Episode 32: Holistic Filmmaking with Olan Collardy

Mastering your camera, lenses, and sharpening techniques as a cinematographer is critical for capturing stunning visuals and effectively communicating your artistic vision. Understanding the complexities of your camera's settings, functionalities, and limitations enables you to fully utilize its capabilities and achieve optimal image quality. Furthermore, learning about different lenses, their characteristics, and how they interact with light allows you to make deliberate choices that improve visual storytelling. Sharpening your technical skills and honing your attention to detail enables you to navigate the complexities of focus, depth of field, and image sharpness, allowing you to create visually captivating and compelling cinematic experiences.

In this episode, I'm joined by Olan Collardy, a cinematographer whose work reflects his love of art, culture, and style. Olan discusses the importance of spending time behind the lens to sharpen your skills as a cinematographer. He discusses his path to becoming a cinematographer and what gave him the motivation and accountability to continue working in the film industry. Olan also discusses the key factors he considers when lighting a scene and the role music plays in filmmaking. Tune in to learn more about this and other exciting topics!

Timestamps

[02:27] The genesis of Olan’s filmmaking journey

[05:11] What gave Olan the encouragement and accountability to keep going in the film industry

[08:40] Olan’s journey to becoming a cinematographer

[16:01] Tips to learn your camera and lenses and sharpen your test

[22:52] The right mindset of being both a director and a cinematographer

[28:05] How Olan approaches lighting a scene

[36:00] How to light dark skin

[41:29] Approaching a specific story from a director stylistically as a cinematographer

[48:00] How Olan tackles miscommunication with the director

[56:11] The role that music has played in filmmaking

Notable quotes:

“It is not about the technology or the tools, it is about the mind and how you can create the world. The camera is just there to show you what is in front.”

“One thing that is not going to change in the film industry is you and how you can influence your mind and improve your test.”

“It’s super important to sharpen your test and your visual vocabulary and work on what is in front of your lens, and everything else will fall into place.”

Connect with Olan Collardy:

Website: https://www.olancollardy.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olancollardy/