Cinematography

There are moments where explanation would only get in the way.

Genesis is one of those moments.

For 30 minutes, the sacred space of St. Peter’s Church in Nuremberg becomes something else entirely — not a venue, not a spectacle, but a space of perception. Light, sound and movement unfold quietly, patie...

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I’ve been offline for the past two weeks due to some personal things.

But I felt a strong need to share this here — not to promote myself, but to connect.

I want to reach people who feel the same deep passion for 35mm film and the character it brings to storytelling.

About half a year ago, I made the d...

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I’ve been offline for the past two weeks due to some personal things.

But I felt a strong need to share this here — not to promote myself, but to connect.

I want to reach people who feel the same deep passion for 35mm film and the character it brings to storytelling.

About half a year ago, I made the decision to fully commit to becoming a professional singer and actor. I’ve been taking singing classes for over a year now, and my voice has truly started to develop. One afternoon at work, out of pure curiosity, I started researching something in ChatGPT:

What kind of cameras were used for music videos in the early 2000s — especially dance-pop artists I loved

The answer started with ENG cameras like the Canon XL2 or XL H1. But I didn’t stop there. I went deeper. I looked into behind-the-scenes footage of artists like Britney Spears, The Pussycat Dolls, and Alesha Dixon — and that’s when I saw it:

35mm film cameras like the Arriflex 435, Panavision systems, and real physical film stock.

At the same time, I realized something else: many of my favorite movies from the 2000s were also shot on actual 35mm film. That’s when it clicked.

That’s why films looked like films.

That’s why they had character, texture, soul.

What strikes me today is that this era seems to have almost forgotten real film. What I loved so much about the 90s and 2000s was the balance — analog and digital working together as one. A balance between virtual and physical reality.

Today, everything has to be fast. Instant. Digital. 4K, 8K, ultra-sharp.

But what happened to taking time?

Art needs time.

Time to develop.

Time to rehearse.

Time to practice.

Sometimes I wake up and barely recognize the modern world. Everyone seems focused on social media, ultra-high definition, and instant output — but where did patience go? Where did craftsmanship go? Where did physical art go?

There is absolutely nothing wrong with digital technology.

But where is the balance between digital and physical?

That’s why I’m writing this.

I want to connect with people worldwide who feel this too — filmmakers, cinematographers, creatives who still love or work with physical 35mm film, cinema cameras, and older lenses from the 90s and 2000s. People who miss character on screen. People who believe images don’t need to be cold and perfect to be powerful.

Let’s bring something beautiful back — something the world hasn’t lost completely, but may have forgotten. Something worth passing on to the next generations.

If this resonates with you, let’s connect.

Let’s talk.

Let’s share knowledge, passion, and vision.

Because the world could use more character on screen — even if it takes more time, more effort, and more love in post.

For upcoming music video projects, I’m especially looking to connect with people who still shoot or have access to physical 35mm film cameras and vintage lenses — and who feel excited about creating something meaningful together.

Much love to you all.

Ashley Renee Smith

Head of Community at Stage 32 ♦ Creative Executive, Producer, Author

January 2026 Open House Webcast

Find Your Footing on Stage 32: Join Our January Community Open House!

Wednesday, January 28th at 12:00 pm PT!

Every success story begins with a first step.

If you’re ready to take yours, join me, Ashley Smith, Head of Community at Stage 32, for our January Community Open House Webcast happening Wednesday, January 28th at 12:00 pm PT!

Free Registration: https://www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32s-january-2026-community-open-house-webcast

Whether you’re chasing representation, looking for collaborators, or simply ready to stop creating in isolation, the Stage 32 Community Open House is your moment to show up, be seen, and start making real progress.

This free live event isn’t a presentation—it’s a fully interactive session led by you and guided by Ashley Smith, Head of Community at Stage 32. You’ll have the opportunity to share your goals, ask questions, and tell us exactly what resources or support you’re looking for right now in your creative journey.

Ashley will walk you through the most powerful tools and features on Stage 32, including how to build a strong profile that acts as your virtual business card—clearly showcasing your skills, interests, and creative voice. You’ll learn how to participate in the free Stage 32 Lounges in a way that positions you as someone others want to collaborate with, including how to make a compelling post, contribute to ongoing conversations, and stay consistently active in a way that builds visibility and trust.

You’ll also learn how to keep up with the latest industry news, platform updates, and community insights through the Stage 32 Blog, and how to access Stage 32 Education, Certification, and Script Services that align with your next big move.

This session will close with a live Q&A tailored specifically to your goals and questions—whether you’re a writer, director, producer, actor, editor, or someone who wears multiple hats.

Wherever you’re starting from, this is your launchpad. Join us and take that first step with intention.

If you can’t attend live, don’t worry — registering ensures you’ll receive the full recording to watch anytime from anywhere.

