Plot Twist

Guest:
Matt Kennedy, SMPSP
https://www.kennedystills.net/
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1366178/


Summary
In this conversation, Eliana Pires Janssen interviews Matt Kennedy, a still photographer in the movie industry. They discuss various topics including Matt's journey in the film industry, the role of still photographers on set, the changes in the industry over the years, the gear Matt uses, and his work being displayed in the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. They also touch on the challenges and opportunities in the industry, the importance of loyalty, and the impact of social media. In this conversation, Matt, a unit still photographer in the film industry, discusses his journey in photography and his experiences working on film sets. He talks about his background in skateboarding and surf photography, his transition from being a camera assistant to a still photographer, and the challenges he faces in the industry. Matt also shares his thoughts on the devaluation of photography and the difficulty of finding clients who appreciate and pay for quality work. He explores the idea of pursuing other avenues in photography, such as brand or product photography, but expresses his love for the film industry and his desire to continue working in it.

Keywords
film industry, still photography, movie sets, industry changes, gear, Smithsonian, challenges, opportunities, loyalty, social media, photography, film industry, unit still photographer, skateboarding, surf photography, camera assistant, challenges, devaluation, clients, brand photography, product photography

Takeaways

• Still photographers play a crucial role in creating images used for posters, promotional purposes, and distribution in the film industry.
• The film industry has undergone significant changes over the years, with a shift in production locations and a focus on cost-effectiveness.
• Loyalty in the industry is often based on numbers and practical considerations, such as location and cost.
• Social media has increased the visibility of photography in the industry, but it has also led to a larger pool of talent and less loyalty.
• Despite the challenges, being a still photographer in the film industry can be a rewarding and exciting career. Matt's passion for photography began in middle school, influenced by his mother's hobby of shooting portraits and landscapes.
• He initially focused on skateboarding photography and later transitioned to surf photography.
• After working as a camera assistant for many years, Matt decided to become a still photographer due to his love for the creative aspect of the job.
• He faced challenges in the industry, including competition from established photographers and the devaluation of photography.
• Matt is open to exploring other avenues in photography, such as brand or product photography, but is committed to continuing his work in the film industry.

Sound Bites

• "Still photography is one of those gigs on set that I feel like nobody has no idea it even exists."
• "I would say in my experience, the industry has not gotten better. I feel like it's gotten worse. It's not fun anymore."
• "Working on high-profile projects like the Obi-Wan series brings a sense of nostalgia and excitement, especially when there are throwbacks to the original films."
• "I'm nowhere near ready to retire"
• "I'll take the best goddamn picture of this vacuum you've ever seen"

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Background
05:08 - The Role of Still Photographers
09:35 - Gear and Tools of a Still Photographer
12:43 -Matt Kennedy's Work in the Smithsonian
16:43 - Changes and Challenges in the Film Industry
23:14 - The Impact of Social Media and Loyalty in the Industry
27:00 - Matt's Journey in Photogra

Guest
Taylor Barefield [Stunt Reel]
[ Instagram ]

Summary
In this episode, host Eliana Pires Janssen interviews Taylor Barefield, a stunt performer and working mom. They discuss the challenges of balancing motherhood and a career in the stunt industry, the need for support and resources for working moms in the industry, and the importance of safety in stunts. They also touch on the potential creation of a category for stunts at awards shows and the recognition of the hard work and creativity involved in action design. The conversation explores the challenges and frustrations of working in the film industry, the importance of feeling seen and appreciated, and the support system for working moms. It also touches on the potential career paths outside of the film industry and the role of authenticity in storytelling and visual effects.

Takeaways
- Balancing motherhood and a career in the stunt industry can be challenging, but it is possible to find ways to integrate both aspects of life.
- There is a need for more support and resources for working moms in the industry, including financial support and flexibility during pregnancy.
- Safety is a top priority in the stunt industry, and there are ongoing discussions about how to maintain safety while pushing the boundaries of stunts.
- There is a desire for recognition of the hard work and creativity involved in stunts, and there are discussions about creating a category for stunts at awards shows. Working in the film industry can be challenging and frustrating, but the passion for the craft keeps professionals going.
- Feeling seen and appreciated is important for those working behind the scenes in the industry.
-The film industry provides a unique sense of community, but it can be challenging to maintain that support during periods of downtime.
- Being a working mom in the film industry comes with its own set of challenges and identity questions.
- If the film industry didn't exist, the conversation explores potential career paths in holistic living and helping others live a healthier life.
- Authenticity is valued in storytelling and visual effects, and practical effects often have a greater impact on viewers than excessive CGI.

Chapters
00:00- Introduction and Balancing Motherhood and a Career in Stunts
03:32 - The Need for Support and Resources for Working Moms
17:38 - Recognizing the Hard Work and Creativity of Stunt Performers
22:06 - The Challenges and Frustrations of the Film Industry
25:18 - Supporting Working Moms in the Industry
33:39 - Exploring Potential Career Paths Outside of Film
40:12 - The Role of Authenticity in Storytelling and Visual Effects

Guest
M. Dougherty [https://www.m-dougherty.com/]

Summary
In this episode, Eliana Pires Janssen interviews M. Dougherty, a scent artist and researcher. They discuss M. Dougherty's journey into the world of scent and their creation of the scent organ, a device that allows the user to play different scent molecules like a piano. They also explore the connection between scent and memory, the cultural significance of scent, and the science behind how our brain processes scent. In this conversation, M Dougherty discusses the fascinating world of scent and its impact on our lives. They explore topics such as the science behind scent, the relationship between scent and memory, the challenges of measuring and recreating scents, and the role of technology in enhancing our sense of smell. M Dougherty also shares their own projects and experiences in the field of scent design.

