A Complete Unknown - Cinematographer, Phedon Papamichael + First Assistant Director, Doug Torres

Film Roundtable is thrilled to welcome Cinematographer, Phedon Papamichael (Ford v Ferrari, Nebraska) and 1st Assistant Director, and Film Roundtable Co-Founder, Doug Torres (Mr.+ Mrs. Smith, 12 Years a Slave). Together, they discuss their collaboration on James Mangold’s upcoming film,  A Complete Unknown, the highly anticipated project exploring a pivotal era in Bob Dylan’s life.Phedon and Doug share their experience working alongside Mangold, diving into the intricate dynamic between a Cinematographer and 1st Assistant Director, two roles that are essential in bringing a director’s vision to life. They discuss the creative and logistical challenges of making A Complete Unknown, offering a rare, behind the scenes, look at their process, from pre-production planning to the on-set execution that shaped the film’s visual storytelling.Tune in for a fascinating discussion on collaboration, leadership, and the artistry behind crafting a cinematic world.Enjoy!!From Your Friends at Film RoundtableCheck out this conversation wherever you listen to podcasts and also available to watch on our YouTube channel.

On our latest roundtable, we host a conversation between Nosferatu director Robert Eggers and the film's cinematographer, Jarin Blaschke. Moderated by one of our fav's, Rodrigo Prieto. The three begin by discussing their approach to visual storytelling, focusing on blocking, shot design, and the level of precision required to craft Nosferatu’s haunting imagery. Rodrigo leads a thoughtful exploration of Robert and Jarin’s long-standing creative partnership, tracing its evolution from their early collaborations to their latest work.The conversation delves into the balance between control and spontaneity, in their filmmaking process, as well as the discipline needed to achieve striking, meticulously composed visuals. Highlights include reflections on their shared cinematic influences, the interplay of light and shadow in shaping mood, and the technical and artistic decisions that brought some of the film’s most memorable moments to life.Enjoy!!Check out this conversation wherever you listen to your podcasts and also available to watch on our YouTube Channel.

Film Roundtable is thrilled to welcome Co-Directors Angela Patton and Natalie Rae (Daughters). Their poignant Netflix documentary, which premiered at Sundance last year, won the Audience Award in the Documentary Competition and was named the festival’s overall Festival Favorite. Daughters is also nominated for a BAFTA and is currently on the shortlist for an Oscar nomination in the Best Documentary Feature category.The conversation is insightfully hosted by Filmmaker and Producer Mishka Brown.Angela and Natalie share their journey of creating Daughters, a powerful film inspired by Angela’s work as CEO of Girls For A Change, the organization behind the documentary. The film highlights the transformative father-daughter dance initiative inside a Washington, DC jail, an idea born from the creativity and determination of the girls in the program.This discussion dives into the decade-long journey to bring the film to life, from its origins in a TED Talk to the challenges of production during COVID. Angela and Natalie reflect on their shared values and vision, the therapeutic impact of the project on participants, and the importance of centering the voices of the girls and their families in the storytelling process.Tune in to hear the inspiring story behind this groundbreaking documentary and its heartfelt message about visibility, connection, and hope.Enjoy!!Check out this conversation wherever you listen to podcasts and also available to watch on our Youtube Channel.

Happy New Year!! Film Roundtable is thrilled to welcome Cinematographer, Jomo Fray (The Nickel Boys, All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt). Jomo’s latest film, The Nickel Boys, directed by RaMell Ross, is an adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel and recently won the New York Film Critics Award for Best Cinematography. He is also nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for Best Cinematography for his work on this film.The conversation is thoughtfully moderated by Cinematographer and Visual Artist, Shawn Peters.Jomo shares his journey from his early love of filmmaking, shaped by a Caribbean immigrant upbringing, to his transition from entertainment law back to cinematography. He and Shawn discuss the visual language of The Nickel Boys, the film’s striking first-person POV approach, and the deep intentionality behind every frame. They also explore the power of images to evoke emotion, foster empathy, and reshape cinematic storytelling.Tune in to hear Jomo’s insights into his craft and the artistry behind The Nickel Boys. This episode offers a glimpse into the mind of a visionary cinematographer and the dedication it takes to bring such powerful stories to life.Enjoy!!Your Friends at Film RoundtableCheck out this conversation wherever you listen to podcasts and also available to watch on our YouTube channel.

