
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.
Latest episodes

6 snips
Jul 13, 2023 • 48min
Mark Lafleur Of Old Fast Glass Pt. 1: The Beauty of Vintage Glass
In Part 1 of a fascinating conversation with Mark LaFleur, hosts Peter Pascucci and Oren Soffer dive into the nuances of lens testing and vintage lens characteristics. They dissect topics like the "sweet spot" of a lens, the implications of shooting at varying apertures, and the contrasting traits of anamorphic and spherical lenses. Mark also underscores the significance of fostering a sense of community, the crucial role of social media in demystifying the lens selection process, and how Old Fast Glass celebrates and promotes the work of budding filmmakers.

7 snips
Jul 6, 2023 • 51min
Olan Collardy: Decoding the Craft of Cinematography
In this week’s episode, hosts Peter Pascucci and Oren Soffer host UK-based cinematographer Olan Collardy. Collardy emphasizes the importance of demystifying the craft and making it accessible. He discusses his self-education journey, DIY approach, and how he transitioned from replicating others' techniques to finding his unique voice in cinematography. From utilizing a friend's studio space in Hackney to test different setups to his mentorship program and creation of a Discord community, Collardy's passion for learning, teaching, and guiding aspirants shines through.
If you are enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting our efforts on Patreon.
Olan’s Instagram | Website
Peter’s Instagram | Website
Oren’s Instagram | Website

5 snips
Jun 29, 2023 • 47min
Kath Raisch: From Darkroom to Digital with Company3 Senior Colorist
In this episode of The Cinematography Salon Podcast, Peter Pascucci and Oren Soffer host senior colorist Kath Raisch. The conversation uncovers Kath's journey from working with film in a darkroom to becoming a colorist, emphasizing the necessity of mastering film basics while navigating the possibilities of digital technology. They explore the dynamics of the relationship between a colorist and a director of photography, the nuances of translating a director's vision onto the screen, and her experiences on projects such as "Aftersun".
Highlighting the need for mentorship within the film community, Kath encourages our listeners to check out the work of up and coming Company3 colorists Jake White, Emily Bailey, Patrick Divine and Nick Daukas.
If you are enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting our efforts on Patreon.
Kath’s Instagram | Website
Peter’s Instagram | Website
Oren’s Instagram | Website

7 snips
Jun 22, 2023 • 47min
Ava Benjamin Shorr: Mentorship, Career Evolution & Personal Work
In this week’s episode of the Cinematography Salon podcast, hosts Peter Pascucci and Oren Soffer interview innovative cinematographer Ava Benjamin Shorr. Known for her exemplary work on "Equal," "Gussie," and "Sisters," Shorr opens up about her personal project "Ava and Bianca," her experiences with lighting, and her ambition to transition from documentaries to narrative features. She advocates for the importance of mentorship and describes the impact it had on her career, notably her time in the ASC Vision Mentorship Program with Rachel Morrison. The conversation also extends to art, culture, and the unique blend of comedy, tragedy, and action in the TV show "Barry".
If you are enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting our efforts on Patreon.
Ava’s Instagram | Website
Peter’s Instagram | Website
Oren’s Instagram | Website

15 snips
Jun 15, 2023 • 57min
Jon Bregel: Pursuit of Wellness in the Film Industry
On the latest episode of the Cinematography Salon podcast, Jon Bregel candidly discusses the critical impact of societal pressures, the myth of pain as a prerequisite for creating good art, and the skewed work-life balance in the film industry. Drawing from his experiences with Variable, he advocates for a holistic approach to wellness, emphasizing mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical health. The conversation further explores relinquishing control in filmmaking, and the crucial role of supportive mentorship and community within the industry.
If you are enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting our efforts on Patreon.
Jon’s Instagram | Website
Peter’s Instagram | Website
Oren’s Instagram | Website

