Best Christopher Hooton Podcasts (2024)

1
Israel-Hamas: verifying truth in the fog of war 34:47

7M ago34:47

34:47

The Israel-Hamas war has proven to be a particularly fraught conflict on social media. Finding out what’s happening on the ground has been complicated by a number of issues: the divisiveness of the debate on both sides, and how entrenched each viewpoint is; the ease with which alternative narratives are broadcast; and the immediate emotional respon…

1
AI's inequality problem 42:24

7M ago42:24

42:24

The world grows ever more dominated by artificial intelligence. We’re promised huge productivity gains and streamlining benefits to make our lives easier, but there are significant drawbacks. The data underpinning AI is biased, the technology can amplify inequalities, and it's unclear who will set crucial standards for the sector and how they will …

1
The small town newspaper raided by police 39:49

8M ago39:49

39:49

When Eric Meyer answered the door to the home he shared with his mother on August 11, 2023, he couldn’t have expected what was waiting on the other side. The editor and proprietor of a small Kansas newspaper was being raided by police, who were looking for evidence of supposed illegal data access by one of his reporters. Not used to seeing the poli…

1
The artist suing AI giants 37:42

8M ago37:42

37:42

Generative AI is overhauling the way we work and live - and giving superpowers to ordinary individuals to create smart copy and stunning images in fractions of a second, but at whose expense? In this week's episode, host Chris Stokel-Walker speaks to Karla Ortiz, an artist from Puerto Rico who has drawn for Marvel, HBO, ILM, Universal and more. She…

1
Chat GPT and the fake Guardian article 35:18

9M ago35:18

35:18

Generative AI can do a lot of useful things: summarise text, spark inspiration and analyse patterns and data. But it can also makes things up, including entire articles from The Guardian. In this episode, host Chris Stokel-Walker speaks to The Guardian's Head of Editorial Innovation, Chris Moran, about the day he was made aware of an article which …

1
Could you live without your phone? 32:39

9M ago32:39

32:39

Our mobiles are a gateway to the world, holding news and entertainment, personal details and banking account information, friendships - even romances start there. Phones are a treasure trove of information, which is why governments in countries like the Philippines want to access them. In this episode of 'Techtonic', host Chris Stokel-Walker speaks…

1
Who controls Big Tech? 32:36

10M ago32:36

32:36

Who, if anyone, controls Big Tech? In this episode, Chris Stokel-Walker talks to David Auerbach, a former Microsoft and Google software engineer credited for bringing the first emoji to the world. His new book, Meganets, warns us about the loose grip Big Tech companies have on the powerful technologies and algorithms they have created, and explores…

1
The journalist tracked by TikTok 37:09

10M ago37:09

37:09

It's a journalist's worst nightmare: your phone has been tracked by rogue employees from a major Chinese tech company, tapping into your sources. That's what happened to Financial Times tech reporter Christina Criddle, who one day received a call from a TikTok representative detailing how some of their staff had tracked her using the app. In this e…

1
Internet shutdowns: a tool of control 41:36

11M ago41:36

41:36

Internet shutdowns are now the first page of the dictator's playbook. Control the lines of communication, and you can control the populace. In this episode, Doug Madory of internet infrastructure analysts Kentik talks to host Chris Stokel-Walker about how leaders around the world crack down on freedom of expression online; what happens when these t…

1
The deepfake porn problem 32:11

11M ago32:11

32:11

In this episode of Techtonic, host Chris Stokel-Walker talks to disinformation researcher and former US Department of Homeland Security staffer Nina Jankowicz. Nina describes the targeted campaign against her and the moment she discovered that deepfake pornographic images of her had been generated and were being widely shared. She tells Chris about…

1
Elections loom - How will AI affect their integrity? 38:07

11M ago38:07

38:07

In this episode, Chris Stokel-Walker talks to Eddie Perez, former Head of Election Integrity at Twitter, about the impact generative AI is likely to have on the 2024 US elections; how deepfakes, fabricated, synthesised audio and social media may be hijacked by bad actors; and what undecided and swing state voters should be looking out for. Find out…

1
Introducing... Techtonic with Chris Stokel-Walker 1:47

12M ago1:47

1:47

Techtonic is a new podcast from human rights organisation Article 19, hosted by tech reporter Chris Stokel-Walker and produced by Christopher Hooton and Nicola Kelly. The new series looks at freedom of expression online with a focus on the human impact of Big Tech and social media. We speak to experts around the world, including the former Head of …