Film Roundtable is thrilled to welcome Cinematographer Jason McCormick (Olivia Wilde’s Book Smart, and Ryan Murphy’s Dahmer) + Assistant Director Francisco Ortiz (Ryan Murphy’s American Horror Story, and Martin Scorcese’s The Wolf of Wall Street) Jason + Francisco recently teamed up on the Ryan Murphy anthology drama Feud; Capote vs. the Swans. This project was directed by the inimitable Gus Van Sant. The conversation is thoughtfully moderated by Cinematographer Maceo Bishop. Jason and Francisco share their story of collaborating for the first time on this beautiful series and the partnership that took shape as well as the gift of a new found friendship. They both share their journey on how they made their way up the path of success in this not so easy business which was marked by relentless hard work, incredible mentors/teachers and a passion for learning. Tune in to hear Jason + Francisco's insights on their respective crafts. This episode offers a glimpse into the world of a talented cinematographer and a top notch assistant director and the dedication it takes to excel in the film industry.Enjoy!!From Your Friends at Film Roundtable Check out this conversation wherever you listen to podcasts and also available to watch on our Youtube Channel.

Film Roundtable is thrilled to be joined this week by Roshan Sethi, a screenwriter, director, and physician, to discuss his most recent film, A Nice Indian Boy. Alongside Roshan, we’re joined by the incomparable Amy Vincent, who lensed the film which had its SXSW premiere this year. Led by Maria Prieto, this conversation dives deep into their collaboration on the film. We discuss the ways in which Roshan’s medical experience has shaped his directing work, the importance of preparation, Amy’s experiences as a mentor and mentee, as well as a wide range of other topics. Enjoy!

Film Roundtable is happy to welcome back Creative Director + Production Designer, Ethan Tobman. He is hosted and interviewed by Film Roundtable co-founder, Erin Wile. Ethan shares the story of his journey from NYU to indie films in the 90s' golden age to helping shape the visual landscapes of global icons like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift. Explore the trajectory of his career, including designing a restaurant after working as the production designer on the film, The Menu. Ethan shares the secrets of finding his joy as he continues to push creative boundaries.Enjoy!!

Film Roundtable is welcoming for the first time, Cinematographer James Friend. James is the 2023 recipient of the Academy Award + the BAFTA for Best Cinematography on Edward Berger's All Quiet on the Western Front. He is hosted and interviewed by Visual Artist + Cinematographer Bradford Young. James shares the story of his path to success, marked by relentless hard work, a passion for learning everything about lighting, and a determination to shoot every opportunity that came his way. He also emphasizes the crucial role of perseverance and the unwavering support of his family throughout his career.Tune in to hear James Friend's insights on the art of lighting and the intricate deconstruction of removing it. This episode offers a glimpse into the world of a talented cinematographer and the dedication it takes to excel in the film industry.Enjoy!!

In our latest episode we are joined by two acclaimed artists, multidisciplinary visual artist, filmmaker Arthur Jafa and director of design, Akin McKenzie. The emotive and intuitive cinematographer Shawn Peters hosts this discussion where we explore a design process intent on channeling ancestral vibrations. In this fascinating conversation they discuss the human pattern through history, the relationship of continuity, praising the shadows, the art behind The Woman King and the moving image as a tool to destigmatize. Enjoy!!!

Film Roundtable is very excited to welcome, for the first time, Director + Writer Savanah Leaf along with one of our most favorite guests (and recent Emmy nominee for Dead Ringers!!) Cinematographer Jody Lee Lipes, ASC.In this episode we get to talk in depth about their latest partnership on the newly released film, Earth Mama. We hear about how they originally connected and what continuously inspires them to keep working together. They share their experience collaborating on this incredibly touching and unique film (a MUST see!!!). And they set a wonderful example of what a truly creative alliance is for a director and a DP.The film was shot in the Bay Area, Savanah's hometown, with mostly non-actors and the idea for this feature length film was birthed from a short documentary Savanah wrote and directed. Earth Mama premiered at Sundance earlier this year and then at MOMA's New Director's Series in NYC. It opens in theaters in LA + NY Friday, July 14th. Enjoy!!