excel in the film industry.

Enjoy!!

In our latest episode we are joined by two acclaimed artists, multidisciplinary visual artist, filmmaker Arthur Jafa and director of design, Akin McKenzie. The emotive and intuitive cinematographer Shawn Peters hosts this discussion where we explore a design process intent on channeling ancestral vibrations.

In this fascinating conversation they discuss the human pattern through history, the relationship of continuity, praising the shadows, the art behind The Woman King and the moving image as a tool to destigmatize.

Enjoy!!!

Film Roundtable is very excited to welcome, for the first time, Director + Writer Savanah Leaf along with one of our most favorite guests (and recent Emmy nominee for Dead Ringers!!) Cinematographer Jody Lee Lipes, ASC.

In this episode we get to talk in depth about their latest partnership on the newly released film, Earth Mama. We hear about how they originally connected and what continuously inspires them to keep working together. They share their experience collaborating on this incredibly touching and unique film (a MUST see!!!). And they set a wonderful example of what a truly creative alliance is for a director and a DP.

The film was shot in the Bay Area, Savanah's hometown, with mostly non-actors and the idea for this feature length film was birthed from a short documentary Savanah wrote and directed. Earth Mama premiered at Sundance earlier this year and then at MOMA's New Director's Series in NYC. It opens in theaters in LA + NY Friday, July 14th.

Enjoy!!

Film Roundtable is welcoming back to the show two of our most favorite guests and all around just magical and inspiring artists; Director/Cinematographer Rachel Morrison, ASC and Cinematographer Rina Yang, BSC. 

In this episode we discuss Rachel + Rina's most recent collaboration on the upcoming film, Flint Strong. We talk about Morrison’s first outing as a feature director, Yang’s transition into long form and the burning question in everyone’s mind - what it is like for a DP to shoot for a DP?

You have to listen to the episode to find out the details and more, but this is a great example of trust, in both artistic collaboration and believing that everything works out exactly as it should.

Enjoy!!

Film Roundtable is very excited to welcome back to the show, Mandy Walker, ASC ACS, Natasha Braier ACS ADF, and Polly Morgan ASC, BSC.

In this insightful and in-depth conversation, all 3 talented and trailblazing female cinematographers engage in a personal, collaborative, and honest discussion. Amongst the many great topics discussed, they reveal how they have learned to navigate the challenges of getting the job done maintaining respect, and creating a  positive team spirit.

Breaking down aspects of their latest films, Elvis, She Said, and Woman King, they talk about their prep process, how it’s evolved, and how to deal with “How am I going to do that?!” Moments.

They also talk about how the landscape has changed in the industry highlighting how production is becoming more aware that opportunities need to continue to be given to women and people of color.

One of the greatest takeaways that have turned out to be extremely timely in light of Mandy Walker becoming the 1st woman in history to win the ASC award for best cinematography, is that a balance in the industry is finally starting to form thanks to the strength, courage, and persistence of these and other heroines before them.

Film Roundtable is welcoming back two pioneering instigators and our dear friends who we love to have on the show; Artist Terence Nance and Producer, Artist, and founder of Populace, Tamir Muhammad. 

In this episode we talk about Terence + Tamir's years of partnership. Most recently, the second season of Random Acts of Flyness, now on HBO. We chat about the expansiveness of season 2 as well as the deep level of collaboration and devotion being held by all involved in the project. 

Tamir share's with us how he holds the and/both while working in partnership within the studio system, with a project as creatively uninhibited as this one, and at the same time keeping Terence's artistic vision whole and safe. We discuss what it means to speak our truth and what allows us to feel free in our expression. And we spend some time discussing the differences between healed and unhealed Kings and Pirates. 

If you know you know :)

Enjoy!!

Film Roundtable is thrilled to welcome acclaimed cinematographers Jamie D. Ramsay SASC and Larkin Seiple.

In this in-depth conversation with Matthew Woolf they talk about their careers, ambitions, and sacrifices and their approach to color, tone, and camera tests on their recent respective movies, Living, and Everything Everywhere All At Once.

One of the great takeaways from this rich conversation is how cinematography can help art become more compelling and hopefully leaving the audience with a more memorable emotional experience.