Cinematographer Pedro Gomez Millan AMC drops in this week for an honest, ground-level chat about what it takes to steer the look of a project when you’re the only DP on the call sheet.

We dig into how the conversation with a director evolves from loose references in prep to split-second decisions once the sun starts sliding, and why trusting your first read of a location often beats any lighting diagram you pencilled the night before.

Pedro explains the mental juggling act of protecting continuity across an entire series while still letting each scene breathe, and how new tech fits—or doesn’t—into that equation.

We also talk about the real life that runs parallel to the images: late-night phone calls with family, learning to pivot when schedules implode, and the quiet relief that comes from a crew that actually speaks the same visual language. 

Enjoy!

The final course in the B.O.D.V.O. series is now live: The Vehicle Series – Blocking, Framing, & Execution.

This installment focuses entirely on the unique challenges of shooting inside cars, trains, planes and anything else that moves. It breaks down the key decisions DPs need to make—long before stepping on set—so you're ready to adapt and execute with confidence. The course is open for one week only, and you can use the link below to check it out and enroll.

Here’s why it matters—no matter where you are in your cinematography journey:

- Learn to pre-visualize vehicle coverage so you’re not guessing on the day—you're executing a plan.

- Understand the gear, framing, and lighting implications of every coverage path, so you can prep smarter and move faster.

- Get your reps in advance so you’re not learning under pressure, but showing up ready to deliver.

If you want to learn more about the course check it out here:

Cinematography: The Vehicle Series - Blocking, Framing, & Execution

Website: Pedro Gomez Millan AMC

Instagram: @pedrogmillan

The post The Wandering DP Podcast: Episode #484: Cinematographer Pedro Gomez Millan AMC appeared first on Cinematography Podcast & Tutorials.

In this episode, I’m joined by cinematographer Matheus Bastos to talk about his work on the indie feature 'Gazer' and his broader journey in narrative filmmaking.

We get into what it really takes to shoot a film over an extended period on a micro-budget—both the challenges and the unexpected advantages. Matheus shares how community, networking, and festivals have played a key role in getting his work seen and opening new doors.

We also dig into the creative side: why he chose to shoot on film, how that influenced the look and feel of the project, and the lighting decisions that helped support the story. There’s a lot in here about collaboration, adaptability, and the emotional ups and downs of committing to a long-term creative process.

If you’re interested in the realities of independent filmmaking—from prep to festival circuit—this one’s for you.

Enjoy!

The final course in the B.O.D.V.O. series is now live: The Vehicle Series – Blocking, Framing, & Execution.

This installment focuses entirely on the unique challenges of shooting inside cars, trains, planes and anything else that moves. It breaks down the key decisions DPs need to make—long before stepping on set—so you're ready to adapt and execute with confidence. The course is open for one week only, and you can use the link below to check it out and enroll.

Here’s why it matters—no matter where you are in your cinematography journey:

- Learn to pre-visualize vehicle coverage so you’re not guessing on the day—you're executing a plan.

- Understand the gear, framing, and lighting implications of every coverage path, so you can prep smarter and move faster.

- Get your reps in advance so you’re not learning under pressure, but showing up ready to deliver.

If you want to learn more about the course check it out here:

Cinematography: The Vehicle Series - Blocking, Framing, & Execution

Website: Matheus Bastos

Instagram: @matheusbastos_dp

The post The Wandering DP Podcast: Episode #483 – Cinematographer Matheus Bastos appeared first on Cinematography Podcast & Tutorials.

I originally was going to call this episode "Guesswork" but at the end of recording I think I came up with a better title.

The last few years in the background I have been formalizing a system that has become paramount to my own working as a cinematographer and I've finally managed to complete it this week.

The BODVO system for Blocking is officially done and next week I am launching the last course outlining the V, which stands for vehicle, scenario.

To say that I am excited and proud of the work would be a gross understatement.  This system has done more for my own personal work than the framework ever could and getting it standardized and all laid out and explained has been a journey.

Many thanks to everyone for listening to the show over the years, especially to the Patreon supporters who have made it possible to take extra time and try and figure this stuff out and share it.  I am very grateful for the opportunity and I can't wait to share the material and see everyone put it into action.

