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10 Podcasts for Cinematographers and Filmmakers

By Jourdan Aldredge

Published: April 20, 2020 Last Updated: April 20, 2020

In our latest roundup, we’ve collected what we consider the ten best and most inspiring podcasts for working filmmakers and videographers.

One truism of the film and video world is that it’s important to never stop learning. If you sit around for too long without keeping up, the industry will pass you by. One way to keep up — and find some inspiration — is to listen to film and video podcasts. And, man, there are a lot of great podcasts out there these days.

So, whether you’re looking to put something on to sharpen your skills or to get some inspiration from some of your favorite filmmakers (or just like having productive background noise while working on an edit), here are our top ten podcasts for cinematographers and filmmakers.

Just Shoot It

This podcast focuses on how to build your career in the film industry.

Hosted by Matt Enlow and Oren Kaplan, Just Shoot It is a mostly interview-based podcast that offers a breadth of impressive insights into a wide range of directors, writers, editors, DPs, actors, and everybody in-between.

Just Shoot It Podcast:

The Wandering DP

The Wandering DP delves into the technical aspects of the world of cinematography. Image via Apple Podcasts Preview.

One of the best in the business, Patrick O’Sullivan, a.k.a. the Wandering DP, is a treasure trove of highly technical and comprehensive knowledge into the vast world of cinematography. If you’re a working director of photography, or would like to become one, this is a great podcast to listen to for all things lighting and composition — and some nitty-gritty details on some of your favorite cameras.

The Wandering DP Podcast:

A24 Podcast

This podcast conducts interviews with some of the top names in the film industry. Image via A24.

A familiar name to many film fans and cinefiles, A24 has built its brand on producing and distributing some of the best indie film titles of the past several years. And, in their quest to remain as relevant as possible, they’ve put together a great podcast series that features fascinating interviews and conversations with some of the biggest names in the industry.

A24 Podcast:

School of Doc

While School of Doc focuses on documentary filmmaking, it’s a great resource for filmmakers of any genre. Image via PlayerFM.

As its title would suggest, David Altrogge’s School of Doc podcast focuses on the world of documentary filmmaking. And, while you might think it’s only helpful for other feature documentarians, I will say that many of the interviews and discussions are actually quite helpful for all filmmakers, videographers, and editors who work in any documentary-esque style.

School of Doc Podcast:

Filmspotting

Filmspotting dives into your favorite film classics and is a great listen for both fans and filmmakers.

Listed as the Number One podcast for “movie buffs” by The New York Times, with hosts Adam Kempenaar and Josh Larsen, Filmspotting is actually a fascinating listen not only for film fans but for filmmakers, as well. The duo dives deep into some of your favorite cinema classics, offering some very nuanced and expert opinions on the filmmaking decisions that can be both inspiring and insightful.

Filmspotting Podcast:

Happier in Hollywood

Happier in Hollywood examines the real-world challenges of the film industry.

Happier in Hollywood is a podcast hosted by veteran television writers/producers/showrunners Liz Craft and Sarah Fain, and it focuses on (among myriad other things) how to be “happier, healthier, saner, more creative, more successful, and more productive” while trying to navigate the “fundamentally insane world” of filmmaking. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for real-world solutions to the everyday challenges of the industry.

Happier in Hollywood Podcast:

No Film School

This podcast dives into the world of filmmaking, including great interviews with people in the industry. Image via Soundcloud.

Hosted by No Film School Editor in Chief George Edelman, Charles Haine, and a rotating cast of writers, filmmakers, and editors, this podcast series is essential listening for filmmakers of every skill — regardless of whether or not you went to film school. They also have great interviews featuring some of the best filmmakers at festivals like Sundance and SXSW, which I highly recommend.

No Film School Podcast:

Indie Film Hustle

Indie Film Hustle informs the audience about the latest filmmaking news. It also features stellar interviews. Image via Soundcloud.

Created by Alex Ferrari, a seasoned filmmaker with over twenty-five years of industry experience, Indie Film Hustle is dedicated to keeping its audience informed about the latest and greatest filmmaking news. It’s a fun listen that’s very encouraging in helping filmmakers out on their individual journeys with coursework, blogs, and great interviews.

Indie Film Hustle Podcast:

Script Notes

Script Notes provides great advice on the craft of filmmaking. Image via Stitcher.

If you’re not familiar with screenwriter John August, you absolutely should be. Not only has he penned major motion pictures like Big Fish, Charlie’s Angels, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, he’s also been hosting one of the premier podcasts focused on the craft of screenwriting since 2003. Script Notes has backlogs full of great advice, as well as interviews with huge names like Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Ryan Reynolds.

Script Notes Podcast:

The Big Picture

This inspirational podcast features interviews with some of the biggest filmmakers in the industry. Image via Stitcher.

And finally, we have another inspirational podcast to feature, The Big Picture is produced by the website The Ringer and hosted by Sean Fennessey, as he sits down with some of Hollywood’s biggest filmmakers to discuss industry trends. The Big Picture is great fodder for anyone looking into film criticism and how filmmakers can learn from their peers.

The Big Picture Podcast:

This post was originally published in August, 2017. We have updated it to reflect changes in the industry.

Cover image via LightField Studios.

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