The Wandering DP Podcast

In this solo episode, I share a simple but powerful tip that’s become part of his standard toolkit on commercial sets: using a floor-based backlight to add polish to a shot quickly and efficiently. While the idea started as a practical trick passed down from Paul Cameron, it opens the door to a much deeper conversation about cinematography, responsibility, and what it really means to care on set.Enjoy!Topics CoveredThe Lighting Technique- How placing a small backlight on the floor behind talent can create fast, effective edge separation- Why this works especially well in interior or studio settings when transitioning from wide to medium shots- Technical breakdown of when it works, when it doesn’t, and how to set it up without getting pushback from crewThe Bigger Picture- Why no one else on set is going to prioritize your image quality—and why that’s not a bug, it’s a feature of the system- Understanding the production hierarchy and learning how to inject energy and care into the process without becoming a nuisance- The cinematographer’s role as someone who rearranges the “deck chairs” on a ship that’s already sailing—and how to make that work countTeam Dynamics- The difference between working with great specialists versus trying to control every variable yourself- How to subtly test whether a director or production has things under control without overstepping- Managing crew resistance to unfamiliar techniques while keeping your focus on the final imageCore MessageCinematography often comes down to finding small, repeatable ways to make things better—even when the broader project isn’t perfect. Whether it’s through a clever lighting setup or a well-timed production conversation, the job is about stacking the odds in your favor. Because no one else will care about the image unless you do.Access the VisualsAll cinematography breakdowns are now hosted on Patreon to avoid conflicts with productions and to keep the breakdown series alive. Visit wanderingdp.com for more information and links.Support the PodcastIf you found this episode useful, consider subscribing, rating, and sharing the show. It helps keep these conversations going. The post The Wandering DP Podcast: Episode #489 – Arranging Deck Chairs appeared first on Cinematography Podcast & Tutorials.

This week on the podcast I am on the road so we are going back in to the archive and featuring a past interview with cinematographer Lachlan Milne ASC.  This episode originally came out in 2016 and since then Lachlan has gone from strength to strength in the industry,It has been great following his career and this episode was an insight into his approach to the work and the business.Enjoy!Featured Guest - Cinematographer Lachlan Milne ASCWebsite: Lachlan Milne ASCInstagram: @lachlanmilne The post The Wandering DP Podcast: Episode #488 – Lachlan Milne ASC (Re-visited) appeared first on Cinematography Podcast & Tutorials.

Dive into the world of cinematography as personal experiences highlight the journey from gear obsession to mastering blocking and framing. Discover how minimizing friction can enhance collaboration on set, making the filmmaking process smoother. Explore the critical relationship between lighting and storytelling, where effective blocking can significantly elevate a scene's impact. Gain insights on the importance of taking responsibility and mastering foundational techniques for professional growth in this visual storytelling art.

Well, to be fair, I never said I wasn't easily distracted.  I wanted this episode to be a counter argument to what I shared last week in Episode #485, where I laid out how you could pin almost all of the success I have had in my career as coming from a few lucky breaks, with stories about how it was all down to hard work and grind.That was the plan at least.  It didn't turn out that way once I hit the record button.  I got an email from a listener highlighting some AI tools and that is ultimately where this episode went.Is this episode important?  Probably not.  Will it be a good artefact to look back on in 12 months time and see just how clueless I was about the future.  Likely.Enjoy! The post The Wandering DP Podcast: Episode #486 – Hard Work & A.I. appeared first on Cinematography Podcast & Tutorials.

Every so often a comment sparks a debate over in the Patreon group and this week on the podcast I am sharing my two cents on the state of the industry if you are just starting out and also what actually moves the needle when it comes to success.I am only a single point of data but better to share my own experiences so that you can cross reference it with yours.  If you are interested in taking the other side of the debate I pose at the end of the episode be sure to reach out and I will try to organize an episode around it.Enjoy!Patreon Breakdown - More with LessOver on Patreon this week we are doing another breakdown in the doing more with less series.Travel jobs are always a unique challenge but this one turned things up a notch by be shorting and crew and short on gear.  We take a look at how you can lean in to certain concepts and ideas on set that allow you to get the most out of what you do have and how to make tricky locations work for you rather than against you.I couldn't do the podcast or the Youtube channel without the support from the Patreon group so many thanks if you do decide to check out the content.If you want to check out the video clink the link below:The Wandering DP Podcast Patreon The post The Wandering DP Podcast: Episode #485 – The Desert of the Real appeared first on Cinematography Podcast & Tutorials.

Cinematographer Pedro Gomez Millan AMC drops in this week for an honest, ground-level chat about what it takes to steer the look of a project when you’re the only DP on the call sheet.We dig into how the conversation with a director evolves from loose references in prep to split-second decisions once the sun starts sliding, and why trusting your first read of a location often beats any lighting diagram you pencilled the night before.Pedro explains the mental juggling act of protecting continuity across an entire series while still letting each scene breathe, and how new tech fits—or doesn’t—into that equation.We also talk about the real life that runs parallel to the images: late-night phone calls with family, learning to pivot when schedules implode, and the quiet relief that comes from a crew that actually speaks the same visual language. Enjoy!New Course LIVE: Cinematography - The Vehicle SeriesThe final course in the B.O.D.V.O. series is now live: The Vehicle Series – Blocking, Framing, & Execution.This installment focuses entirely on the unique challenges of shooting inside cars, trains, planes and anything else that moves. It breaks down the key decisions DPs need to make—long before stepping on set—so you're ready to adapt and execute with confidence. The course is open for one week only, and you can use the link below to check it out and enroll.Here’s why it matters—no matter where you are in your cinematography journey:- Learn to pre-visualize vehicle coverage so you’re not guessing on the day—you're executing a plan.- Understand the gear, framing, and lighting implications of every coverage path, so you can prep smarter and move faster.- Get your reps in advance so you’re not learning under pressure, but showing up ready to deliver.If you want to learn more about the course check it out here:Cinematography: The Vehicle Series - Blocking, Framing, & ExecutionFeatured Guest - Cinematographer Pedro Gomez Millan AMCWebsite: Pedro Gomez Millan AMCInstagram: @pedrogmillan The post The Wandering DP Podcast: Episode #484: Cinematographer Pedro Gomez Millan AMC appeared first on Cinematography Podcast & Tutorials.

