Cinemapodgrapher

Lucas Tomoana SOC, Hannah Ariotti & Josh Calder

A podcast by filmmakers. For the world.

Trusted by professionals and loved by film fans around the globe, Cinemapodgrapher is your backstage pass to the stories behind the stories—and the #1 podcast for the people who make them happen.

Get to know the people who craft the stories you love. Cinemapodgrapher is the definitive podcast for anyone passionate about the art and craft of filmmaking—shining a spotlight on the names in the credits: the directors, cinematographers, camera operators, technicians, actors, and creatives who bring film and television to life.

Hosted by working industry professionals Lucas Tomoana SOC (L.T), Hannah Ariotti, and Josh Calder, each episode delivers insider stories from set, deep dives into career journeys, practical lessons, and the latest in filmmaking tools and technology.

To find out more, visit our website www.cinemapodgrapher.com

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20 episodes
Updated July 1

Episodes20

Newest first

July 1 · 1 hr 36 min
Mortal Kombat 2 with 2nd Unit DP Peter McCaffrey
How do two film crews come together to make one seamless blockbuster? In Part 2 of our Mortal Kombat series, 2nd Unit DP Pete McCaffrey takes us inside the relationship between Main Unit and Second Unit, explaining how every shot, every fight sequence and every lighting decision has to feel like it came from the same camera, even when it is being filmed by different crews. We explore the incredible collaboration between Pete, Director Simon McQuoid, DP Stephen Windon ACS ASC, 2nd Unit Director Kyle Gardiner and the hundreds of crew members who make a production of this scale possible. We also dive into the evolution from Mortal Kombat to Mortal Kombat 2, the lessons learned from the first film, how action sequences are planned and captured, why preparation is everything, and the responsibility of matching another cinematographer's visual language shot for shot. Pete also shares stories from The Lord of the Rings, his transition from camera operator to cinematographer, and why building great teams is one of the most important skills in filmmaking. If you've ever wanted to know how Hollywood action films are really made, this episode is your backstage pass to the planning, teamwork and precision that bring them to life. This episode is proudly powered by Sony Technology and sponsored by Panavision Hosted and edited by Lucas Tomoana SOC ACO Produced by Deb Van Dieren
June 14 · 1 hr 2 min
Finding Films and Creative Careers with Comedian Alexei Toliopoulus
How do you turn a love of movies into a career? This week, Josh Calder sits down with comedian, filmmaker, podcaster and one of Australia's most trusted voices on cinema, Alexei Toliopoulos. From hosting trivia at the iconic Golden Age Cinema to building a career across stand up, documentaries, ABC film reviews and podcasting, Alexei has spent more than a decade helping audiences discover films that truly mean something to them. They chat about building a creative career across multiple passions, why collaboration matters when motivation disappears, and the challenge of balancing creativity with burnout. Alexei shares his thoughts on Australian cinema, why genre films often break through, and how specificity in storytelling can actually become universal. Plus, film school lessons, physical media rabbit holes, why Hook deserves way more love, and the movie recommendations every filmmaker should see. Whether you're a filmmaker, a film lover, or someone trying to turn passion into purpose, this episode is packed with insight, honesty and a genuine love for cinema. Produced, Hosted and Edited by Josh Calder
May 31 · 1 hr 4 min
Mortal Kombat 2 with Cinematographer Stephen Windon ACS ASC
Stephen Windon ACS ASC has spent more than 50 years behind the camera, building a career that has taken him from the ABC in Sydney to some of Hollywood's biggest productions. A third-generation filmmaker and ACS Hall of Fame inductee, Stephen's credits include seven Fast & Furious films, Star Trek Beyond, The Gray Man, The Electric State and, most recently, Mortal Kombat 2. In Part 1 of our Mortal Kombat 2 series, Stephen joins Lucas Tomoana to discuss his remarkable career journey, the evolution of action filmmaking, and the challenges of leading large-scale productions. The conversation dives into the making of Mortal Kombat 2, including the film's fantasy-inspired visual approach, Unreal Engine previsualisation, massive practical sets, IMAX photography, anamorphic lenses, and the creative decisions behind bringing one of gaming's most iconic worlds to the screen. Powered by Sony technology. Produced by Deb Van Dieren. Hosted & edited by Lucas Tomoana SOC ACO.
May 10 · 37 min
One Battle After Another with Key Grip Tana Dubbe
She helps hold together some of the biggest films in Hollywood, solving impossible problems with gravity, camera rigs and pure instinct. This week on Cinemapodgrapher, we are joined by legendary Key Grip Tana Dubbe. Starting out taking stills in New York before moving into film, Tanner has spent more than 25 years building a career across some of the industry's biggest productions including Iron Man, The Bling Ring and One Battle After Another. In this conversation, Tanner breaks down the differences between American and Australian grip departments, building high performance grip teams, shaping light with cinematographers, and why gripping is all about problem solving. We also dive deep into the making of One Battle After Another, including the VistaVision camera builds, long lens remote head testing, handheld car work, the Texas dip sequence, and working inside the controlled chaos of Paul Thomas Anderson's process. Powered by Sony technology. Produced by Deb Van Dieren. Hosted by Josh Calder.
