Film Roundtable

En este episodio de Film Roundtable, María Fernanda Prieto conversa con Rodrigo Prieto, Guillermo del Toro y Alejandro G. Iñárritu sobre la adaptación cinematográfica de Pedro Páramo. La charla aborda los retos de traducir la obra maestra literaria de Juan Rulfo al lenguaje del cine, desde el proceso de adaptación del guion y la búsqueda de un estilo visual propio hasta las decisiones técnicas que permitieron dar vida a un universo donde conviven vivos y muertos. Rodrigo comparte cómo enfrentó sus propios “fantasmas” creativos para encontrar un lenguaje personal y cinematográfico, mientras Guillermo y Alejandro reflexionan sobre la dificultad de trasladar la poesía y la sensorialidad de Rulfo a la pantalla. También reflexionan sobre la amistad, la vulnerabilidad y la complicidad artística que sostienen sus carreras en el cine.No te pierdas esta conversación cautivadora sobre la colaboración, la visión y el delicado arte de construir un mundo en la pantalla.In our latest episode of Film Roundtable, Maria Prieto talks with Rodrigo Prieto, Guillermo del Toro, and Alejandro G. Iñárritu about the film adaptation of Pedro Páramo. The conversation explores the challenges of translating Juan Rulfo’s literary masterpiece into the language of cinema, from the adaptation process and the search for a unique visual style to the technical decisions that brought to life a universe where the living and the dead coexist. Rodrigo shares how he confronted his own creative “ghosts” to find a personal cinematic language, while Guillermo and Alejandro reflect on the difficulty of capturing Rulfo’s poetry and sensory detail on screen. They also reflect on the role of friendship, vulnerability, and artistic collaboration in sustaining their careers in cinema. Tune in for a captivating conversation on collaboration, vision, and the delicate craft of building a world on screen.

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.

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 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 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!!

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!!

Film Roundtable is very excited to welcome back to the show, Mandy Walker, ASC ACS, Natasha Braier ACS ADF, and Polly Morgan ASC, BSC.In this insightful and in-depth conversation, all 3 talented and trailblazing female cinematographers engage in a personal, collaborative, and honest discussion. Amongst the many great topics discussed, they reveal how they have learned to navigate the challenges of getting the job done maintaining respect, and creating a  positive team spirit.Breaking down aspects of their latest films, Elvis, She Said, and Woman King, they talk about their prep process, how it’s evolved, and how to deal with “How am I going to do that?!” Moments.They also talk about how the landscape has changed in the industry highlighting how production is becoming more aware that opportunities need to continue to be given to women and people of color.One of the greatest takeaways that have turned out to be extremely timely in light of Mandy Walker becoming the 1st woman in history to win the ASC award for best cinematography, is that a balance in the industry is finally starting to form thanks to the strength, courage, and persistence of these and other heroines before them.

Film Roundtable is thrilled to welcome acclaimed cinematographers Jamie D. Ramsay SASC and Larkin Seiple.In this in-depth conversation with Matthew Woolf they talk about their careers, ambitions, and sacrifices and their approach to color, tone, and camera tests on their recent respective movies, Living, and Everything Everywhere All At Once.One of the great takeaways from this rich conversation is how cinematography can help art become more compelling and hopefully leaving the audience with a more memorable emotional experience.

Film Roundtable is thrilled to be joined this week by Filmmaker Dina Amer, the writer / director / producer of the newly released debut feature, You Resemble Me and Actress May Calamawy, co-star of Hulu’s Ramy and Disney+Marvel’s Moon Knight. You Resemble Me tells the story of Hasna Ait Boulahcen, a women who was falsely accused of being Europe’s first female suicide bomber.In this candid conversation with You Resemble Me executive producer Sean Glass, Dina + May discuss telling stories that feel realistic and emotional to their experience, even if that doesn’t check the boxes of mainstream society. You Resemble Me opens at New York’s Angelika November 4th, LA’s Laemmle Noho November 11th, and expands nationwide November 18th.  Check out this conversation wherever you listen to podcasts and also available to watch on our Youtube Channel.

Film Roundtable is excited to welcome Polly Morgan ASC BSC as its guest this week, moderated by Matthew Woolf.In this episode, they discuss some of the many films and the career path that helped Polly transition from a commercial production runner in London to the only woman that has so far been invited to join both the ASC and BSC.As well as uncovering some insightful cinematography tips we also discuss the challenges Polly faced juggling motherhood with 2 young infants while filming Where the Crawdads Sing and going straight onto prep for The Woman King with only 3 days in between projects.

Film Roundtable is thrilled to be joined this week by Director Hiro Murai and Cinematographer Christian Sprenger, both of whom are double Emmy nominees in their respective categories for, “Atlanta”, and “Station Eleven.”In this candid conversation with Doug Torres, Hiro + Christian discuss how they started collaborating together and what has become their process as their work has evolved over the years. Tune in for a wonderful discussion about the essence of collaboration and developing a creative team early in your career.

In our latest Film Roundtable, we are joined by celebrated horror director, writer, and actor, Larry Fessenden, and independent film producer, Peter Phok. As the team behind the fiercely independent New York production company, Glass Eye Pix, they have fostered a creative playground for horror auteurs. This conversation, moderated brilliantly by Sean Glass, covers a range of topics: first-hand accounts of the making of several Glass Eye Pix productions, including Ti West’s feature directorial debut, “The Roost,” the minutiae of budgeting, and the importance of using local resources and favors. They also discuss how serendipitous encounters with filmmakers can lead to long-term collaboration. Larry and Glass Eye Pix are currently being honored with a retrospective at the MoMA, with screenings occurring through April 19th, both online and in person.

In our latest Film Roundtable, we welcome Academy Award Winning Producer Adele Romanski and Academy Award Nominated Producer Nicolás Celis. Led by Maria Prieto, the conversation covers a range of topics, including the support system and friendship they’ve found in one another, their early days navigating the industry, and a brief discussion of their latest projects: The Underground Railroad, which Romanski served as producer on, and Prayers for The Stolen, Mexico’s submission to compete for the Academy Award nomination for the best foreign film this year, produced by Celis.