Behind the Cinematography of Spiderdust: A Visual Journey
From the moment I first laid eyes on the Spiderdust script, I knew this was going to be a journey unlike any other. The story was steeped in psychological tension and surrealism, demanding a visual approach that could capture the delicate balance between reality and a fractured reality of traumas carried from childhood into adult life. As the Director of Photography, I was excited to dive headfirst into this challenge, transforming these haunting words on paper into a living, breathing visual experience.

The vision for Spiderdust was clear in my mind—a world that felt both familiar and eerily alien, where shadows and light danced together to reflect the protagonist Milly’s fragmented psyche. I knew that the lighting would be key in achieving this. I wanted to create a world where light and shadow weren’t just visual elements but active participants in the story, reflecting Milly’s internal struggles and the haunting echoes of her past.

To create this atmosphere, the lighting needed to be carefully controlled, with sharp contrasts between light and darkness. The shadows were intentionally deep and pronounced, designed to evoke a sense of unease and disorientation. Soft, diffused light was used sparingly, primarily to highlight moments of fleeting clarity or introspection. In contrast, harsh, directional lighting was employed to emphasize the scenes where Milly’s reality fractures, casting eerie, elongated shadows that seemed to creep along the walls, following her every move.

In some scenes, the light was designed to feel almost unnatural, as if it were an entity of its own, intruding into Milly’s space. This was particularly effective in the film’s dance sequences, where the light guided the rhythm of Milly’s movements, casting her in and out of shadow, reflecting her shifting emotions and the pull between her childhood traumas and her adult reality. The goal was to create a visual metaphor for Milly’s fractured mind, where light and dark were constantly at odds, mirroring her internal conflict.

The creation of this visual language wasn’t something that happened only on the shooting days; it was the result of countless conversations and brainstorming sessions with Director Ash Kash and the rest of the team. We spent hours discussing how the cinematography could connect deeply with the story—how every lighting choice, every shadow, could serve as a visual extension of Milly’s psychological state. These discussions were crucial in developing a cohesive visual narrative that truly captured the essence of the film.

Our producers, Kasey Medeiros and Alex Moore, were instrumental in these creative discussions, providing insights and ensuring that the visual style aligned with the film’s thematic elements. The collaboration didn’t stop there; Mitch Clark, our 1st Assistant Camera, and Shervin Adeli, the 2nd Assistant Camera, played key roles in executing our vision, translating our ideas into tangible, impactful shots.
The sound department, led by Marvi Pathania as Sound Mixer, worked tirelessly to capture the subtle audio nuances that would complement the visuals, while Lucinda and Kevin Wang, our Gaffers, helped bring my vision to life with their expertise in crafting the perfect lighting setups. Karli handled the Hair and Makeup, creating looks that enhanced the characters’ otherworldly appearances, particularly in the film’s more surreal moments. Behind the scenes, Nina Franova captured the magic unfolding on set as the BTS Photographer, preserving the process that led to the film’s haunting visuals.

Our choreographer, Hannah Macaulay, played a vital role in the dance sequences, translating Milly’s internal turmoil into movement that was both beautiful and disturbing. Her work, combined with the cinematography, created some of the most memorable and emotionally charged scenes in the film.
Working on Spiderdust was more than just a job—it was a chance to push the boundaries of cinematography and explore new ways of visual storytelling. This film is a testament to what can be achieved when a dedicated team comes together with a shared vision. Every frame of Spiderdust reflects our collective passion and commitment to creating something truly special.
Spiderdust is a film that stays with you, not just because of its haunting narrative but because of the way it is visually told. As the Director of Photography, I poured my heart into every aspect of its cinematography, using light, lenses, and composition to draw viewers into Milly’s fractured world. This film is a personal journey for me, one that reflects my deep passion for visual storytelling and my commitment to creating cinematic experiences that resonate on a deeper level.
For those interested in the art of cinematography, Spiderdust offers a rich example of how visual elements can elevate a film beyond the ordinary. My work on this film is a reflection of my belief that cinematography is not just about capturing images, but about creating experiences that linger in the mind and soul.
Credits:
- Director: Ash Kash
- Producers: Kasey Medeiros, Alex Moore
- Director of Photography: William Pinto
- 1st Assistant Camera: Mitch Clark
- 2nd Assistant Camera: Shervin Adeli
- Sound Mixer: Marvi Pathania
- Gaffers: Lucinda, Kevin Wang
- Hair/Makeup: Karli
- Choreographer: Hannah Macaulay
- BTS Photographer: Nina Franova
Cast:
- Franca as Milly
- Nyssa Burrells as Grey Woman
- Tahlia Crinis as Mother/Witch
- Liam Finlayson as Grey Man
