Documentary First

In this episode, Christian and Chad interview award-winning cinematographer Laela Kilbourn. They discuss her work on the documentary film Girl State, which premiered at Sundance 2024. Laela shares her experiences working with directors and the importance of trust in the DP-director relationship. She also explains the role of prime lenses in cinematography and how they can create a more cinematic look. Laela shares her journey in the film industry, from starting as a film loader to becoming a cinematographer. She discusses the challenges of advancing in the industry and the need to take risks and make sacrifices to pursue your passion. In this conversation, Laela discusses the challenges of building a stable career in filmmaking and the importance of developing relationships with directors and producers. She shares her experiences with discouragement and the determination that kept her going. The impact of strikes and COVID-19 on the industry is also discussed. Laela emphasizes the changing landscape of filmma