Cinemapodgrapher

Dylan Goss has been the Aerial DP for some of the biggest films of the past decade. In this episode, we delve into his contributions to Denis Villeneuve's films such as 'Sicario', 'Blade Runner 2049', and the 'Dune' saga. Additionally, we discuss aircraft, gimbals, planning aerial sequences, and the journey to becoming an aerial director of photography.

Junior Lucano SOC ACO, is one of the most followed Operators in the world, the first Trinity Operator in Asia and the creator of the Trinity Lab workshop. We follow his journey from Peru to America, Italy, and finally to China. We discuss upgrading to Trinity 2, his emphasis on training, finding answers in one's past, and the struggle between work and love.

For International Women's Day, we present to you this special episode featuring Cinematographer and Operator Gretchen Warthen SOC. Gretchen's expertise spans across documentary, reality, and narrative genres. She is also the creator of the renowned Lady Camera Guy Instagram profile, dedicated to championing and promoting women behind the camera. In our conversation, we delve into her inspiring journey from law to film, the nuances of operating in reality versus narrative, and her unwavering commitment to uplifting other women ahead of herself.

Caitlin Royse is an Australian based in Sweden where she worked her way up the camera department ladder as an Assistant. With her recent move into Camera Operating she has also been working with Flowcine, a camera stabilisation company. We discuss flowcine's xArm, xSpine, xReach, GLink and the overall craft of camera operating.

Dave Chameides SOC is a two-time Emmy Award-winning Steadicam operator, environmentalist educator, and founder of The Op, a podcast, and website for camera operators. Dave's career has spanned productions such as ER, The West Wing, Ozark, From Dusk Till Dawn, Donnie Darko, Saint Vincent, and Shame. He has not only been nominated for Feature Operator of the Year and TV Operator of the Year but has also dabbled in TV directing. In this episode, we talk about his new website and podcast 'The Op,' his viral fame as a conservationist, and some of his favorite shots (oners) in his career.

Denson Baker ACS NZCS is a Maori Aussie raised in Auckland, New Zealand, and Perth, Australia. An alumnus of the national film school, AFTRS, Denson eventually moved to the UK, where he shoots TV and feature films internationally. In this episode, we discuss his early beginnings in Auckland and Perth, his studies at AFTRS, transitioning into international work, meeting his partner Director Claire McCarthy and creative processes on set.

After the recent passing of my mentor and friend Mark Toia, I sit down with Jordan Toia, his son, and Jake Koning, fellow mentee. We have an open and vulnerable conversation on what Mark meant to us. We share some memories and lessons, and discuss how we will continue his legacy.

Episode 100 is a doozy and we’re mixing it up with a special collaboration. LA based Camera & Steadicam Operator Brad Grimmett has worked on a huge amount of productions that include The Terminal list, Taken, Empire, CSI and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. In our longest episode ever, Brad shares stories from his career, our meeting via the backstreet boys tour and the creation of Walking Backwards, the first ever podcast for steadicam operators.

Thank you to all the guests that have taken the time to share their stories and give advice for the past 100 episodes. Thank you also to the listeners who have tuned in and that have sent messages. This podcast was created 3 years ago, based simply on the idea that I wanted to give back and help people in this industry. Here’s to the next 100. 

Sony has announced its new full frame cinema camera, the Burano. Director Tony Walsh owns an FX3, FX6 & FX9 so I've brought him back for a special segment I like to call "Sony with Tony". We discuss the Burano specs, how it compares to the rest of the CineaAlta line and where we see it being used in the market. 

Kirsty started as a camera assistant, won an Emmy as a producer, and is now the founder of Crew HQ, a one-stop shop for Australian film and TV crew. We discuss her transition from the camera department to production, how Crew HQ operates, and the upcoming Crewcon, a conference for below-the-line Film and TV crew.

Koon was studying to be a musician until he came across a camera and began filming his classmates. This led him to study in San Francisco where he learnt steadicam and joined the SOC. Now based in Bangkok, Koon is the first Thai SOC and the ACO full member. We discuss his student days in San Fran, steadicam rigs, segways, MK-V AR Omega and his recent venture into engineering.

