The Indy Mogul Podcast

One of the first questions that you may get asked about your movie is, "What camera did you shoot on?" Is that meant to take away from your artistry and everything else that you did on a movie? To some, maybe. To others, it can be a sign of respect. Learning about the technology and applying it to storytelling is the very basis of filmmaking. With new gear having so much of an impact today on the medium, how can you tell if you're focusing on the right thing?

In this episode, Illya Friedman, founder of Hot Rod Cameras, sits down with us to talk about cameras and when it is and isn't important to a film.

Sometimes, we mischaracterize horror as a genre with its entirely own set of rules to follow. The truth is, horror can come from anywhere, in any form. Michael Fimognari, the cinematographer to many successful horror films such as Doctor Sleep and Oculus, tells us that the horror in his latest project The Haunting of Hill House comes from our innate wishes and desires, and that he dives deep into the human psyche before adding the spirits and visions.

In this episode, we talk about Michael's journey as as filmmaker, how to collaborate effectively, and the behind-the-scenes stories of his most recent films.

Joseph Kahn, legendary music video director for artists such as Britney Spears and Taylor Swift, has led an incredible life. From dropping out of film school to working on gangster rap videos, he scrapped together everything he could to be where he is now, and the journey has been nothing if not unforgettable. CAUTION: Wild stories ahead.

In this episode, we talk about Joseph's filmmaking process and his views on the music video scene.

A cinematographer, like a painter or musician, is an artist, and every artist has their own personal tastes. It's easy to fall into the artistic trends of the decade, but what's more important is what the artist brings from within, according to Natasha Braier, ASC. For the acclaimed cinematographer of indie classics such as Neon Demon and Gloria Bell, it's all about being able to experiment with fantastical colors and techniques on a film to leave an imprint, encouraging others to be more free within the medium.

In this episode, we talk about the difference between indie and Hollywood films, colored lighting, and what it means to be a cinematographer.

If you thought moving your entire life to Los Angeles to pursue filmmaking as a career was scary, you're absolutely right. It can be grueling to make it as a director or cinematographer on your own, which is why it's important to connect with the filmmakers around you. Jakob Owens, a director/cinematographer who founded the YouTube channel TheBuffNerds, was in this exact position too, and he tells us all about how he was able to make films and find collaborators, both successfully and unsuccessfully at times.

In this episode, we talk about Jakob's journey to Los Angeles, creating a social media following as as filmmaker, and establishing his company PrismLensFX.