No Set Path – Details, episodes & analysis

Alex Disenhof ASC, the acclaimed cinematographer behind season two of "The Rings of Power," joins us for an intimate conversation on the latest episode of "No Set Path." We explore the breathtaking sets and hear firsthand how Alex's early influences, from his grandfather's love for photography to his formative years at Emerson College, shaped his illustrious career.

Our chat with Alex also uncovers the unpredictable highs and lows of the film industry. Sharing anecdotes from his time at Michel Gondry's company Partizan to the thrill of a college project making it to Camera Image, Alex emphasizes the power of community and collaboration in achieving creative success.

From the joys of fatherhood to relocating from Los Angeles to the serene Hudson Valley, Alex's journey highlights the importance of prioritizing personal well-being amid professional accomplishments. We wrap up with a glimpse into his upcoming projects and reflections on the evolving nature of work-life balance, offering listeners a heartfelt and inspiring narrative of achieving dreams while nurturing a fulfilling personal life.

(00:00) The Cinematographer's Journey Into Filmmaking
(04:20) The Path to Cinematography Success (15:16) Navigating Cinematography Through Relationships
(22:15) Cinematography, Confidence, and Family (27:35) Navigating Work-Life Balance in Cinematography
(31:19) Navigating Parenthood and Cinematography Journey
(36:05) ASC and LOTR Legacy
(43:43) Filmmaker's Move for Personal Growth (51:49) Navigating Filmmaking and Life Balance

EPISODE LINKS:
Website: alexdisenhof.com
Instagram: instagram.com/alexdisenhof_asc

MORE ABOUT “NO SET PATH”
Website: nosetpath.com
Instagram: instagram.com/nosetpath
YouTube: youtube.com/@nosetpath

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Twitter: twitter.com/thedrewenglish
Website: drewenglish.com

In this episode, we explore the transformative journey of Dallas Taylor, who transitioned from a musician in a poor Arkansas neighborhood to a successful sound designer and entrepreneur. Dallas shares his early struggles with severe performance anxiety during a pivotal solo performance, which led him to discover a passion for recording and audio technology. His career in sound design began through a chance encounter with an audio professional and eventually flourished, culminating in the founding of a high-end sound design company after leaving a beloved position at Discovery. Dallas discusses the unpredictable challenges and mental health struggles inherent in freelance and entrepreneurial work, highlighting how creating original content, like his podcast "20,000 Hertz," has provided financial stability and peace of mind. The episode delves into the art of sound design, the impact of childhood trauma on communication, and the therapeutic value of storytelling. We also look forward to upcoming projects in social media, expressing excitement for future innovations in sound and media. Join us for an inspiring conversation that underscores the importance of mental health in creative fields and the power of resilience and passion in overcoming life's challenges.

(00:00) Former Musician Transitions to Sound Design
(10:49) Building a Sound Design Company
(23:20) Celebrating the Art of Sound Design
(33:17) Creating Opportunities Through Sound Design
(46:01) Importance of Mental Health in Creativity (55:22) Upcoming Projects in Social Media

EPISODE LINKS:
Website: Defacto Sound
20,000 Hertz Podcast: 20k.org
Dallas’ IG: @dallastaylor.wav

“Breathe” on 20kHz

MORE ABOUT “NO SET PATH”
Website: nosetpath.com
Instagram: instagram.com/nosetpath
YouTube: youtube.com/@nosetpath

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Twitter: twitter.com/thedrewenglish
Website: drewenglish.com

Matheus Bastos is director of photography based in New York and Los Angeles. Growing up as the first generation child of immigrants, he found an avenue into the arts and a passion for storytelling at a young age, entertaining himself with films and music.

His work has played at multiple film festivals around the world such as SXSW, Tribeca Film Festival, Cinequest, Cannes Court Metrage, as well as Rolling Stone, Billboard, Revolver, and more.

EPISODE LINKS:
Matt’s Website: http://www.matheusbastos.com/
Matt’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matt_bastos/
Matt’s VERY old Tumblr: https://mattpbastos.tumblr.com/

MORE ABOUT “NO SET PATH”
Website: nosetpath.com
Instagram: instagram.com/nosetpath
YouTube: youtube.com/@nosetpath

FOLLOW DREW ENGLISH
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LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drewenglish
Twitter: twitter.com/thedrewenglish
Website: drewenglish.com

Classically trained as a filmmaker and cinematographer, Pecci then spent over 20 years forming and running a production company that has produced award-winning content for brands like Bose and Sam Adam's, and music videos and treatments for artists like the Wu Tang Clan, Lucius, Killswitch Engage, and Meshuggah.