I will send out an email if you are a subscriber letting you know when the course is actually live.  It should be some time next week for the public.

Enjoy!

The post The Wandering DP Podcast: Episode #482 – The Map is Complete appeared first on Cinematography Podcast & Tutorials.

Australian cinematographer Toby Oliver ACS is back for his third appearance on the show to talk about his latest work on the series Apple Cider Vinegar.

If you have caught any of the past episodes that Toby has featured on then you know that not many of the DPs we have had on the show work as much and across as many different styles and formats as Toby.  

He always brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the show and this episode is no exception.

Enjoy!

Over on Patreon this week we are breaking down the lighting, the framing, and all of the other factors that went in to filming a recent spot in a living room between a father and son.

The breakdowns have made the move over to Patreon for the past few months so if you are interested in the more technical content please head over and support the channel.

The Wandering DP Podcast Patreon

Website: Toby Oliver ACS

Instagram: @tobyoliverdp

The post The Wandering DP Podcast: Episode #481 – Toby Oliver ACS appeared first on Cinematography Podcast & Tutorials.

This week on the show we chat with cinematographer Scott Siracusano about his latest work on the film Control Freak.  

Scott shares his unique path to shooting his debut feature, how he and the production tackled difficult situations over the course of the project, and he talks about what actually moves the needle for cinematography over the course of a schedule.

Lots of great takeaways from this conversation and hopefully we can get Scott back on the show in the future to see how his approach and the work progress.

Enjoy!

This week over on Patreon we are breaking down a commercial I shot late last year that had a few unique challenges.  The breakdown episodes that used to live on the main podcast feed have now exclusively transferred over to the Patreon page for supporters. 

The feedback has always been very positive for the breakdown episodes and the project that we are diving in to this week was the first that followed along every step of the way.  We started with an initial look at the agency storyboards, then we went on location for the tech scout and now we are reviewing the final images to see how we did.

If you want access to all of the extra video content please check out the link below and help to support the show.  I couldn't do the podcast or the youtube content without the support.   

The Wandering DP Podcast Patreon

Website: Scott Siracusasno

Instagram: @scott_siracusano

The post The Wandering DP Podcast: Episode #480 – Cinematographer Scott Siracusano appeared first on Cinematography Podcast & Tutorials.

We are back this week with cinematographer Tommy Maddox-Upshaw ASC to talk about his work on the film Opus.

Tommy shares stories from pre-production, how he approaches the prep process, working on set and much more.

Definitely check out the trailer below if you haven't already seen the movie.  Tommy and the team pulled off some great work and it was a pleasure to have him on to tell us all about it.  

Hopefully we can have him back on in the future to share more on his latest work.

Enjoy!

None of the podcast or Youtube channel content would be possible without the Patreon support and each week I upload breakdowns of either other people's work or my own with the goal of learning something new.

If you are interested in supporting the show and getting access to all the breakdown videos as soon as they become available please consider becoming a member.  

This week we are going to look at some of my own work on a recent TV commercial where we were forced to re-create a studio environment in a very small location.  Not a complicated set up but the time constraints and the location constraints meant we had to employ some unique problem solving skills.

If you want to check out the video clink the link below:

The Wandering DP Podcast Patreon

Website: Tommy Maddox-Upshaw ASC

Instagram: @themaddoxdp

The post The Wandering DP Podcast: Episode #479 – Tommy Maddox-Upshaw ASC appeared first on Cinematography Podcast & Tutorials.

A gaffer's worst nightmare is when the DP asks for a light to be thrown into the ceiling to help boost the ambient.

There is a good way to do it and a bad way to do it.  This week on the show I chat through why I think an LED version of a Source 4 is the ultimate friend for any DP looking to gain more control. 

This idea has added more to my recent work than any other concpet I can think of.  It has changed the way I work for the better.  

Enjoy!

Course Link -  Advanced Cinematography: Location Lighting

The enrolment for the course will close down next week.  

For the next 7 days you can use the following coupon code to save $50 of the normal price: 

ADV50 

This course is a comprehensive look at everything a commercial cinematographer has to do throughout a typical production cycle.

