

EP350 | Vanja Černjul on Lighting, Cinematography, and House of the Dragon
6 snips Jun 3, 2025
In this engaging conversation, master cinematographer Vanja Černjul, known for his work on House of the Dragon and Crazy Rich Asians, shares his insights into the emotional power of lighting in storytelling. He discusses how specific lighting choices evoke memory and mood, making visuals speak volumes. Vanja emphasizes the critical role of collaboration and communication in filmmaking, the artistic journey of location scouting, and the technical challenges of crafting stunning visuals. His passion for cinematography shines through, inspiring filmmakers and enthusiasts alike.
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Master Lighting First
- Master lighting before focusing on composition and camera work to build a strong cinematography foundation.
- Trust your instincts through experience to intuitively know how to light scenes.
Practice Lighting with Still Cameras
- Aspiring cinematographers should practice with still cameras to explore lighting.
- Recording diverse lighting scenarios helps develop personal aesthetic preferences and an understanding of light.
Cinematography as Point of View
- Cinematography is about expressing the character's point of view, not just a single perspective.
- Point of view shifts with scenes and characters, requiring flexible visual storytelling choices.