From Home Depot to Hollywood: How Storytelling Trumps Tech – with Tal Lazar – CineD Focus Check Ep58

April 3^rd, 2025

by Felix TappeinerApril 3^rd, 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.

Spotify

PlayerFM

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

Tal Lazar shares an anecdote about Roger Deakins shopping at Home Depot for lighting solutions, illustrating how creative cinematography doesn’t always require expensive equipment.

01:32 – Cinematography and Storytelling

The conversation explores the intertwined nature of cinematography and storytelling, emphasizing the importance of education in the field. Tal Lazar, an experienced cinematographer and educator, shares his teaching journey across various prestigious institutions, highlighting that all cinematographers inherently take on a teaching role. This discussion sets the stage for a deeper exploration of collaboration and the art of visual storytelling.

02:32 – Teaching Cinematography in Film Schools

Cinematography, along with directing, can only truly be learned through hands-on experience, rather than theory alone. While students can benefit from structured environments and collaboration on sets, many do not engage in such opportunities during their education. Ultimately, the effectiveness of film schools in preparing students for real-world cinematography depends on providing practical, set-like experiences.

Went to Home Depot to check out the new lighting solutions: Sir Roger Deakins, ASC, BSC, CBE. Image Credit: Jay L. Clendenin/Los Angeles Times

04:51 – Collaboration in Filmmaking

The essence of film education lies not only in technical skills but in fostering leadership, collaboration, and social interaction among peers. Practical experiences on set, even in small crews, serve as low-stakes environments for students to learn the dynamics of social hierarchies and collaborative decision-making. While film school is one of many pathways to becoming a successful filmmaker, the true value lies in the ability to create meaningful work and build a professional network from the very beginning.

11:45 – The Importance of Networking in Film Education

Success in filmmaking often hinges on the connections made through education, as networking provides invaluable support and collaboration opportunities. Experience in film school projects fosters reliable partnerships, facilitating future job prospects. The film industry emphasizes relationships over just technical skills or equipment, underscoring the long-term benefits of building a strong network.

26:06 – Understanding Lenses and Their Impact on Storytelling

Frustrations with traditional lens education led to the creation of a course that demystifies lenses through a storytelling lens, emphasizing foundational understanding over superficial details. By addressing fundamental questions about lens construction and functionality, the course empowers filmmakers to modify lenses for desired effects, especially in a time when unique looks are sought over perfect imagery. Additionally, it highlights the evolving collaboration between cinematographers and directors amidst advances in technology that influence visual storytelling.

MZed has three courses by Tal Lazar online. Image credit: Latent Images

31:39 – The Role of Technology in Cinematography

The evolving relationship between technology and storytelling necessitates that cinematographers communicate effectively without relying solely on technical jargon, bridging the gap with those focused on narrative. Understanding and leveraging technology should serve the story, as seen in works like ‘Adolescence,’ where specialized equipment enhances viewer immersion. Education in visual storytelling for directors and producers fosters collaboration by emphasizing the narrative, enabling artists to express and realize their visions beyond technical constraints.

42:37 – Cinematography as a Language

Tal Lazar discusses his podcast, the Visium Podcast, which explores the essence of what makes images impactful and memorable in cinematography, emphasizing a language-based approach to understanding visual storytelling. In the first episode, he highlights the importance of identifying the effective purpose behind images before delving into technical aspects, encouraging filmmakers to develop an X-ray vision for analyzing visuals. Lazar’s upcoming book aims to treat cinematography as a true language, challenging traditional perspectives and highlighting its application across various mediums.