David KrutaCinematography 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 Risks, Emotional Storytelling, Technical Expertise, Visual Language, AI in Editing, Rocks, Atlas Lenses, Podcast, Mark LaFleur, Old Fast Glass, Lens Rental, Vintage Lenses, Lens Design, Film Students, Low-Budget Filmmaking, Technical Tools, Lens Aesthetics, Lens Testing, Full-Frame Cameras, Anamorphic Lenses, Spherical Lenses, Lens Apertures, Social Media in Cinematography, Cinematic Collaboration, Cinematography Podcast, Film Equipment Rental, Work-Life Balance, Film Education, Film Workshops, Lens Development, Lens Technology, Super 35 Cameras, Cine Lens Manual, Lens Testing Technology, Camera-to-Cloud System, Frame IO System, Lomo Super Speeds, Cinematic Aesthetics, Lens Choices, Future Lens Trends., Mackenzie Lansing, Acting, Hollywood, Networking, Residuals, Streaming Platforms, LGBTQ Rights, Social Media, Indie Films, Big-Budget Movies, Collaboration, CGI, Lighting, Film Production, Authenticity, Actor Solidarity, Andrii Kotliar, Ukrainian Cinema, Filmmaking, Documentary, Fiction, Iron Butterflies, MH17 Flight, War Crimes, Russian Invasion, Kinoko Film Festival, Revolution of Dignity, Post-Soviet Ukraine, Sundance, Berlin, HBO, Netflix, Jeremy Truong, Rubber Tape, film producing, cinematography, independent film, diversity in film, creativity in filmmaking, documentary, queer-friendly shoots, filmmaking challenges, success in cinema, film collaboration, producer's role, equitable environment, HBO Max, LGBTQ rights, Asian Americans, Sci-Fi thriller, sustainable model for filmmakers., Marysia Makowska, Commercial Directing, Cinematography Trends, Digital Filmmaking, TikTok, Art Directing, AI in Film, Oren Sofer, Polish Film Industry, American Film Industry, Directing Techniques, Work-Life Balance in Filmmaking, Writing Treatments, Mood Boards, Authentic Storytelling, Industrial Design, Film Directing Transition, Global Filmmaking, Crew Dynamics, Creative Burnout, The Fugitive, Moira Davies, Union Shoots, Trust in Filmmaking, Communication on Set, Career Progression, Artistic Evolution, Pre-production Tips, Networking in Film, Community Questions, Technical Skills, Emotional Intelligence, Film Collaboration, Todd Banhazl, Hustlers, Winning Time, Panavision, Artistic Integrity, Film Budgets, Filmmaking Risks, ASC, Industry Relationships, Film Agencies, Representation, Image Shakers, Aerochrome Film, Visual Effects, Adam McKay, Creative Inspiration, Industry Challenges, Andrew Roberts, VFX, ILM, CAD Drafting, Autodesk, Motion Capture, Star Wars, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Virtual Production, Mentorship, SIGGRAPH, Technology in Filmmaking, Art and Science, Realistic VFX, Virtual Environments, Game Development, Mandy Walker, Lighting Techniques, 360-Degree Lighting, Exposure, Film vs Digital, Pre-Production Planning, Baz Luhrmann, Elvis, Mulan, AFC Award, Indie vs Blockbuster, Collaborative Filmmaking, Dynamic Contrast Ratios, Gareth Edwards, Thailand Filming, Instinctual Filmmaking, World Building, Ava Benjamin Shorr, Sci-Fi Films, Organic Filmmaking, Movie Challenges, Film Directing, Movie Set Design, Film Innovation, Concept Art, Film Storyboarding, Director's Role., set design, Griffin Stoddard, fashion photography, creative process, production design, visual storytelling, artistic collaboration, world-building, childhood inspiration, emotional design, technical lighting, team dynamics, artistic communication, industry evolution, creative burnout, visionary art, fashion editorials, aesthetic expression, transformative art., Christopher Blauvelt, Hollywood upbringing, film industry legacy, camera as a tool, digital filmmaking, film versus digital, artistic experimentation, Harris Savides, independent films, cinematic techniques, film stocks, photographic discipline, Gus Van Sant, Todd Haynes, narrative exploration, technological advancements, artistic naivety, camera work, filmmaking, director of photography, film artistry, lighting design, camera technology, narrative storytelling, behind the scenes, movie making, 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, pre-production planning, costume design, film history, Jay Holben, lens technology, HDR, depth of field, continuous learning, optical science, innovation in film, Shot Craft, ASC Manual, ASC Lens Manual, emotional resilience, high frame rates, 3D printed optics, meta lenses, high dynamic range, educational resources, audience expectations, technology in film, creative expression, Greig Fraser, film lighting, Dune, The Batman, film direction, camera techniques, narrative cinema, director collaboration, cinematic innovation, storytelling through, Frederick Elmes, film technology, cinematic art, New York Times style, film retrospectives, technical expertise, filmmaking process, movie production, iconic filmmakers, visual aesthetics, career retrospectives, Ava Berkofsky, fine arts, HBO Insecure, non-binary filmmakers, emotional storytelling, documentary filmmaking, visual arts, creative processes, women in film, cinematographer insights, directing and