1
AI's English language problem 35:01

12M ago35:01

35:01

In this week's episode, we look at the language biases inherent in AI technologies with guests Aliya Bhatia and Gabriel Nicholas from the Center for Democracy and Technology. Chris, Aliya and Gabriel discuss how large language models work, the underrepresentation of non English-language nations in training data and the effects of an AI trained larg…

1
Art after pandemic 34:19

3y ago34:19

34:19

With some areas of the world appearing to be turning the corner on Covid-19, we explore whether the pandemic has fundamentally changed art, the new creative impulses and business incentives it may have precipitated, and what kind of films and photographs we expect to see coming out of this bizarre period in human history. Follow the show: instagram…

1
Michael Yamashita 1:00:20

3+ y ago1:00:20

1:00:20

National Geographic photographer and Asia specialist Michael Yamashita joins us in this episode, discussing the vast changes to the photography industry that have taken place across his career, disappearing communities and environments, NatGeo's booming presence online, and his role as a volunteer fireman in the small town he calls home. Follow Mic…

1
Paola M. Franqui 1:04:12

3+ y ago1:04:12

1:04:12

A Puerto Rican-born photographer now living in New Jersey, Paola Franqui has, under her handle @monaris_, become known for her cinematic street photography, often shot in New York City and evoking the feeling of a bygone era. We talk to her about finding movie moments among the everyday, how she was influenced by photography greats Vivian Maier and…

1
Staying focused in a mad world 38:45

3+ y ago38:45

38:45

Not focus the lens kind but focus the human kind: being able to concentrate and stay determined is crucial to success in pretty much anything, so how can you foster it? We are certainly not experts *checks phone notifications*, but here we discuss attempts at focus in a world of distractions and health/political crises. Follow the show: instagram.c…

1
Phedon Papamichael 1:10:16

3+ y ago1:10:16

1:10:16

Ford v Ferrari, Nebraska, Downsizing and 3:10 to Yuma cinematographer Phedon Papamichael joins us, to discuss the future of movies, using a blue light in a black and white film, Hollywood's reluctance around b&w films, working with camera cars, the incentives around doing flashy rather than naturalistic cinematography, and much more. Follow Phedon:…

1
Vineet Vohra 58:01

3+ y ago58:01

58:01

Indian street photographer Vineet Vohra joins us to discuss his distinctive, playful style, trying to capture photos that feel like hitting a 'pause' button on life, shooting in Varanasi and his native New Delhi, and much more. Follow Vineet: instagram.com/vineet_vohra Follow the show: instagram.com/candelapodcast Follow Alan: instagram.com/alan_sc…

1
What is the future of storytelling? 43:01

3+ y ago43:01

43:01

We're a mere blip in history. Many of the artistic mediums that are dominant now weren't as little as a hundred years ago, and with technology progressing so fast, they'll likely change again on a much shorter timeframe. Here we attempt to take stock of photography, cinema and other forms of storytelling at this moment in time, assess the outlook f…

1
Stanley Kubrick's cinematographer Larry Smith 1:13:41

3+ y ago1:13:41

1:13:41

Friend and confidante of the great Stanley Kubrick, Larry Smith was the cinematographer on 'Eyes Wide Shut', lit 'The Shining' for which he served as gaffer, and was also on set for 'Barry Lyndon'. We speak to him about Kubrick's unique directing and business style, using Christmas lights for effect on 'Eyes Wide Shut' (the longest film shoot on re…

1
The allure of America 31:04

3+ y ago31:04

31:04

The USA is so frequently the setting for both cinema and photography, so what's the attraction? We attempt to put it into words, discussing monolithic facades, contrasting cultures, rampant consumerism and other classically American traits, along with our own experiences travelling and working in the States. Follow Candela: instagram.com/candelapod…

1
Jord Hammond 1:02:32

3+ y ago1:02:32

1:02:32

Travelling photographer Jord Hammond joins us to discuss how drifting around Asia caused him to drift into photography, the research that goes into his cinematic landscapes, and how video games influenced his style. Follow Jord: instagram.com/jordhammond Follow the show: instagram.com/candelapodcast Follow Alan: instagram.com/alan_schaller Follow C…

