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We're Making a Movie
We're Making A Movie: An Interview with Brandon Cox
Cinematography is one of the most important elements of your film, which is why the role of the DP is so gosh darn important.
Today, we’re bringing on Cinematographer Brandon Cox to pick his brain about the best time to bring on your Director of Photography, what he’s usually working on in the early stages of making a movie, and what advice he’s got for us fledgling filmmakers. Although we’ve never worked with Brandon before, he was such a strong interview at the Julien Dubuque Film Festival that we’ve been eager to get him on the podcast. Brandon has a killer IMDb full of some pretty impressive names (*cough cough* Bruce Willis!?!?!), so grab a notepad, there’s gonna be some wisdom here.
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Brandon Cox is an award-winning Cinematographer with a knack for visual storytelling.
Over his two-decade-long career, he has brought countless scripts to life through masterful framing, lighting, and movement across every genre from pulse-pounding action to gut-wrenching drama. With his keen eye and technical mastery, Brandon makes movie magic happen. Whether capturing the kinetic energy of a car chase or the subtle emotions of an intimate drama, Brandon brings scenes to life with artistic flair. His keen eye for composition and lighting transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary.
With over 30 films under his belt, Brandon has shot alongside some of Hollywood's biggest stars, including Bruce Willis, Dave Bautista, Nicolas Cage, Robert De Niro, and Mel Gibson.
Brandon also has a passion for adventure and storytelling that shines through in his work. Whether on location in Colombia, Puerto Rico, or Nepal, he seeks out compelling narratives that take audiences on a journey. Most recently, Brandon brought to life the incredible story of how the Dalai Lama was forced to flee Tibet in 4 RIVERS 6 RANGES, which is currently in its film festival run. His work illuminates the world through immersive and enlightening tales.
Brandon’s latest film, ONE SPOON OF CHOCOLATE, had its world premiere at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival. This film marks the second collaboration with the Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA as director. Brandon recently wrapped principal photography on the scripted Netflix comedy series FREE BERT starring stand-up comedian BERT KREISCHER, which airs in February 2026.
Find Brandon:
Instagram - @bcoxdp
X- @bcoxdp
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We’re Making a Movie is a podcast that follows the behind-the-scenes adventure of two filmmakers making their first feature film.
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36. We're Making A Movie: LLCs, Clearances, & Lawyers, Oh My!
01:07:40||Season 1, Ep. 36The less glamorous side of filmmaking is definitely paperwork. We are crossing “t”s in pre-production for Turns Out It’s the Apocalypse… We Think, and as 2025 winds down, our team has checked off some pretty important boxes. We finally have our LLC set up, we’ve brought on a lawyer (a real one!), and we’re diving into the exciting world of clearances, product placement, and all the fun paperwork that comes with making your first feature film. Come hang out with us and our Executive Producer, Allison Moy-Hayhurst, ask questions, learn from our heavy lifting, and finish out the year with us as we inch this feature closer to reality.We’re Making a Movie is a podcast that follows the behind-the-scenes adventures of two filmmakers as they make their first feature film.WANT TO HELP US MAKE A MOVIE?PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/sneakypineappleMerch: https://sneaky-pineapple.myspreadshop.com/BUSINESS TIME! Subscribe to this channel on YouTube: https://goo.gl/qjbptEAvailable wherever you get your podcasts!Acast - https://shows.acast.com/were-making-a-movieApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/were-making-a-movie/id1799476284Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1lKYtG3GiIouwXEcCz9UvK?si=dd999e0f669b4307Amazon/ Audible - https://amzn.to/4koHAX9Pandora - https://www.pandora.com/podcast/were-making-a-movie/PC:1001099016SOCIAL MEDIA REQUIREMENTS TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@natalieandtaraInstagram https://www.instagram.com/natalieandtara/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NatalieandTaraTurns Out It's the Apocalypse... We Think on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/turnsoutmovie/Turns Out It's the Apocalypse... We Think on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581798639056Wanna reach us? Email!Natalientara@gmail.com#filmmaking #womeninfilm #IndieFilmPodcast
35. We're Making A Movie: Idle Hands
