Visual Storytelling w/‘Alien: Earth’ DP Bella Gonzales - Just Shoot It 507

Visual Storytelling w/‘Alien: Earth’ DP Bella Gonzales - Just Shoot It 507

Author: Filmmakers Matt Enlow & Oren Kaplan December 25, 2025 Duration: 1:16:56

Bella Gonzales https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7543234/ brings a ton of insight about being a cinematographer on series like Pen 15, Fargo, Alien: Earth, and The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox.


It’s a really inspiring episode that made Oren want to pick up a camera and operate again. On the other hand, Bella is a self-described lighting-focused DP (Director of Photography). And her conversation with Matt and Oren details how her approach to cinematography enhances, and perhaps even creates, the world of the show more so than an operator-focused DP.


Bella also gets into the playbook for Fargo and the rules of the road that create its uniquely offbeat look. And Bella lays out how this makes audiences feel more like they are inside the story.


You won’t want to miss this unique episode with a cinematographer who passionately explains the techniques she uses in the art of her craft.


Find Bella on Instagram @bellagonzalesdp


---

Help our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/JustShootItPod


Matt's Endorsement: Ethan Hawke on social media


Oren's Endorsement: a400 round base monopod https://www.ifootagegear.com/products/monopod-a400-roundbase


Bella's Endorsement: "The Duellists", movie by Ridley Scott https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0075968


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


Behind every film you've ever loved is a collection of hard-won lessons, creative struggles, and moments of pure luck. Just Shoot It: A Podcast about Filmmaking, Screenwriting and Directing pulls back the curtain on that process. Hosted by working directors Matt Enlow and Oren Kaplan, this podcast operates like a long-form conversation between peers, delving into the granular details of building a life behind the camera. Each episode features an interview with a filmmaker, but the focus is less on promoting projects and more on dissecting the craft. You'll hear directors, writers, cinematographers, and other artists break down their approach to story development, the visual language of a scene, working with actors, and the practical realities of navigating a career. The discussion is grounded in the hosts' own experiences, making the advice tangible and the pitfalls relatable. This isn't abstract theory; it's a field guide compiled from the trenches. Whether you're an aspiring director, a seasoned screenwriter, or simply fascinated by how movies are truly made, this podcast offers an honest, unvarnished look at the art, business, and relentless problem-solving that defines filmmaking. Tune in for a masterclass that feels like a coffee shop chat, where the goal is to demystify the journey from script to screen.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Just Shoot It: A Podcast about Filmmaking, Screenwriting and Directing
Podcast Episodes
Commitment Issues  w/ Matt & Oren  - Just Shoot It 443 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:03
This week Matt & Oren chat about work-life balance, adapting to different workflows, and working with new companies. Matt's Endorsement: Going on a hike. Specifically Millard Canyon. Oren's Endorsements: Listening to Mus…
Mastering Docu-Style Drama w/Robert Kolodny - Just Shoot It 442 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:40
This week Matt & Oren chat with Venice, Directing, and Boxing with "Featherweight" Director Robert KolodnyRobert's Endorsement: https://www.youtube.com/@Mosfilm_engMatt's Endorsement: I Saw the TV Glow (Max)Oren's Endors…
Building a Horror Career w/The Butcher Brothers -Just Shoot It 438 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:28:24
This week Matt & Oren chat with Director Mitchel Alteiri and Producer Phil Flores, otherwise known as The Butcher Brothers, about their new horror feature: CONSUMED!Matt's Endorsement: Smart SheetsOren's Endorsement: Awa…
How to Share Your Work w/Matt & Oren - Just Shoot It 437 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:21
It's another catchin' up episode! This week Matt & Oren chat about house-keeping, keeping your portfolios tidy, and more! Matt's Endorsement: Alien: Romulus & Ridley Scott Letterboxd Top 4Oren's Endorsement: All The Hack…
Talking to Actors w/Matt & Oren - Just Shoot It 436 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:47
This week, Matt & Oren do a little catching up and chat about talking to actors!Matt's Endorsement: NoBudge, One Sandwich To Rule Them AllOren's Endorsement: Dropbox Tip, Filmot, Untoldstudios.tvContribute to the Just Sh…
2 Wins & 2 Losses w/Matt & Oren - Just Shoot It 435 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:32
This week, Matt & Oren dive into some wins and losses when it comes to landing commercial directing jobs.Matt's Endorsement: Fruits!Oren's Endorsement: Beer GuidelinesContribute to the Just Shoot It Patreon and help the…
Dominating A Smaller Market w/Morgan & Nick - Just Shoot It 434 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:59
This week, Matt & Oren chat with the directing duo Morgan & Nick about their commercial directing careers, how to dominate your smaller local market, and pre-vising with Unreal Engine!Matt's Endorsement: Alex Hormozi's P…