In this episode, Todd Banhazl reflects on cinematography as both a craft and a place of meaning, emphasizing that a DP’s real responsibility goes far beyond the image—it’s about creating a safe, trusting, and energized environment where people can do their best work. He and Carlo talk through leadership learned by failing and repairing, why attitude and emotional awareness matter as much as talent, and how early alignment with directors and departments prevents creative conflict later on. They explore the tension between saying yes out of fear versus curating projects with intention, the shifting definition of “independent film” in a streaming-driven industry, and the importance of protecting taste, patience, and process in a culture that moves too fast. The conversation closes with a grounded perspective on joy and priorities, as Todd shares how fatherhood and family have reshaped how he chooses work—and clarified which projects are truly worth the time and energy they demand.

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Todd Banhazl, ASC.:  ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠⁠Website⁠

Carlo: ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠

The Creative Gap:⁠⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠ ⁠Youtube⁠⁠

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This last episode of 2025 is really just me taking a breath and looking back. All year, I’ve had the chance to sit across from people I genuinely admire and listen to their stories — not just the wins, but the doubts, the fear, the growing pains, and the parts of their lives they don’t always share publicly. Without realizing it at first, those conversations started shaping how I see my own life and the way I want to move into this next year. What stood out to me was how similar the lessons were, even though everyone’s path looked different: there’s no linear road, only commitment; kindness matters more than we think; sustainability beats burnout; fear never really leaves, but experience teaches you how to keep going anyway; and at the end of it all, people matter more than projects. This episode isn’t about having it all figured out — it’s about recognizing where we are right now, finding peace in the process, and reminding ourselves that if we’re stepping into a new year feeling unsure, tired, or hopeful but unclear, we’re not behind. We’re just starting again.

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Carlo: ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠

The Creative Gap:⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠Youtube⁠⁠

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Camera 2: ⁠https://amzn.to/45g8iKx⁠

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In this episode, Todd Banhazl reflects on cinematography as both a craft and a place of meaning, emphasizing that a DP’s real responsibility goes far beyond the image—it’s about creating a safe, trusting, and energized environment where people can do their best work. He and Carlo talk through leadership learned by failing and repairing, why attitude and emotional awareness matter as much as talent, and how early alignment with directors and departments prevents creative conflict later on. They explore the tension between saying yes out of fear versus curating projects with intention, the shifting definition of “independent film” in a streaming-driven industry, and the importance of protecting taste, patience, and process in a culture that moves too fast. The conversation closes with a grounded perspective on joy and priorities, as Todd shares how fatherhood and family have reshaped how he chooses work—and clarified which projects are truly worth the time and energy they demand.

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Todd Banhazl, ASC.:  ⁠Instagram | ⁠Website

Carlo: ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠

The Creative Gap:⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠Youtube⁠

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In this episode of The Creative Gap Podcast, Carlo & his wife Angelica sit down for an honest conversation about marriage, identity, and choosing fulfillment in an unpredictable creative life. Together, you reflect on her decision to leave a traditional job to pursue freelance work in yoga and wellness, the emotional highs and lows that come with that shift, and the identity changes that follow when you stop chasing “stability” and start building something meaningful. The conversation expands into marriage, compromise, redefining success beyond money, and creating a life rooted in presence, purpose, and long-term sustainability—ending with a reminder to practice contentment (santosha) while still allowing space to grow.

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Angelica:  ⁠Instagram

Carlo: ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠

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Camera 2: ⁠https://amzn.to/45g8iKx⁠

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In this episode, Carlo sits down with filmmaker and YouTuber Patrick Tomasso for a deep, honest conversation about navigating creativity, identity, and longevity in the digital world. Patrick opens up about evolving beyond gear reviews, embracing video essays, and why passion—not algorithms—must guide your work. Together, they explore the fear of changing niches, the pressure to post constantly, maintaining integrity with brands, and the importance of building a genuine connection with an audience who resonates with who you really are. Grounded in vulnerability, humor, and real creative experience, this episode is a reminder that the most meaningful work comes from following your curiosity, trusting your voice, and continuously redefining yourself as you grow.JOIN CIVA COLLECTIVE ► https://www.civacollective.com/USE THE CODE: TCG20 TO RECEIVE 20% OFF "THE FOUNDATION" MEMBERSHIP