March 13 · 58 min
The Pitt with Cinematographer Johanna Coehlo
Johanna "Jojo" Coelho is redefining how modern television is shot. The cinematographer of the award winning HBO series The Pitt joins Lucas Tomoana to unpack the groundbreaking visual approach behind the show. Jojo shares how her journey from France to the American Film Institute shaped her path to becoming a director of photography in Hollywood. The conversation dives into the immersive camera style of The Pitt, how the team designed a fully integrated lighting system built directly into the set, and the choreography required to capture complex continuous shot sequences inside a chaotic emergency room environment. Powered by Sony technology. Produced by Deb Van Dieren. Hosted by Lucas Tomoana SOC. Edited by Raphael Segal.
March 1 · 37 min
The Chair Company with Cinematographer Ashley Connor
Ashley Connor turns comedy into something quietly unnerving, building images that feel like they are slipping out from under you. In this episode, the cinematographer behind HBO's The Chair Company shares how her roots in experimental film and microbudget features shaped a bold, instinct driven approach to image making. She unpacks her collaboration with the directors, shooting all eight episodes on the Alexa 35 with K35 lenses, and why taking the character's descent seriously allowed the comedy to land even harder. We also dive into in camera experimentation, working fast without sacrificing intention, and balancing a demanding television schedule with motherhood. It is an honest conversation about craft, confidence, and protecting the image in a digital age. This podcast is proudly powered by Sony technology Produced by Deb Van Dieren Hosted and Edited by Josh Calder
February 18 · 1 hr 24 min
One Battle After Another with Cinematographer Michael Bauman
Oscar nominated cinematographer Michael Bauman has lived almost every corner of the lighting department, from best boy to gaffer to director of photography, shaping some of the most iconic imagery in modern cinema. At the centre of this conversation is One Battle After Another, the film that marks a defining chapter in his journey behind the camera and a turning point in his creative evolution. Michael reflects on decades of collaboration with filmmakers like Paul Thomas Anderson, Janusz Kaminski and Robert Elswit, unpacking how trust and visual language develop over time. He shares the path from lighting cameraman to cinematographer, and how years spent shaping light ultimately prepared him to step into the role on One Battle After Another. The episode dives deep into craft, from the intensity of large scale productions such as Munich and Iron Man to the raw, seventies inspired aesthetic that influenced his recent work. Michael breaks down lighting philosophy, problem solving at the highest level and why storytelling always drives the technical choices behind the lens. Hosted and edited by Josh Calder. Produced by Deb Van Dieren. Powered by Sony technology.
February 1 · 51 min
Frankenstein with Production Designer Tamara Deverell
Academy Award–nominated production designer Tamara Deverell joins the podcast following her Oscar-nominated work on Frankenstein, a visually operatic reimagining that stands as one of the most ambitious production design achievements in recent cinema. With a career spanning decades and long-standing collaborations with Guillermo del Toro, Tamara has helped shape richly textured worlds across film and television. In this conversation, she strips back the job title and explains what a production designer truly does, how the art department is structured, and why research, collaboration, and logistics are just as critical as imagination. The episode dives deep into the making of Frankenstein. Tamara breaks down the design philosophy behind the film, from constructing a full-scale Arctic ship and monumental laboratory towers to grounding fantastical elements in historical reality. She discusses colour motifs, architectural influences, practical builds versus VFX, and the constant dialogue between production design, camera, lighting, and special effects that allows a world like Frankenstein to feel both mythic and real. Powered by Sony Technology. Produced by Deb Van Dieren. Hosted and edited by Lucas Tomoana SOC.
January 25 · 1 hr 34 min
Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 2 with Cinematographer Jules O'Loughlin ASC ACS
