Aiden Kelly is one of the world's leading remote pilots and the co-founder of XM2. He shares how he started out flying remote helicopters and running a hobby shop, which led to building XM2 into a global remote head company with offices in Australia, the US, the UK, and Korea. We talk about the early days of drone cinematography and how XM2 expanded into arm cars, e-bikes, cable cams, and RC tracking vehicles. Aiden breaks down the challenges of flying on major films, including Tom Cruise's motorcycle cliff jump in Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning, high-speed car chases in James Bond, and stunt sequences in The Fall Guy. This episode offers a deep look at aerial and specialty camera work on some of the biggest action films in the world.

This episode is proudly brought to you by our technology partners Sony.
Produced by Deb Van Dieren, Hosted and Edited by Lucas Tomoana SOC.

Mandy Walker AM ASC ACS's stunning cinematography has captivated audiences around the world. From Australia to Elvis, Snow White, and commercials for global brands like Chanel, Nike, Louis Vuitton, and Audi — her work is bold, emotional, and always cinematic.

In this episode, Mandy shares how she carved her own path without film school, became a trailblazer for women in film, and developed her approach to storytelling on big-budget productions. She also talks through her work on Snow White — from camera tests to musical sequences, and how she lit the sets of Disney's latest feature.

She's an icon — and she's refreshingly honest about the challenges, the wins, and what it takes to keep pushing forward in this industry.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Red. For more information on the latest red cameras head to www.red.com.

Hosted by Lucas Tomoana
Edited by Raphael Segal
Produced by Deb Bauer

Producer Patrick Caligiuri began creating content during COVID discussing the Film & TV industry on TikTok and Instagram. He has since amassed over 250k followers and established himself as a respected voice and thought leader. Patrick joins us to explore the biggest topics shaping the future of entertainment, including the decline of Hollywood, the clash between traditional studios and tech giants, the rise of independent filmmaking, the transformative impact of AI, and the growth of short-form content on social media. Plus, we discuss how brands like Chick-fil-A are moving away from traditional commercials to embrace branded storytelling, helping redefine the landscape alongside major players such as Amazon, Disney, and Netflix.

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.

Helen Shaver has directed some of television's most celebrated shows, including Vikings, Orphan Black, Law & Order: SVU, Westworld, Station Eleven and The Penguin (Episodes 4 and 5). Helen takes us on a personal journey, sharing how a childhood illness led her to discover a passion for storytelling. We explore how her time in the hospital influenced her path to acting and, eventually, her transition to directing—during a period when female directors were still a rare presence in North American television.

Helen opens up about her directing process, the preparation that went into her episodes of The Penguin, and her collaborative relationship with showrunner Lauren LeFranc.

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.

In this episode, we chat with Larkin Seiple, the visionary cinematographer behind some of the most iconic visuals in recent film and music video history. Larkin discusses his early years working in reality television and shooting over 100 music videos. We break down his work on viral music videos like DJ Snake's "Turn Down for What" and Childish Gambino's "This is America". We also explore his long-time collaborations with directors Hiro Murai, The Daniels, and Jon Watts. Finally, we dive into some of his recent feature film work, including Everything Everywhere All at Once and Wolfs.

This episode is sponsored by Soundstripe, Panavision and Film Tips Pro.

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.

David Elmes, one of Australia's most experienced focus pullers, works predominantly on U.S. features with many of those films budgets exceeding $100 million. In this episode, we begin by discussing his top tips for new assistants and his insights into the role of the A Cam focus puller. David also shares his journey from New Zealand to Brisbane, and eventually Sydney. Later, we explore his work on iconic films like The Matrix, Ghost in the Shell, Hacksaw Ridge, and Mad Max: Furiosa. 

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.

Cinematographer Sky Davies ACS is one of Australia's rising stars. She joins us for a conversation about navigating the camera department, from assisting to DPing on drama. We discuss her early years hustling on short films, how they shaped her work ethic, and inspired her to innovate creative techniques. We also talk about balancing family and work while avoiding burnout. Later in the episode, we dive into her projects, including House of Gods, Fake, and Videoland.