We start at the pre-production meetings where I walk through what I look for, signs that things are going well or not, I lay out what I like to have done at what time in the process to make sure I am on top of everything from storyboards to finding crew, and then finally we make our way on to the virtual set to light and shoot the entire ad.

I am super proud of the content in this course and there is not another resource like this available.  It is more valuable then sitting next to me on an actual job and observing all the steps and tasks because I can actually take my time and explain every little decision.

Once you understand why the decisions are being made then you can start to shape your own approach.

If you are making the jump to larger sets or larger projects and you want to know what is expected and at the same time learn the prescription for being able to effectively wield the tool of the Framework then this course is not to be missed.

If you want to learn more about the course check it out here:

Advanced Cinematography: Location Lighting

The post The Wandering DP Podcast: Episode #478 – More Control, More Better appeared first on Cinematography Podcast & Tutorials.

Not all cinematography jobs are created equal. 

Some jobs require creative input and some jobs do not.  At least not in the same quantity.  Knowing the difference between the types of jobs and what is being asked or required from you can have a big impact on the quality of the work.

I think the goal for most working in the industry is to be sought after for their creative qualities but what we want and what reality actually looks like are often quite different.

In this episode I try and lay out how I differentiate between the demands of certain jobs and how I navigate between the two.

I hope it helps.

Enjoy!

The breakdowns that used to happen on the podcast are now happening over on Patreon in video format.

If you want all the technical problem solving and the step by step analysis of the jobs that I am working on throughout the year then Patreon is the only place to get that.

This week we are looking at a large interior scene of a woman listening to some music.  There were schedule challenges, location challenges, and resource challenges.  The trifecta of fun for any cinematographer.

If you want to check out the video clink the link below:

The Wandering DP Podcast Patreon

The post The Wandering DP Podcast: Episode #477 – Service Work appeared first on Cinematography Podcast & Tutorials.

This week on the podcast we are back to our regularly scheduled programming after an awesome "Life Off Set" series hosted by Jon Bregel.

There is no guest this week just myself rambling about the difference between taste and judgement and what I think actually moves the needle on any production. 

Cinematography has so many different angles we can talk about but in the end what really matters is your ability to answer yes or no to a series of questions as you try and curate the image from the start of a production through to it's completion.

If you didn't understand how a DP adds value to a film or commercial then hopefully this episode will help get you started.

Enjoy!

The post The Wandering DP Podcast: Episode #476 – Taste & Judgement appeared first on Cinematography Podcast & Tutorials.

We have a great episode today with director Diego Contreras.

He sits down with our host of the "Life Off Set" series, Jon Bregel, to share his experience in the undistry, what he has seen and experienced first hand and so much more.

Diego has such a great body of work and approach to the industry.  I loved this conversation and I think you will as well.

Enjoy!

Jon Bregel has come on board to host the all 4 episodes of the podcast in a series entitled "Life Off Set".  

He is a filmmaker, coach for filmmakers, and founder of the Nourish community.

Jon has been on the podcast twice previously and now he is taking the reins to shed some light on a side of the filmmaking industry that is very rarely explored.

His unique background and experience at the highest level makes him the perfect sounding board for filmmakers trying to come to terms with the ins and outs of the job.  

If you want to explore working with Jon be sure to check out the links below.  I would highly recommend taking advantage of the opportunity.

If you'd like to reach out to Jon:

Email - [email protected]

Website - Jon Bregel

Filmmaker Community - Nourish Community

If you enjoyed the episode and want to hear more from Jon be sure to head over to the Nourish Community and sign up for  a free five day e-mail course called “The Filmmaker’s Wellness Roadmap: 5 Painful Missteps That Steal Your Purpose, Drain Your Creativity, and Harm Your Wellbeing (And How to Get It All Back).”

Sign up at the link below:

The Filmmaker's Wellness Roadmap

Website: Diego Contreras

Instagram: @hidiegoc

The post The Wandering DP Podcast; Episode #475 – “Life Off Set” w/Diego Contreras & Jon Bregel appeared first on Cinematography Podcast & Tutorials.