1
What lens is the right lens? 39:54

3+ y ago39:54

39:54

In this episode, we hone in on lens choice, looking at different focal lengths, apertures, and depths of field, what they can bring to a scene and how they can change the relationship between its subjects. Follow the show: instagram.com/candelapodcast Follow Alan: instagram.com/alan_schaller Follow Chris: instagram.com/christopherhooton…

1
Tyler Shields 1:15:58

4y ago1:15:58

1:15:58

'Provocateur' Tyler Shields joins us to talk pissing off the president, having the Secret Service camped outside your house over a photo, doing a six-minute breath-hold for an underwater shot, nudity censorship, and dealing with backlash in the age of outrage. Follow Tyler: instagram.com/thetylershields Follow the show: instagram.com/candelapodcast…

1
Quality control 46:58

4y ago46:58

46:58

We discuss separating the good ideas from the bad, balancing frequency and quality, and learning to say no to yourself.----more---- Follow the show: instagram.com/candelapodcast Follow Alan: instagram.com/alan_schaller Follow Chris: instagram.com/christopherhootonBy Alan Schaller & Christopher Hooton

1
David Yarrow 1:06:43

4y ago1:06:43

1:06:43

Photographer David Yarrow joins us to discuss his distinctive black-and-white photos of wildlife, how shooting a bobsleigh race opened him up to the possibility of 'fine art photography', almost getting snapped in half by a hippo, and resisting the urge to use a telephoto lens – instead moving in closer toward what are often very dangerous creature…

1
Ocean's Eleven screenwriter Ted Griffin 1:02:11

4y ago1:02:11

1:02:11

In this episode we speak with Ted Griffin, a screenwriter best known for writing Ocean's Eleven (2001), who also co-produced The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) and executive produced Up in the Air (2009). Drilling down into Ocean's Eleven, we discuss Ted's research for the script in Las Vegas, the intricacy of creating and interweaving the stories of e…

1
Shooting strangers 37:16

4y ago37:16

37:16

Photographing someone you've never met and who is likely just going about their day is a strange thing, especially in this bizarre, often isolated modern world. In this episode, we look at how you can get better at it, the pros and cons of making yourself known, how attitudes on the street have changed over time, and working with models and actors …

1
Tran Tuan Viet 34:04

4y ago34:04

34:04

Vietnamese photographer Tran Tuan Viet (@vietsui) joins hosts Alan Schaller and Christopher Hooton to discuss his photographic mission to show the natural beauty and life of people of his country, a place that is so often associated with war and violence in people's minds. Viet's work has been published by National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine,…

1
What even is 'fine art photography'? 32:11

4y ago32:11

32:11

'Fine art' is a term that helped to get photography taken seriously, but is the distinction still useful? We discuss the false dichotomy of 'art' and 'non-art', and the generally blurry genres in photography. Hosts: Alan Schaller, Christopher HootonBy Alan Schaller & Christopher Hooton

1
Ray Collins 40:15

4y ago40:15

40:15

Ocean photographer Ray Collins talks to hosts Alan Schaller and Christopher Hooton about the anatomy of a wave, risking life and limb for 'the shot', and how a severe injury down a coal mine led to an unlikely career in photography.By Alan Schaller & Christopher Hooton

1
When does a photo become digital art? 42:53

4y ago42:53

42:53

Technology has blurred the lines between that which is candid and that which is created. But is one more legitimate than the other? We try and talk constructively about editing, the differences between art created in-camera and on-computer, and a future where total realism can be achieved digitally.By Alan Schaller & Christopher Hooton

1
There Will Be Blood cinematographer Robert Elswit 1:33:07

4y ago1:33:07

1:33:07

Oscar-winning director of photography Robert Elswit joins hosts Alan Schaller and Christopher Hooton to discuss his long-running partnership with director Paul Thomas Anderson, making the sky rain frogs in 'Magnolia', going fruit shopping with Daniel Day-Lewis in character as oil baron Daniel Plainview during filming on 'There Will Be Blood', and m…

1
Where in the world to shoot? 28:38

4y ago28:38

28:38

Alan's often asked which his favourite countries are to shoot in. In this episode, he and Chris discuss the unique visual aspects to different environments around the world, and what the pair do to get the most out of travelling – both creatively and recreationally. Also, an addendum on location shooting in cinema.…

