The Kodakery

Alexandre Rockwell, filmmaker and professor at NYU Tisch School of the Arts joins us this week. He’s that one professor you had in college that was so amped about his craft that you couldn’t help but want to pick up a camera. His passion for film making is palpable, contagious even, which is why he is such a great person to teach the future filmmakers of tomorrow. We were interested in learning about what it’s like in film school these days and he shed a ton of light on the experience now. NYU uses film and the students love that they do. Alexandre tells us why he prefers to use it as a filmmaker and why the budding filmmakers got “bit by the film bug.”

Former TV host turned photographer Tabitha Soren joins us this week. Tabitha’s roots in journalism subtly direct the subject matter she shoots, elegantly capturing human experience and presenting it to us from her own unique perspective. We talked about her most recent project, Fantasy Life: a book about the American dream of baseball players as seen through the images she had captured for more than a decade. She even resurrected an old photography format, tintype. Listen in to hear why, and what she learned during her time with the players. http://www.tabithasoren.com/ Tabitha will be speaking at George Eastman Museum on August 9th. Visit eastman.org for more information.

Daniel Armbruster of the band Joywave joined us this week on the podcast. Joywave was formed in Rochester, NY- the home of Kodak, and grew up surrounded by the brand. We were able to meet up with Dan in his studio to chat about the band and their upcoming album, “Content” which will be released July 28th. His passion for music and the band shone through and we had great fun learning about their journey. https://www.joywavemusic.com/

This week we were joined by a photographer on the rise, Renell Medrano. Renell began her professional foray into still photography shortly after graduating from Parson’s School of Design in NYC a few years ago. She’s already finding her own way and has had great success documenting a wide range of subjects. Listen into hear about the beginnings of her career, some of the projects she's been working on and how she works with film! www.renellmedrano.com instagram.com/renellaice http://www.kodak.com/consumer/products/super8/Cara-Delevingne/default.htm

Matt Jensen, ASC, cinematographer for "Wonder Woman" is our guest this week. We had a particularly fun time talking with Matt about his career and the opportunity to be a part of such an iconic movie. If you were ever wondering what it’s like to shoot epic-ness on film- then this episode is for you. Matt shared some great insight about what it took to pull off this summer blockbuster. Do not miss it!

Bill Pope, ASC, is our guest this week. Bill is a cinematographer extraordinaire who has crafted some of the most exhilarating action/adventure films in history. Bill most recently worked on "Baby Driver". He shared some great stories about what it took to pull off high speed car chases, why he continues to work with Edgar Wright and what differentiates film from digital. Give it a listen!

This week we were joined by Youree Henley, producer for Sofia Coppola’s THE BEGUILED. The producer has such an important role in a film, taking part in the storytelling and helping the director see their vision come to life. Youree spoke about the importance of watching films in a theater, of Sofia’s unwavering decision to use film, and what it’s like to get feedback on a film so quickly with social media. We so enjoyed talking with Youree and getting his perspective as a producer!

Shira MacLeod is this week's guest. Shira is the Director of the Regent Street Cinema in London. This repertory cinema initially opened in 1848 and holds the honor of being considered the birthplace of British Cinema. After being closed for some time, the Regent Street Cinema is now open to the public and Shira is directing a wide range of theatrical experiences for her audience. She tells us why it re-opened and what place the cinema has in today’s world!

Our guest this week has spent time in front of the lens as an actor and professional skateboarder, but his most recent work is done from behind the camera. Intrigued by the cameras on a set, Jason Lee began his foray into all things photographic and came out the other side a talented artist. We discuss his upcoming book “A Plain View,” a collection of large format color film photographs of rural Texas. A selection of his work from "A Plain View" will be shown at an exhibit in Texas from June 2- June 18th but in the fall you'll be able to get a copy of the book yourself and be able to see how beautiful and honest Jason's work is. Special thanks to Kodak resident photography aficionado Matt Stoffel for joining us this week! https://www.artspace111.com/a-plain-view-jason-lee/

Clint Woodside joined us this week to talk about the Deadbeat Club Press, a publishing company focusing on photography zines. He discusses how he started Deadbeat Club and the intricacies of curating a zine. Clint also co-organized a really awesome project called The Fotomat, nodding to the Fotomat's of the past, where you can buy film, get your film processed, and learn trade techniques from prolific photographers. Check out this great episode with Clint! http://www.deadbeatclubpress.com/

Our guest this week is Nayib Estefan, a passionate film fan who turned his reel love into action by creating the Secret Celluloid Society. The SCS puts on unique, fun, filmic programming for the Miami Beach area. Not in Miami Beach? Well, lucky for you, the SCS has grown legs and travels. Listen in to hear how Nayib and his team are able to expose more and more people to the experience of film on film! www.secretcelluloidsociety.com

This week we are joined by Alex Ross Perry (Color Wheel, Listen Up Phillip, Queen of Earth, Impolex). Alex just completed his fifth film, Golden Exits and he was able to talk with us about what drives his decisions as a film maker. All film makers are faced with choices: What guides the narrative, solely personal creative choices? When do you consider the audience and how does that shape your writing? Who will my characters be, how will I push my self creatively? Will I shoot on film? Alex humbly and honestly discusses how he answers these questions for himself. Listen in to hear what unfolds!

This week we are re-releasing our episode on nitrate film, just in time for the George Eastman Museum's third annual Nitrate Picture Show this weekend. We chatted with Jared Case about what's new this year before releasing our episode from last year all about nitrate film! Don't miss it! New episodes of The Kodakery will start next week!

In France at the age of 13, this week’s guest, Denis Lenoir (Still Alice, Things to Come) was hooked on film, but it took him some time to realize it would be his career. We’re so glad he decided to become a cinematographer because his work is beautiful. As we spent time with Denis learning about his life, it seems obvious that he loves his job and that he believes he made the right decision as well. Listen in to hear all about Denis’ cinematic story.

Mandy Walker, ASC, ACS spent some time talking with us for this week’s episode. Mandy is a seasoned cinematographer, shooting from behind the lens on many films like Australia, Tracks, and the recently Oscar Nominated film Hidden Figures. We focus on what it took to shoot Hidden Figures and what she faces as a cinematographer daily, on any project.