Focus Check

This week on CineD Focus Check, CineD's Nino Leitner sits down with cinematographer Oren Soffer, co-cinematographer on Gareth Edwards’ The Creator—the $70M sci-fi feature that sparked industry conversation for its minimal, agile approach to big-scale filmmaking. But this episode is not about camera specs. It’s an honest, wide-ranging discussion about generative AI and what it’s doing to culture, trust, and creative work. Oren shares why he believes public generative video models (like Sora) are fundamentally harmful—flooding feeds with “slop,” accelerating misinformation, and eroding shared reality. At the same time, he outlines a pragmatic middle ground: bespoke, closed-loop models trained on your own data, and specific use cases where AI could speed up workflows (without cutting artists out). We also cover: Why Hollywood struggles to adopt proven “lean production” methods—even when they work The state of theatrical cinema, what’s actually changing, and what still brings audiences back Why the AI hype cycle may be approaching a breaking point—and what “the last one standing” could look like The core belief underneath it all: humans still seek connection with other humans If you’re worried about the future of human creativity—or trying to navigate what’s real versus synthetic—this conversation is essential.   (00:00) — Why This Conversation Matters Why this episode goes beyond gear and into culture, trust, and creativity. (01:24) — Introducing Oren Soffer Cinematographer of The Creator and why this conversation exists. (03:00) — How Oren Got Into Filmmaking Early influences, film school, and learning through doing. (06:45) — The DSLR Revolution Changed Everything Affordable cameras and the democratization of cinema. (09:15) — Small Cameras, Big Movies Why size stopped mattering and flexibility won. (11:40) — Breaking Into Hollywood Oren Soffer’s path to large-scale narrative work. (13:10) — Shooting The Creator Differently Minimal crews, real locations, and a radical production mindset. (15:20) — Why Studios Won’t Take the Same Risk Institutional fear, IP pressure, and Hollywood inertia. (18:00) — Hollywood’s Structural Crisis Budgets, streaming, and fewer films being made. (21:20) — The Reality of Movie Theaters Today Why attendance and output don’t tell the same story. (24:30) — How Generative AI Entered Filmmaking Tech culture vs. film culture. (27:30) — Three Camps Reacting to AI Rejection, blind adoption, and cautious pragmatism. (31:40) — Why Public Video AI Is “Ontologically Evil” Slop, misinformation, and the collapse of trust. (36:40) — Ethical vs. Unethical AI Use Closed-loop systems and filmmaker-controlled tools. (42:40) — Why Black-and-White Thinking Fails AI isn’t yes-or-no — and never was. (46:00) — Will AI Kill Jobs or Reshape Them? Historical parallels and uncomfortable realities. (49:30) — Practical AI Use Cases in Filmmaking Storyboards, previs, and speeding up iteration. (56:20) — The McDonald’s AI Ad Backlash Why audiences instantly rejected synthetic people. (58:50) — Why Replacing Everyone Is the Wrong Goal Efficiency myths and worse results at higher cost. (01:02:00) — The Growing Backlash Against AI Content From curiosity to open hostility. (01:07:20) — Creatives Are Not in the Driver’s Seat The real problem with AI adoption. (01:12:40) — Why This Moment Still Gives Hope Community, craft, and shared values. (01:17:30) — The AI Business Model Problem Why most AI companies may not survive. (01:22:00) — The Illusion of Intelligence Why current models don’t actually “understand.” (01:27:30) — What Real Intelligence Would Require Vision, meaning, and embodiment. (01:32:30) — Why Synthetic Experiences Fall Short Cinema, concerts, and human presence. (01:38:00) — Advice to Young Filmmakers Ignore the noise. Focus on making. (01:54:55) — Final Thoughts: Creativity Won’t Disappear Why humans will always need to create and tell stories.

