LA EXPO 2025 Schedule

Join a powerhouse panel of award-winning women editors as they pull back the curtain on the art of storytelling through the edit. From feature films to streaming series, these trailblazers discuss their creative process, collaboration with directors, and how they navigate a traditionally male-dominated field. Discover how their unique voices and sharp instincts shape the emotional core, rhythm, and impact of the stories we see on screen. A must-attend for aspiring editors and cinephiles alike.

ACT Academy invites you to get hands-on with the grandMA3 console! This session will offer an overview of the grandMA3 hardware and software capabilities, how they are used in a Film or TV environment, as well as the core concepts behind controlling today's most complex and capable lighting fixtures. Focused on how to get from your first showfile to your first live playback, this session breaks down the grandMA3 platform into approachable pieces for new learners as well as seasoned lighting professionals.

Join us for the exclusive unveiling of Sigma’s new lineup of cine lenses—a collection born from Japanese craftsmanship engineered to elevate the art of visual storytelling. Experience captivating reels and behind the scenes footage, and hear firsthand insights from Sigma cine ambassadors. Discover how Sigma’s new cine lenses deliver stunning sharpness, rich color reproduction, and cinematic character that redefines what’s possible behind the lens.

As the film and television industry transitions toward a clean energy future, production power remains one of the biggest opportunities for innovation. This forward-looking panel explores how emerging technologies—like solar, battery storage, and hydrogen power units —are reshaping power on set. This conversation will bridge creative, technical, and operational perspectives to examine what’s working today and what’s coming next.

The ASC and Sony present a live ASC Clubhouse Conversation with acclaimed cinematographer Jessica Lee Gagné as she takes us behind the lens of the visually arresting Apple TV+ series Severance. Moderated by cinematographer Adam Bricker, ASC, this in-depth session will explore Jessica’s creative process, visual language, and the meticulous craftsmanship that defines Severance’s haunting, minimalist aesthetic. From collaborating with directors to constructing a bold, surreal tone through lighting and composition, Jessica will offer insights into how she built the visual world that has captivated audiences and critics alike.

DCS will once again hold our popular examination of the Cinema Lens market at Cine Gear Expo with an eye towards investing. See what’s new from top lens manufacturers as they discuss the latest trends in Cine Optics and see what’s the right lens for you.

Participants include:

• Angénieux - Daniel Band
• ARRI - Art Adams
• Atlas Lens Co. - Scott Dewald
• Canon - Matthew Irving
• Cooke Optics - Chris D'Anna
• DZOFILM - Bruno Huang
• Fujinon - Scott Testerman
• Laowa - Stephen Neff
• Leitz - Seth Emmons
• Sigma - Jorge Jimenez
• ZEISS - Jean-Marc Bouchut

Blackmagic Design’s Mike Smollin and Dave Hoffman will discuss production through post for workflows for immersive filming. Building off the two’s experience with the new Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive camera, they will walk through how to take advantage of shooting 8160 x 7200 resolution per eye with pixel level synchronization at 16 stops of dynamic range, and will also talk through the immersive post production process and how to show and work with immersive footage on and off set.

RED Digital Cinema hosts a conversation with Henry Braham, BSC, the award-winning cinematographer of Superman. Braham will discuss his part in bringing a director’s cinematic vision to the screen.  Known for The Instigators, The Suicide Squad and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 & 3, Braham brings a fresh approach to the Man of Steel with his interpretation of James Gunn’s dynamic, immersive sequences to create a redefined superhero storytelling. Moderated by Naida Albright, this discussion will delve into Braham’s collaborative process.

The Emmy-nominated Chef’s Table filmmaking team— Creator David Gelb, Executive Producer Brian McGinn and Cinematographers Adam Bricker, ASC and Will Basanta —reflect on a decade of capturing the visual feast of Netflix’s groundbreaking series. From mouthwatering close-ups to storytelling through texture and light, they’ll explore how cinematic techniques have evolved, shaping how audiences experience food on screen. Moderated by RED’s Naida Albright, this conversation delves into the artistry, challenges, and innovations behind one of the most iconic culinary series of the past decade.

Join legendary cinematographer Sir Roger Deakins and collaborator James Deakins for an intimate conversation on their creative partnership and decades of visual storytelling. Presented by Aputure and moderated by American Cinematographer, this panel explores Team Deakins’ journey—from Roger’s early days in Torquay to their work on some of cinema’s most iconic films. Featuring stories and insights from their new book Reflections: On Cinematography, join us for a rare look into a singular career.

Faster. Lighter. Brighter. Join Profoto for the screening of the short film Creative Light Shaping for Cinema, featuring Eric Koretz (DP Ozark, Special Ops: Lioness, DP Ransom Canyon), followed by a conversation and Q&A with Eric Koretz, Bianca Halpern (DP), and Andrea Sachs (Gaffer) on shaping light with purpose, using the new standard of LED lighting. This isn’t just a panel — it’s a creative rethink of what cinematic lighting can be when tools elevate vision.

Virtual environments, large and small, are opening new creative options for shaping and blending light from the virtual world to augment the more traditional real-world approaches to set lighting.  Join ICG Local 600 Directors of Photography as they discuss the techniques and technology they are using to leverage the merger of ray-traced and real to efficiently achieve their artistic looks and address situations that would require larger scale solutions in the physical world.

Cinematographers Blake McClure, ASC and John Brawley, ACS discuss their experiences shooting large-format imagery using Blackmagic Design’s new URSA Cine cameras. Blake is currently shooting HBO’s new untitled Steve Carell series with the URSA Cine 17K 65, while John is filming season three of Shrinking with the URSA Cine 12K LF.

