

Cinematography Salon
Cinematography Salon
Tune in to the Cinematography Salon Podcast every other Thursday for an enlightening journey into the realm of cinematography, hosted by Peter Pascucci and Ava Benjamin Shorr. Drawing inspiration from the rebellious ethos of historic art salons, our show serves as a platform for emerging talents to both showcase their art and challenge the conventional boundaries of our craft. Through our podcast, we connect like-minded filmmakers and catalyze the exchange of resources, ideas, and wisdom in the cinematography community.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 6, 2025 • 1h 5min
Lol Crawley: VistaVision, Underexposure and The Brutalist (Special Camerimage Episode)
Lol Crawley, a renowned cinematographer known for his work with Brady Corbet, dives into the artistry behind 'The Brutalist.' He discusses the bold visual choices that highlight the interplay of maximalism and minimalism, alongside his daring use of underexposure. Crawley shares insights on framing iconic symbols like the Statue of Liberty, emphasizing the magic of perspective. He also contrasts the spontaneity of location shooting with the control of studio environments, showcasing how each choice impacts the emotional depth of visual storytelling.

29 snips
Jul 19, 2024 • 1h 50min
Jomo Fray: Crafting Bespoke Visual Narratives
Jomo Fray, a celebrated cinematographer renowned for his unique visual storytelling, shares his insights on the craft of filmmaking. He emphasizes the importance of emotional authenticity and personal experiences in shaping narratives. Fray discusses the collaborative nature of cinematography, highlighting how crew dynamics can elevate storytelling. He also reflects on the balance between structured planning and spontaneity, advocating for individuality in the cinematic process. Through captivating examples, he showcases how cinematography influences societal understanding.

Jun 25, 2024 • 1h 9min
Kira Kelly, ASC: Unveiling the Power in a Frame from Working in the Electric Department to Shooting Marvel TV Shows
In this episode of the Cinematography Salon podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Kira Kelly, ASC. Known for her work on the documentary 13th, the FX series Y: The Last Man, and the Hulu miniseries Echo, Kira has made a significant impact in the industry. With two Primetime Emmy nominations for Insecure and 13th, she shares insights into breaking barriers, pushing artistic boundaries, and the power of composition in visual storytelling.
If you are enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting our efforts on Patreon.
Kira Kelly’s Instagram | Website
Peter Pascucci’s Instagram | Website
Ava Benjamin Shorr’s Instagram | Website
This episode is sponsored by Sandisk, Laowa and Fujifilm, with special thanks to AbelCine.

Jun 6, 2024 • 1h 9min
Ava Berkofsky, ASC: The Journey from Art School and Documentary Filmmaking to Emmy Nominations
Ava Berkofsky, ASC, joins hosts Peter Pascucci and Ava Benjamin Shorr on the Cinematography Salon podcast to provide a view into their methodical approach to cinematography. They explore how their work aims to forge emotional connections between the subject and the viewer, particularly in their approach to lighting and composition in projects like HBO's Insecure. Ava also speaks candidly about their experiences as a non-binary cinematographer and how that informs their desire to create inclusive work environments, all the while adhering to the demands of studio film and television projects.
If you are enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting our efforts on Patreon.
Ava Berkofsky’s Instagram | Website
Peter Pascucci’s Instagram | Website
Ava Benjamin Shorr’s Instagram | Website
This episode is sponsored by Sandisk, Laowa and Fujifilm, with special thanks to AbelCine.

7 snips
Apr 12, 2024 • 1h 33min
Frederick Elmes, ASC: Reinventing Yourself, One Visionary Film at a Time
Renowned cinematographer Frederick Elmes discusses his collaborative processes with directors like David Lynch, Jim Jarmusch, and Ang Lee. He delves into embracing imperfection in cinematography, the significance of extreme close-ups, and creating a focused set environment. The podcast explores the transformative power of cinematography, evolving techniques from analog to digital, and the influence of mentorship in filmmaking.

Mar 28, 2024 • 1h 7min
Greig Fraser, ASC, ACS: Collaboration, Humility and Mentorship, From "The Batman" to "Dune"
Greig Fraser, ASC, ACS, is a renowned cinematographer known for his stunning work on films like "Dune" and "The Batman". In this insightful discussion, he shares the delicate balance between lighting precision and storytelling authenticity. Fraser emphasizes the importance of collaboration with directors and how technology aids this process. He reveals how music influences emotional depth in scenes and champions mentorship within the cinematography community, highlighting the need for knowledge sharing among aspiring filmmakers.

9 snips
Feb 29, 2024 • 1h 26min
Jay Holben: The Role of Technical Innovation in Storytelling
Jay Holben discusses the importance of continuous learning in cinematography, the complexities of resolution in digital imaging, the influence of technical innovation on storytelling, relearning cinematography concepts, embracing HDR technology, navigating the freelance film industry, and the role of education in the entertainment industry.

Feb 15, 2024 • 1h 30min
David Mullen, ASC: Using Film History to Empower Today's Cinematographers
This week we welcome David Mullen, ASC, Emmy winner for his exceptional work on "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel". Sharing his insights into his creative journey, and his steadfast commitment to blending research with education, he takes us behind the scenes of renowned projects like "Westworld" and "The Love Witch," highlighting his collaborative ethos with both crew and cast, and his passion for the craft comprising the complexities of lighting, the evolution of camera technology, and the indispensable role of prep in shaping the moving image.
If you are enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting our efforts on Patreon.
David’s Instagram | Website
Peter’s Instagram | Website
Ava’s Instagram | Website
This episode is sponsored by Sandisk, Laowa and Fujifilm, with special thanks to AbelCine.

4 snips
Feb 1, 2024 • 1h 7min
Dan Kanes: For the Love of Anamorphic Lenses
Dan Kanes, CEO and co-founder of Atlas Lens Co., shares his journey from lighting technician to entrepreneur, emphasizing the influence of his skateboarding and punk rock background. He discusses the significance of anamorphic lenses in film history and their emotional impact on storytelling. The podcast also explores the intersection of cinematography and entrepreneurship, the fascination with optics, and the evolution of lens design and filmmaking.

Jan 18, 2024 • 1h 13min
Andrew Thomas Huang: Finding Yourself Through the Process of Creating
Andrew Thomas Huang, Grammy-nominated director with a unique style blending fantasy with reality and deeply rooted in Chinese heritage and queer Asian mythology, talks about his journey, collaborations with artists like Björk and FKA Twigs, creating 'Earth Eater' inspired by 90s erotic thrillers, importance of collaboration, separating creativity from capitalism, transformative project 'Kiss of the Rabbit God,' and appreciation for stunning cinematography.