cinematography, film school, crew diversity, representation in film, Kira Kelly, camera operation, mentorship, New York film scene, Emmy Awards, creative collaboration, set dynamics, film industry challenges, inclusion in film, ASC members, professional development, technical skills in film, empowerment in film, Jomo Fray, cinematic philosophy, director's vision, emotional resonance, bespoke imagery, film narrative, cinematographer responsibilities, visual language, emotional depth in film, filmmaking techniques, innovative cinematography, art of cinematography, crafting visual narratives, Sam Levy, Lady Bird, Wendy and Lucy, Greta Gerwig, Kelly Reichardt, Noah Baumbach, cinematographer interview, blocking, performance, natural light, Gordon Willis, Robbie Müller, union reform, IATSE, Local 600, labor politics, camera department, delegate elections, contract negotiations, member engagement, cinematographers, working conditions, union leadership, collective bargaining, grassroots campaign, filmmaking labor, film unions, Zach Kuperstein, previs, unreal engine, cine tracer, matt workman, cam op simulator, virtual production, filmmaking tools, LED volume, AI in film, cinematography education, DP tools, shot planning, metahumans, 3D visualization, camera simulation, filmmaking software, Apple Vision Pro, technical cinematography, modern DP workflow, artificial intelligence, generative AI, RED cameras, LED volumes, indie film, storytelling, tech disruption, DP, AI ethics, media industry, creative tools, job displacement, AI in cinema, Hollywood collapse, feature film struggle, creative community, distribution crisis, film funding, perseverance, directing, niche storytelling, post-covid filmmaking, storytelling craft, building audience, rejection in Hollywood, practical effects, burnout and creativity, creative resilience, Nicholas Lam, cinematography salon, advertising, music videos, Hong Kong, Hawaii, Los Angeles, diversity, representation, resilience, global campaigns, polished grittiness, aspect ratios, casting, Los Angeles fires
Nicholas Lam: How Losing Everything Teaches Us What Really Matters
David KrutaCinematography 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 Risks, Emotional Storytelling, Technical Expertise, Visual Language, AI in Editing, Rocks, Atlas Lenses, Podcast, Mark LaFleur, Old Fast Glass, Lens Rental, Vintage Lenses, Lens Design, Film Students, Low-Budget Filmmaking, Technical Tools, Lens Aesthetics, Lens Testing, Full-Frame Cameras, Anamorphic Lenses, Spherical Lenses, Lens Apertures, Social Media in Cinematography, Cinematic Collaboration, Cinematography Podcast, Film Equipment Rental, Work-Life Balance, Film Education, Film Workshops, Lens Development, Lens Technology, Super 35 Cameras, Cine Lens Manual, Lens Testing Technology, Camera-to-Cloud System, Frame IO System, Lomo Super Speeds, Cinematic Aesthetics, Lens Choices, Future Lens Trends., Mackenzie Lansing, Acting, Hollywood, Networking, Residuals, Streaming Platforms, LGBTQ Rights, Social Media, Indie Films, Big-Budget Movies, Collaboration, CGI, Lighting, Film Production, Authenticity, Actor Solidarity, Andrii Kotliar, Ukrainian Cinema, Filmmaking, Documentary, Fiction, Iron Butterflies, MH17 Flight, War Crimes, Russian Invasion, Kinoko Film Festival, Revolution of Dignity, Post-Soviet Ukraine, Sundance, Berlin, HBO, Netflix, Jeremy Truong, Rubber Tape, film producing, cinematography, independent film, diversity in film, creativity in filmmaking, documentary, queer-friendly shoots, filmmaking challenges, success in cinema, film collaboration, producer's role, equitable environment, HBO Max, LGBTQ rights, Asian Americans, Sci-Fi thriller, sustainable model for filmmakers., Marysia Makowska, Commercial Directing, Cinematography Trends, Digital Filmmaking, TikTok, Art Directing, AI in Film, Oren Sofer, Polish Film Industry, American Film Industry, Directing Techniques, Work-Life Balance in Filmmaking, Writing Treatments, Mood Boards, Authentic Storytelling, Industrial Design, Film Directing Transition, Global Filmmaking, Crew Dynamics, Creative Burnout, The Fugitive, Moira Davies, Union Shoots, Trust in Filmmaking, Communication on Set, Career Progression, Artistic Evolution, Pre-production Tips, Networking in Film, Community Questions, Technical Skills, Emotional Intelligence, Film Collaboration, Todd Banhazl, Hustlers, Winning Time, Panavision, Artistic Integrity, Film Budgets, Filmmaking Risks, ASC, Industry Relationships, Film Agencies, Representation, Image Shakers, Aerochrome Film, Visual Effects, Adam McKay, Creative Inspiration, Industry Challenges, Andrew Roberts, VFX, ILM, CAD Drafting, Autodesk, Motion Capture, Star Wars, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Virtual Production, Mentorship, SIGGRAPH, Technology in Filmmaking, Art and Science, Realistic VFX, Virtual Environments, Game Development, Mandy Walker, Lighting Techniques, 360-Degree Lighting, Exposure, Film vs Digital, Pre-Production Planning, Baz Luhrmann, Elvis, Mulan, AFC Award, Indie vs Blockbuster, Collaborative Filmmaking, Dynamic Contrast