1
Cristina Mittermeier 33:17

4y ago33:17

33:17

How does lighting and lens choice work underwater? Photographer Cristina Mittermeier joins hosts Alan Schaller and Christopher Hooton to discuss the majesty and the difficulty of shooting marine life, 'split photography' that captures both what's beneath the waves and above it, and her mission to create healthy and abundant oceans with the initiati…

1
Compromise 34:16

4y ago34:16

34:16

Almost all projects – from amateur to the highest levels – involve sacrifices, but when should you make concessions and when should you stick to your guns? In this episode, hosts Alan Schaller and Christopher Hooton discuss compromise in creativity.By Alan Schaller & Christopher Hooton

1
Inception & The Dark Knight cinematographer Wally Pfister 1:04:26

4y ago1:04:26

1:04:26

Academy Award-winning cinematographer Wally Pfister talks to hosts Alan Schaller & Christopher Hooton about his collaborations with Christopher Nolan, his beginnings as a news cameraman, a life-changing chance meeting with Robert Altman, managing to surprise Sir Michael Caine with unscripted camera movements, and what it was like seeing Heath Ledge…

1
The relationship between camera and subject 35:41

4y ago35:41

35:41

You've got a great scene or subject in front of you, now where are you going to position the camera? Angles and perspectives are the focus of this episode, with hosts Alan Schaller and Christopher Hooton explaining how they think about them both in terms of photography and cinematography.By Alan Schaller & Christopher Hooton

1
Vincent Peters 1:06:26

4y ago1:06:26

1:06:26

Vogue and GQ portrait photographer Vincent Peters joins Alan Schaller and Christopher Hooton to discuss modern celebrity, the need to leave something "unavailable" in an image, and the possibility that digital content is becoming to our brains what plastic has become to the Earth.By Alan Schaller & Christopher Hooton

1
How important is the camera you use? 34:44

4y ago34:44

34:44

In this episode, hosts Alan Schaller and Christopher Hooton consider to what extent fancy cameras and equipment bring you better results, how this differs in terms of photography and film, and the hidden advantages of lower-end kit.By Candela

1
Game of Thrones and Ozark director Daniel Sackheim 1:10:20

4y ago1:10:20

1:10:20

Dan Sackheim has become a go-to director for television in Hollywood, directing episodes of Game of Thrones, Ozark, Better Call Saul, True Detective, The Leftovers and other major shows. He joins Alan Schaller and Christopher Hooton to discuss the specific set of skills required for TV, how budget worries remain even when you're shooting a show the…

1
Titling work (or 'There are 4 kinds of title') 26:43

4y ago26:43

26:43

Giving work a title can be an awkward thing. Too ambiguous? Not ambiguous enough? What about commercial or categorisation considerations? Alan and Chris chew all this over, Chris gives his theory that there are generally four kinds of title, and the pair look at trends that they see in the naming of photos and films.…

1
Joel Meyerowitz 1:06:39

4+ y ago1:06:39

1:06:39

Bronx-born photographer Joel Meyerowitz sits down with hosts Alan Schaller and Christopher Hooton to discuss photography as zen archery, New York in the 1970s, a chance meeting with Henri Cartier-Bresson on the street, and how Joel became the only photographer allowed unrestricted access to Ground Zero.…

1
Matt Stuart 50:28

4+ y ago50:28

50:28

Street photographer Matt Stuart discusses his coverage of the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting, the wake-up call that was a plastic bullet whizzing past his head at a Hong Kong protest, how to balance creative work with work that puts food on the table, and much more.By Candela

1
Instagram vs. Reality (aesthetics edition) 34:20

4+ y ago34:20

34:20

The way we experience film and photography is changing rapidly. But what is lost when we view an image in an Instagram feed rather than a gallery? And a movie on a tablet instead of a cinema screen? Alan and Chris discuss the transition, the aesthetic and experiential differences between the formats, and the challenges the small screen revolution p…

1
Manfred Baumann 34:09

4+ y ago34:09

34:09

The portrait photographer discusses his wide-ranging career that has seen him work with everyone from lingerie models to death row inmates. He explains his process for getting the best out of a subject, and why a portrait shoot needn't take longer than just a few minutes.By Candela