Yasu Tanida and Us | Cinematographer
About this episode
Cinematographer Yasu Tanida discusses the visual language of 'This Is Us' and his creative process behind its iconic look.
This week on That Was Us, we’re beyond excited to welcome cinematographer Yasu Tanida, the visionary behind the distinctive look of This Is Us. Yasu takes us behind the camera to reveal how he helped create the show's signature visual language, from its soft and nostalgic aesthetic to the intimate handheld style that made viewers feel like they were living alongside the Pearson family. In this episode, Yasu chats about: * How he developed the iconic visual style of This Is Us and why the show was designed to feel like a memory * The handheld camerawork and lens choices that helped create intimacy with the Pearson family * Working to “detune” lenses and create the soft, dreamy glow seen throughout the series * The role color palette, framing, and composition play in creating the show's nostalgic tone * Why the camera often sits outside rooms, quietly observing the characters * Collaborating with the lighting team to create beautiful images * The technical considerations of lighting different skin tones * His philosophy that actors and story always come first * Creating efficient lighting setups that allow scenes to flow naturally * Spending time in the editing room with Dan…
People in this episode
Hosts: Mandy Moore, Chris Sullivan, Sterling K. Brown
Guest: Yasu Tanida
Topics covered
- cinematography
- visual style
- This Is Us
- handheld camerawork
- lighting techniques
- storytelling
Keywords
- cinematographer
- visual language
- nostalgic aesthetic
- intimacy
- lighting
- handheld style
- color palette
- storytelling instincts
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: This Is Us, Paradise
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