Episodes

4 days ago
4 days ago
In this episode, we were fortunate to be connected through Blackmagic Design with Victor from TARGO, a Paris-based production company that has been pushing the boundaries of immersive storytelling from the very beginning. Their latest project, “D-Day: The Camera Soldier”, is a groundbreaking documentary created specifically for the Apple Vision Pro. It blends historical footage with interactive and immersive elements, offering a completely new way to experience this pivotal moment in history.
Nino and Victor discuss the unique technical challenges involved in producing content for the Vision Pro, and explore why the effort is worthwhile despite the complexities. They also share their vision for how immersive production could become more accessible in the near future, especially with tools like the upcoming Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive — which we also reported about.
In case you own an Apple Vision Pro you can find the Documentary here:https://apps.apple.com/at/app/d-day-the-camera-soldier/id6737838494?l=en-GB
Here you can find more infos about TARGO and their Projects:
https://www.targostories.com/dday-the-camera-soldier
Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by FUJIFILM. Check it out at 26:08
Chapters & Articles Mentioned in This Episode:
(00:00) – Introduction: Exploring Immersive Storytelling
(01:29) – Background on TARGO and Their Vision
(05:37) – Conceptualizing “D-Day: The Camera Soldier”
(08:36) – Technical Challenges in Immersive Filmmaking
(14:38) – Utilizing Apple Vision Pro Capabilities
(18:55) – Integrating Historical Footage and Interactive Elements
(21:27) – Post-Production Workflow and Tools
(27:40) – Audience Reception and Feedback
(31:52 ) – Future of Immersive Documentaries
(39:04) – Closing Thoughts and Takeaways
We hope you enjoyed this episode! You have feedback, comments, or suggestions? Write us at podcast@cined.com

Thursday May 29, 2025
Thursday May 29, 2025
Finally, the long-anticipated new Sony FX2 cinema camera has arrived at the CineD headquarters for a full stress test — and that’s exactly what we did. Johnnie has already spent some time with the camera, produced a short documentary, and shares insights on what worked for him and what didn’t. Additionally, we cover new updates on the latest version of Google’s AI video generator, Neo, along with the usual gear updates for the week. Join us to discover all the details in this "Sony FX2 podcast".
Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by FUJIFILM. Check it out at 29:04
Chapters & Articles Mentioned in This Episode:
(00:00) - Intro
(03:26) - Sony FX2 Review – An Entry-Level, Full-Frame, Cinema Line Camera. Is the Price Right?
https://www.cined.com/sony-fx2-review-an-entry-level-full-frame-cinema-line-camera-is-the-price-right/
(30:05) - Google DeepMind Veo 3 and Flow Unveiled for AI “Filmmaking”
https://www.cined.com/google-deepmind-unveils-veo-3-and-flow-for-ai-filmmaking/
(39.26) - AI Flood on Adobe Stock: Nearly Half of All Images Now AI-Generated
https://www.cined.com/ai-flood-on-adobe-stock-nearly-half-of-all-images-now-ai-generated/
(42:45) - Darren Aronofsky Partners with Google DeepMind on Generative AI Short Film Initiative
https://www.cined.com/darren-aronofsky-partners-with-google-deepmind-on-generative-ai-short-film-initiative/
(48:11) - B&H BILD Expo Returns to New York City in June, with CineD Talk – Free Registration Now Open
https://www.cined.com/bh-bild-expo-returns-to-new-york-city-in-june-with-cined-talk-free-registration-now-open/
(50:06) - Poll: What is the Most Innovative Camera Brand?