Ashley Barron ACS is a globetrotting cinematographer who grew up between Ireland, Armenia and Australia. We discuss her attendance at the American Film Institute, working with agents, navigating different markets, and her approach to shooting Dangerous Liaisons in the Czech Republic.

You asked for it so here it is, tips for handheld operating. I go through building and balancing, different styles and various rigs for holding the camera, moving around set and working with your dolly grip. 

DP Jason Hargreaves ACS and Gaffer Glenn Jones discuss their long time collaboration from working on commercials to shooting ABC drama "In Our Blood". They talk about the DP Gaffer relationship, their visual approach and using almost entirely LED for the production.

I go through my new steadicam kit, what equipment I had been researching and my initial thoughts on the Arri Artemis 2.

Mark Toia returns to the podcast. This time to discuss the skills and techniques hes developed by photographing hundreds of car commercials around the globe. We cover getting his first car job, lighting for studio and exteriors, communication in arm cars and saftey in helicopters.

Spencer Frost is a Director, Cinematographer and avid surfer. After the success of his first feature in Iceland, Spencer and his mates traveled to a peninsula in Russia's far east to surf waves that have never been surfed before. We discuss development of the film, the logistical challenges they faced and filming in the surf in sub zero temperatures. 

Neal Bryant SOC was the A Camera Operator for HBO's The Last of Us. We talk briefly about the show, his love for steadicam, operating the ZeeGee rig and tips for new camera operators.  

Throughout our careers we will have to take a risk, move up the ladder or even change departments. After many years as an assistant, my good mate Danny made the decision to start shooting. We discuss the benefits of assisting, when is the right time to change and the challenges hes faced so far. 

Bonnie Cee is a fashion photographer, filmmaker, Canon Ambassador and founder of the innovative Colourtone app. Her fashion photography has amassed 180k instagram followers and Colourtone has over 5 million downloads. We discuss her recent pivot into directing, the early days at Blackmilk clothing and the difficulties of balancing single parenting with a film career. 

Cam Batten was a snowboarder studying engineering when he started to pick up the camera. His love of snowboarding led him to specialise in gimbals, remote heads, FPV and eventually aerial cinematography. Cam now travels the worlds shooting Natural History for IMAX projects. We discuss his knack for technology, the importance of specialists and how he operates in remote locations around the world. 

Finding a career path to become a working Director is tough to navigate so I invited a friend from my old film school. Hannah Arriotti was recently added to the roster at well known Queensland production company, Taxi Film. We discuss her journey through film school, honing your craft through commercials, the pitch process and communication skills required for Directing.

Geordie Lillis is a country boy that bought a red camera and began documenting his adventures, mostly around extreme sports. His social media antics captured the attention of Hype Republic thus landing him a job shooting Red Bull content. We discuss Geordies early beginings, his role as a content creator at Hype as well as his process so he can quickly turn over content.

Failure to plan is planning to fail. Most people wing it in this industry and for the most part it works for them. However if you want to be successful long term and be more efficient with your time in this industry you need to have a guide for your career. On this episode I go through 4 simple steps that I use to plan ahead. I hope this helps you. LT

Katie Milwright was the tenth female cinematographer to be accredited by the ACS and was mentored by Mandy Walker ACS ASC. She has shot narrative for Netflix, Amazon, Disney and NBC. We talk about her early days as an assistant, finding mentors, breaking into drama and her approach to preproduction, coverage and lighting. 

Makeup artist Carlie Testt and I worked together on several productions in Australia before she made the move to the USA. I catch up with her to discuss her decision to pick Atlanta, Georgia over LA and her progress with getting into the Union. 

Kali Bateman has worked on films such  as Elvis, Dune and 1984 Wonderwoman. We discuss her colloboration with Baz Luhrman, co-colouring Elvis with Kim Bjoge, building LUTS and the colourist process. 

ACS President Erika Addis discusses a world first survey on the the Australian Camera Department. A Wider Lens has some confronting data on a number of issues such as lack of diversity, income inequality, discrimination, sexual harassment and unhealthy working conditions. The report also contains recommendations by the ACS and Deakin University to solve these issues. 

Mystery Road: Origin has been turning heads around the country. I talk to Cinematographer Tyson Perkins on what its like to prepare for your first major drama series, his non-tradtional path to becoming a DP and his collaboration with Director Dylan River and Colourist Matt Fezz. 