From barefoot kicker for the Michigan Wolverines and the Buffalo Bills to Hollywood 1st AC, Todd Schlopy shares behind-the-scenes stories from blockbuster films such as Starship Troopers, Air Force One, Spider-Man, Transformers, Wanted, The Revenant, and Swordfish. Throughout the episode, we discuss the techniques he uses for focus pulling, offering insights into his craft. We also explore his brief yet impactful football career, including his time as a walk-on place kicker at Michigan and the unforgettable moment when he clinched an overtime victory for the Buffalo Bills. This episode is a blend of sports and cinema, showcasing Todd's remarkable versatility and dedication.

Naaman Marshall spent his early childhood visiting famous film sets designed by his uncle, such as Hook and Saving Private Ryan. This inspired him to pursue a career in the art department, where he has worked as a model maker, art director, and production designer on films including Westworld, The Dark Knight, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, Mortal Kombat, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, and Alien: Romulus.

We discuss his work in model making and the creation of the iconic Dark Knight motorcycle, his first collaboration with Fede Álvarez on Don't Breathe, and the challenges of designing the world of Alien: Romulus.

Catherine Goldschmidt BSC was nominated for both an Emmy and an ASC Award for her work on HBO's House of the Dragon and was named a rising star of cinematography by American Cinematographer. Two seasons later, she is credited with shooting three episodes: "Lord of the Tides," "Burning Mill," and the Season 2 finale, "The Queen Who Ever Was." In this episode, Catherine shares her experiences on the inner workings of the production, her collaboration with director Geeta Patel, and we break down several scenes from these three episodes.

We also explore her work on the project Dummy, where she pioneered a new way of framing for both 16:9 and 9:16 formats, and discuss her role in co-founding Illuminatrix, a collective of professional female cinematographers based in the UK.

Erik Winquist is a renowned VFX Supervisor at Wētā FX, a leading visual effects company based in New Zealand. After leaving the US to work on the Lord of the Rings, he now has over two decades of experience working on iconic films such as Avatar, X-Men, I Robot, King Kong, Rampage, and the Planet of the Apes franchise. In this episode, we discuss the latest installment, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, the evolution of motion capture, on-set processes for the crew in relation to VFX, and the extreme detail Wētā FX puts into bringing the apes to life.

The Cinemapodgrapher team travelled from Brisbane to Lisbon for Filmcare's Trinity 2, Steadicam & A Cam masterclass. We recap all the higlights of the camera operator workshop hosted by Geoff Haley SOC, Ari Robbins SOC, Curt Schaller & Fares Corbani SOC ACO. We also talk all things football, food, castles and one crazy Tuk Tuk ride down a mountain. 

Netflix hit series Adolescence has taken the world by storm — a gripping 4-part mini series exploring parenting, misogyny, and bullying — each episode shot in one continuous take. This week on the podcast, we chat with Director of Photography Matt Lewis and Camera Operator Lee Brown, the duo behind the lens of this viral sensation.

They break down exactly how they pulled off the oners- from the technical challenges to the physical intensity of each episode. We dive into Matt's history with the One Take technique, why he chose the Ronin 4D for this project, and how Lee got the job as his camera operator.

We also deep dive into the details of pre-production, planning, and the intense choreography behind every episode.

Join us for one of our most in-depth episodes ever — clocking in at 2.5 hours — as we go behind the scenes  for the global phenomenon that is Adolescence.

This epiosde is proudly sponsored by Red.

Hosted by Lucas Tomoana SOC, Edited by Raphael Segal, Produced by Deb Bauer

The world's most famous stunt helicopter pilot, Fred North, has flown over 20,000 hours, shot 200 films, worked with directors Michael Bay, Roland Emmerich, and Sam Hargrave, holds a world record for altitude, and is the author of his autobiography, Flying Sideways. Some of his credits include Inception, James Bond: Spectre, Mission Impossible, Guardians of the Galaxy, Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon and much of the Fast Saga. We discuss growing up in Africa, his perseverance to become a pilot, and break down aerial sequences from the Fast saga, Extraction 2, and Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.

Mental health issues are significantly higher in the entertainment industry than in the general population. Symptoms of anxiety are ten times higher, depression five times higher, and sleep disorders seven times higher, with five suicide attempts every week. Early in his career, Ben Steel battled his own mental health issues, which led him to create the 2016 documentary "The Show Must Go On." Upon completion, Ben realized there was not enough support for filmmakers, so he founded Screen Well, an organization dedicated to improving the mental health and well-being of the Australian screen industry.