At the age of 30, Jules O'Loughlin ASC ACS walked away from a successful career as a futures trader and made the decision to pursue cinematography full-time. After enrolling at AFTRS, he shot his first feature Kokoda, a film that helped launch his career in the Australian film industry. That decision set Jules on a path from local features to major international productions, leading to credits including Ms Marvel, The Old Man, See, The Hitman's Bodyguard, Angel Has Fallen, Black Sails and most recently Disney's Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Season 2. Jules reflects on changing industries later in life, committing fully when the stakes are high, and why focus and timing often matter more than age. He also discusses the realities of film school, building long-term creative relationships, and how early opportunities can quietly shape an entire career. The conversation dives deeper into craft, with Jules unpacking his visual approach on Percy Jackson and the Olympians. He breaks down complex sequences involving horses, chariots and large-scale action, as well as shooting on water and boats, drawing on experience from Black Sails. Jules discusses how these scenes are planned and executed safely, how practical filmmaking is balanced with visual effects, and how lens choice, camera movement and motivated lighting are used to keep fantasy grounded and story-driven. This podcast is powered by Sony Technology Hosted by Lucas Tomoana SOC Produced by Deb Van Dieren
Dec 18, 2025 · 1 hr 7 min
Camera Operator Ben Eeley ACO SOC: Fitness, Steadicam, Wheels, Conventional Operating, ZeeGee and Joining the ACO
When Ben Eeley ACO SOC is not camera operating, he spends his spare time running marathons, cycling, swimming and training for the Ironman. This episode explores how fitness and endurance play a role in camera operating, alongside Steadicam, wheels, conventional operating, using the ZeeGee and handheld work. Ben shares insight into the physical demands of the job, how he began his Steadicam career and the nuts and bolts of the equipment he uses. The conversation also touches on being thrown into the deep end on large budget features, performing under pressure and how handling that pressure led to being asked to join the ACO. This episode is a deep dive into all things camera operating. If you are looking to build a career in the camera department, this episode is for you.
Nov 18, 2025 · 1 hr 45 min
Camera Operator Brett Hurd SOC: American Primeval, The Handmaid's Tale and the craft of leading from behind the lens
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
Nov 11, 2025 · 59 min
Murderbot with Production Designer Sue Chan
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
Oct 13, 2025 · 36 min
Dolly Grip Dave Shaw: Lessons from 30 years in the Industry
This week on Cinemapodgrapher, new host Josh Calder sits down with one of Australia's most respected dolly grips, Dave Shaw. With over 30 years in the industry and credits on War Machine, Thor: Ragnarok, The Hobbit, Avatar, Eat Pray Love, San Andreas, Furiosa, Nim's Island, and Pete's Dragon, Dave has seen it all from behind the camera. They unpack what it truly means to be a dolly grip, the craft, the instinct, and the trust required to move the camera in harmony with story and emotion. Dave shares how he got his start, the lessons that shaped his career, and the subtle art of reading an actor's performance to match the rhythm of a scene. From collaborating with operators and DPs to working alongside filmmakers like James Cameron and Peter Jackson, this episode dives deep into the communication and collaboration that define great gripping. Dave talks about staying engaged on set, embracing new technology, and why the right attitude, waking up excited to make movies, is everything. And of course, we revisit some of the golden lessons he has passed on to Josh over the years. A masterclass in precision, intuition, and passion for storytelling, this one is a must-listen for anyone serious about the craft of filmmaking.
Sep 28, 2025 · 1 hr 31 min
Cinematographer Jacques Jouffret ASC: Camera Operating, Transformers, Gran Turismo & American Primeval
For many years Jacques Jouffret ASC was one of the world's top camera operators, winning the SOC Camera Operator of the Year award for his work on Into the Wild and contributing to multiple Transformers films, Swordfish, Seabiscuit, Deepwater Horizon, Man on Fire, Patriots Day and Lone Survivor. Today he is an acclaimed cinematographer whose credits include The Purge, Jack Ryan, Mile 22, Gran Turismo and his Emmy nominated work on American Primeval. This week on Cinemapodgrapher we sit down with Jacques to hear his journey from growing up in France to moving to the United States, discovering Steadicam after NYU and building a career that has spanned some of Hollywood's biggest productions. We explore the differences between shooting on film and digital, the importance of crew relationships, and how Jacques approaches managing people and leading teams. He also shares stories from his frequent collaborations with directors Michael Bay and Peter Berg. It is an episode full of insights, experiences and lessons for anyone chasing excellence in the camera department.
Sep 22, 2025 · 1 hr 53 min
F1 with Skywalker Sound - Al Nelson, Luke Dunn-Gielmuda and Andree Lin
The legendary team from Skywalker Sound, Supervising Sound Editor Al Nelson, Lead Sound Effects Editor Luke Dunn-Gielmuda, and Sound Design Assistant Andree Lin join us for Part 2 of F1, the movie. From working with Joseph Kosinski, collaborating with Sir Lewis Hamilton, to drawing lessons from Top Gun: Maverick, the team breaks down how they reconstructed the visceral sounds of Formula 1 racing. We explore the artistry and technical precision behind building engines from silence, capturing the rush of speed, and crafting a sonic experience that feels authentic not only to everyday listeners, but to the most die-hard Formula 1 fans. This is sound design at full throttle. This episode is proudly brought to you by our technology partner Sony Produced by Deb Van Dieren Hosted and edited by Hannah Ariotti
Sep 7, 2025 · 53 min
Andor Season 2 with Cinematographer Christophe Nuyens SBC