In this episode, I’m joined by cinematographer Matheus Bastos to talk about his work on the indie feature 'Gazer' and his broader journey in narrative filmmaking.We get into what it really takes to shoot a film over an extended period on a micro-budget—both the challenges and the unexpected advantages. Matheus shares how community, networking, and festivals have played a key role in getting his work seen and opening new doors.We also dig into the creative side: why he chose to shoot on film, how that influenced the look and feel of the project, and the lighting decisions that helped support the story. There’s a lot in here about collaboration, adaptability, and the emotional ups and downs of committing to a long-term creative process.If you’re interested in the realities of independent filmmaking—from prep to festival circuit—this one’s for you.Enjoy!New Course LIVE: Cinematography - The Vehicle SeriesThe final course in the B.O.D.V.O. series is now live: The Vehicle Series – Blocking, Framing, & Execution.This installment focuses entirely on the unique challenges of shooting inside cars, trains, planes and anything else that moves. It breaks down the key decisions DPs need to make—long before stepping on set—so you're ready to adapt and execute with confidence. The course is open for one week only, and you can use the link below to check it out and enroll.Here’s why it matters—no matter where you are in your cinematography journey:- Learn to pre-visualize vehicle coverage so you’re not guessing on the day—you're executing a plan.- Understand the gear, framing, and lighting implications of every coverage path, so you can prep smarter and move faster.- Get your reps in advance so you’re not learning under pressure, but showing up ready to deliver.If you want to learn more about the course check it out here:Cinematography: The Vehicle Series - Blocking, Framing, & ExecutionFeatured Guest - Cinematographer Matheus BastosWebsite: Matheus BastosInstagram: @matheusbastos_dp The post The Wandering DP Podcast: Episode #483 – Cinematographer Matheus Bastos appeared first on Cinematography Podcast & Tutorials.

I originally was going to call this episode "Guesswork" but at the end of recording I think I came up with a better title.The last few years in the background I have been formalizing a system that has become paramount to my own working as a cinematographer and I've finally managed to complete it this week.The BODVO system for Blocking is officially done and next week I am launching the last course outlining the V, which stands for vehicle, scenario.To say that I am excited and proud of the work would be a gross understatement.  This system has done more for my own personal work than the framework ever could and getting it standardized and all laid out and explained has been a journey.Many thanks to everyone for listening to the show over the years, especially to the Patreon supporters who have made it possible to take extra time and try and figure this stuff out and share it.  I am very grateful for the opportunity and I can't wait to share the material and see everyone put it into action.I will send out an email if you are a subscriber letting you know when the course is actually live.  It should be some time next week for the public.Enjoy! The post The Wandering DP Podcast: Episode #482 – The Map is Complete appeared first on Cinematography Podcast & Tutorials.

Australian cinematographer Toby Oliver ACS is back for his third appearance on the show to talk about his latest work on the series Apple Cider Vinegar.If you have caught any of the past episodes that Toby has featured on then you know that not many of the DPs we have had on the show work as much and across as many different styles and formats as Toby.  He always brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the show and this episode is no exception.Enjoy!Patreon Breakdown - The Living Room Set UpOver on Patreon this week we are breaking down the lighting, the framing, and all of the other factors that went in to filming a recent spot in a living room between a father and son.The breakdowns have made the move over to Patreon for the past few months so if you are interested in the more technical content please head over and support the channel.The Wandering DP Podcast PatreonFeatured Guest - Cinematographer Toby Oliver ACSWebsite: Toby Oliver ACSInstagram: @tobyoliverdp The post The Wandering DP Podcast: Episode #481 – Toby Oliver ACS appeared first on Cinematography Podcast & Tutorials.

This week on the show we chat with cinematographer Scott Siracusano about his latest work on the film Control Freak.  Scott shares his unique path to shooting his debut feature, how he and the production tackled difficult situations over the course of the project, and he talks about what actually moves the needle for cinematography over the course of a schedule.Lots of great takeaways from this conversation and hopefully we can get Scott back on the show in the future to see how his approach and the work progress.Enjoy!Patreon Breakdown - Behind the Scenes BreakdownThis week over on Patreon we are breaking down a commercial I shot late last year that had a few unique challenges.  The breakdown episodes that used to live on the main podcast feed have now exclusively transferred over to the Patreon page for supporters.  The feedback has always been very positive for the breakdown episodes and the project that we are diving in to this week was the first that followed along every step of the way.  We started with an initial look at the agency storyboards, then we went on location for the tech scout and now we are reviewing the final images to see how we did.If you want access to all of the extra video content please check out the link below and help to support the show.  I couldn't do the podcast or the youtube content without the support.   The Wandering DP Podcast PatreonFeatured Guest - Cinematographer Scott SiracusanoWebsite: Scott SiracusasnoInstagram: @scott_siracusano The post The Wandering DP Podcast: Episode #480 – Cinematographer Scott Siracusano appeared first on Cinematography Podcast & Tutorials.