Ratios, Gareth Edwards, Thailand Filming, Instinctual Filmmaking, World Building, Ava Benjamin Shorr, Sci-Fi Films, Organic Filmmaking, Movie Challenges, Film Directing, Movie Set Design, Film Innovation, Concept Art, Film Storyboarding, Director's Role., set design, Griffin Stoddard, fashion photography, creative process, production design, visual storytelling, artistic collaboration, world-building, childhood inspiration, emotional design, technical lighting, team dynamics, artistic communication, industry evolution, creative burnout, visionary art, fashion editorials, aesthetic expression, transformative art., Christopher Blauvelt, Hollywood upbringing, film industry legacy, camera as a tool, digital filmmaking, film versus digital, artistic experimentation, Harris Savides, independent films, cinematic techniques, film stocks, photographic discipline, Gus Van Sant, Todd Haynes, narrative exploration, technological advancements, artistic naivety, camera work, filmmaking, director of photography, film artistry, lighting design, camera technology, narrative storytelling, behind the scenes, movie making, 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, pre-production planning, costume design, film history, Jay Holben, lens technology, HDR, depth of field, continuous learning, optical science, innovation in film, Shot Craft, ASC Manual, ASC Lens Manual, emotional resilience, high frame rates, 3D printed optics, meta lenses, high dynamic range, educational resources, audience expectations, technology in film, creative expression, Greig Fraser, film lighting, Dune, The Batman, film direction, camera techniques, narrative cinema, director collaboration, cinematic innovation, storytelling through, Frederick Elmes, film technology, cinematic art, New York Times style, film retrospectives, technical expertise, filmmaking process, movie production, iconic filmmakers, visual aesthetics, career retrospectives, Ava Berkofsky, fine arts, HBO Insecure, non-binary filmmakers, emotional storytelling, documentary filmmaking, visual arts, creative processes, women in film, cinematographer insights, directing and cinematography, film school, crew diversity, representation in film, Kira Kelly, camera operation, mentorship, New York film scene, Emmy Awards, creative collaboration, set dynamics, film industry challenges, inclusion in film, ASC members, professional development, technical skills in film, empowerment in film, Jomo Fray, cinematic philosophy, director's vision, emotional resonance, bespoke imagery, film narrative, cinematographer responsibilities, visual language, emotional depth in film, filmmaking techniques, innovative cinematography, art of cinematography, crafting visual narratives, Sam Levy, Lady Bird, Wendy and Lucy, Greta Gerwig, Kelly Reichardt, Noah Baumbach, cinematographer interview, blocking, performance, natural light, Gordon Willis, Robbie Müller, union reform, IATSE, Local 600, labor politics, camera department, delegate elections, contract negotiations, member engagement, cinematographers, working conditions, union leadership, collective bargaining, grassroots campaign, filmmaking labor, film unions, Zach Kuperstein, previs, unreal engine, cine tracer, matt workman, cam op simulator, virtual production, filmmaking tools, LED volume, AI in film, cinematography education, DP tools, shot planning, metahumans, 3D visualization, camera simulation, filmmaking software, Apple Vision Pro, technical cinematography, modern DP workflow, artificial intelligence, generative AI, RED cameras, LED volumes, indie film, storytelling, tech disruption, DP, AI ethics, media industry, creative tools, job displacement, AI in cinema, Hollywood collapse, feature film struggle, creative community, distribution crisis, film funding, perseverance, directing, niche storytelling, post-covid filmmaking, storytelling craft, building audience, rejection in Hollywood, practical effects, burnout and creativity, creative resilience, Nicholas Lam, cinematography salon, advertising, music videos, Hong Kong, Hawaii, Los Angeles, diversity, representation, resilience, global campaigns, polished grittiness, aspect ratios, casting, Los Angeles fires
Against the backdrop of industry upheaval and the rise of AI, Nicholas Lam joins hosts Ava Benjamin Shorr and David Kruta to explore what it means to future-proof creativity. Lam critiques performative diversity initiatives, warns against chasing trends, and makes a case for human, low-fi storytelling as the antidote to algorithmic content. Taking a personal turn, Lam recounts losing his home in the Los Angeles fires of January 2025, and shares how the filmmaking community rallied to support him, reshaping his priorities and reinforcing the importance of showing up for others. That experience reframes his view of work, stripping away the false urgency of the industry and grounding him in relationships over accolades.
Nicholas Lam’s Instagram | Website
Ava Benjamin Shorr’s Instagram | Website
David Kruta’s Instagram | Website
This episode is sponsored by Fujifilm, Sandisk and TCP Insurance.
David Kruta