Jun 8, 2023 • 48min
Maria Rusche: Exploring the Visuals of Shiva Baby
In this episode of the Cinematography Salon Podcast, hosts Peter Pascucci and Oren Soffer welcome guest Maria Rusche, the cinematographer behind the film Shiva Baby. The conversation delves into the visual style, challenges, and collaborative efforts that went into the creation of the movie. Maria shares her experiences with lighting and lens choices, and the importance of collaboration with the director and actors. They also discuss the difficulties of breaking into the industry, teaching cinematography, and finding inspiration in unexpected places. The episode wraps up with a discussion about the state of the film and TV industry, touching on successes, disappointments, and the impact of the pandemic on productions.
Watch the official trailer for Bottoms here.
If you are enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting our efforts on Patreon.
Maria’s Instagram | Website
Peter’s Instagram | Website
Oren’s Instagram | Website

Jun 1, 2023 • 40min
Zen Pace: Unpacking Spirituality, Identity, & Creativity
In this episode, Zen Pace joins the conversation with hosts Peter Pascucci and Oren Soffer to discuss the spiritual nature of Zen's work and its connection to their non-binary identity. They share insights on the challenges and rewards of working in the commercial world, dealing with agencies and clients, and the role of diplomacy in directing. The conversation explores the significance of music in film, the potential of the metaverse, and the importance of representation in the industry. They also discuss their inspirations and the impact of art, touching on the need for individuals to find their own forms of communication.
If you are enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting our efforts on Patreon.
Zen’s Instagram | Website
Peter’s Instagram | Website
Oren’s Instagram | Website

May 25, 2023 • 50min
David Kruta: Cinematography Salon Founder's Vision for the Future
In this episode of the Cinematography Salon podcast, hosts Peter Pascucci and Oren Soffer welcome David Kruta, the founder of the Cinematography Salon. They delve into the inception of the Salon, its expansion from a modest Facebook group to a flourishing community, and their aspirations for its future, encompassing the potential establishment of a physical space and the possibility of transforming the Cinematography Salon into a nonprofit organization to advance its objectives in education and career support. The trio also explores the importance of cultivating diverse skills and hobbies, the connection between seemingly unrelated interests and a cinematographer's work, and the swift progression and influence of AI on the creative process. Additionally, they share their experiences in the film industry, emphasizing the value of community and education, and analyze the current landscape of the field.
If you are enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting our efforts on Patreon.
David’s Instagram | Website
Peter’s Instagram | Website
Oren’s Instagram | Website

May 18, 2023 • 34min
The Importance of Community with Peter Pascucci & Oren Soffer
Welcome to the Cinematography Salon Podcast! Join us on our first episode in which our hosts, Peter Pascucci and Oren Soffer give you a sneak peek into the exciting interviews and show topics ahead. The goal of this show is to create space for in-depth discussions on challenging topics within cinematography and filmmaking at large.
Next week, we'll be featuring an exclusive interview with the Salon's founder, David Kruta. Get ready to delve into hot-button issues in the cinematography world and discover David's unconventional approach to life, work, and his quest to eradicate gatekeeping in the industry.
Stay tuned for some incredible interviews with cinematographers, directors, colorists and more. We'll also be tackling your questions from the community. Remember to follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Instagram. New episodes drop every Thursday!
If you are enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting our efforts on Patreon.
Peter’s Instagram | Website
Oren’s Instagram | Website

May 14, 2023 • 1min
Welcome to the Cinematography Salon Podcast
Inspired by the rebellious spirit of the art salons of the past, Cinematography Salon seeks to provide a platform for emerging talent in the field of cinematography to showcase their work and push the boundaries of the craft. By connecting filmmakers with each other and providing a space to exchange ideas, resources, and knowledge, we hope to encourage the development of new and innovative approaches to cinematography.
At the heart of the Cinematography Salon Podcast lies a commitment to inclusivity and celebrating the full spectrum of artistry in cinematography. We feature interviews with creators from diverse backgrounds and engage in in-depth topic discussions with expert guests who share our commitment to these values.
Join us each week as we explore the world of cinematography and share insights and experiences from experts in the field, with your hosts, Peter Pascucci and Oren Soffer. Together, let's continue the legacy of the art salons and push the boundaries of what's possible in cinematography.
Be sure to subscribe on your favorite platform. We’ll see you soon!
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