Today’s guest is cinematographer Ben Davis, who has worked on films like Doctor Strange, Cry Macho, and Guardians of the Galaxy. Ben shares what his process was like as the DP of the film, The Banshees of Inisherin, which is currently in theaters.

In this episode, we talk about…

Comparing the flexibility of a small film versus a larger film
Being open to change even with a structured plan in place
Capturing the idea of loneliness and isolation with cinematography
Why Ben doesn’t work against the light source
How they got the digital format to look like film
Choosing the color palette with director, Martin McDonagh
What is was like working with Clint Eastwood in the film, Cry Macho
A powerful lesson about ego

Memorable Quotes

“The ambition on this film was to keep it small…so that we had some sort of flexibility and we could maneuver.” [3:49]
“You’re always open to change. Because that’s the delight of filmmaking, what you chance upon.” [4:40]
“The great thing about this film…everyone was making the same movie and everyone was on board with it.” [6:17]
“I’m never going to do it as beautifully as nature can give you.” [16:50]