https://www.cined.com/poll-innovation-in-cameras-which-is-your-favorite-brand/
(53:19) - RØDE Wireless Micro Bluetooth iOS Update Adds Direct Pairing with iPhones
https://www.cined.com/rode-wireless-micro-bluetooth-ios-update-adds-direct-pairing-with-iphones/
(55:43) - Hollyland LARK MAX 2 Officially Launched – 32-bit Float, On-board TC & Four-TX Support
https://www.cined.com/hollyland-lark-max-2-officially-launched-32-bit-float-on-board-tc-four-tx-support/
(1:00:35) - Mandy Walker Makes History as ASC’s First Female President
https://www.cined.com/mandy-walker-makes-history-as-ascs-first-female-president/
(01:02:48) - Pro Tip: Sensor Crop Feature in CineD Lens Coverage Tool
https://www.cined.com/pro-tip-sensor-crop-feature-in-lens-coverage-tool/
We hope you enjoyed this episode! You have feedback, comments, or suggestions? Write us at podcast@cined.com

Thursday May 22, 2025
Thursday May 22, 2025
A camera that shoots half-images? Sounds unusual—but that's exactly what FUJIFILM's newly released X-Half brings to the table with its unique feature set.
Join Johnnie and Nino as they dive into what makes this mysterious new camera stand out, and as always, catch up on the latest gear updates and industry news from the week.
Tune in and enjoy the episode!
Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by FUJIFILM. Check it out at (24:38)
Chapters & Articles Mentioned in This Episode:
(00:00) - Intro
(05:00) - FUJIFILM Introduces X half Premium Compact Digital Camera
https://www.cined.com/fujifilm-x-half-camera-announced-when-analog-heritage-and-digital-capabilities-merge-together/
(16:09) - Poll: ….https://www.cined.com/poll-innovation-in-cameras-which-is-your-favorite-brand/
(17:05) - Sony Camera Sales in Early 2025 – Camera Gear and Image Sensors Support Growth Amid Wider Slowdown
https://www.cined.com/sony-camera-sales-in-early-2025-camera-gear-and-image-sensors-support-growth-amid-wider-slowdown/
(25:30) - The Rolux RL-VP4D V-Mount Plate lets you ditch proprietary batteries
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJ4C6TtCr07/
(30:29) - Rolux Grand Series Professional Gold Mount Batteries Launched
https://www.cined.com/rolux-grand-series-professional-gold-mount-batteries-launched/
(31:47)- ARRI Sells Claypaky, Refocuses on Core Filmmaking Technologies – Stage Lighting Brand Moves to EK Lights
https://www.cined.com/arri-sells-claypaky-refocuses-on-core-filmmaking-technologies-stage-lighting-brand-moves-to-ek-lights/
(34:02) - Eddie AI Extension for DaVinci Resolve Released -Virtual Editing Assistant
https://www.cined.com/eddie-ai-extension-for-davinci-resolve-released-virtual-editing-assistant/
(39:38) - Sennheiser Profile Wireless Audio Single-Channel System Released & 32-bit Float Firmware Update
https://www.cined.com/sennheiser-profile-wireless-audio-single-channel-system-released-32-bit-float-firmware-update/
(46:45) - Tilta Camera Cage for Panasonic LUMIX S1RII / S1II / S1IIE
https://www.cined.com/tilta-camera-cage-for-panasonic-lumix-s1rii-s1ii-s1iie/
(49:41) - Different Types of Tracking Shots and What Emotions They Evoke
https://www.cined.com/different-types-of-tracking-shots-and-what-emotions-they-evoke/
(50:50) - Laowa 15mm f/4.5 0.5X Macro Lens for Full-Frame Released
https://www.cined.com/laowa-15mm-f-4-5-0-5x-macro-lens-for-full-frame-released/
(53:12) - Panasonic Offers 5-Year Extended Warranty on LUMIX S Cameras and Lenses in Europe
https://www.cined.com/panasonic-offers-5-year-extended-warranty-on-lumix-s-cameras-and-lenses-in-europe/