56:44||Season 1, Ep. 35“Hurry up and wait” is one of those classic filmmaking phrases that is feeling a little too real right now. We’ve officially been greenlit to make our feature film… and yet our personal to-do list is pretty small. The holidays are creeping in, other departments are handling their stuff, and we’re sitting here with nothing but anxious energy and spinning brains. So, what can we be doing at this stage to actually move the needle on our future indie film? Let’s talk about it.Turns Out it's the Apocolypse... We Think on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/turnsoutmovie/Turns Out it's the Apocolypse... We Think on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581798639056We’re Making a Movie is a podcast that follows the behind-the-scenes adventure of two filmmakers making their first feature film.WANT TO HELP US MAKE A MOVIE?PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/sneakypineappleMerch: https://sneaky-pineapple.myspreadshop.com/BUSINESS TIME! Subscribe to this channel on YouTube: https://goo.gl/qjbptEAvailable wherever you get your podcasts!Acast - https://shows.acast.com/were-making-a-movieApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/were-making-a-movie/id1799476284Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1lKYtG3GiIouwXEcCz9UvK?si=dd999e0f669b4307Amazon/ Audible - https://amzn.to/4koHAX9Pandora - https://www.pandora.com/podcast/were-making-a-movie/PC:1001099016SOCIAL MEDIA REQUIREMENTS TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@natalieandtaraInstagram https://www.instagram.com/natalieandtara/ https://www.instagram.com/turnsoutmovie/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NatalieandTaraTwitter: https://twitter.com/NatalieNTara Wanna reach us? Email!Natalientara@gmail.com#filmmaking #womeninfilm #IndieFilmPodcast
33. We're Making A Movie: An Interview with Partick Curran
01:03:27||Season 1, Ep. 33We are excited to have budding filmmaker Patrick Curran join us to discuss his recent adventures in filmmaking! He is currently in pre-production to direct his first feature film, and we have a ton of questions for him, especially about collaborating with his cinematographer. What to look for in a director of photography (DP) and how to find the ideal creative partner for your film? Drawing from his experiences as a director, writer, and actor, Patrick shares insights on the collaboration that makes great movie-making possible. If you’re an indie filmmaker preparing for your first feature, this is a great opportunity to get some practical advice and industry wisdom from someone who has been in your shoes. Tune in to learn how to find the right DP to bring your vision to life!PATRICK CURRAN:A native of Newtown, CT, Patrick is an award-winning writer, director, producer, and actor and has been working in independent film for over 15 years. His short film Snowbird (2025) won Best Comedy Short at both Woods Hole and Block Island Film Festival, Best Narrative Short at Twelve Lions, and Best International Film at Louth International. His next project Golden and Gone, a spec feature, won Best Screenplay at the 15th LA Comedy Festival Screenplay Competition and is in active development.Patrick produced the award-winning web series Keeping Up with the Downs (in which he also co-wrote and co-starred).Patrick also works as an actor, most notably as a principal in more than 75 national commercial campaigns. He's a member of SAG/AFTRA and AEA and graduated as a music theatre major from The Catholic University of America. and The London Dramatic Academy (UK).Patrick lives in Los Angeles.We’re Making a Movie is a podcast that follows the behind-the-scenes adventure of two filmmakers as they make their first feature film.WANT TO HELP US MAKE A MOVIE?PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/sneakypineappleMerch: https://sneaky-pineapple.myspreadshop.com/BUSINESS TIME! Subscribe to this Channel: https://goo.gl/qjbptEAvailable wherever you get your podcasts!Acast - https://shows.acast.com/were-making-a-movieApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/were-making-a-movie/id1799476284Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1lKYtG3GiIouwXEcCz9UvK?si=dd999e0f669b4307Amazon/ Audible - https://amzn.to/4koHAX9Pandora - https://www.pandora.com/podcast/were-making-a-movie/PC:1001099016SOCIAL MEDIA REQUIREMENTS TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@natalieandtaraInstagram https://www.instagram.com/natalieandtara/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NatalieandTaraTurns Out Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/turnsoutmovie/Turns Out Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581798639056 Find Patrick and his films-@paddy_curr @snowbirdmovie @fetch_movieWanna reach us? Email!Natalientara@gmail.com
32. We're Making A Movie: An Interview with Jason C. Brown