Andor Season 2 has earned 14 Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Cinematography. DP Christophe Nuyens SBC joins us to discuss his nominated work on Episodes 1–6. We talk about his journey through the Belgian, French, and English film industries, and his extended preproduction with director Ariel Kleiman, where they used ILM's live-vis system to plan shots. Christophe also shares why he prefers shooting in full frame, his search for full frame anamorphic lenses, and the creative benefits of the Venice 2 and the Sony ecosystem of cameras. He reflects on his approach to staging oners, his philosophy of lighting, and breaks down how he shot and lit several of Luke Hull's production-designed sets across the series. Join us for an in-depth look at the cinematography of one of Star Wars' most acclaimed stories. Cinemapodgrapher is proudly brought to you by our technology partners Sony Produced by Deborah Van Dieren Hosted and edited by Lucas Tomoana SOC
Aug 18, 2025 · 1 hr 4 min
Chief of War with Cinematographer Matthew Chuang ACS
Born in Taiwan and raised in Australia, cinematographer Matthew Chuang ACS has always been drawn to telling stories rooted in culture and identity. After reaching a creative ceiling in Australia, he made the leap to Los Angeles where he connected with director Justin Chon. The two have since collaborated on multiple projects, most recently reuniting for Apple TV's epic series Chief of War. In this conversation, Matt reflects on his upbringing in Australia, his journey into the world of independent filmmaking in the United States, and his first experience working on a large scale television production. He shares how he and Justin brought an indie film sensibility to Chief of War, emphasizing the importance of trusting your instincts when approaching coverage and storytelling. We also dive into the technical side, discussing cameras, lenses, lighting setups, and the unique challenges of shooting in remote locations across the Hawaiian Islands. Tune in to hear Matthew's story, his creative approach behind the camera, and insights from the set of one of Apple TV's most ambitious series. This episode of Cinemapodgrapher is proudly brought to you by our technology partners Sony Produced by Deb Van Dieren Hosted by Lucas Tomoana SOC Edited by Raphael Segal
Aug 2, 2025 · 1 hr 18 min
DIT Jason Bauer: Taylor Swift, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, Thai Cave Rescue & Cherry
The first digital imaging technician to join the podcast, Jason Bauer began his career using still photography for previs on productions shooting film. As cinematography shifted to digital, Jason trained other digital imaging technicians before eventually stepping into the role himself. Now one of the most sought-after DITs in the industry, he has worked on major productions around the world. In this episode, we explore the role of the DIT and the value they bring to a director of photography. Jason breaks down the hardware and software he uses, how he works on set, and why DITs are essential to modern filmmaking. We also talk about his experience working on Taylor Swift music videos, shooting Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes in Australia, going remote in Thailand for Thai Cave Rescue, and filming Cherry in Morocco.
Jul 7, 2025 · 57 min
F1 with 1st Assistant Camera Dan Ming
From fighter jets to race cars, Dan Ming is a world-class 1st AC who loves tech. Dan Ming and his team are known for their work on Top Gun: Maverick, and now they've taken those lessons, pushing the boundaries even further, to bring you F1. We talk about the collaboration with some of the biggest brands in the game: Sony, Apple, and Panavision, and the camera builds that came out of it: Sony's Carmen (a custom-built car mount camera), Apple's Wing Camera, and Panavision's custom Pan Head. Plus, how they built a full Mercedes F2 car, from scratch, just for the film. Dan answers all your questions and more. From micro managing race track schedules, global logistics of shipping gear across multiple countries, wiring up race cars with metres of cabling, right down to the design of custom screws, and somehow, keeping it all working at 300km/h during a real F1 season! This is an episode you don't want to miss! Proudly brought to you by our technology partners Sony Produced by Deb Van Dieren Hosted and edited by Lucas Tomoana SOC
Jun 23, 2025 · 1 hr 10 min
The Studio with DP Adam Newport-Berra and Camera Operator Mark Goellnicht SOC ACO
DP Adam Newport-Berra and Camera Operator Mark Goellnicht SOC ACO are the powerhouse duo behind the lens of The Studio. In this episode, we dive into what it's really like working with comedy legends and co-directors Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg. Adam and Mark take us through the camera rigs they tested and how they meticulously choreographed scenes that feel like total chaos but are actually tightly crafted. We also break down some of the most jaw dropping shots in the series, the kind that had us hitting rewind just to figure out how they pulled them off. If you're into behind the scenes tech talk, creative teamwork, or just love hearing how high pressure shots come together, this one's for you. From camera movement to controlled madness, it's a must listen for both the tech heads and fans of the show. This podcast is proudly brought to you by our technology partner, Sony. Produced by Deb Van Dieren Hosted and edited by Lucas Tomoana SOC