Pro Video Podcast 60: Lee Stapleton. Content Director, Cinematography, Filming, Lighting, Editing, Grading, Relationships, Rental Houses and Collaborating.

Pro Video Podcast

Lee shares his approach to Directing and the relationships that make for a better result. Host Blair Walker discusses with Lee how they work as a team with everyone at FCB New Zealand. A lot of discussions about Cinematography, lighting approaches and career development.

Show Notes: Compiled by Matt Lloyd

00.40 - Lee introduces himself and explains his role as a content director

04.50 - Discussion of problem solving as a fundamental creative process across all aspects of a production

06.00 - “Stress is contagious”

07.00 - Metrofilm

07.15 - Shooting: with quality gear and expertise, much time and money is saved: you can craft your film, instead of having to rescue shoddy footage

08.45 - Imaginarium

09.00 - Discussion of in-camera effects, such as contact lighting, which are then supplemented by VFX.

10.00 - How open conversations between director and crew during pre-production can make for a happy production (listen to Hugo Guerra on this topic)

14.00 - How being transparent about the limits of your knowledge and abilities as opposed to trying to hide them (e.g. with a technique you have never used before) can garner extra support and appreciation for you.

16.10 - An overview of Lee’s role

18.00 - “Editing in your head”: shooting with the edit front and centre in your mind.

21.00 - Always have backup e.g. audio and cutaway shots

23.20 - Building relationships with producers, and Lee’s preference for being on top of budgets

27.00 - “Never stinge on kit”

28.05 - Imagezone, Kingsize film gear rental

28.20 - Arri Alexa Mini camera

28.55 - Sony A7S II camera

30.23 - Lighting tips, including cutting light

33.19 - Fun fact about the Raiders of The Lost Ark sword fight scene

34.33 - Lee’s career, including a stint in the porn industry

36.45 - Lee learned most of what he knows about lighting in the porn industry

37.46 - Pro Video Picks:

“Keep it in-camera” see Mad Max effects breakdowns

39.15 - Inspirational Video:

Fresh Guacamole by Pes

40.43 - Audio and video are 50/50 in any video project. “Make sure you spend just as much time on the audio as you do on the video”

41.07 - Sources of Inspiration:

Theatre

42.11 - Who should we have on the show?

James Solomon

43.04 - Follow Lee Online:

Lee Stapleton - Instagram