01:03:30||Season 1, Ep. 32Now that we’ve talked to a few Cinematographers about the importance of a DP on your project, we want to talk to the people who hire the DP… the Director. What are they looking for? How do they collaborate? How do you know the person you're interviewing is “the one?”For an inside look into the brain of a Director on his DP, we’re bringing in friend and colleague, Jason C. Brown. Not only has Jason been the Director for a number of OUR projects, but he also worked on a TON of sets ranging in all sizes and a variety of jobs. So he’s seen first hand the inner workings of some of the Big Boys, and he’s also been a part of unique projects like “Drunk History" and “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.” Jason is also just a ton of fun to chat with, so this is going to be a great interview. Jason C. Brown has worked on both Oscar & Emmy-winning productions and is a long-time member of the Directors Guild of America. He began his career after earning a Bachelor of Arts in Zoology (with a minor in Film Studies) at Miami University. Over the past two decades, he has served as 1st Assistant Director, Production Manager, and Director on a wide swathe of film and television productions— including high-profile titles like Avatar, Last Week Tonight, and Drunk History.Jason is known for his disciplined approach to collaboration, strong logistical acumen on large sets and creative clarity when stepping into the director’s chair for his wide range of projects. Short films such as Panic Button, Imaginary Friends, and Meet Cute showcase his ability to balance humor, emotion, and human connection.Find Jason Instagram: @jasoncbrownDGAImaginary Friends: https://youtu.be/HBNBkdPIjk8WANT TO HELP US MAKE A MOVIE?PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/sneakypineappleMerch: https://sneaky-pineapple.myspreadshop.com/Follow Turns Out It's The Apocalypse We Think on Instagram or Facebook- @turnsoutmovieBUSINESS TIME! Subscribe to this Channel: https://goo.gl/qjbptEAvailable wherever you get your podcasts!Acast - https://shows.acast.com/were-making-a-movieApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/were-making-a-movie/id1799476284Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1lKYtG3GiIouwXEcCz9UvK?si=dd999e0f669b4307Amazon/ Audible - https://amzn.to/4koHAX9Pandora - https://www.pandora.com/podcast/were-making-a-movie/PC:1001099016SOCIAL MEDIA REQUIREMENTS TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@natalieandtaraInstagram https://www.instagram.com/natalieandtara/ https://www.instagram.com/turnsoutmovie/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NatalieandTaraTwitter: https://twitter.com/NatalieNTara
30. We're Making A Movie: An Interview with Wey Wang
01:05:51||Season 1, Ep. 30Are you a filmmaker wondering what a good DP actually does, or when is the right time to bring them onto your project? This is the episode for you!We are embarking on our own search for a Director of Photography to make our first feature film, but we have a lot of questions. The best way to find answers is to ask trusted sources, and for us, that is Wey Wang. We’ve known Wey for years and have worked with him on several projects. He also has the heart of a teacher, and we’ve learned a lot from him over the years. So, he’s the ideal person to explain the creative and collaborative power of a great cinematographer.Wey is an award-winning Cinematographer based in Los Angeles with over 15 years of experience. He grew up in northern NJ, in the shadow of NYC.He started his first life as a software developer before switching to cinema. He has since worked on numerous feature films and docs; shorts; commercials; and music videos. He has had the pleasure of working with some of Hollywood's biggest stars, such as Keanu Reeves, Ryan Gosling, Emily Blunt and more.Some notable accomplishments include: "Stars Fell on Alabama" and its sequel "Stars Fell Again"Beyond the technical craft, Wey approaches every project as a deep collaboration, often starting with the script and into the edit. He believes a DP's job is more than just capturing a beautiful image, it's bringing a director's vision to life in a beautiful and emotional way. This focus on story and emotion drives his creative intent.He is heavily influenced by directors such as Stanley Kubrick, Paul Thomas Anderson, and Wong Kar Wai.He is also influenced by the cinematography of Robert Elswit, Robert Richardson, Jordon Cronenweth, Roger Deakins, Christopher Doyle, Gordon Willis, and Greig Fraser.Where to find Wey!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weyw/Web: https://weywang.com/WANT TO HELP US MAKE A MOVIE?PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/sneakypineappleMerch: https://sneaky-pineapple.myspreadshop.com/BUSINESS TIME! Subscribe to this YouTube channel: https://goo.gl/qjbptEAvailable wherever you get your podcasts!Acast - https://shows.acast.com/were-making-a-movieApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/were-making-a-movie/id1799476284Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1lKYtG3GiIouwXEcCz9UvK?si=dd999e0f669b4307Amazon/ Audible - https://amzn.to/4koHAX9Pandora - https://www.pandora.com/podcast/were-making-a-movie/PC:1001099016SOCIAL MEDIA REQUIREMENTS TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@natalieandtaraInstagram https://www.instagram.com/natalieandtara/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NatalieandTaraTwitter: https://twitter.com/NatalieNTara Wanna reach us? Email!Natalientara@gmail.com
