#7 The Language of lenses

Lenses are simple, but why do they have a reputation for being complex—like something only a few experts truly get? It’s like gravity. We all live with it, but those complex equations make it feel way over our heads. Still, the basic idea is familiar—we just don’t always realize that’s enough to explore deeper.. Listen with Transcript here.

#6 Camera Placement

Don’t say “we’ll start wide, then go in.” Instead, try something like: “We’ll emphasize the character’s realization with a close-up, so we’ll hold off on close-ups at first and start with a wide.” Those are two very different ways to approach a scene. Listen with Transcript here.

#5 Narrative Perspective

Every shot in a movie has a perspective. The moment you turn on a camera, you've already chosen one, you can’t get around it. So naturally, that raises some big questions. How do we intentionally express objectivity or subjectivity? And maybe even more important—when should we use one or the other? Listen with Transcript here.

#4 The Visual Strategy

If film images are meant to communicate a deeper, subtextual message to the audience, and tools like lens choice or camera movement make up the visual language, then visual strategy is like the grammar of that language. Listen with Transcript here.

#3 From Words to Images

There’s one question that never fails to make filmmakers squirm: What’s your story? It sounds simple, but the answer isn’t always obvious. In this episode of Visium, we unpack why that question is so hard to answer—and why it might be the most important one a filmmaker can ask. Listen with Transcript here.

#2 The Visual Story

Filmmakers need more than beautiful shots; they need purposeful images that serve the story. In this episode of Visium, we explore how great films use visuals to guide audiences, not just impress them. From Irving Penn’s approach to 2001: A Space Odyssey, we break down how images create meaning in storytelling. Listen with Transcript here.

#1 Unforgettable Images

Discover how images become iconic by tapping into a universal visual language that resonates with audiences. This episode explores how filmmakers and visual artists can use that language to craft powerful, intentional storytelling. Listen with Transcript here.