PATRICK TOMASSO:  ⁠Instagram | ⁠Website

Carlo: ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠

The Creative Gap:⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠Youtube⁠⁠

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In this episode of The Creative Gap, cinematographer and entrepreneur Nicholas Bluff shares how his creative journey evolved from filming parkour videos in Copenhagen to founding Bluff Bounce, a lighting innovation now used by filmmakers worldwide. He reflects on lessons learned from working in the lighting and camera departments, the cultural contrasts between filmmaking in Denmark and Brazil, and how observation and curiosity led him to develop a product that replicates the beauty of natural light. Nicholas discusses balancing art and entrepreneurship, building structure to fuel creativity, and the importance of presence, awareness, and authenticity in a world driven by speed and imitation.

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Nicholas Bluff:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Bluff Bounce: Instagram | Website

Carlo: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The Creative Gap:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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In this episode, Joshua Martin shares his journey from videography to cinematography, balancing family life with a freelance career, and navigating the challenges of YouTube and creative authenticity. He opens up about financial struggles, building multiple income streams, and the importance of budgeting in an unpredictable industry. Joshua emphasizes reducing overhead, finding peace, and redefining success—not by numbers or possessions, but by sustainability, impact, and community.

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Joshua Martin:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠

Carlo: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The Creative Gap:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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In this episode, Joshua Martin shares his journey from videography to cinematography, balancing family life with a freelance career, and navigating the challenges of YouTube and creative authenticity. He opens up about financial struggles, building multiple income streams, and the importance of budgeting in an unpredictable industry. Joshua emphasizes reducing overhead, finding peace, and redefining success—not by numbers or possessions, but by sustainability, impact, and community.

JOIN CIVA COLLECTIVE ► ⁠⁠https://www.civacollective.com⁠⁠

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Joshua Martin:  ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube

Carlo: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠

The Creative Gap:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Camera 2:⁠⁠ ⁠https://amzn.to/45g8iKx⁠⁠⁠

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In this episode of The Creative Gap Podcast filmmaker and entrepreneur Jakob Owens, explores the balance between creative ownership, freelance life, and building sustainable businesses. Jakob talks about the importance of creating freedom in his career so he can prioritize family and personal life, while also navigating the challenges of criticism and self-doubt when putting himself out publicly through YouTube, podcasts, and business ventures. The discussion covers financial literacy for creatives—how to think about investments, debt, and cutting unnecessary expenses—as well as the value of trustworthy business partners and building projects that align with personal passion. Jakob also shares how fitness, discipline, and pushing through hard challenges shape his mindset as both a filmmaker and entrepreneur. The episode closes with reflections on evolving beliefs, communication in relationships, and Jakob’s excitement about upcoming projects with Prism Lens FX.

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Jakob Owens:  ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Carlo: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠

The Creative Gap:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠

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In this episode of The Creative Gap, Carlo sits down with BPN filmmakers George Kroeker and Ian Rodriguez to discuss their journey into filmmaking, their collaboration, and the making of "Surrender", BPN’s feature-length documentary revolving around last year's Last Man Standing Race. They share how they each got started—from photography and design to videography—before finding their way onto the BPN media team, and how their friendship and honesty shaped their creative partnership. The conversation dives into the challenges of shooting an unpredictable multi-day race, the risks they took in storytelling, and the symbolism behind the film’s title & ethereal nature. Throughout, Ian and George emphasize BPN’s culture of trust, faith, and pushing creative boundaries, reflecting on how Surrender not only redefined what a running documentary could look like but also deepened their growth as filmmakers and men of faith.

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WATCH "SURRENDER" ► https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJsFxxtd23Y

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George Kroeker:  ⁠Instagram

Ian Rodriguez: ⁠⁠Instagram⁠

Carlo: ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠

The Creative Gap:⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠Youtube⁠⁠

____________________________________________________

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