29. We're Making A Movie: Finding Your Director of Photography
47:45||Season 1, Ep. 29We are grinding away in Development… inching ever closer to Pre Production. So what's the next step in making our first feature film? Research and conventional wisdom suggest that the next move is filling out our Core Crew, specifically, finding our Director of Photography. But why?!?? Why now??! What will they be working on while we’re still locking in investors and securing locations? Great questions! We are just as eager to find out.Promised linkhttps://www.onassemble.com/blog/the-definitive-film-crew-hierarchy-chartWANT TO HELP US MAKE A MOVIE?PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/sneakypineappleMerch: https://sneaky-pineapple.myspreadshop.com/BUSINESS TIME! Subscribe to this channel on YouTube: https://goo.gl/qjbptEAvailable wherever you get your podcasts!Acast - https://shows.acast.com/were-making-a-movieApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/were-making-a-movie/id1799476284Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1lKYtG3GiIouwXEcCz9UvK?si=dd999e0f669b4307Amazon/ Audible - https://amzn.to/4koHAX9Pandora - https://www.pandora.com/podcast/were-making-a-movie/PC:1001099016SOCIAL MEDIA REQUIREMENTS TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@natalieandtaraInstagram https://www.instagram.com/natalieandtara/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NatalieandTaraTwitter: https://twitter.com/NatalieNTara Wanna reach us? Email!Natalientara@gmail.com
28. We're Making A Movie: Film Festivals- A Different Perspective
01:02:04||Season 1, Ep. 28We are back! Fresh off the heels of some film festival adventures, with some inside baseball for all you filmmakers. After years of going to, working for, and living our best festival life, we realize there’s plenty of insider info we want to share. There are many ways you can help the festival help you. Getting the word out about your film screenings, the social media push, the chances to do interviews… it’s all about creating opportunities. From a festival’s point of view, there are many small things you can do to help your film pack the house!WANT TO HELP US MAKE A MOVIE?PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/sneakypineappleMerch: https://sneaky-pineapple.myspreadshop.com/Thank you, Echo Park DCP! Do you need an a DCP made for your film, check them out!Echo Park DCP: https://www.echoparkdcp.comBUSINESS TIME! Subscribe to this channel on YouTube: https://goo.gl/qjbptEAvailable wherever you get your podcasts!Acast - https://shows.acast.com/were-making-a-movieApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/were-making-a-movie/id1799476284Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1lKYtG3GiIouwXEcCz9UvK?si=dd999e0f669b4307Amazon/ Audible - https://amzn.to/4koHAX9Pandora - https://www.pandora.com/podcast/were-making-a-movie/PC:1001099016SOCIAL MEDIA REQUIREMENTS TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@natalieandtaraInstagram https://www.instagram.com/natalieandtara/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NatalieandTaraTwitter: https://twitter.com/NatalieNTara Wanna reach us? Email!Natalientara@gmail.com#filmmaking #womeninfilm #IndieFilmPodcast
27. We're Making A Movie: Script Competitions, Marketing, and Acting
01:04:44||Season 1, Ep. 27There are a lot of side quest adventures that pop up while you're making a feature film… and when you’re making a podcast about making a feature film. We’re taking a Wild Card episode to cover some odds and ends we just gotta talk about. Script competitions, early marketing, branding, acting in a feature, and yes… It’s never too soon to start talking about THE NEXT project. It’s crazy pants, and we’re gonna dive in with all of you in real time as we sort through these topics. WANT TO HELP US MAKE A MOVIE?PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/sneakypineappleMerch: https://sneaky-pineapple.myspreadshop.com/BUSINESS TIME! Subscribe to this channel on YouTube: https://goo.gl/qjbptEAvailable wherever you get your podcasts!Acast - https://shows.acast.com/were-making-a-movieApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/were-making-a-movie/id1799476284Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1lKYtG3GiIouwXEcCz9UvK?si=dd999e0f669b4307Amazon/ Audible - https://amzn.to/4koHAX9Pandora - https://www.pandora.com/podcast/were-making-a-movie/PC:1001099016SOCIAL MEDIA REQUIREMENTS TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@natalieandtaraInstagram https://www.instagram.com/natalieandtara/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NatalieandTaraTwitter: https://twitter.com/NatalieNTara Wanna reach us? Email!Natalientara@gmail.com#filmmaking #womeninfilm #IndieFilmPodcast