Film Roundtable

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!!

Film Roundtable is welcoming back to the show two of our most favorite guests and all around just magical and inspiring artists; Director/Cinematographer Rachel Morrison, ASC and Cinematographer Rina Yang, BSC. In this episode we discuss Rachel + Rina's most recent collaboration on the upcoming film, Flint Strong. We talk about Morrison’s first outing as a feature director, Yang’s transition into long form and the burning question in everyone’s mind - what it is like for a DP to shoot for a DP? You have to listen to the episode to find out the details and more, but this is a great example of trust, in both artistic collaboration and believing that everything works out exactly as it should. 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 welcoming back two pioneering instigators and our dear friends who we love to have on the show; Artist Terence Nance and Producer, Artist, and founder of Populace, Tamir Muhammad. In this episode we talk about Terence + Tamir's years of partnership. Most recently, the second season of Random Acts of Flyness, now on HBO. We chat about the expansiveness of season 2 as well as the deep level of collaboration and devotion being held by all involved in the project. Tamir share's with us how he holds the and/both while working in partnership within the studio system, with a project as creatively uninhibited as this one, and at the same time keeping Terence's artistic vision whole and safe. We discuss what it means to speak our truth and what allows us to feel free in our expression. And we spend some time discussing the differences between healed and unhealed Kings and Pirates. If you know you know :) Enjoy!!

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 Elizabeth Woodward and Sean Glass, Producer and Executive Producer of the newly released (self distributed!)You Resemble Me, and Kyle Greenberg, Head of Marketing and Distribution for Utopia. You Resemble Me, the debut feature by filmmaker Dina Amer, 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 moderated by Kyle, Elizabeth and Sean discuss self distributing You Resemble Me, and how that has impacted their perception of the contemporary landscape of film and exhibition. You Resemble Me is open now (November 18) nationwide on 80 screens, after already being extended at New York’s Angelika and LA’s Laemmle Noho, and receiving the highest per screen average in its opening weekend. 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 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.

In our latest Film Roundtable, we are joined by Cinematographers Gavin Kelly and Nico Aguilar, AMC. Gavin's recent work includes the acclaimed Apple TV+ anthology series LITTLE AMERICA, and the Emmy Award winning series WU-TANG: AN AMERICAN SAGA. Nico’s work focuses on a wide range of long form projects in both television and film. He recently finished the Netflix film CHUPA, directed by Jonas Cuaron and produced by Chris Columbus. Led by Maria Prieto, this conversations dives into several themes; including their early inspirations, building trust with a director, and whether finding a true balance between work and life can exist in this industry.

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 welcoming back this week two of our dear friends and two of our most favorite guests to have on the show; Filmmaker + Cinematographer Shawn Peters and Visual Artist + Cinematographer Bradford Young. This conversation is moderated by the inimitable Maori Karmael Holmes, Founder of BlackStar Projects. In this episode these close friends talk about life and where they find their joy and inspiration. They discuss how to uplift and support the next generation of image makers. Those coming in their wake and whom are carving out their own paths of storytelling that look very different from the antiquated ways. They spend time uplifting one another in this conversation which is a beautiful example of their friendship, collaboration and the deep teachings they each receive from one another and their respective gifts. It is an exchange that leaves you understanding the importance of supporting one another in community in a creative sense and also how great it is to have just really good people in your life. Enjoy!!

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 part of the team behind the web series “Rabbit.” "Rabbit" follows an antisocial freelance criminal as he bounces around Los Angeles doing jobs that are too “embarrassing or dangerous” for Taskrabbit. However, as he makes moral compromise after moral compromise, he must ask himself if he’s really connecting with his clients, or just doing their dirty work. Maria Prieto leads a conversation between writer and star, Kyle Prue, and director, Max Michalsky. The two discuss their early collaborations in improv at the University of Michigan, the strengths they see in each other as artists, the biggest challenge in bringing the web series to life, as well as many other engaging anecdotes. You can stream all of “Rabbit” on Kyle Prue’s YouTube channel.

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.

Our latest Roundtable features the Director, Actors, and Writers of the meta psychological thriller/documentary film Ayar. Floyd Russ decided to approach the film Ayar by inviting the two lead actors, Ariana Ron Pedrique and Vilma Vega to co-write the movie with him, bringing a rich and multi-faceted perspective to the movie. The Roundtable features various topics, including the challenges of making one’s first feature film, getting it funded, and finally distributing it. Most importantly we discuss how the movie tackled the extremely difficult barrier to entry that immigrants face when trying to break into the US/English speaking Film Business, especially when faced with preconceived ideas about what a foreigner’s role should be, especially when they have a foreign accent and different primary language. Finally, we discuss the Film maker's brave decision to mix the genres of narrative storytelling with documentary, essentially laying the actors bare to movie audiences and smashing the 4th wall in an unforgettable & enriching raw fashion.

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.

In our latest Roundtable, we are pleased to welcome Production Designer Kasra Farahani and Cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw. Matthew Woolf leads a conversation discussing their experience on the Marvel Series Loki. The conversation covers a range of topics including; the pressure and expectations of making a Marvel show, how much one is able to bring stylistically to the Marvel Universe, the importance of having the right collaborators in key positions to accomplish the right look, and how a limited involvement in the post process can affect the original vision of the artist. Finally, they discuss the impact on their personal lives working in the film industry, especially in the backdrop of the recent averted strike threat by IATSE.