In this episode, we break down all the camera lab tests of 2025 and give you a clear overview of which cameras stood out — and which ones fell a bit short. Nino and Gunther go through all seven cameras we tested, sharing key insights, surprises, and takeaways from this year’s results. Hit play and join us for a deep dive into the cameras that shaped 2025. Chapters and Articles in This Episode (00:00) - Intro   (03:18) - Evolution vs Revolution in 2025 Camera Tests   (08:40) - Canon EOS C400 Lab Test – Rolling Shutter, Dynamic Range and Exposure Latitude https://www.cined.com/canon-eos-c400-lab-test-rolling-shutter-dynamic-range-and-exposure-latitude/   (13:14) - Canon EOS R5 Mark II Lab Test – Rolling Shutter, Dynamic Range and Exposure Latitude https://www.cined.com/canon-eos-r5-mark-ii-lab-test-rolling-shutter-dynamic-range-and-exposure-latitude/   (17:17) - Canon EOS R1 Lab Test – Rolling Shutter, Dynamic Range and Exposure Latitude https://www.cined.com/canon-eos-r1-lab-test-rolling-shutter-dynamic-range-and-exposure-latitude/   (20.44) - Panasonic LUMIX S1II Lab Test – Rolling Shutter, Dynamic Range, and Exposure Latitude https://www.cined.com/panasonic-lumix-s1ii-lab-test-rolling-shutter-dynamic-range-and-exposure-latitude/   (34:08) - Nikon ZR Lab Test – Rolling Shutter, Dynamic Range, and Exposure Latitude https://www.cined.com/nikon-zr-lab-test-rolling-shutter-dynamic-range-and-exposure-latitude/   (45:35) - Sony FX2 Lab Test – Rolling Shutter, Dynamic Range and Exposure Latitude https://www.cined.com/sony-fx2-lab-test-rolling-shutter-dynamic-range-and-exposure-latitude/   (53:38) - Blackmagic PYXIS 12K Lab Test – Rolling Shutter, Dynamic Range and Exposure Latitude https://www.cined.com/blackmagic-pyxis-12k-lab-test-rolling-shutter-dynamic-range-and-exposure-latitude/ We hope you enjoyed this episode! You have feedback, comments, or suggestions? Write us at [email protected] 

In this special episode of the CineD FocusCheck Podcast, host Nino welcomes back filmmaker, educator, and author Tal Lazar for a wide-ranging conversation about what cinematography really is — and what it needs to become in an age of rapidly evolving technology. Tal’s new book, Cinematography: Beyond Technique, challenges a long-standing assumption in filmmaking: that mastering cameras, lenses, and lighting is enough. Drawing on over 15 years of teaching at institutions such as AFI, Sundance, and FilmLab, Tal argues that cinematography lives in the space between intention and execution — not in technology itself. Together, Nino and Tal explore: Why great images don’t automatically make great films How directors and cinematographers often talk past each other on set What blocking rehearsals reveal about hidden gaps in film education Why lenses, lighting, and framing are storytelling tools — not technical checklists And how AI forces filmmakers to re-examine creative intention, not just workflow The conversation also tackles one of today’s most controversial topics: AI in filmmaking. Referencing recent statements by Roger Deakins and drawing parallels to the Canon 5D revolution, Tal explains why resisting new tools outright is rarely productive — but why giving up creative intention is far more dangerous. This episode is not about choosing sides between “traditional” and “modern” filmmaking. It’s about understanding the language of images deeply enough to make deliberate, meaningful choices — regardless of the tools involved. Whether you’re a director, cinematographer, producer, or educator, this episode offers a thoughtful, practical perspective on collaboration, visual storytelling, and the future of the craft. Chapters and Articles in This Episode (00:00:57) – Welcome & Introduction Nino welcomes viewers to the special episode and introduces Tal Lazar and the topic of his new book. (00:02:06) – Tal Lazar, Cinematography Beyond Technique & Teaching Background Tal’s background as a filmmaker and educator and how the book grew out of 15 years of teaching. (00:05:35) – Visual Storytelling, “The Reading,” and Cinematic Intention Using painting and visual examples to explain how audiences identify story and main characters. (00:09:02) – What Makes a Great Cinematographer Technical skill, clarity of intention, communication, and common misunderstandings on set. (00:14:13) – Directors, DPs, and Collaboration on Set Blocking rehearsals, overlapping responsibilities, and why collaboration improves films. (00:20:45) – How Directors and Cinematographers Should Communicate What productive creative conversations sound like versus ineffective ones. (00:25:31) – Lighting and Lenses as Storytelling Tools Lighting as observation and language; lenses, perspective, intimacy, and emotional distance. (00:38:19) – AI, Roger Deakins, and Creative Intention AI as a tool versus a threat, and what reactions reveal about how cinematography is understood. (00:49:45) – Lessons from the Canon 5D Era & the Future of AI Parallels between past camera revolutions and today’s AI-driven changes. (01:13:51) – Practical Advice & Key Takeaways How filmmakers should embrace technology without sacrificing intention; final thoughts and wrap-up. We hope you enjoyed this episode! You have feedback, comments, or suggestions? Write us at [email protected] 