Takeaways

• M. Dougherty is a scent artist and researcher who explores scent in various forms of art, including sculpture and gallery installations.
• The scent organ is a device created by M. Dougherty that allows the user to play different scent molecules like a piano.
• Scent is deeply connected to memory and can evoke vivid emotions and experiences.
• Different cultures have unique relationships with scent, and Indigenous communities often have a deep understanding and respect for scent.
• The brain processes scent through olfactory receptors and various parts of the brain responsible for emotion, memory, and language.
• Our body odor can change based on factors such as emotions, diet, and hormones, and can even synchronize with a partner's body odor. Scent is a powerful sense that is closely linked to memory and emotion.
• The science of scent is complex and involves factors such as evaporation, temperature, and the environment.
• Measuring and recreating scents is challenging due to the variability of chemicals and the lack of a standardized language for scent.
• Technology, such as AI, is advancing the field of scent design and has the potential to digitize and share scents.
• Layering scents is a popular trend, but it can be controversial among perfumers.
• The scent industry is dominated by a few major companies, which can limit accessibility and creativity.
• There is still much to learn and explore in the world of scent, and collaboration and sharing of information are important in advancing the field.

Sound Bites

• "We don't really know as much about our sense of smell. Like it's still a pretty new science. And like we only discovered olfactory receptors in 1991."
• "Oh my god, yeah, it feels like, yeah, it's like the final frontier. I feel like, like very astronauts kind of vibes. Someone, not someone, Andreas Merschen, one of my mentors and someone who I've like worked with on machine olfaction conferences, he terms it osmonauts. Yeah, like, yeah, we're yeah, we're exploring a whole alien planet basically through noses."

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Background
02:38 - The Scent Organ: Playing with Scent Molecules
06:23 - Exploring Scent as an Art Form
09:19 - The Power of Scent and Memory
14:26 - Scent in Different Cultures
23:44 - The Synchronization of Body Odor
25:23 - The Power of Scent and Hormones
27:02 - Exploring Scent through Technology
29:29 - Speculative Design and Scent
31:19 - AI and the Language of Scent
33:36 - Digitizing Scent with AI
35:36 - Challenges in Measuring and Recreating Scents
37:19 - Controversy in the Scent Industry
38:44 - The Dominance of Major Companies in the Scent Industry
41:33 - Copyright and Ownership in Perfumery
43:15 - Layering Scents: Pros and Cons
44:46 - The Ongoing Exploration of Scent

Guest
Seya Eggler
Co-Founder of AlpineRacer &
Head of Content Creation for F1's Sauber Team

Summary

In the premiere episode of Plot Twist, Eliana Pires Janssen sits down with the incredibly talented Seya Egger. At just 22, Seya has transformed his passion for photography and videography into a thriving career, working with some of the biggest names in motorsports, including the Formula One Sauber team.

Join Eliana and Seya as they dive into his journey from a young photographer to a top-tier content creator. They chat about the fast-paced world of Formula One content creation, the camera gear Seya swears by, and his love for blending modern digital techniques with classic film photography.

Key Takeaways

• Early Passion: Seya started young with videography and photography, with a later focus on cars.
• F1 Workflow: Creating content for Formula One demands quick editing and efficient workflows.
• Favorite Gear: Seya's go-to camera is the Sony a7S Mark III.
• Adaptability: He emphasizes the importance of adapting to on-location circumstances.
• Evolving Social Media: Seya sees a positive future for social media content creation.
• AI in Workflow: While he uses AI, Seya is still exploring its full potential.
• Favorite Content: He loves creating funny, lighthearted videos.
• Travel: Seya travels to every Formula One race and works with diverse clients.
• Client Connections: He initially found clients through social media, especially Instagram.
• Love for Film: Seya enjoys shooting on film and values its unique qualities.
• Typical F1 Week: His week includes media days, practice, qualifying, and race days.
• Stunning Locations: He aims to shoot cars in beautiful locations like the Swiss Alps.
• Client Diversity: Seya's clients range from automotive companies to luxury hotels.
• Artful Balance: He strives to balance old and new techniques in content creation.

Sound Bites

• "It's the idea behind it that makes it so special, so funny."
• "We love when the client gives us freedom. We bring the cars to where they belong."
• "I learned to develop film during my apprenticeship in Switzerland."

Chapters

• 00:00 - Introduction to Plot Twist Podcast and Guest Introduction
• 02:08 - Creating Content for Formula One
• 04:21 - Seya's Go-To Workhorse Camera
• 06:31 - Adapting to Different Shooting Locations
• 09:50 - Exploring the Use of AI in Content Creation
• 12:13 - Favorite and Most Successful Content
• 14:48 - Working with Different Clients in the Automotive Industry
• 19:24 - Finding Clients and Building Relationships
• 21:29 - Starting Out with Social Media and Instagram
• 23:45 - Appreciating the Art of Old and New Techniques
• 28:28 - Conclusion and Farewell