By purchasing the 7th Movi ever made Brett Harrison became one of the first gimbal techs in Australia. This led to working as a specialist on award winning productions such as Lion with Greig Fraser ACS ASC and Yellowstone with Ben Richardson ASC. We talk about the early days of Gimbal technology, being thrown in the deep end as an operator and his progression into steadicam. 

From James Bond to Star Wars, Aaron Corera has been traveling the world with XM2, a company that specialises in remote heads for action units. We discuss Aarons background in engineering, how XM2 originally started as a heavy lift drone company and then evolved into remote heads.

Based in Rio De Janeiro, Pedro Pinto is a full time Camera Operator for  Globo, the largest TV network in Latin America. We talk about his journey from broadcast to drama and how Globos film crews keep up with the fast pace of Brazillian soap operas. 

A new chapter is here with the launch of the Alexa 35. Kiran Menon from the Arri Australia team joins me to talk through the features of Arri's new flagship camera. 

3 years at film school isn't enough. Whatever your goals may be you need to be trained and coached by the best to get there. This episode I chat about work ethic and the most efficient ways to learn skills in the industry. 

Theres a lot more to data wrangling than you may think, I certainly learnt a lot on this episode. Camera Assistant Diana Mandic takes us through roles and responsibilities of the Data wrangler, working with a DIT, how to structure your day and the systems she uses to cross check and communicate with post production. 

Grip Josh Turner returns to run through personnel, setup, terminology and communication when working with cranes.

It's time we had a grip on the podcast. Dolly grip Josh Turner and I have spent the last few gigs together working together. We talk about him starting in film school, training in reality tv and moving into narrative. 

This is my personal process that I use on set. If youre new to camera operating, I use these steps to stay on track throughout the day. I hope they help.

Jeff Walker is a muti-award winning Australian director who has worked on shows such as Modern Family and NBCs #1 Comedy Young Rock. On this episode we talk about his career as a child actor, his transition to director and how he broke into US Television. 

Getting your first job in the camera department can be daunting and many people don't know where to start. 1st AC Kiri G Mullen talks about how she got her first job as a camera assistant, how she worked her way up to focus pulling and gives tips for being a truck loader.

Tanya is an operator based in the UK who recently operated on Game of thrones: House of the Dragon. We talk about her journey from assistant to operator, the importance of leadership skils and the launch of her podcast "Conversations with Camera Women".

As a filmmaker it can be incredibly challenging to keep up a fitness routine. On this episode I chat with my personal trainer Artemis, DP Danny Haneman, Camera Assistant Audra Murray about why we need to exercise, how it helps with your career and what we all suggest to stay fit.

Mindset beats talent. This is a topic I feel pretty strongly about, so much so, that I've decided to do a Part 2. If you want to achieve anything significant, it starts with how you think. On this episode I talk about my personal philosophy and revisit some lessons that I learnt from a very clever man named Brian Tracy. 

The A Cam Operator is no easy task and Peter McCaffrey is one of the best. His work ethic has allowed him to become a camera operator on iconic productions such as Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit and Marvel. Tune in to hear about Peters incredible career, what it takes to be an A Cam Operator and his recent transition into becoming a Director of Photography. Photo credit Ben Rowsell.

I'm back. I know, it's been too long. I've been busy operating, helping with the ACS and playing football. On this episode I'll tell you what I've been up to and give 20 tips on operating that I've learnt over the past year. 

My career hasn't been perfect and no one's truly is. We all make mistakes early on and have the benefit of hindsight in our laters years. So if you're new to the industry here's 5 things I wish I knew when I started out.

AFTRS is the National Film School and is widely regarded as the top film school in Australia. On this episode I go through the current prerequisites to be accepted, my experience of studying there in 2013 and what advice I have for people looking to apply. 

Speculative advertisements are a great way for you to build portfolio for work in the commercial world. On this episode I talk about how to go about it and what to look out for when planning one. 

Being a DP is the best job in the world but it can also be a lonely one. On this episode I talk about why it's important to have a few Cinematographer buddies in your career. 

We're back. Rachel Sieger and I talk through her upcoming workshop with the ACS designed to help people learn the essentials of camera dept before going on a drama set. A must listen for beginners. 