For this week's episode on the CineD Focus Check podcast, Nino speaks with special guests Timothy and Thomas Boland from Nexus Camera about how the Nexus G1 came to life — and what it’s trying to solve for solo operators and small crews. They share their background in industrial design and filmmaking, why rigging and workflow friction pushed them toward building their own camera, and how they approached key features such as a modular electronic ND system, expanded I/O and power distribution, integrated lens-control ideas, materials and cooling design, and a service plan for repairs and warranty. Nino also asks the questions many people have been wondering about: how Nexus works with Blackmagic Design as an authorized dealer, how the economics of sourcing hardware are handled, and what changed in the timeline as the project moved toward manufacturing. Toward the end, the team reveals a notable update on lens adaptability and discusses what’s next—including future accessories and software expansion. (00:00) - Intro (01:39) - The origin story of the Nexus G1 (06:32) - Meet the founders of Nexus, Thomas and Timothy (09:51) - The relationship between Blackmagic Design and Nexus (13:09) - Technical details of the Nexus G1 (19:28) - Camera body materials and thermal design (24:44) - Connectivity options of the Nexus G1 (31:17) - Lens mount system on the Nexus G1 (32:21) - Roadmap for the camera launch (33:58) - How does the warranty process work with the Nexus G1? (39:38) - The current sensor in the Nexus G1 and potential future upgrades (48:14) - What would they do differently if they could start from scratch? (51:46) - Rapid-fire questions for the creators (59:31) - Power efficiency of the Nexus G1 (01:03:03) - Unveiling the new update for the Nexus G1   We hope you enjoyed this episode! Do you have feedback, comments, or suggestions? Write us at [email protected] 

As many of you have probably heard, two giants in Hollywood are now competing to merge with one another. Netflix is attempting to acquire Warner Bros., while Paramount has also submitted its own bid for the company. But what does this actually mean, especially for filmmakers? Nino and Johnnie break it down in detail in this episode, along with a range of other compelling topics.   Chapters and Articles in This Episode (00:00) - Intro (01:02) - Netflix Acquires Warner Bros. Discovery for $83 Billion – Streaming Giant’s Business Model Poses Existential Threat to Theatrical Exhibition https://www.cined.com/netflix-acquires-warner-bros-discovery-for-83-billion-streaming-giants-business-model-poses-existential-threat-to-theatrical-exhibition/ (24:26) - Death of the Triple-Camera Phone? Sony LYTIA 901 Sensor Does 4x Zoom Without Extra Lenses https://www.cined.com/death-of-the-triple-camera-phone-sony-lytia-901-sensor-does-4x-zoom-without-extra-lenses/ (36:20) - Mavis Camera Introduces Film Kit – LUT Workflows, Open Gate Capture, and Apple Log 2 Support https://www.cined.com/mavis-camera-introduces-film-kit-lut-workflows-open-gate-capture-and-apple-log-2-support/ (39:40) - DIGILOG Camera iPhone App Brings Kodak 500T Film-Inspired Look, Open-Gate ProRes Recording, Free Download https://www.cined.com/digilog-camera-iphone-app-brings-kodak-500t-film-inspired-look-open-gate-prores-recording-free-download/ (42:27) - Tilta Nucleus Auto Focus Adapter Explained – Unlock the Full Potential of Every Manual Lens https://www.cined.com/tilta-nucleus-auto-focus-adapter-explained-unlock-the-full-potential-of-every-manual-lens/ (51:02) - Middle Control 3 Pro Brings Sony Camera Control to Blackmagic ATEM Switchers https://www.cined.com/middle-control-3-pro-brings-sony-camera-control-to-blackmagic-atem-switchers/ (56:45) - The Story Behind the Ken Burns Effect: How a Phone Call From Steve Jobs Made Documentary’s Most Influential Technique a Household Name https://www.cined.com/the-story-behind-the-ken-burns-effect-how-a-phone-call-from-steve-jobs-made-documentarys-most-influential-technique-a-household-name/ (01:02:44) - Audiio Voices Introduced – Record Your Voiceover and Transform It into a Professional Style https://www.cined.com/audiio-voices-introduced-record-your-voiceover-and-transform-it-into-a-professional-style/ (01:06:17) - Imagen AI Introduces Adaptable AI Color Grading, Free Beta Access, and More https://www.cined.com/imagen-ai-introduces-adaptable-ai-color-grading-free-beta-access-and-more/ (01:09:12) - fylm.ai Update – Adds Adobe Premiere Extension for Seamless Collaboration and Full Remote Grading https://www.cined.com/fylm-ai-update-adds-adobe-premiere-extension-for-seamless-collaboration-and-full-remote-grading/ (01:12:42) - Apple Vision Pro Strategy For Immersive Video Production: Live Sports, Static Foveation, And Monetization Challenges https://www.cined.com/apple-vision-pro-strategy-for-immersive-video-production-live-sports-static-foveation-and-monetization-challenges/ (01:17:00) - Cartoni Ragno Pod Announced – Portable Tripod Riser with 100kg Payload, 629mm Elevation https://www.cined.com/cartoni-ragno-pod-announced-portable-tripod-riser-with-100kg-payload-629mm-elevation/ (01:20:04) - ZILR ZIPR Introduced – An E-Powered K.I.T. Cart for Production Mobility https://www.cined.com/zilr-zipr-introduced-an-e-powered-k-i-t-cart-for-production-mobility/   We hope you enjoyed this episode! You have feedback, comments, or suggestions? Write us at [email protected]