Step behind the camera and into the creative mind of Theresa Vitale — Director of Photography, Cinematographer, and camera operator — as she opens up about the art, emotion, and technical mastery behind visual storytelling. In this in-depth interview, Theresa shares her journey from discovering her passion for cinematography to working on set, shaping light and shadow to bring stories to life. We explore what it means to lead a camera team, the challenges of breaking into the film industry, and the balance between creativity and precision in filmmaking. Whether you're a filmmaker, student, or cinephile, this episode offers rare insight into the world behind the lens — from cinematic composition to the personal mindset that drives an artist’s eye.

🎬 Keywords: Theresa Vitale, Cinematographer, Director of Photography, camera operator, filmmaking, film industry, cinematography podcast, creative process, behind the scenes, interview, visual storytelling, women in film.


American Director of Photography and Cinematographer, Theresa Vitale, whose resume spans all genres of film and TV productions. Theresa is passionate about elevating women both in her love of sport and her dedication to the industry; two paths that have merged as she crossed the bridge from the US U23 National Rugby Team to film and TV production. As we will hear, sport taught her so much that has helped her in her career not least of all the value of team work and collaboration. Theresa was born in 1982 in Wallingford, CT, the eldest of two daughters; she has a sister Rosanne. Shortly after her parents Mario Vitale and Karen Weeks moved to Lawrence, NJ where her father could commute to New York, while her mother was the home care provider. Sports and music dominated her childhood—she played trombone for nine years — and tried every sport she could, eventually, and accidentally, discovering rugby. Her natural talent was soon recognized and within six months she made the squad which was competing for the national championships. Despite coming up short that year she did win the national championship with the US women’s U23 national team in 2005.  Alas, her career called and she chose the University of Massachusetts for its BA in Communications degree with a focus on TV/Film, graduating in 2005. An internship with MTV in New York convinced her that she wanted to be a camera operator and from that point on doors opened and led the way to a highly successful career.  Her work has been featured on major broadcast, cable, and streaming networks, including ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, HBO Max, Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Showtime, Bravo, to name a few, specializing in docu-series, competition reality, cooking shows, studio shows, live music, documentaries, BTS and women’s sports. Theresa also takes great pride in helping women find and properly fit personal protective equipment (PPE). As an ambassador for EasyRig, she continues the legacy of her mentor, Cat Cummings, by empowering women with the right gear and ensuring it fits them correctly. Theresa lives in Long Beach California with her wife Heidi and son Barron.
 
Theresa’s website: www.TheresaVitale.com I
MDB -  https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2922553/
Instagram: TheresaVitale21 & TheresaVitale_DP 

Theresa’s favorite female cinematographers:
Gretchen Warthen
Jen Morton
Meagan Stockemer 

Host: Chris Stafford
Produced by Hollowell Studios
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