His two recent acclaimed short films, the Russian sci-fi epic "12 Kilometers" and the Argento-inspired thriller "Who's There" are both currently in development to be features.

EPISODE LINKS:
Mike’s Website: mikepecci.com
Mike’s Instagram: @mikepecci
Mike’s Podcast: inlovewiththeprocess.com

MORE ABOUT “NO SET PATH”
Website: nosetpath.com
Instagram: instagram.com/nosetpath
YouTube: youtube.com/@nosetpath

FOLLOW DREW ENGLISH
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LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drewenglish
Twitter: twitter.com/thedrewenglish
Website: drewenglish.com

Brian Stansfield is a seasoned professional in the visual storytelling landscape. Brian's journey kicked off with global adventures, documenting the work of the U.S. Army across different corners of the world. After honing his craft and business acumen in New York City, he launched Apollo Lighting & Grip, which caters to small and medium-sized productions, offering tailored film and photography lighting and grip solutions. Now, based out of Atlanta, Georgia and as the executive producer of Stansfield Studios, he specializes in crafting compelling narratives and impactful imagery that enhances his clients' brand identity and goals.

EPISODE LINKS:
http://www.apollogrip.com/
https://www.instagram.com/apollo_atl/ https://www.instagram.com/brian_stansfield/

MORE ABOUT “NO SET PATH”
Website: nosetpath.com
Instagram: instagram.com/nosetpath
YouTube: youtube.com/@nosetpath

FOLLOW DREW ENGLISH
Instagram: instagram.com/drewenglishh
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drewenglish
Twitter: twitter.com/thedrewenglish
Website: drewenglish.com

David Kruta is an acclaimed Director of Photography, celebrated for his compelling visual storytelling in features such as "Concussion," "The Sounding," and recent projects like "Black Friday" with Bruce Campbell, "Agent Game" featuring Mel Gibson and Jason Isaacs, and "The Last Thing Mary Saw" starring Stefanie Scott and Isabelle Fuhrman. His work on "The Sounding" earned him the prestigious Haskell Wexler Award for Best Cinematography. Beyond films, Kruta's diverse portfolio includes commercials for high-profile clients such as Porsche and Canon, music videos, and documentaries. His unique, realistic style, inspired by his New York base, has led to recognition from the International Cinematographers Guild and admiration across the industry (lol). Always exploring new creative avenues, Kruta is also involved in exciting upcoming projects like "The Last Job" and "Creep Box”

EPISODE LINKS:
David’s Website: davidkruta.com
David’s Instagram: @dkruta

Cinematography Salon FB Group
Cinematography Salon Instagram: @cinematographysalon

MORE ABOUT “NO SET PATH”
Website: nosetpath.com
Instagram: instagram.com/nosetpath
YouTube: youtube.com/@nosetpath

FOLLOW DREW ENGLISH
Instagram: instagram.com/drewenglishh
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drewenglish
Twitter: twitter.com/thedrewenglish
Website: drewenglish.com

Travis Wears has been working as a freelance director, DP, and editor since 2009. He's traveled the US and abroad creating content for Netflix, ESPN, Audi, CAT, Walmart, MTV, CMT, HGTV, Travel Channel, NBC, Fox Studios, Brisk, John Deere, Animal Planet, Showtime, KFC, Pepsi, Frito Lay, Kleenex, Toyota, Yoplait, The MLB, NFL, MLS and many more.

Highly experienced in docu-series, corporate and sports, Travis also loves commercial work, helping to create brand campaigns and broadcast spots for numerous blue-chip clients such as American Express, Kemps Dairy Products, KC Streetcar and Pepsi's boutique brand Stubborn Soda

EPISODE LINKS:
Travis’ Website: traviswears.com
Travis’ Instagram: @traviswears

Cine Kit List FB Page

Production Vans & Grip Trucks FB Page

MORE ABOUT “NO SET PATH”
Website: nosetpath.com
Instagram: instagram.com/nosetpath
YouTube: youtube.com/@nosetpath

