David KrutaJuly 17, 2025Cinematography Salon Podcast, Peter Pascucci, Oren Soffer, David Kruta, Cinematography Salon History, Community Building, Future Aspirations, Physical Space for Cinematographers, Nonprofit Organization, Education and Career Support, Diverse Skills and Hobbies, Interdisciplinary Connections, AI in Cinematography, Film Industry Experiences, Value of Community, Importance of Education, Current Landscape of Cinematography, Maria Ruschi, Shiva Baby, visual style, collaboration, low budget filmmaking, single-location film, lighting, Alexa Plus, Kawa anamorphic lenses, lens choice, teaching cinematography, film industry, television industry, film festivals, film production, pandemic impact, equipment ownership, film financing, inspiration, successful projects, creative challenges, Olan Collardy, Cinematography, UK Cinematography, DIY Cinematography, Lighting Effects, Mentorship in Film Industry, Cinematic Vision, Solomon Lithium, Kia Commercial, Film Industry, Creative 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visual narrative, artistic vision, cinematographic innovation, screen aesthetics, color grading, set design., Andrew Thomas Huang, YouTube filmmaking, USC film, identity in art, personal storytelling, film industry evolution, representation in media, artistic vulnerability, creative integrity, collaborative filmmaking, contemporary cinema, cultural influence, Björk collaboration, innovative directing, cinematic trends, artistic evolution, lens manufacturing, Dan Kanes, Atlas Lens Co., anamorphic lenses, filmmaking innovation, entrepreneurial journey, lighting techniques, film industry insights, digital imaging, creative storytelling, lens design, cinematic technology, practical problem-solving, industry trends, visual effects, set experience, collaboration in film, cinematographer tools, artistic vision in filmmaking, ChatGPT cinematography, Emmy Award, The Marvelous Miss Maisel, film education, film vs. digital, industry insights, behind-the-scenes, lens choices, narrative depth, 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Mike Pecci: Hollywood Always Plays It Safe, So Show Them Something They Can’t Ignore

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Director Mike Pecci joins host David Kruta to dissect the chaos of post-COVID Hollywood, the false promises of AI disruption, and the suffocating gatekeeping of the studio system. Pecci lays bare the existential challenges of trying to create authentic work in an industry gripped by fear, algorithmic control, and vanishing opportunities. In a world where pitching feels like shouting into a void, Pecci finds power in simply continuing to create, and the filmmakers who will survive are the ones who know how to make something out of nothing—and do it with heart. For him, AI is not the enemy. Mediocrity is.

Mike Pecci’s Instagram | Website | Watch 12 Kilometers

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This episode is sponsored by Fujifilm, Sandisk and TCP Insurance.