In this episode of Beyond the Scenes, I sit down with cinematographer Paul Nguyen, to explore the intersections of art, immigrant identity, and life behind and in front of the camera. From his early days as a breakdancer to becoming a sought-after filmmaker, Paul reflects on how dance shaped his camera movement, how growing up on a chicken farm influenced his work ethic, and how documentary storytelling fulfills his creative purpose.The conversation touches on technical aspects of filmmaking, working with the DJI Ronin 4D, the power of teamwork on set, and how his immigrant family’s resilience helped shape who he is today. Paul also shares how he met his wife, and how their artistic journeys have intertwined.Whether you’re a filmmaker, creative, or just someone navigating identity and passion, this episode is for you.Follow Paul Nguyen: https://www.instagram.com/polly___studioConnect with Carlos Andrés Cuervo: http://carloscuervo.comFollow Carlos Andres Cuervo: https://www.instagram.com/andrescuervoTimestamps:0:00 - Intro: Filmmaker Meets Farmer1:11 - Holding Chickens & Lenses with Care2:24 - Paul’s Approach to Stress on Set3:42 - Creative Solutions vs. Technical Skills5:03 - Being Helpful Without Overstepping6:54 - Chicken Royalty: Paul’s Family Story10:45 - Vietnamese Roots & Farming Legacy14:46 - Hard Work, Immigration, and Gratitude20:25 - Creative Careers & Parental Expectations22:30 - From Breakdancing to Cinematography27:50 - Dance, Film, and Identity34:00 - Blocking as Choreography38:15 - Why We Love Documentaries43:51 - A Brief History of the Future (PBS Doc)49:50 - Tech Talk: FX3, Ronin RS3 Pro, and 4D55:00 - Building Creative Family & Business57:45 - Meeting DJ Sharon & Starting Together1:01:00 - Experimentation, Music, and Vis#BeyondTheScenes#FilmmakerInterview#Cinematography#BreakdancerToDP#ImmigrantStories#AsianAmericanVoices#DJIRonin4D#FilmmakingJourney#CreativeProcess#ChickenFarmToFilmSet#VietnameseAmerican#DocumentaryLife#PBSDocumentary#PaulWInterview#DanceAndFilm#BlockingIsChoreography#FilmSetVibes#BehindTheScenes#GimbalRig#VisualStorytelling#RoninRS3Pro#SonyFX3#DPWorkflow#IndieFilmmaker#CreativeCouples#ImmigrantExperience#FilmmakingTips#ContentCreators#RepresentationMatters#CultureAndArt

In this deeply moving episode of Beyond the Scenes, we sit down with filmmakers and creatives Naomi B. Smith and Tyler Duc Cao to go beyond the technical world of filmmaking and explore the human stories that shape their art.From the power of the art department to elevate visual storytelling, to the emotional weight of honoring one’s heritage and family legacy, this conversation dives into identity, resilience, and radical representation in cinema. Naomi shares the journey behind her award-winning short I Love You, and Tyler opens up about The Ocean’s Debt—a new short film honoring his grandmother and the untold immigrant experience.Together, we talk about why authentic storytelling matters, the barriers creatives of color often face, and how community, culture, and food bind us in unexpected ways. Plus: how you can support their new film through Seed&Spark and help amplify diverse stories in media.Follow Tyler Duc Cao: https://www.instagram.com/tylerdcaoFollow Naomi B Smith: https://www.instagram.com/naomibowiesmithFollow Their Project: https://www.instagram.com/theoceansdebtfilmSupport the short film The Ocean's Debt: https://www.naturl.link/oceanConnect with Carlos Andrés Cuervo: http://carloscuervo.comFollow Carlos Andres Cuervo: https://www.instagram.com/andrescuervo#BeyondTheScenes #FilmmakingPodcast #AsianAmericanStories #RepresentationMatters #ShortFilm #SupportIndieFilm #CulturalIdentity #ImmigrantVoices #FilmCommunity #StorytellingMatters #WomenInFilm #AAPIHeritage #BIPOCFilmmakers #NaomiPSmith #TaylorDelca #TheOceansDebt #ArtDepartment #SetDesignMatters #CreativeCommunity #DiversityInFilm #FilmMentorship #IntergenerationalStories #LatinoFilmmakers #VietnameseAmerican #SeedAndSpark #FilmCampaign #FestivalCircuit #FamilyHeritage #GriefAndHealing #IndieFilmmakersUnite

In this deep and honest episode of Beyond the Scenes, filmmaker and lighting expert Justus Page returns for an amazing conversation. From the artistic philosophy behind lighting to harrowing life experiences, Justus opens up about his path in the film industry, lessons from burnout, balancing family and career, and his passion for history.Whether you’re a filmmaker, creative, or just someone passionate about storytelling and purpose, this episode offers both technical insight and emotional resonance.📌 Timestamps:00:00 – Intro and time-travel question01:00 – Fascination with 19th century Europe and the unification of Italy04:00 – Why Italy was never meant to be a country? Dialects, history, and geography07:00 – The Vatican, cultural identities, and political power09:00 – Dream historic film project: German campaign in Africa during WWI13:00 – Racism, nuance, and legacy of German East Africa’s soldiers15:00 – Military pensions and recognition decades later17:00 – Using history to reflect on modern life and decision-making22:00 – Burnout in the film industry: sleeping in parking lots and near-death experiences25:00 – A terrifying car crash and its life-changing aftermath29:00 – Reconciling with family and gaining perspective30:00 – Raising a family in the film industry33:00 – Health crisis, anxiety, and redefining life priorities36:00 – Embracing mental health and becoming a new father38:00 – Letting go of Hollywood dreams and redefining success41:00 – Why Justice chose lighting over camera: the power of light in storytelling44:00 – Creative collaboration with DPs and the frustrations of micromanagement49:00 – Working efficiently and purposefully with the right team51:00 – The teamwork philosophy behind filmmaking53:00 – Caring too much: balancing passion with production realities55:00 – Future plans: Will Justice start a history podcast?57:00 – Thoughts on relevance, social media, and leaving a meaningful legacyFollow Justus Page: https://www.instagram.com/imperial.lightConnect with Carlos Andrés Cuervo: http://carloscuervo.comFollow Carlos Andres Cuervo: https://www.instagram.com/andrescuervo#Filmmaking #Cinematography #CreativeJourney #Storytelling #filmproducer #BeyondTheScenes #CreativeLife #filmindustry #soundrecording #entrepreneur #filmdirector #advertisemntagency #filmcommercials #entrepreneurship #filmproducer #gaffer #cinematic #cinematiclighting #filmindustry