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In this episode of The Fourth State podcast, Bailey explores the link between sleep and longevity, emphasizing the importance of adequate rest for a healthier and longer life. She shares insights on sleep mechanisms and offers practical tips for improving sleep hygiene, introducing her comprehensive Insomnia Toolkit as a valuable resource for optimized sleep.

Academy Award® Nominee cinematographer Matthew Libatique shares his insights in this episode, discussing his approach to cinematography and his work on acclaimed films like "Inside Man," "Black Swan," "Straight Outta Compton," and "A Star Is Born." Matthew highlights the importance of understanding the story and screenplay before collaborating with the director, emphasizing visceral and intellectual reactions to the script. He envisions scenes and engages in flexible collaboration, shaping his ideas based on the director's vision. Matthew's experience at AFI fostered a collaborative learning environment where cinematographers and directors understood the interconnectedness of their roles in filmmaking. Additionally, he explores his musical influences, and engaging film characters, and provides career guidelines for international filmmakers.

72nd Emmy Awards Nominee, Erik Messerschmidt (Mindhunter), is an American cinematographer. Erik chats with Portbox about his transition into cinematography with Netflix Original Series: Mindhunter. Madhav inquires about how Erik studies human behavior, both professionally and personally. Erik highlights how working with great cinematographers and highly disciplined directors has informed his workflow and why director-cinematographer relationships work across different films. He also breaks down one of Madhav's favorite scene from the second season of Mindhunter, while giving us details on his next project with David Fincher; Mank.

Anurag Kashyap (Dev.D, Gangs of Wasseypur, Ugly, Lust Stories) is an Indian director, writer, and producer. Anurag chats with Portbox about the importance of independent films and their rise in India during the early 2000s.

Madhav asks about the appeal of psychologically disturbed characters in Anurag's films and realism behind his dialogues. Anurag recounts the lessons he learned from when his movies did not get released early in his career. Additionally, the two talk about Anurag's management style and the expectations he has from his crew.

Taking accounts from his personal and professional life, Anurag takes us on a journey about his process, creating a community of artists, and creating a new-age movement in India. During this conversation, Madhav and Anurag bond over their love for Indian movies, yoga, and single-screen exhibitors (who are, to this date, a walking recitation of film history).

Vikramaditya Motwane (Udaan, Lootera, Sacred Games) is an Indian director, writer, and producer. Vikramaditya chats with Portbox about the global influence of Indian cinema while sharing notes from the beginning of his career. Madhav inquires about the inspiration behind Vikram's characters, and Vikram comments on the events that shaped independent films in Indian cinema. The two talk about the business of Indian cinema and how it has evolved over the years. Vikram highlights the importance of theatrical film releases and examines the future of independent cinema. They bond over the Mumbai vada-pavs, old Bollywood music, and their mutual heritage. This episode is a heavy-hitting cultural lesson.

Academy Award winner Wally Pfister (The Dark Knight Trilogy, Inception, Transcendence) is an American cinematographer, director, and musician. Wally chats with Portbox to discuss the preservation of art as an individual, and the origins of his cinematic career. Madhav asks about an artist's need to have control over one's craft, and Wally expands on his decision to become a director. The two talk about how this pandemic will change filmmaking, while Wally continues to share wisdom from his accumulated experiences in the industry. They bond over the love for music and Bob Dylan. On Wally's side, some rice gets overcooked, and later, he jams on his guitar while Madhav shuffles through the questions from the audience.

Madhav's partner, Bailey, also makes a brief appearance on this episode.

Ben Kutchins (Ozark, Legion, Mozart in the Jungle) is an American, Emmy Award-nominated cinematographer. Ben chats with Portbox about his creative process and his approach to developing the visual language of Netflix's Ozark with Director Jason Bateman. Madhav wonders if the darker tone of a show can affect its critical success. Madhav and Ben discuss the distinction between 'the right image' and 'a good looking image.' Ben explains how character psychology influences his work as a cinematographer and puts further emphasis on the collaborative effort of filmmaking by saying, "we are all here for the story."

Academy Award® Nominee, Phedon Papamichel (Walk The Line, Nebraska, Ford v Ferrari) is a Greek cinematographer, director, and painter. Phedon chats with Portbox about his career, from his early collaborations with Jon Turteltaub, followed by frequent collaborations with directors like Alexander Payne (Sideways) and James Mangold (Ford v Ferrari). Madhav asks Phedon about Phedon's approach to interpreting a screenplay, and Phedon tells the story of how collaborating with directors who have a similar taste as he shaped his career. The two talk about how influences can elevate one's storytelling; Phedon recalls how Johnny Cash's roadie informed his decisions while shooting Walk The Line.

Our second season is here, featuring some of the greatest minds in film. 

For our seventh episode of Let's Get To It, Cinematographer Jon Chema brings us closer to his journey of creating a career as a cinematographer. He also talks to us about how travel and access influence his process of storytelling through camera-movements. He talks about building character-driven camera movements, insights into the changes in light depending on where you are in the world and how he uses it. We touch on subjects of anxiety and stress and an artist's relationship with Instagram.

Some of Jon's credits include:

FAIS x Afrojack- Used to have it all

Dan + Shay- Tequila

Noah Cyrus x ONE BIT- My Way

Julia Michaels- Worst in me

All Time Low- Dirty Laundry

Linkin Park- Good Goodbye

Big Sean - Light and Single Again

Commercials for Coca Cola, Nike, New York Times x Google, and Vice.

Thank you for tuning into Let's Get To It: An Arts & Culture Podcast. We request you to review and subscribe to our channel on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you choose to stream.