FOLLOW DREW ENGLISH
Instagram: instagram.com/drewenglishh
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drewenglish
Twitter: twitter.com/thedrewenglish
Website: drewenglish.com

Sarah Elmaleh is an actor, voice director, consultant and industry advocate best known for her roles in videogames, from blockbuster AAA titles (Hi-Fi Rush, Fortnite, Halo Infinite, Gears 5) to critically acclaimed indie games (Afterparty, Pyre, Gone Home). She has likewise directed a talented and diverse set of casts in both indies (The Red Lantern, The Wreck) and AAA (Fortnite, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2) alike. Her consultancy is designed to comprehensively educate and connect developers with novel and industry-standard performance processes, from navigating the union (SAG-AFTRA), to casting, to recording.

Led by her desire to foster stronger collaboration within games and across creative communities, she has been an organizing and educating force in games spaces (such as IndieCade) and institutions (USC, NYU) for many years, while nurturing meaningful exchange between game developers and the actor’s union, SAG-AFTRA. She teaches the core Queer Vox voiceover workshop Interactive module, has served as director and co-host of the IndieCade awards since 2016, and is one of six dev hosts of the game developer interview podcast Eggplant: The Secret Lives of Games.

EPISODE LINKS:
Sarah’s Website: sarahelmaleh.com
Sarah’s Twitter: twitter.com/selmaleh
Sarah’s IG: @selmaleh

MORE ABOUT “NO SET PATH”
Website: nosetpath.com
Instagram: instagram.com/nosetpath
YouTube: youtube.com/@nosetpath

FOLLOW DREW ENGLISH
Instagram: instagram.com/drewenglishh
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drewenglish
Twitter: twitter.com/thedrewenglish
Website: drewenglish.com

Noam Kroll is a Los Angeles-based narrative filmmaker, known for his incredibly DIY approach to the craft.

Over the past decade, Noam has written, directed, shot, and edited several acclaimed short and feature projects that have screened at international film festivals, including his micro-budget features "Shadows on the Road" and "Psychosynthesis."

In addition to his narrative work, Noam is a creative entrepreneur and the founder of the production company Creative Rebellion, which has produced content for renowned brands like Google, NBC / Universal, and more.

Committed to sharing his expertise, Noam reaches millions of filmmakers through his popular podcast, "Show, Don't Tell," newsletter, "Micro-Budget Weekly," and his personal filmmaking blog, www.noamkroll.com.

Currently, Noam is gearing up to release his third feature film “Disappearing Boy”. He is also in development for his fourth feature film "Teacher's Pet", which is funded and slated to shoot this summer.

EPISODE LINKS:
Noam’s Website: noamkroll.com
Noam’s Instagram: instagram.com/noamkroll

Cinecolor: cinecolor.io

The Backlot Community

MORE ABOUT “NO SET PATH”
Website: nosetpath.com
Instagram: instagram.com/nosetpath
YouTube: youtube.com/@nosetpath

FOLLOW DREW ENGLISH
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LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drewenglish
Twitter: twitter.com/thedrewenglish
Website: drewenglish.com

Jason and Adam Koontz are brothers who turned their love for action sports filmmaking during their childhood into a career. The duo works together on a majority of their projects, with Jason as Director of Photography and Adam as a Movi operator and heavy lift drone pilot.  Over the last 10 plus years their aesthetic has been refined by travel, collaboration and deeper connection to the lifestyle that being a creative affords them.

It has led them to co-found Born Rival, which is an apparel brand celebrating film culture and the use of the visual medium to form expression.  The brand puts an emphasis on photography and film production, but it will definitely inspire you no matter your creative pursuit. In addition to the apparel, which is manufactured right here in NYC, they also produce original films and editorial spotlights that feature image-makers & storytellers from across the industry, shedding light and perspective on the creative process.

EPISODE LINKS:
Born Rival Website: bornrival.com
Born Rival Instagram: @born.rival

Jason’s Website: jasonkoontz.com
Jason’s Instagram: @jason_koontz

Adam’s Website: adamkoontz.tv
Adam’s Instagram: @adamkoontz

MORE ABOUT “NO SET PATH”
Website: nosetpath.com
Instagram: instagram.com/nosetpath
YouTube: youtube.com/@nosetpath

FOLLOW DREW ENGLISH
Instagram: instagram.com/drewenglishh
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drewenglish
Twitter: twitter.com/thedrewenglish
Website: drewenglish.com