(55:36) - Leica SL3 and SL3-S Firmware Update v3.1.1 Released – Adds New Video Formats for C4K and C6K
https://www.cined.com/leica-sl3-and-sl3-s-firmware-update-v3-1-1-released-adds-new-video-formats-for-c4k-and-c6k/
(01:01:20) - OCTOPUS RAW Studio Enhances Raw Video Workflow in Adobe Premiere
https://www.cined.com/octopus-raw-studio-enhances-raw-video-workflow-in-adobe-premiere/
(01:05:35) - Inside the Super Bowl Halftime Show – A Steadicam Operator’s Perspective with Sean Flannery
https://www.cined.com/inside-the-super-bowl-halftime-show-a-steadicam-operators-perspective-with-sean-flannery/
(01:08:16) - NANLITE Bowens Mount Projection Attachment 25°–45° Introduced
https://www.cined.com/nanlite-bowens-mount-projection-attachment-25-45-introduced/
(01:09:55) - DaVinci Resolve 20 Beta 4 Adds Keyframe and Remote Monitoring Upgrades
https://www.cined.com/davinci-resolve-20-beta-4-adds-keyframe-and-remote-monitoring-upgrades/
We hope you enjoyed this episode! You have feedback, comments, or suggestions? Write us at podcast@cined.com

Thursday May 15, 2025
Thursday May 15, 2025
DJI’s new Mavic 4 Pro brings true D-Log to all three cameras and a 360° rotating gimbal – but is it enough to replace your camera? Nino and Johnnie also dive into Panasonic’s LUMIX S1II and S1IIE, covering ProRes RAW, a stacked sensor, and CineD’s lab test results.
Brought to you by CineD.com – your source for filmmaking tech news, reviews, and education.
Tune in and get all the details!
Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by FUJIFILM. Check it out at (28:13)
Chapters & Articles Mentioned in This Episode:
(00:00) - Intro
(01:53) - DJI Mavic 4 Pro First Look Review – D-Log 10-Bit on All Cameras, 6K Video, and a Fully Rotating Gimbal
https://www.cined.com/dji-mavic-4-pro-first-look-review-d-log-10-bit-on-all-cameras-6k-video-and-a-fully-rotating-gimbal/
(29:13) - Panasonic LUMIX S1II Camera Released – Partially Stacked Sensor, 5.9K 60fps, Open Gate, Internal ProRes RAW, and More
https://www.cined.com/panasonic-lumix-s1ii-camera-released-partially-stacked-sensor-5-9k-60fps-open-gate-internal-prores-raw-and-more/
Panasonic LUMIX S1II Review - First Impression and a Mini-Documentary
https://www.cined.com/panasonic-lumix-s1ii-review-first-impression-and-a-mini-documentary/
(47:26) - Panasonic Future Firmware Updates for the LUMIX S1II, S1IIE and S1RII Annou nced
https://www.cined.com/panasonic-future-firmware-updates-for-the-lumix-s1ii-s1iie-and-s1rii-announced/
(48:47) - Panasonic LUMIX S1IIE Camera Announced – the “Essential” Version of the S1II
https://www.cined.com/panasonic-lumix-s1iie-camera-announced-the-essential-version-of-the-s1ii/
(52:09) - Panasonic LUMIX S 24-60mm f/2.8 Standard Zoom Lens for L-Mount Released – Compact and Lightweight
https://www.cined.com/panasonic-lumix-s-24-60mm-f-2-8-standard-zoom-lens-for-l-mount-released-compact-and-lightweight/
(56:31) - Panasonic LUMIX S1II Lab Test – Rolling Shutter, Dynamic Range, and Exposure Latitude
https://www.cined.com/panasonic-lumix-s1ii-lab-test-rolling-shutter-dynamic-range-and-exposure-latitude/
We hope you enjoyed this episode! You have feedback, comments, or suggestions? Write us at podcast@cined.com

Thursday May 08, 2025
Thursday May 08, 2025
In recent years, the rise of vertical video shooting has grown significantly. We recently conducted a poll asking our community how they handle this during their productions. Do people tend to crop into horizontal videos, or are they flipping the cameras to shoot dedicated vertical shots?
