The Holistic DP Podcast

WE ARE BACK! After two and a half years we are finally back 'on the air'. In part 1 of this 2-part conversation, host and Cinematographer Carter Hewlett takes a DOP deep dive with Manchester-based Director of Photography Mike Staniforth. Mike shares his journey from one-man-band to Director of Photography and how a well-curated Instagram account and a mutual love Joy Division created a huge career opportunity for him. For show notes and more episodes head over to HOLISTIC DP.com Connect with Carter on Instagram

London based camera assistant Christopher J Orr tells us about finding a way into the film industry in the north of England. He shares his experience working as a runner and his hunger to get into the camera department at all costs. The guys discuss the relationship between the cinematographer and different camera assistants and how vastly they vary from job to job. For show notes and more episodes head over to HOLISTIC DP.com Connect with Carter on Instagram Connect with Chris on Instagram For show notes and more episodes head over to HOLISTIC DP.com Connect with Carter on Instagram

Bring you a very quick update on the state of the Better Cinematographer Podcast and what to expect in the next episode. What do you think of the news? Voice your opinion here For more episodes and show notes head over to The Better Cinematographer Podcast For show notes and more episodes head over to HOLISTIC DP.com Connect with Carter on Instagram

Reach Carter on INSTAGRAM Dumas Haddad is a director based in London, UK. He works on music videos, commercials, and narrative. We talk about his time as a content producer for Sony and how he used that time as well as his own spec projects to develop and refine his taste as a director. He also talks about what he looks for in a Director of Photography and how much influence they have on the final look of his work. Dumas briefly take us through one of his favourite projects. A short called The Gift. Which is well worth checking out. CLICK HERE to watch The Gift For show notes and more episodes head over to HOLISTIC DP.com Connect with Carter on Instagram

This episode was recorded as a YouTube Live back in May during peak lockdown. Stephan takes a deep dive into his career looking back at humble beginnings as a one-man band in Leicester, UK. With a heavy portfolio of shooting music festivals, Stephan talks about making conscious decisions to steer his career in a particular direction. For more episodes and show notes head over to The Better Cinematographer Podcast Reach Carter on Instagram Send questions to carter@bettercinematographerpodcast.com For show notes and more episodes head over to HOLISTIC DP.com Connect with Carter on Instagram

At the beginning of the Covid-19 Lockdown we hosted a live episode of the podcast on Zoom. Carter Hewlett sits down (virtually) with award-winning cinematographer Rick Joaquim. The guys talk about Rick's journey from being in a band and shooting music videos for other bands, to become a member of SASC (South African Society of Cinematographers). Rick talks about reasons for becoming a Direct of Photography and how things have changed as his career has progressed. If you'd like to watch this episode head over on youtube CHECK THIS LINK There's also a live Q&A after the conversation where the live listeners got to jump in a put their questions to both Rick and Carter. This is the first Live episode of the podcast as well as the first to have a video. There's definitely more to come! For more episode and to check out the show notes head over to thebettercinematographerpodcast.com For show notes and more episodes head over to HOLISTIC DP.com Connect with Carter on Instagram

Carter answers question listeners sent in via Instagram. A few of the questions answered are: How important are test shoots? and how much budget should we be setting aside for them? How can you push production to confirm pencils? Do you own kit or do you rent on a project by project basis? Best and worst equipment purchases? How do you go about selecting your crew? Do you have favourite lights to work with? And do you have a base lighting list that you often build from as a starting point? How to "get in" as a freelancer? Do you have a standard day rate or does it vary? What is your workflow/ technique for eye lights? How do you prep for a project you've never shot before. Like a car commercial for example? Head over to www.thebettercinematographerpodcast.com for full show notes and more episodes. For show notes and more episodes head over to HOLISTIC DP.com Connect with Carter on Instagram

Manchester based Director, Jarred McKnight talks about his ambition of becoming a professional golfer and how that lead him to become a director. He discusses the challenges he faced moving from directing "give away" viral content to directing commercials. The guys talk about the nuances of creating work you can be proud of while at the same time ensuring the client is happy and ensuring you're meeting the brief. Jarred's working can be viewed at www.JarredMcKnight.com For more episode and to check out the full show notes head over to www.thebettercinematographerpodcast.com For show notes and more episodes head over to HOLISTIC DP.com Connect with Carter on Instagram

