This week, we talk with cinematographer Bill Kirstein about his work on ‘Happyend,’ which premiered at the Venice Film Festival last year.

Bill shares stories from his childhood, and how that rebellious spirit carries into his approach to filmmaking. We explore what draws him to projects where directors have bold visions that challenge conventional execution.

Our conversation digs into the artistic choices behind Happyend, a near-future story about friendship set against impending disaster. Bill walks us through how constraints can actually fuel creativity, and breaks down his cinematographic approach - from color palette decisions to camera positioning - that helps immerse viewers in the film’s atmospheric world.

(Photo credit: Eunhae Mary Park)