What needs to be considered when shooting vertical? We dive into this topic and, of course, bring you the usual gear updates in this week’s episode. Tune in and get all the insights from this week’s discussion!
Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by FUJIFILM. Check it out at (20:58)
Chapters & Articles Mentioned in This Episode:
(00:00) - Intro
(03:50) - Poll: Are You Filming Vertically?
https://www.cined.com/poll-are-you-filming-vertically/
(13:34) - Aspect Ratio Control for Everyone!
https://www.cined.com/aspect-ratio-for-everyone/
(21:58) - Trump Proposes 100% Tariff on Films Produced Outside the U.S., Industry Wonders What That Actually Means
https://www.cined.com/trump-proposes-100-tariff-on-films-produced-outside-the-u-s-industry-wonders-what-that-actually-means/
(31:21) - ZEISS Virtual Lens Tech for Compositing Previewed – Real Lens Behavior for Digital Content
https://www.cined.com/zeiss-virtual-lens-tech-for-compositing-previewed-real-lens-behavior-for-digital-content/
(38:10) - TTArtisan 35mm T2.1 Cine Lens Introduced with Dual Bokeh – Bubble and Soft
https://www.cined.com/ttartisan-35mm-t2-1-cine-lens-introduced-with-dual-bokeh-bubble-and-soft/
(42:02) - Get Me Started with Adobe Premiere Pro
https://www.mzed.com/courses/get-me-started-premiere-pro
(43:55) - Canon RF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 Announced – Budget Telephoto Zoom for the RF System
https://www.cined.com/canon-rf-75-300mm-f-4-5-6-announced-budget-telephoto-zoom-for-the-rf-system/
(45:44) - Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve 20 Beta 3 Released
https://www.cined.com/blackmagic-davinci-resolve-20-beta-3-released/
(48:26) - Blackmagic Camera 9.5.1 & 9.5.2 Firmware Updates
https://www.cined.com/blackmagic-camera-9-5-1-firmware-update-brings-improvements-to-ursa-cine-cameras/
(50:42) - CineD Best-of-Show Awards at Cine Gear 2025 – Submissions Open Now
https://www.cined.com/cined-best-of-show-awards-at-cine-gear-2025-submissions-open-now/
(58:24) -B&H BILD Expo Returns to New York City in June, with CineD Talk – Free Registration Now Open
https://www.bildexpo.com/?ref=AFFCineD&BI=7953&KBID=8488
https://www.cined.com/bh-bild-expo-returns-to-new-york-city-in-june-with-cined-talk-free-registration-now-open/
We hope you enjoyed this episode! You have feedback, comments, or suggestions? Write us at podcast@cined.com

Thursday May 01, 2025
Thursday May 01, 2025
Join this week’s episode of Focus Check for an exclusive glimpse at an exciting new MZed course coming soon. Plus, we’ve got your regular dose of weekly updates on lights, lenses, and cameras. Tune in and stay until the end—you won’t want to miss it!
Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by FUJIFILM. Check it out at (27:14)
Chapters & Articles Mentioned in This Episode:
(00:00) - Intro
(01:40) - Poll: Filmmakers, Are You Taking Care of Yourself?
