Filmmakers Academy Podcast Inner Circle Podcast - Member Questions on Emotional Storytelling (feat. Lydia & Shane Hurlbut, ASC)
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This episode is proudly lit exclusively by Nanlux-Nanlite Lights and sponsored by B&H and Hollyland.
In this episode of the Inner Circle Podcast, Shane and Lydia Hurlbut turn the microphone over to their members, answering a range of questions that touch on the heart of filmmaking. The episode begins with a deep dive into camera techniques for enhancing emotional storytelling, based on a member's question about a short film on grief and Alzheimer's. Shane and Lydia dissect the script's emotional beats, with Shane offering specific advice on how to visually convey loneliness, anxiety, and bittersweet nostalgia. They discuss using locked-off shots and a frame within a frame to depict isolation and recommend using a variety of tools, including swing and tilt lenses, to reflect a character's mental confusion and disorientation.
The conversation then shifts to Shane's personal camera preferences, where he clarifies that his choice between a RED and a Sony is always dictated by the project's specific needs. He explains that while RED cameras excel at energetic, colorful projects, the natural skin tones and color accuracy of Sony cameras are perfect for realistic dramas. This discussion leads to a broader conversation on balancing artistic vision with the practical realities of production, such as budget, shooting schedules, and the color grading process.
Finally, the episode provides invaluable career advice for those looking to break into the camera department. Shane details the benefits of starting at a rental house to gain a foundational understanding of gear and build relationships. He and Lydia conclude with a powerful discussion on leadership and stress management on set, emphasizing the importance of staying calm and methodical during technical failures. They highlight how anticipation, observation, and proactive communication can make all the difference, helping a filmmaker lead their team with confidence and create a more positive, collaborative environment.
If you haven’t already, listen to the first part of our Filmmaking Q&A where Lydia and Shane answer questions from members about night lighting, condor rigs, and lenses.
More from Shane Hurlbut, ASC for cinematographers and do-it-all filmmakers:
-Key Frame Film Theory & Storyboarding
-Build a Pro iPhone Rig with Tilta Khronos
-Lighting a Day Interior Film Scene (No Lights)
-Actor Blocking with Lighting Emotion
-DIY Cinematic Lighting: The “Coke Can Trick” vs Depron
-Film Firelight & Fire Effects: The Medusa Light
-Cinematography: Virtual Location Scouting with the Insta360
-Cinematography: The EL Zone System Exposure Guide
-Shane Hurlbut’s Go-To Lighting Package
-The Modern Cinematographer – On-Set Essentials
-Cinematography Mentorship – Shane Hurlbut, ASC
-Design Your INOVATIV Cart for Film Production
More from Lydia Hurlbut and her Leadership & Wellness Initiative:
-4 Self-Care Tips for Filmmaking Entrepreneurs
-Plan Your Filmmaking Lifestyle for Success with Lydia Hurlbut
-Healthy Habits for the Post-Production Edit Bay