In the second half of Ian's interview, he talks about moving in with a group of filmmakers fresh out of film school and the dynamic of living with a group of hungry creatives half his age. The guys go on to discuss the hype and buzz that can build around a particular artist and whether or not it's good to be the "hot right now" DOP. If you get hot you can get cold. Is it better to just be consistently warm? Ian sheds light on his 20 year relationship with his agent, Vision. He shares his experience finding an agent and how that process may be different in 2020. As previously mentioned in part one of the interview Ian has been building an online hub to share his knowledge and experience as a cinematographer with his Instagram based lighting breakdowns called Set Notes. He's also been holding seminars, talks and lighting workshops. In part two of his interview, Ian explains where his passion for sharing and giving back to the community came from and where he plans to take it in the future. For show notes and more episodes head over to HOLISTIC DP.com Connect with Carter on Instagram

In part one of this two-part episode commercials cinematographer, Ian Murray has an in-depth conversation with host Carter Hewlett. Ian talks about what initially sparked his interest in cinematography and navigating his current 25-year career. He explains his experience coming up as a Director of Photography in "golden age of commercials'. The guys talk about shooting film in a strictly analogue age and how shooting on film today is different and the effect that has on the cinematographer. Ian goes in-depth to explain his current approach to lighting and his love for the new CLRS lighting system by Lightbridge. He also touches on "Set Notes", a new bts series he's started within his Instagram channel to share his approach and insight into cinematography and more specifically lighting. To take a look at some of Ian's Set Notes head to the show notes at www.thebettercinematographerpodcast.com For show notes and more episodes head over to HOLISTIC DP.com Connect with Carter on Instagram

On episode 5 of The Better Cinematographer Podcast host, Carter Hewlett has a conversation with Producer, Alex Pescosta. Alex talks about coming to the UK from Italy to study media and learn English at the same time. He then provides insight on studying for a Masters in Producing in London. They discuss the challenges a producer faces on a job day to day to as well as the producer/cinematographer dynamic and how they can better work together. Alex discusses what he looks for when tasked with finding a cinematographer for a particular job and how he tries to match directors to DPs. For more information on this episode and to check out Alex's work head over to thebettercinematographerpodcast.com For show notes and more episodes head over to HOLISTIC DP.com Connect with Carter on Instagram

On this episode of the show Director of Photography Carter Hewlett sits down to chat with Colourist Thomas Mangham. Thomas talks about his journey from starting out as a runner and working his way up to colourist. The guys discuss the benefits of creating a look for a project early on in pre-production and how this can ultimately make the process of the final grade much faster and more efficient. Thomas discusses how the practical skills of being a colourist are only half of the job. He explains his process for managing a room and making sure everyone involved is happy and on board with the final look of a project. For more information on this episode and to check out Tom's work head over to thebettercinematographerpodcast.com For show notes and more episodes head over to HOLISTIC DP.com Connect with Carter on Instagram

London based Director of Photography sits down with friend and collaborator Vasilisa Forbes. Vasilisa talks about her journey to becoming a music video director and how studying fine art helped shape her work. They discuss the importance of an artist's showreel as well as the pros and cons that come with the choice of work you show to the world. Vasilisa shares her process for finding the right cinematographer for a particular project and why personality can sometimes be more important than the DPs body of work. Head over to thebettercinematographerpodast.com for full show notes and check out previous episodes of the show. For show notes and more episodes head over to HOLISTIC DP.com Connect with Carter on Instagram

Cinematographer Carter Hewlett is joined by gaffer Simon Battensby. They discuss how important scheduling is when working on fast-paced projects as well as the importance of the art department. Simon shares his experience working on various projects and how he likes to work with the cinematographer and his process managing the lighting department. For show notes and more episodes head over to HOLISTIC DP.com Connect with Carter on Instagram

In the first ever episode of Better Cinematographer Podcast we talk with London based actor Gamba Cole. He talks about his path into the industry and his stance on working for free. As well as his experience working on the recent Amazon Prime series Hanna and his relationship with cinematographer Kate Reid BSC. We talk about lighting for varying skin tones & types his feelings on lighting that is potential "too dark" or moody. We also discuss the ideal "vibe" and tone on-set between cast and crew and when is a relaxed set too relaxed? For show notes and more episodes head over to HOLISTIC DP.com Connect with Carter on Instagram