In this episode of Visium we demystify the world of camera lenses by tracing their origins back to a medieval Venetian monk struggling to read. Drawing parallels between our intuitive understanding of everyday physics (like how objects appear smaller with distance) and the fundamental principles of optics, we find that lenses aren't as complex as their reputation suggests. Through accessible examples ranging from the camera obscura to the human eye, we demonstrate how most of us already possess the foundational knowledge to understand these tools that shape every image we see, whether in photography, film, or even realistic paintings.

The episode takes a turn when we discover that lenses are actually not needed to create photographs, a simple hole in a wall can project an image, proving that understanding light behavior is more crucial than memorizing technical specifications. Mastering lenses isn't about technical complexity but about understanding how these tools can serve storytelling. By demystifying concepts like focal length, aperture, and light transmission, this episode empowers filmmakers to move beyond the intimidation factor and engage meaningfully with one of cinema's most fundamental creative decisions.

In this episode we unpack what makes you lean in, and what makes you pull away from a movie? We explore how physical space and emotional instinct intertwine, not just in life, but on screen. We follow the dance of the camera as it draws us near or keeps us at a distance (sometimes without us even realizing it) and consider how those choices shape our experience as an audience.

But this episode goes deeper than just cinematic technique. It offers a look behind the curtain at the complex roles of the writer and director, and the mental shift required to wear each hat well. Filmmakers must first know the emotional engine of a scene before choosing how to capture it visually. Whether you’re a seasoned storyteller or just love watching movies, this episode will change the way you think about the space between the camera and the character, and what it means for the space between you and the story.

Ever wondered why some stories are just captivating, while others fall flat? In this episode of Visium, we dive into one of filmmaking's most fundamental yet often overlooked aspects: narrative perspective. We explore the crucial difference between seeing a story and experiencing it, unraveling how directors and cinematographers make intentional choices about who's really telling the story in a film.

Through fascinating examples from classic films like Hitchcock's Vertigo to modern masterpieces, we'll discover how the seemingly simple choice of camera placement can completely transform our connection to characters and story. Whether we're placed as distant observers or thrust into a character's innermost thoughts, these perspective choices shape not just what we see, but how we feel – and ultimately, how we experience the story being told.