Join the Society of Camera Operators for The Making of THE STUDIO—a behind-the-scenes look at one of today’s most innovative new shows. A Camera Operator Mark Goellnicht, SOC, Jesse Cain, Ronin Camera Operator, Lucas Deans, 1st AC, and Christopher Thrasher, Dolly Grip will share how creative collaboration brought this standout series to life.

Clips will be screened and key scenes discussed, offering insight into the on-set strategies and problem-solving that shaped this fresh and dynamic production.

This panel discussion will be a deep dive into the careers of top documentary DPs - discussing creative process, working with different directors, and finding their own unique style.

Go behind the scenes with AWD Icon Members + directors Mary Lou Belli, Morenike Joela Evans, and Rosemary Rodriguez, along with cinematographer Ana M. Amortegui, as they break down the unique demands of directing genre television. From action choreography to visual effects, these trailblazing creatives will share how they prep, shoot, and collaborate to bring bold, cinematic visions to life - and the tools they use to make it happen.

ACT Academy invites you to get hands-on with the grandMA3 console! This session will offer an overview of the grandMA3 hardware and software capabilities, how they are used in a Film or TV environment, as well as the core concepts behind controlling today's most complex and capable lighting fixtures. Focused on how to get from your first showfile to your first live playback, this session breaks down the grandMA3 platform into approachable pieces for new learners as well as seasoned lighting professionals.

Join George Mooradian, ASC, as he moderates this panel discussion filled with formal and informal conversations and questions from the audience.

Join us for a lively discussion as filmmakers and technologists share their experience with the Academy Color Encoding System (ACES) and their thoughts on the latest ACES 2.0 release. Learn how ACES can elevate your color management workflow experience — from on-set production through VFX, color and archiving — using tools you are already familiar with.

Gliding high over the the French Alps, against all odds cinematographer Jon Pears delivered breathtaking footage shot on Atlas Mercury Anamorphics Lenses and captured it all on OWC media and storage. Join us to learn how to make magic in near-impossible scenarios and gather tactical lessons on how to improve your films, and push your creativity further.

Pessah is an award-winning cinematographer known for his stunning work in narrative and documentary projects for both features and television. In this presentation, Pessah will showcase new footage demonstrating how versatile the BURANO is for photographing both unscripted and scripted projects, ranging from available light to highly designed setups. He'll discuss lensing options, recording formats, and the unique capabilities of the recently released version 2.00 firmware. Pessah will also demonstrate how he intermixes cameras from Sony's Cinema Line for memorable and innovative visual storytelling.

A live demo of how creative industry professionals might utilize AI as part of their arsenal of tools to tell compelling stories, and recognizing when other established techniques may be more effective.

Join RED and ShotDeck for an in-depth discussion with legendary, Oscar-nominee Don Burgess, ASC, whose groundbreaking work on films like Forrest Gump, Cast Away and Aquaman has set a visual standard in modern filmmaking. Moderated by ShotDeck Founder and revered filmmaker Lawrence Sher, ASC, and RED’s Naida Albright, this conversation explores Burgess’ approach to storytelling, his collaboration with directors, and the evolving technology shaping the industry. With curated ShotDeck images, this session delves into the artistry behind some of cinema’s most iconic visuals.

Come for a challenge, leave with solutions. This color science seminar calls for the end of color control confusion—at least, from a lighting perspective! The dawn, then proliferation, of color-changing LED lighting also brought unintended consequences: forced color choices, loss of direct color control, unforeseen technical barriers, and simply, frustration. Come for color science foundations to inform your technical lighting decisions on set to express your creative vision in all of your projects.

Cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw, ASC and 1st AC Ethan McDonald join moderator Christian Anton (IMAX) for an in-depth conversation unpacking the bold visual language of Ryan Coogler’s genre-bending vampire epic SINNERS. Durald Arkapaw made history as the first female cinematographer to shoot in 5-perf and 15-perf IMAX 65mm, pushing the boundaries of large-format storytelling in a groundbreaking fusion with Ultra Panavision 70. This panel will include a detailed breakdown of select scenes revealing how bespoke lenses, hybrid formats, and creative risk-taking shaped the film’s hauntingly stunning aesthetic and technical ambition.

What do you do when the phone stops ringing, fear sets in, and it feels like everyone else is sprinting ahead? How do you balance making a living with staying connected to the kind of projects that matter most to you?

Join award-winning cinematographer Natasha Braier, ASC, ADF in conversation with moderator and cinematographer Danna Kinsky, WIC for a candid discussion on navigating uncertainty, redefining success, and building a career grounded in your unique creative voice.

This is a candid exploration of the inner journey every cinematographer faces but few openly discuss — the doubts, challenges, and breakthroughs that shape a creative career. You’ll leave with fresh perspective, practical insights, and a renewed sense of connection to a community of artists forging their own paths.

The playbook has changed. The new era of Hollywood does not just happen on the studio lot—it’s being shaped by independent filmmakers, creators, DIY whizzes, and passionate storytellers. Join creators, brands, and partners leading the charge as they explore how content is being made in new ways—where trust-fueled collaborations and unbridled creativity have driven a year of wildly diverse productions and widely viewed content. Step inside the new era of Hollywood—raw, collaborative, and already in motion.

Panelists:

• Michael Cioni, Founder & CEO of Strada
• Lukas Colombo, Founder & CEO of Kondor Blue
• Nicholas Coriaty, Producer
• Shane Hurlbut ASC, Hollywood Cinematographer
• John Parenteau, Hollywood Corporate Communications, Blackmagic Design