November 17, 2025
Shot Talk – Sinners with DP Autumn Durald Arkapaw, ASC
Summary
In this episode of Shot Talk, Lawrence Sher, ASC sits down with Autumn Durald Arkapaw, ASC for an in-depth conversation about the critically acclaimed supernatural horror film Sinners.
From the logistics of the “twinning” process with Michael B. Jordan to the creative strategies behind the film’s remarkable oner, the two explore the collaboration and craft that shaped the production. They also discuss Autumn’s creative partnership with Ryan Coogler, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the pivotal moments that brought the film to life.
Key moments
- 00:00:51 Overview of Sinners
- 00:01:50 From 16mm to IMAX: How the Format Decision Evolved
- 00:03:40 Testing Formats & Screening 70mm References
- 00:05:55 Deciding When to Use IMAX: What Scenes Can Have Non-Sync Sound?
- 00:12:00 Prepping Actors for Shooting IMAX
- 00:13:54 Twinning Smoke & Stack: The VFX & In-Camera Approach
- 00:16:33 Scene Breakdown: The Opening Shot at the Lumber Mill
- 00:22:54 Film Stock: 5219, Ektachrome & the Color Palette
- 00:25:24 Exposure Philosophy: Matching Film & Digital With Prints
- 00:28:17 Dailies Essential Role in the Framework
- 00:29:56 Achieving the Look: Underexposing Film
- 00:36:15 Lighting Philosophy: Shape Without Looking Lit
- 00:42:16 Operating Two Cameras & Working with Ryan Coogler
- 00:45:00 Lenses: IMAX, 2.76 & Keeping It Simple
- 00:48:30 Scene Breakdown: The Train Station & Green Screen Work
- 00:53:24 Scene Breakdown: Smoke in the Shack & Proper Window Frames
- 00:57:28 Scene Breakdown: Jumping Jack & The Klan
- 01:01:29 The History of Music Scene: Steady Cam, Down Spool & Petzval Lens
- 01:06:42 The Juke Joint Location: Doorways are Coffins
- 01:09:20 Lighting Vampires Outside
- 01:17:29 Closing Reflections: Postmortems & What She Learned
