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The Documentary DP

The Documentary DP

By: Scott Alan Thompson
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This podcast features interviews with talented documentary cinematographers from around the world. We discuss the ethics of documentary filmmaking, adventurous shoots, and the behind-the-scenes reality of filming on the run.Scott Alan Thompson Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Malcolm Mandela Serrette - Keeping reality TV real
    28 Oct 2026

    Like many documentary cinematographers, Malcolm Mandela Serrette began his career in unscripted television. During a twenty-year career, Serrette has filmed such series as Rhythm and Flow for Netflix, Baking It for Peacock, and Titan Games for NBC.

    Named after Malcom X and Nelson Mandela, Malcom filmed his first documentary in high school. He and his brother Desmond made a film about racial profiling and police brutality in their hometown of Prince George’s County Maryland. That film paved the way to NYU, where Malcom began operating camera for various shows at MTV while still a student. After graduating, he continued at MTV, where he became a director of photography at age 24.

    Whether filming interviews for American Idol or lensing a football documentary for ESPN, Malcom has traveled to all corners of the country telling stories of people in towns large and small. His goal is to portray a person’s truth in way that is both cinematic and honest. Now based in Los Angeles, Malcolm continues to be in high demand for his drive to capture vibrant images and authentic moments. See samples of Malcolm’s work at delavisions.com.

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    58 min
  • Joe Gabriel - From NBC intern to established New York DP
    19 Aug 2026

    Joe Gabriel has been honing his craft as a cinematographer and director for over twenty years, moving fluidly between large-scale productions, intimate documentaries, and everything in between. He began his career as lead cinematographer for NBC’s in-house agency before going on to shoot global brand campaigns and acclaimed long-form projects, including the Emmy-nominated Brain Games (National Geographic) and Netflix’s Brainchild, produced by Pharrell Williams. Learn more at joegabriel.tv.


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    45 min
  • Andrew Zeiderman
    13 May 2026

    A graduate of the American Film Institute, Andrew is a highly sought-after Director of Photography with credits across more than 30 network and streaming platforms. His diverse portfolio includes documentaries, commercials, films, and reality series. In this episode, Andrew discusses his work on "Two Sides," a docuseries about police brutality; "as1one," a behind-the-scenes docuseries following an Israeli-Palestinian boy band; and "Control Your Fear," an interactive ghost-hunting experience.

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    41 min
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