FPV Drones are taking off the industry (Yes I made that pun). This is a quick episode on some of the features of this exciting new tool from DJI. 

Virtual Production is here and it is going to be a big part of our industry. On this episode we discuss how Virtual Production works, what cameras work best, interactive lighting and the strengths and weakness of this new technology. Featuring Tim Schultz from Cutting Edge, Unreal Developer Dave Reece, Arri National Sales Manager Sean Dooley and Cinematographer Jason Hargreaves ACS. 

She's a Director, a Producer, a Camera Operator and she's worked with Sir David Attenborough. From studying Zoology to becoming a filmmaker, Claire Clements has now shot wildlife all over the world. This episode covers Claires inspirational career and her recent comeback from a severe injury. 

Tim Walsh takes us through the basics of Steadicam, how to work with an operator as a Cinematographer and what advice he has for people starting out. 

This is my own personal story of COVID, what I went through in lockdown and how I managed to turn things around through film making, American football, a podcast and Samoan guy named The Rock. I hope by sharing this story it helps you to bounce back like I did. Luck is always involved in stories like this but remember...the harder you work, the luckier you get. 

If you're new to camera operating chances are you're going to be the B or C Operator on a production. Cinematographer Alex Glucina and I go through how to get your foot in the door, process on set and what departments you need to collaborate to get the job done. 

A CV is key to getting you on the job. On this episode I discuss what employers are looking for and how a film industry CV should be formatted. 

Just graduated? Don't know where to start in the film industry as a freelancer? This episode is for you. I break it down to 10 quick easy steps to get your business off the ground and you a step closer to getting work in the industry.

More cameras for your toolkit as a cinematographer. This time its Sonys FX6, a full frame camera that packs a lot of punch. 

For those starting out this is an episode on what I think you need to shoot in order for you to get employment as a cinematographer.

Gimbal technology has gone from strength to strength. I chat with Director Tony Walsh about the Ronin S2 and why we think its one of the best one handed gimbals to come out.

I've been invited to host the ACS Instagram page the next 2 weeks. If you'd like to hear about some of my career head on over to @austcine and give it a follow!

The 2nd AC is a workhorse of the camera department. My best mate Danny Haneman takes us through the overall role of a 2nd, how to prioritise and delegate and why you should have a business approach to camera assisting.

Raising a child while working in the film industry is no easy feat. On this episode I chat with four incredible women Tania Lambert ACS, Sky Davies, Angela Cerasi and Hailey Bartholomew and how they juggle being a partner, parent and filmmaker. 

Martin has shot over 80 productions and is about to start shooting NBCs "Young Rock", a TV series on the childhood of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. We share a beer at my place to talk about what makes a great leader, how he prepares for a production and how he manages his work life balance as a cinematographer.

Branding is something we generally associate with large companies such as Coca Cola or Nike but it is still relevant to freelancers. In this episode I go through a few basics of how to start forming a more clear image of your brand.

Canon is on a roll and has dropped their latest Camera the C70. A small form camera that bridges the gap between Digital Interchangeable Lens Cameras and their EOS Cinema Cameras. 

I sit down with a few friends from the industry in the early stages of their career to discuss their thoughts on having kids. Next episode I’ll discuss with actual parents who have kids who’ve managed to keep working in the film industry.

I still have a million topics to talk about but if you'd like a special request then make sure to send me a message.

Murray Lui has shot documentaries, TV shows and feature films around Australia. He is also one of the very few Torres Strait Islander filmmakers in our industry. I sit down to talk about Murrays career, his creative approach to shooting comedy and why it is important to tell indigenous stories.

Electronic News Gathering requires you to think on your feet in high pressure situations and tell a story as it unfolds. Geoff O'Rourke joins us to discuss his 11 years of experience shooting news and his new venture into freelance filmmaking. 

Filmmaking is a team sport and as shooters and technicians one of the departments we will be dealing closely with is the Production department. Line Producer Ange Lavey-Manche joins us to talk about CVs, negotiating rates, marketing yourself and what production are looking for when employing crew.

The first part of any business is sales, and we can't make sales without customers. On this episode I go through some key questions you need to start asking yourself to run your business in the film industry. 

