One Battle After Another with Cinematographer Michael Bauman
From Cinemapodgrapher by Lucas Tomoana SOC, Hannah Ariotti & Josh Calder
February 18, 2026 · 1h 24m · Episode 153
About this episode
Oscar nominated cinematographer Michael Bauman discusses his journey and creative evolution in filmmaking.
Oscar nominated cinematographer Michael Bauman has lived almost every corner of the lighting department, from best boy to gaffer to director of photography, shaping some of the most iconic imagery in modern cinema. At the centre of this conversation is One Battle After Another, the film that marks a defining chapter in his journey behind the camera and a turning point in his creative evolution. Michael reflects on decades of collaboration with filmmakers like Paul Thomas Anderson, Janusz Kaminski and Robert Elswit, unpacking how trust and visual language develop over time. He shares the path from lighting cameraman to cinematographer, and how years spent shaping light ultimately prepared him to step into the role on One Battle After Another. The episode dives deep into craft, from the intensity of large scale productions such as Munich and Iron Man to the raw, seventies inspired aesthetic that influenced his recent work. Michael breaks down lighting philosophy, problem solving at the highest level and why storytelling always drives the technical choices behind the lens. Hosted and edited by Josh Calder. Produced by Deb Van Dieren. Powered by Sony technology.
People in this episode
Host: Josh Calder
Guest: Michael Bauman
Topics covered
- cinematography
- film production
- lighting techniques
- creative evolution
- storytelling
Keywords
- cinematographer
- lighting department
- visual language
- film collaboration
- technical choices
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Sony
Books & works: One Battle After Another, Munich, Iron Man
More episodes of Cinemapodgrapher
- Mortal Kombat 2 with Cinematographer Stephen Windon ACS ASC · May 31, 2026 · 1h 4m
- One Battle After Another with Key Grip Tana Dubbe · May 10, 2026 · 38 min
- The Pitt with Cinematographer Johanna Coehlo · March 13, 2026 · 59 min
- The Chair Company with Cinematographer Ashley Connor · March 1, 2026 · 37 min
- Frankenstein with Production Designer Tamara Deverell · February 1, 2026 · 52 min
- Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 2 with Cinematographer Jules O'Loughlin ASC ACS · January 25, 2026 · 1h 35m
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Cinemapodgrapher podcast page.