Who’s planning to join me live for the Open House?

Click HERE to Register for FREE!

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64 people like this

Maurice Vaughan

2 hours ago

Hi, Lindsay Thompson. Getting a script idea, outlining a script, watching a movie/show, etc. remind me why I love creating, like watching the latest episode of Fallout....

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Sandra Isabel Correia

1
1 person likes this
- Maurice Vaughan
2 hours ago

Hi, Lindsay Thompson. I love this reflection. For me, the reminder came from watching One Battle After Another, where everything clicked: the script, the acting, and the direction. The harmony of thos...

Lindsay Thompson

1
1 person likes this
- Maurice Vaughan
3 hours ago

My primary scouting punch list focuses on where the natural light falls throughout the day, allowing me to predict where our sources need to be placed to fit the ambiance. I then worry about power and...

22 hours ago

Well deserved! Sinners looks incredible, Sam Rivera! I've never seen a movie like it.

YES YES YES YES YES YES YES!!!!!

2 days ago

I don't think I've seen a below the line roundtable, Pat Alexander. Thanks for sharing it. I'm looking forward to seeing Marty Supreme! It looks incredible from the clips I've seen! The colors really...

1
1 person likes this
- Maurice Vaughan
1 day ago

I love it! Thanks for sharing, Pat!

1
1 person likes this
- Dwayne Williams 2
1 week ago

Must-watch video, Ewan Dunbar! I like watching shows and movies that put me in the room with the characters, and I like writing that way! I'm trying to get better at it. This video helps. Thanks for s...

1
1 person likes this
- Maurice Vaughan
1 week ago

So much this! I love immersing the audience!

Ewan Dunbar

1
1 person likes this
- Maurice Vaughan
3 days ago

You can see this in Community as well to a lesser extent. In the study room there is always one empty chair which is often thought of as being for the audience.

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1 person likes this
- Dan Martin Roesch
1 week ago

I agree, Dan Martin Roesch. Sometimes I want a character to say something or I want to explain something in action lines in my script, but the moment is more meaningful and the scene is better without...

Dan Martin Roesch

Maurice Vaughan I really appreciate your comments and reflections on my posts — they resonated deeply with me. Your perspective feels thoughtful and genuinely motivating, especially at a time when I’m...

You're welcome, Dan Martin Roesch. Thanks for making these posts. Keep them coming!

1 week ago

The cinematography in Sinners is phenomenal, Pat Alexander! I'm looking forward to rewatching it (I watched it twice) and paying more attention to the cinematography! Thanks for sharing the video....

Amanda Toney

Love the use of texture in this film - this is a great share Pat Alexander Thank you!

I've seen so many interviews with her and why she and Coogler chose 65. Such a smart and fantstic choice for such a brilliant movie.

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Andre Pierre

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2 people like this
- Morgan Aitken
- Maurice Vaughan
3 weeks ago

Maurice Vaughan Totally agree. 35mm has that magic. I feel exactly the same as you do. I get so invested in the motion picture I’m watching. That’s why it’s pure art to me and why I care about it so m...

Mike Boas

3
3 people like this
3 weeks ago

If you love film, you might want to track down a 16mm Bolex camera and shoot some footage yourself. I learned to do it for a class I was teaching, and it’s very rewarding. The Bolex is fairly easy to...

Morgan Aitken

2
2 people like this
- Andre Pierre
- Maurice Vaughan
2 weeks ago

Mike Boas , you can still get film stock and processing out there somewhere. I'd be interested in knowing where and who is offering it.

2
2 people like this
- Morgan Aitken
- Maurice Vaughan
1 week ago

I love 35mm film I grew up taking still photography on 35mm and I couldn't get enough of it. I have photo albums filled with what I saw through the lens and really miss the texture and grittiness of i...

2
2 people like this
- Amanda Toney
- Maurice Vaughan
1 week ago

Ah Amanda Toney , you're stirring up those heady days of a misspent youth with a banged up SLR and super-8 in my book bag. As for processing, I believe it was a Disney musical number that said it best...

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3 people like this
2 weeks ago

That depends. I love camera coffins. Simply put, they are blanket-lined totes that will fit a fully kitted camera and protect it from damage. I set my camera up the night or day before a shoot, especi...

Koby Nguyen

2
2 people like this
- Morgan Aitken
- Maurice Vaughan
2 weeks ago

The latest phones now take very nice videos/photos, why not use your phone?

2
2 people like this
- Koby Nguyen
- Maurice Vaughan
1 week ago

I did use my phone Koby Nguyen and and my partner with a GoPro when hell broke loose. The footage might work for Instagram, but it's useless as stock or anything deliverable. 5.6k mp4 doesn't hold a c...

Find Your Footing on Stage 32: Join Our January Community Open House!

Wednesday, January 28th at 12:00 pm PT!

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