Catching a plane for the first time for a shoot can be pretty stressful. In this episode I go through the basics of what you need to know before heading to the airport. 

A career in the film industry can be incredibly rewarding however it does not come without sacrifice. This episode I talk about some considerations you need to take when deciding on your career path. 

1st AC Jason Binnie has worked on 60+ films and tv series including iconic films such as The Matrix, Star wars and Alien. In this episode Jason talks about his 30 year long career and what advice he has for those looking to join or move up the camera department.

I go through some of the basics you should know when entering the camera dept. If you're about to start your first day as a camera training or camera PA then this episode is for you.

Navigating this industry can be difficult and as a freelancer we have to make a lot of decisions around what jobs we take on board. This episode I share my 4 "checks" that I do before saying yes or no to a job. 

Bonnie Elliott ACS joins me for a chat about #whoisinyourcrew. A social media campaign that encourages cinematographers to promote and foster more diverse camera department teams.

A quick episode on mindset and how to avoid the trap of comparison in the film industry. 

Part of being a good cinematographer is to be an good leader on set. This episode I go through the basics of what I think it takes to be a an effective leader on a film crew.

Singaporean Cinematographer Kristy Campbell joins the conversation to discuss why she loves shooting documentary, the challenges involved working internationally and how the latest technology has helped her career. 

Sony announces their third mirrorless camera in the A7s line. 

Angela Cerasi from Peachy Keen Colour talks about the launch of her new podcast and also gives tips for shooters to help out the Colour grade process.

Mark Toia is now one of the most sought after Director DPs in the world. On this episode we discuss his early beginnings as a photographer, his transition to commercial filmmaking and his recent move into feature films. Check Marks work on zoomfilmtv.com.au

Blackmagic Design announces their new 12k Camera. 

Simon Chapman ACS chats about moving from Australia to Canada where his recent success in TV drama has seen him to go on to shoot Netflix series Spaceforce. 

Cinematographer Andrew Conder ACS talks with me about shooting with new COVID safety measures on a television production in Queensland, Australia. 

Canon just released their new flagship mirrorless camera the Canon EOS R5. I go through some of the features of this small camera that packs a lot of punch.

As a freelancer in the camera department we're not always working. Sometimes we're at home wondering what the hell we're going to do. If you're a bit stuck heres my tips of what to do  on your days off.

Something barely mentioned when starting out is the importance of on set etiquette. There is a mountain of eitquette to learn. So this episode I run through the basics to make your transition to the set life a lot easier. 

Keen to get into the industry but don't know how to get your foot in the door? Check this episode.

I have a chat with Ollie Davies from Drone FX to talk how he started in the film industry, safety precautions and how we can better utilise drones for story telling.

For you to get ahead in this industry, it's essential to be clear on what your goals are. I go through my own personal method of goal setting and how we can change the way we write them to affect our motivation.

Something not spoken enough about in the camera department is taking care of your mental health. One of my best mates, 2nd AC Danny Haneman, opens up about his struggles and how he personally deals with it to stay on top of his game.

I chat with Director DP Sissy Reyes, Camera Operator Cara Hurley and 2nd AC Rachel Sieger about gender diversity, why its important and what we can do to make a more inclusive industry.

I sit down with Tim Jordin from Lemac Film & Digital to discuss working with rental houses and the latest trends in camera technology.

Buying a new camera is a big decision for your business. I sit down with Cinematographer Mark Broadbent to discuss the buying the right tools and what processes you need to be aware of before making your decision.

If you're new to the industry, then joining a cinematographers society is one of the first steps you should take. Join me to hear why these societies are important and how they can benefit your career development.

Something not spoken about enough in our industry is having a healthy mindset. A good outlook on life will help you manage the ups and downs of freelance life in the camera department. Have an open mind and give this stuff a go.

Cinematographer and camera operator Alex Glucina joins us from New Zealand to discuss stepping up from being a 2nd AC to operating on drama.

Tony and Gen from Stranger films come in for a chat to talk the business basics of being a freelancer in the film industry.

Join Lucas as he breaks down 6 very different career pathways for you to become a cinematographer in the film industry.

A short intro to who I am and why I started Cinemapodgrapher.