In Advisor Studio sessions, Sundance Collab Advisors share field experiences and insights into their specific areas of craft, including writing, directing and producing for TV and film. 


Cinematography is an exciting blend of art and technology, filled with creative possibilities. But, how do you launch a career as a cinematographer? How do you get the agent and get the job? How do you develop a meaningful collaboration with your director to continue to work together on future projects? 


Join veteran cinematographer, Polly Morgan, ASC, BSC (THE WOMAN KING, WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING, LEGION) and director/cinematographer, Rachel Morrison, ASC (Cin: BLACK PANTHER, MUDBOUND); (Dir: THE MORNING SHOW, THE MANDALORIAN) as they discuss how to navigate your career as a cinematographer in an evolving industry. Learn how to interview, what to expect from an agent, and how to collaborate, conduct yourself, and communicate to get the next job.


Panelist
Known for her versatility, compelling visuals, and intuitive lensing, award-winning cinematographer Polly Morgan’s ability and commitment to delve fully into a wide range of projects has made her one of the leading go-to cinematographers working in film and television. Most recently, Morgan has received accolades for her work on the critically-acclaimed feature film, “The Woman King.” Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood for Sony’s Tristar Pictures, the film opened in theaters on Friday, September 16 at the top of the domestic box office and a rare A+ CinemaScore. The film is the remarkable story of the Agojie, the all-female unit of warriors who protected the African Kingdom of Dahomey in the 1800s with skills and a fierceness unlike anything the world has ever seen. Inspired by true events, “The Woman King” follows the emotionally epic journey of General Naniscan (Oscar®-winner Viola Davis) as she trains the next generation of recruits and readies them for battle against an enemy determined to destroy their way of life. The film stars Viola Davis, Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch, Sheila Atim, Hero Fiennes Tiffin and John Boyega. Morgan’s work on the film celebrates the drama of its talented cast as well as dynamic action sequences and the beauty of the red earth environment and epic landscapes of Western Africa. more...
Panelist
Rachel Morrison is a director/cinematographer who has built an extensive body of work; channeling each story’s core narrative into arresting imagery and dynamic emotion. For her work on Mudbound, Morrison became the first woman ever to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Cinematography. She is also the first woman to lens a Marvel superhero movie, the box office smash Black Panther. In the past few years, Morrison has directed The Morning Show for Apple, Impeachment for FX, and the Mandelorian for Disney Plus. She also helmed the pilot of Starz’ series Hightown which is currently in its third season. Morrison’s Feature debut, The Fire Inside, will be released theatrically this Christmas by MGM. It tells the story of the American dream versus the American reality as experienced by boxing phenom Claressa Shields. Morrison is a mother of two and an avid amateur surfer. more...

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