Panavision and Warner Bros. have posted up a nice Q&A video with DP Autumn Durald Arkapaw, ASC, on why she shot Sinners in 65mm.
In the Q&A, cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw, ASC, sat down with Panavision Senior Vice President of Optical Engineering Dan Sasaki to break down the visual language of Sinners. The conversation ranged from early format experiments to shooting large-format IMAX film with lenses designed to have personality, texture, and what Autumn calls “steez.”
Together, they explore how lens character shapes performance, how format decisions evolve alongside story and VFX, and what it takes to push visual language forward while navigating studio-scale filmmaking. Along the way, Autumn reflects on collaboration, creative conviction, and the importance of building trust with your tools, your crew, and your partners.
You can learn more on the Panavision website.
Tpoics Discussed in the Q&A
- 00:00 – Introduction
- 00:30 – The Origin of “Grilled Cheese”
- 01:20 – Defining “Steez” in Lenses
- 01:59 – From 16mm Dreams to Large Format Reality
- 04:36 – Testing IMAX Cameras & Panavision C Series
- 05:43 – The Cinematographer as Artist & Manager
- 07:19 – Trust, Collaboration, and Creative Risk
- 08:59 – Autumn’s Proudest Shot in Sinners
- 09:53 – Lenses, VFX, and Preserving Steez in Post
- 14:42 – Navigating Studio Filmmaking
- 17:13 – Pushing Boundaries with Ryan Coogler
- 17:40 – “You Are Enough”: Advice for Emerging Filmmakers
- 18:49 – Developing a Personal Look
- 20:36 – Choosing the Right Film Format
- 24:27 – Lens Sweet Spots & Knowing Your Glass
- 25:32 – Closing Thoughts
