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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 ACO (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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26 episodes
Avg 1 hr 7 min
English

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#165
October 25 · 1 hr 38 min
From Rejection to Cannes | Rachel Maxine Anderson
What does it take to turn a deeply personal experience into a story that connects with audiences around the world? In this episode of Hannah Ariotti sits down with Queensland writer and director Rachel Maxine Anderson, whose acclaimed short-form series Ina premiered internationally at CANNESERIES. Rachel shares her journey from film school to creating her first fully authored series, exploring how grief, family, and cultural identity have shaped her storytelling. Together, they discuss the development of Ina, navigating rejection and funding challenges, embracing short-form filmmaking, and building a collaborative creative team. Rachel also reflects on the importance of vulnerability, authentic representation, and finding the courage to tell deeply personal stories. An inspiring conversation about trusting your creative voice, embracing your identity, and bringing meaningful stories to the screen. Produced by Deb Van Dieren. Hosted and edited by Hannah Ariotti. This podcast is powered by Sony technology. Sponsored by Panavision.
#164
October 25 · 40 min
Rob Murphy I The Art of Film Projection at The Sun Theatre & Creator of Splice Here: A Projected Odyssey
What does it take to keep the magic of cinema alive in a digital world? In this episode of The Cinema Pod, Josh Calder sits down with Rob Murphy, filmmaker, projectionist and passionate advocate for film preservation, who has spent over 20 years working at Melbourne's iconic Sun Theatre in Yarraville, recently named one of Time Out's Top 100 cinemas in the world. From the golden age of Cinerama to the resurgence of 35mm and 70mm film, Rob takes us behind the scenes of an art form that many thought would disappear with the arrival of digital projection. Rob shares the remarkable story behind his documentary Splice Here: A Projected Odyssey, a decade-long journey exploring the history and preservation of film projection. He also recounts how his dedication to cinema helped bring Quentin Tarantino to the Sun Theatre for a special 70mm presentation of The Hateful Eight. The conversation explores the theatre's ambitious project to install a rare VistaVision projector, potentially making it just the fifth operational VistaVision cinema in the world and the only one in the Southern Hemisphere. Josh and Rob dive into the technical brilliance of Cinerama, the differences between film and digital projection, the challenges of preserving rare film prints, and why a new generation of audiences is rediscovering the magic of watching movies on film. This episode is a celebration of cinema, the people who preserve its history, and the irreplaceable experience of watching a film projected as it was intended. Produced, hosted and edited by Josh Calder. This podcast is powered by Sony technology. Sponsored by Panavision.
#163
September 21 · 1 hr 9 min
Mitch Dubin SOC: Steven Spielberg's A Camera Operator
What does it take to earn Steven Spielberg's trust behind the camera and keep it for nearly three decades? Mitch Dubin SOC has operated 18 films for Spielberg, including Saving Private Ryan, Minority Report, Munich, Catch Me If You Can and West Side Story. In this episode, Mitch takes us inside the craft of camera operating at its highest level. He shares how he developed his instinct for framing, why the relationship between an operator and dolly grip is so important, how the camera can protect an actor's performance, and what it means to truly tell a story through movement. Mitch also takes us behind the scenes of his extraordinary collaboration with Spielberg, from earning his trust on The Lost World to the controlled chaos of the D Day sequence in Saving Private Ryan and the elaborate camera choreography of Minority Report. More recently, Mitch has brought that experience to television through his collaborations with Noah Hawley on Fargo, Legion and Alien: Earth. A masterclass in instinct, collaboration and the invisible craft behind some of cinema's most unforgettable images. This podcast is powered by Sony technology. Sponsored by Panavision. Produced, hosted and edited by Josh Calder.
#162
September 7 · 54 min
Rabbit Trap and Independent Filmmaking with Writer Director Bryn Chainey
What happens when you stop waiting for permission and just make the film? Writer-director Brynn Chainey joins Josh Calder to unpack the journey behind his debut feature Rabbit Trap, starring Dev Patel. From years spent making short films to finding the collaborators who truly connected with his strange, atmospheric vision, Brynn shares how the independently made film eventually found its way to Sundance and Focus Features. They talk candidly about finding your voice as a filmmaker, the struggle of writing, choosing authenticity over what the industry expects, and the realities of bringing an ambitious feature to life in just 20 shooting days. More than a conversation about Rabbit Trap, this is about trusting your instincts, finding your people and realising that sometimes the only permission you need is your own. This podcast is powered by Sony technology. Sponsored by Panavision. Produced, hosted and edited by Josh Calder.
#161
August 13 · 1 hr 8 min
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms with Cinematographer Gustav Danielsson FSF
How do you create something new inside one of the most recognisable worlds in television? This week, Lucas Tomoana SOC ACO sits down with Emmy nominated cinematographer Gustav Danielsson FSF, whose work spans You the Living, Black Mirror, The Glass Dome and HBO's A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. Gustav takes us from his beginnings studying architecture in Sweden to collaborating with Roy Andersson, shooting the acclaimed Black Mirror episode San Junipero, before diving deep into the cinematography of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. We explore how Gustav and director Owen Harris created a more intimate and naturalistic corner of the Game of Thrones universe, their use of vintage Panavision anamorphic lenses, dusk and firelight, and the making of the extraordinary battle in Episode Five that earned Gustav an Emmy nomination. A fascinating conversation about cinematography, collaboration and finding the visual language that best serves the story. This podcast is powered by Sony technology. Sponsored by Panavision. Produced by Deb Van Dieren. Hosted and edited by Lucas Tomoana SOC ACO.
#160
August 11 · 40 min
Finding the shot with Unit Stills Photographer John Platt
What if the most important photographs taken on a film set aren't of the actors, but of the people behind the camera? This week, Josh Calder sits down with veteran Unit Stills Photographer Jon Platt, whose career has taken him from Second AC and Focus Puller to Camera Operator and, eventually, behind the stills camera. Across nearly four decades, Jon has worked alongside some of the industry's great filmmakers on productions including Black Robe, Strictly Ballroom and Fly Away Home. He shares stories from a life on set, what a Unit Stills Photographer is really looking for, and why understanding crew, timing and set etiquette can be just as important as knowing where to put the camera. We also explore Jon's book, Observations on Set: A Love Letter to the Crews and Craft Behind the Camera, a photographic celebration of the people who make the movies happen. This podcast is powered by Sony technology. Sponsored by Panavision. Produced, hosted and edited by Josh Calder.
#159
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
#158
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
#157
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.
#156
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.
#155
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.
#154
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
#153
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.
#152
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.
#151
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
#150
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.
#149
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
#148
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
#147
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.
#146
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.

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