A conversation with Jay Holben

In this final episode, I had the opportunity to talk with cinematographer Mandy Walker, AM, ASC, ACS. Her work on the film Elvis earned an Academy Award nomination and made history when she became the first woman to receive the ASC Award for feature film cinematography. In 2025, she further made history when she was elected the first female president of the ASC. She has helped pave the way for future generations of filmmakers through both her groundbreaking work behind the camera and her commitment to mentorship. We discuss being a woman in the film industry, work life and family life balance, long hours on set, burnout, imposter syndrome, handling rejection, managing highs and lows, work in Los Angeles and the importance of community.

In this episode, I had the chance to talk with cinematographer Brandon Cox. A graduate of the American Film Institute, Brandon has built a career spanning music videos, feature films, and television, with cinematography credits including Werewolves, Long Gone Heroes, One Spoon of Chocolate, and Gasoline Alley. After spending decades working in the film industry, he offers an honest perspective on the challenges that come with building a career in this industry. We talk about burnout, handling rejection, imposter syndrome, depression, managing highs and lows, having to ask for payment, constantly traveling,

In this episode, I had the opportunity to talk with camera technician Matthew Thomas Borek. A Local 600 camera technician based in Los Angeles, California. Matthew has worked on a wide range of acclaimed feature films, television productions, commercials, and music videos. Beyond his work on set, he is passionate about educating and mentoring the next generation of filmmakers, generously sharing his knowledge to help others grow in the camera department. We talk about managing highs and lows, burnout, balancing work and family life, being your own worst critic, imposter syndrome, depression and community.

In this episode, I had the chance to talk with cinematographer Jayson Crothers. Jayson earned his Master of Fine Arts degree from the American Film Institute. His work spans both feature films and television, including series such as Cruel Summer for Hulu, Chicago Fire for NBC, and most recently additional photography on Margo’s Got Money Troubles for Apple and A24.  Beyond his work behind the camera, he is a frequent guest instructor at workshops and seminars, where he is passionate about educating the next generation of filmmakers. We speak about life off set, the illusion of social media, burnout, toxic work conditions and working with toxic people, and balancing work with personal life.

In this episode, I had the chance to speak with Argentinian cinematographer Natasha Braier, ASC, ADF. Her work includes films such as The Neon Demon, Honey Boy, and I Love Boosters. She is the first Latina to serve on the Board of Governors of the American Society of Cinematographers. In 2025, she founded Deep Light, a global cinematography mentorship community dedicated to education, growth, and support for cinematographers around the world. We discuss feeling isolated, finding community, being underestimated, navigating highs and lows, and balancing work and personal life.

In this episode, I am talking with cinematographer Christopher Probst, ASC. His work on the pilot episode for David Fincher’s Mindhunter earned him an ASC Award nomination. His work includes some of the greatest music videos of the past decade. In addition to his cinematography career, Christopher is a co-author of the Cine Lens Manual and serves as the Chief Innovation Officer of Synapse, a virtual production stage in Los Angeles, California. In this conversation, he speaks about the illusion of social media, the importance of community, the state of the film industry, the fears with AI, not feeling satisfied and the mindset of “It Must Be Me” when not getting work.

In this episode, I had the opportunity to talk with Director Jay Holben. In addition to directing, he’s a producer, former cinematographer and associate member of the ASC. He’s the co-chair of the ASC Motion imaging Technology Council and contributing technical editor for American cinematographer magazine. He is also an author, writing books like the Directors Guide to Everything and co-writing the Cine Lens Manual. We discuss the state of the industry, depression, the highs and lows of the industry, family life, working with toxic people, imposter syndrome, rejection and comparison.

In this episode, I had the opportunity to talk with Emmy award winning cinematographer John Simmons, ASC. In addition to his work as a cinematographer, he is also a photographer, director and artist whose passion for teaching and mentoring has made a lasting impact on so many filmmakers. He serves as co-chair of the ASC vision committee, helping to encourage and support the progress of underrepresented filmmakers. We discuss racism, inclusion, comparison, the importance of community, work and personal life balance, and work environment on set.