The Wandering DP Podcast

Cinematographer Pedro Gomez Millan AMC drops in this week for an honest, ground-level chat about what it takes to steer the look of a project when you’re the only DP on the call sheet. We dig into how the conversation with a director evolves from loose references in prep to split-second decisions once the sun starts sliding, and why trusting your first read of a location often beats any lighting diagram you pencilled the night before. Pedro explains the mental juggling act of protecting continuity across an entire series while still letting each scene breathe, and how new tech fits—or doesn’t—into that equation. We also talk about the real life that runs parallel to the images: late-night phone calls with family, learning to pivot when schedules implode, and the quiet relief that comes from a crew that actually speaks the same visual language.  Enjoy! NEW COURSE LIVE: CINEMATOGRAPHY - THE VEHICLE SERIES [https://wanderingdp.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/vehicle_course_web.jpg]http://wanderingdp.teachable.com/p/cinematography-the-vehicle-series-blocking-framing-exectuion The final course in the B.O.D.V.O. series is now live: The Vehicle Series – Blocking, Framing, & Execution. [https://wanderingdp.teachable.com/p/cinematography-the-vehicle-series-blocking-framing-exectuion] This installment focuses entirely on the unique challenges of shooting inside cars, trains, planes and anything else that moves. It breaks down the key decisions DPs need to make—long before stepping on set—so you're ready to adapt and execute with confidence. The course is open for one week only, and you can use the link below to check it out and enroll. Here’s why it matters—no matter where you are in your cinematography journey: - Learn to pre-visualize vehicle coverage so you’re not guessing on the day—you're executing a plan. - Understand the gear, framing, and lighting implications of every coverage path, so you can prep smarter and move faster. - Get your reps in advance so you’re not learning under pressure, but showing up ready to deliver. If you want to learn more about the course check it out here: Cinematography: The Vehicle Series - Blocking, Framing, & Execution [https://wanderingdp.teachable.com/p/cinematography-the-vehicle-series-blocking-framing-exectuion] FEATURED GUEST - CINEMATOGRAPHER PEDRO GOMEZ MILLAN AMC Website: Pedro Gomez Millan AMC [https://www.pedrogomezmillan.com/] Instagram: @pedrogmillan [https://www.instagram.com/pedrogmillan] The post The Wandering DP Podcast: Episode #484: Cinematographer Pedro Gomez Millan AMC [http://wanderingdp.com/podcast/the-wandering-dp-podcast-episode-484-cinematographer-pedro-gomez-millan-amc/] appeared first on Cinematography Podcast & Tutorials [http://wanderingdp.com].

In this episode, I’m joined by cinematographer Matheus Bastos to talk about his work on the indie feature 'Gazer' and his broader journey in narrative filmmaking. We get into what it really takes to shoot a film over an extended period on a micro-budget—both the challenges and the unexpected advantages. Matheus shares how community, networking, and festivals have played a key role in getting his work seen and opening new doors. We also dig into the creative side: why he chose to shoot on film, how that influenced the look and feel of the project, and the lighting decisions that helped support the story. There’s a lot in here about collaboration, adaptability, and the emotional ups and downs of committing to a long-term creative process. If you’re interested in the realities of independent filmmaking—from prep to festival circuit—this one’s for you. Enjoy! NEW COURSE LIVE: CINEMATOGRAPHY - THE VEHICLE SERIES [//wanderingdp.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/vehicle_course_web.jpg]http://wanderingdp.teachable.com/p/cinematography-the-vehicle-series-blocking-framing-exectuion The final course in the B.O.D.V.O. series is now live: The Vehicle Series – Blocking, Framing, & Execution. This installment focuses entirely on the unique challenges of shooting inside cars, trains, planes and anything else that moves. It breaks down the key decisions DPs need to make—long before stepping on set—so you're ready to adapt and execute with confidence. The course is open for one week only, and you can use the link below to check it out and enroll. Here’s why it matters—no matter where you are in your cinematography journey: - Learn to pre-visualize vehicle coverage so you’re not guessing on the day—you're executing a plan. - Understand the gear, framing, and lighting implications of every coverage path, so you can prep smarter and move faster. - Get your reps in advance so you’re not learning under pressure, but showing up ready to deliver. If you want to learn more about the course check it out here: Cinematography: The Vehicle Series - Blocking, Framing, & Execution FEATURED GUEST - CINEMATOGRAPHER MATHEUS BASTOS Website: Matheus Bastos [https://www.matheusbastos.com/] Instagram: @matheusbastos_dp [https://www.instagram.com/matheusbastos_dp/] The post The Wandering DP Podcast: Episode #483 – Cinematographer Matheus Bastos [http://wanderingdp.com/podcast/the-wandering-dp-podcast-episode-483-cinematographer-matheus-bastos/] appeared first on Cinematography Podcast & Tutorials [http://wanderingdp.com].

