Cinemapodgrapher – Details, episodes & analysis

International camera operator Brett Hurd SOC joins us after a run on shows like The Handmaid's Tale, Mrs America, The Terminal List and American Primeval. We talk about the path that took him from early sports broadcasting and documentary work to operating on major dramas around the world.

Brett shares how still photography shapes his eye, why mobility and body awareness matter for handheld, and how growing up skating and playing sport feeds directly into his work today. He opens up about the pressure of big opportunities, the value of being uncomfortable, and the moments that pushed his craft to the next level.

We also explore leadership on set, communication with cast, and building an environment where everyone feels safe to do their best work. A grounded chat with a thoughtful operator who brings both skill and heart to every project.

This episode is proudly brought to you by our technology partners Sony
Hoseted and edited by Lucas Tomoana SOC
Produced by Deb Van Dieren

This week on Cinemapodgrapher, one of our new hosts, Hannah, sits down with acclaimed production designer Sue Chan, whose work spans Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Where the Crawdads Sing, Colossal, and now the highly anticipated series Murderbot. Together they explore Sue's approach to world-building, the design of the AI-driven character at the heart of Murderbot, and how her background in architecture, theatre and art direction shaped her storytelling eye. Sue opens up about balancing practical and visual effects, creating entire alien languages, and grounding futuristic sci-fi worlds in human emotion and design history. A thoughtful, inspiring conversation about collaboration, imagination and the craft of building worlds we can believe in.

This podcast is proudly brought to you by our technology partners Sony
Produced by Deb Van Dieren
Hosted and edited by Hannah Ariotti

Cinematographer Ksenia Sereda takes us behind the scenes for The Last Of Us Season 2. It's clear from the start how deeply she loves what she does. She lives and breathes her work and her passion is infectious. In this episode, we break down everything from the custom-built Cooke lenses she helped design, shooting cast on horseback and the responsibility of being setup DP for the show.

We dig into several key episodes including the beautiful flashback scenes of episode 6 and unpack the technical hurdles of shooting inside a spaceship. 

A true fan of the game and a master of her craft, Ksenia brings a mix of vision, precision, and genuine heart to bring the game to life. This one's a deep dive for anyone who aspires to work on the world's biggest tv series.

This episode of Cinemapodgrapher is proudly brought to you by our technology partners Sony
Produced by Deb Van Dieren
Hosted and edited by Lucas Tomoana SOC

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.