The Art of Cinematography: A Conversation with Roberto Schaefer, ASC

In this episode, we sit down with acclaimed cinematographer Roberto Schaefer, ASC, AIC – the visual mind behind films like Finding Neverland, Quantum of Solace, Stranger Than Fiction, and The Kite Runner.

We explore the evolution of his career, from early days in Europe working on documentaries and art films, to forming a long-time partnership with director Marc Forster. Roberto opens up about navigating the realities of big-budget vs. indie filmmaking, crafting emotion through camera and light, and his deep belief in cinematography as both craft and voice.

🎥 A must-watch for any filmmaker, cinematographer, or film enthusiast seeking insight into how images shape emotion and story.

00:00:00 – Intro & working with Scorsese and Néstor Almendros in Milan
00:01:20 – European vs. Hollywood filmmaking – auteur-driven sets
00:03:30 – Lighting inspiration from Tonino Delli Colli on set
00:05:00 – Shooting his first microbudget 16mm feature in Rome
00:06:20 – First 35mm film in Milan and connections to Jim Jarmusch
00:07:40 – Shooting 35mm black-and-white on Agfa Pan – learning by doing
00:09:00 – Comparing B&W and color film stocks – dynamic range & ASA
00:10:30 – Digital monochrome cameras and IR filters for low-light/DFN
00:12:30 – Infrared day-for-night cinematography – NOPE and Emancipation
00:15:00 – Transitioning from film to digital – RED test on Quantum of Solace
00:17:40 – Fincher & Ed Norton encourage digital on Leaves of Grass
00:19:50 – Early digital problems – RED skin tones and range issues
00:21:40 – The Host and early ARRI Alexa workflow
00:23:10 – Fixing exposure in post – reset ISO in Resolve
00:25:30 – Roger Deakins' view on digital and Alexa's rise
00:27:40 – Shooting high-ISO with Panasonic Varicam in Namibia
00:29:30 – Post-production evolution & DI on Finding Neverland
00:31:50 – Windowing, masks & advanced digital grading techniques
00:34:00 – Collaborating with DITs and the evolution of on-set workflow
00:36:10 – Lighting strategy – instinct vs preparation
00:38:30 – Why Roberto prefers single-camera shooting
00:40:40 – Operating the camera as DP & teaching crew
00:43:00 – Challenges on Quantum of Solace – action, politics, scale
00:46:00 – The pushback against RED on Bond & studio pressure
00:49:00 – Working with Marc Forster – visual planning & trust
00:51:20 – Developing a visual language for different genres
00:54:00 – Cinematography is about story, instinct, and emotion
00:56:30 – Letting happy accidents happen – trusting the team
00:59:00 – What defines a good focus puller & set energy
01:01:00 – Cinematography as a voice – balancing art & logistics
01:04:00 – Lessons from years of cross-budget experiences
01:07:00 – Using natural light and minimalism on set
01:10:00 – Legacy, advice, and reflections on being a DP
01:13:00 – What Roberto looks for in young cinematographers
01:16:00 – Final thoughts on visual storytelling & technology
01:20:00 – Wrap-up and Roberto's philosophy in one sentence
01:23:00 – Post-show casual reflections and closing