I originally was going to call this episode "Guesswork" but at the end of recording I think I came up with a better title. The last few years in the background I have been formalizing a system that has become paramount to my own working as a cinematographer and I've finally managed to complete it this week. The BODVO system for Blocking is officially done and next week I am launching the last course outlining the V, which stands for vehicle, scenario. To say that I am excited and proud of the work would be a gross understatement.  This system has done more for my own personal work than the framework ever could and getting it standardized and all laid out and explained has been a journey. Many thanks to everyone for listening to the show over the years, especially to the Patreon supporters who have made it possible to take extra time and try and figure this stuff out and share it.  I am very grateful for the opportunity and I can't wait to share the material and see everyone put it into action. I will send out an email if you are a subscriber letting you know when the course is actually live.  It should be some time next week for the public. Enjoy! The post The Wandering DP Podcast: Episode #482 – The Map is Complete [http://wanderingdp.com/podcast/the-wandering-dp-podcast-episode-482-the-map-is-complete/] appeared first on Cinematography Podcast & Tutorials [http://wanderingdp.com].

Australian cinematographer Toby Oliver ACS is back for his third appearance on the show to talk about his latest work on the series Apple Cider Vinegar. If you have caught any of the past episodes that Toby has featured on then you know that not many of the DPs we have had on the show work as much and across as many different styles and formats as Toby.   He always brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the show and this episode is no exception. Enjoy! PATREON BREAKDOWN - THE LIVING ROOM SET UP [//wanderingdp.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Patreon_Subject.jpg] Over on Patreon this week we are breaking down the lighting, the framing, and all of the other factors that went in to filming a recent spot in a living room between a father and son. The breakdowns have made the move over to Patreon for the past few months so if you are interested in the more technical content please head over and support the channel. The Wandering DP Podcast Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/wanderingdp] FEATURED GUEST - CINEMATOGRAPHER TOBY OLIVER ACS Website: Toby Oliver ACS [https://tobyoliver.com/] Instagram: @tobyoliverdp [https://www.instagram.com/tobyoliverdp/?hl=en] The post The Wandering DP Podcast: Episode #481 – Toby Oliver ACS [http://wanderingdp.com/podcast/the-wandering-dp-podcast-episode-481-toby-oliver-acs/] appeared first on Cinematography Podcast & Tutorials [http://wanderingdp.com].

This week on the show we chat with cinematographer Scott Siracusano about his latest work on the film Control Freak.   Scott shares his unique path to shooting his debut feature, how he and the production tackled difficult situations over the course of the project, and he talks about what actually moves the needle for cinematography over the course of a schedule. Lots of great takeaways from this conversation and hopefully we can get Scott back on the show in the future to see how his approach and the work progress. Enjoy! PATREON BREAKDOWN - BEHIND THE SCENES BREAKDOWN [//wanderingdp.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/480_web.jpg] This week over on Patreon we are breaking down a commercial I shot late last year that had a few unique challenges.  The breakdown episodes that used to live on the main podcast feed have now exclusively transferred over to the Patreon page for supporters.  The feedback has always been very positive for the breakdown episodes and the project that we are diving in to this week was the first that followed along every step of the way.  We started with an initial look at the agency storyboards, then we went on location for the tech scout and now we are reviewing the final images to see how we did. If you want access to all of the extra video content please check out the link below and help to support the show.  I couldn't do the podcast or the youtube content without the support.    The Wandering DP Podcast Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/wanderingdp] FEATURED GUEST - CINEMATOGRAPHER SCOTT SIRACUSANO Website: Scott Siracusasno [https://scottsiracusano.com/] Instagram: @scott_siracusano [https://www.instagram.com/scott_siracusano] The post The Wandering DP Podcast: Episode #480 – Cinematographer Scott Siracusano [http://wanderingdp.com/podcast/the-wandering-dp-podcast-episode-480-cinematographer-scott-siracusano/] appeared first on Cinematography Podcast & Tutorials [http://wanderingdp.com].