https://www.cined.com/poll-filmmakers-are-you-taking-care-of-yourself/
Last week's Focus Check: "Cooking video"
https://www.cined.com/recipes-in-focus-fuel-for-filmmakers-cined-focus-check-ep61/
(05:32) - New MZed Course coming soon
https://www.mzed.com/?tap_a=17272-420962&tap_s=2964533-bb92db
(12:11) - Yongnuo YNLUX 300RGB Review – Reliable Performance on a Budget
https://www.cined.com/yongnuo-ynlux-300rgb-review-reliable-performance-on-a-budget/
(16:57) - K&F Concept KF-V99 Pro and KF-V50 Review – Budget-Friendly V-Mount Batteries
https://www.cined.com/kf-concept-kf-v99-pro-and-kf-v50-review-budget-friendly-v-mount-batteries/
(28:11) - Sony a7S III Firmware Update Version 4.00 Released – Adds In-Camera LUTs and More
https://www.cined.com/sony-a7s-iii-firmware-update-version-4-00-released-adds-in-camera-luts-and-more/
(38:37) - Insta360 X5 Camera Released – InstaFrame Mode, Larger Sensor, User-Replaceable Lens, and More
https://www.cined.com/insta360-x5-camera-released-instaframe-mode-larger-sensor-user-replaceable-lens-and-more/
(45:46) - Sony FE 50-150mm F2 GM Unveiled – A Zoom Lens with Prime Features
https://www.cined.com/sony-fe-50-150mm-f2-gm-unveiled-a-zoom-lens-with-prime-features/
(49:19) - DZOFILM Vespid Prime Lenses – Limited-Time Offer Starting at $799
https://www.cined.com/dzofilm-vespid-prime-lenses-limited-time-offer-starting-at-799/
(51:50) - Godox KNOWLED MG6K High Power LED Light Introduced
https://www.cined.com/godox-knowled-mg6k-high-power-led-light-introduced/
(54:07)- DaVinci Resolve 20 Public Beta 2 Released – Speed Keyframe Improvements, Voiceover Recording Fixes, and More
https://www.cined.com/davinci-resolve-20-public-beta-2-released-speed-keyframe-improvements-voiceover-recording-fixes-and-more/
(58:11) - Raw Convertor App Update – Convert ProRes RAW into CinemaDNG, Proxy, iOS Version, and More
https://www.cined.com/raw-convertor-app-update-convert-prores-raw-into-cinemadng-proxy-ios-version-and-more/
We hope you enjoyed this episode! You have feedback, comments, or suggestions? Write us at podcast@cined.com

Thursday Apr 24, 2025
Thursday Apr 24, 2025
Fellow filmmakers, are you taking good care of yourselves? In a recent poll we ran, many of you said health matters, but finding the time to take that extra step is tough. So, we picked up the glove. In this week’s Focus Check episode, Johnnie invites you into his home kitchen sharing three quick and easy healthy recipes for you to enjoy.
Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by FUJIFILM. Check it out at 21:27
Chapters & Articles Mentioned in This Episode:
(00:00) - Intro
(04:28) - Majedra
(13:02) - Salad & dressing
(22:25) - Cake
(34:31) - Caramelizing the onions for the main dish
(38:38) - Majedra is finish
(39:10) - Outro
We hope you enjoyed this episode! You have feedback, comments, or suggestions? Write us at podcast@cined.com

Thursday Apr 17, 2025
Thursday Apr 17, 2025
So many new gear updates have dropped recently due to NAB Show 2025—it’s almost overwhelming to keep track! But don’t worry—sit back, relax, and check out this week’s episode of FocusCheck for all the highlights and key updates. From cameras and lenses to lighting and software, we’ve got everything covered in one easy-to-digest episode. Enjoy!
Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by FUJIFILM. Check it out at (34:36)
Chapters & Articles Mentioned in This Episode:
(00:00) - Intro
(02:07) - Blackmagic Design NAB 2025 Update – Join the Live Stream
https://www.cined.com/blackmagic-design-nab-2025-update-join-the-live-stream/
(03:29) - Blackmagic PYXIS 12K Camera Explained in Video Interview
https://www.cined.com/blackmagic-pyxis-12k-camera-explained-in-video-interview/
(07:16) - Blackmagic PYXIS 12K Camera Price Increased by 32% to $6,595 in the USA Due to Tariffs
https://www.cined.com/blackmagic-pyxis-12k-camera-price-increased-by-32-to-6595-in-the-usa-due-to-tariffs/
(10:57) - Immersive Video for Apple Vision Pro with Blackmagic Design URSA Cine Immersive & DaVinci Resolve 20 – Interview
https://www.cined.com/immersive-video-for-apple-vision-pro-with-blackmagic-design-ursa-cine-immersive-davinci-resolve-20-interview/
(15:30) - Blackmagic Design PYXIS Top and Side Handles Explained
https://www.cined.com/blackmagic-design-pyxis-top-and-side-handles-explained/
(19:27) - DaVinci Resolve 20 Released in Public Beta – with AI-Powered Features
https://www.cined.com/davinci-resolve-20-released-in-public-beta-with-ai-powered-features/
(23:49) - FUJIFILM GFX ETERNA Camera Development Update – Internal ND, Hot Swap, Audio, and More
https://www.cined.com/fujifilm-gfx-eterna-camera-development-update-internal-nd-hot-swap-audio-and-more/
(35:40) - Tilta Nucleus-M II Introduced – Features a New 4-Channel FIZ Unit, Flexible Motors, and More
https://www.cined.com/tilta-nucleus-m-ii-introduced-new-fiz-unit-flexible-motors-and-more/
(40:04) - NiSi AUREUS PRIME T1.4 Cinema Lens Series Introduced – Fast & Full-Frame
https://www.cined.com/nisi-aureus-prime-t1-4-cinema-lens-series-introduced-fast-amp-full-frame/
(44:31) - BLAZAR Mantis 1.33x Anamorphic Full-frame Lightweight Lens Series Announced
https://www.cined.com/blazar-mantis-1-33x-anamorphic-full-frame-lightweight-lens-series-announced/
(46:57) - DZOFILM X-tract Macro Zoom Probe Lens Introduced – 3 versions, 18-28mm, T8, and Full-Frame
https://www.cined.com/dzofilm-x-tract-macro-zoom-probe-lens-introduced-3-versions-18-28mm-t8-and-full-frame/
(49:25) - Laowa Probe Zoom Lenses Introduced – 15-35mm T12 / 15-24mm T8 with Interchangeable Barrel Options
https://www.cined.com/laowa-probe-zoom-lenses-introduced-15-35mm-t12-15-24mm-t8-with-interchangeable-barrel-options/
(51:36) - Hollyland LARK MAX 2 – 32-bit Float and Wireless Monitoring
https://www.cined.com/hollylands-lark-max-mk-ii/
(55:12) - Saramonic K9 Audio System Debuts with Ultra-Wide UHF Transmission
https://www.cined.com/saramonic-k9-audio-system-debuts-with-ultra-wide-uhf-transmission/
(57:56) - Sennheiser Profile Wireless Introduced – All-In-One, Clip-On Microphone System
https://www.cined.com/sennheiser-profile-wireless-introduced-all-in-one-clip-on-microphone-system/
(01:00:09) - NANLITE PavoTube II 6XR RGBWW Tubes with CRMX and 8 Pixels Explained
https://www.cined.com/nanlite-pavotube-ii-6xr-rgbww-tubes-with-crmx-and-8-pixels-explained/
(01:01:35) - GVM Reign FH400 Introduced – Flat, Lightweight COB Light
https://www.cined.com/gvm-reign-fh400-introduced-flat-lightweight-cob-light/
(01:03:17) - Aputure STORM XT52 – First Look at the Brightest LED Fixture Yet
https://www.cined.com/aputure-storm-xt52-first-look-at-the-brightest-led-fixture-yet/
(01:05:45) - amaran Pano 120c Presented – a Lightweight, Full Color, LED Light Panel with Multiple Powering Options
https://www.cined.com/amaran-pano-120c-presented-a-lightweight-full-color-led-light-panel-with-multiple-powering-options/
(01:08:35) - ASUS ProArt Monitors, a MicroLED Display, and a Display Calibrator Explained
https://www.cined.com/asus-proart-monitors-a-microled-display-and-a-display-calibrator-explained/
(01:13:06) - ATOMOSphere, A-Eye PTZ cameras, a TX-RX System, and StudioSonic Headphones Introduced
https://www.cined.com/atomos-atomosphere-a-eye-ptz-cameras-a-tx-rx-system-and-studiosonic-headphones-introduced/
(01:18:51) - Strada Agents Introduced – Be Your Own Cloud for Remote Collaboration
https://www.cined.com/strada-agents-introduced-be-your-own-cloud-for-remote-collaboration/
We hope you enjoyed this episode! You have feedback, comments, or suggestions? Write us at podcast@cined.com

Thursday Apr 10, 2025
Thursday Apr 10, 2025
Live from NAB 2025 in Las Vegas, with special guest Michael Cioni. Nino and Johnnie are recapping the show and trying to identify this year’s trends. They also discuss the different approaches of camera manufacturers and wonder if a new platform for narrative video content might be just around the corner. Stick around until the end and enjoy!
Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by FUJIFILM. Check it out at 38:19.
Also big shoutout to iodyne, who hosted us at their booth. They're all about fast storage workflows for professionals, check out their site: https://iodyne.com
Chapters & Articles Mentioned in This Episode:
(00:00) – Intro(01:02) – Is this NAB changing? Question to Michael Cioni(06:26) – How could NAB develop in the future?(10:03) – Content consumption is higher than ever – so why is the industry struggling?(15:08) – Michael’s prediction of a new category of content between streaming platforms and YouTube(20:12) – What happened to Vimeo?(23:01) – What’s the trend at this year’s NAB?(29:15) – How Chinese manufacturers are getting so good at manufacturing(34:12) – Why California is such a good spot for software developers(39:24) – What is repatriation?(43:29) – Michael explains the idea behind his latest startup and how innovation is happening(46:28) – The different approaches of camera manufacturers(49:12) – Will RED’s bottom-up approach frustrate the existing user base?(53:34) – Why are major players becoming more open and allowing others to integrate their technology (e.g., Apple ProRes on Windows)?(55:46) – How will the camera of the future look?

Thursday Apr 03, 2025
Thursday Apr 03, 2025
In this special episode of Focus Check, Nino Leitner is joined by cinematographer and educator Tal Lazar, known for his work with AFI, Columbia University, Sundance, and MZed. Together, they dive deep into what it really takes to become a visual storyteller in today’s rapidly changing film industry.
Can cinematography truly be taught? Is film school still worth the cost? Why do we obsess over gear when storytelling is the goal? And how can filmmakers bridge the intimidating gap between creativity and technology?
Tal shares insightful and often provocative thoughts on education, collaboration, and why the best cinematographers are also great communicators. He also talks about his highly rated MZed courses (The Art & Science of Lenses, Cinematography for Directors and The Language of Lighting), his new podcast VISIUM, and his upcoming book The Language of Cinematography.
🎬 Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, this episode is packed with real talk, deep insights, and a refreshing perspective on what makes great images truly work.
Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by FUJIFILM. Check it out at (25:04)
Chapters & Articles Mentioned in This Episode:
(00:00) - Intro & Roger Deakins Story
(01:32) - Cinematography and Storytelling
(02:32) - Teaching Cinematography in Film Schools
(04:51) - Collaboration in Filmmaking
(11:45) - The Importance of Networking in Film Education
(26:06) - Understanding Lenses and Their Impact on Storytelling
(31:39) - The Role of Technology in Cinematography
(42:37) - Cinematography as a Language
(44:27) - Tal's New Podcast & Bookhttps://visium.cinematicimpact.comhttps://learn.cinematicimpact.com
We hope you enjoyed this episode! You have feedback, comments, or suggestions? Write us at podcast@cined.com

CineD Focus Check Podcast
What’s new in filmmaking technology this week? News, reviews, education, insights, opinions and ideas - from the CineD newsroom. This is Focus Check. The weekly Cine Tech Podcast with Nino Leitner, AAC and Johnnie Behiri.