Visium: The Hidden Language of Images
How do images tell stories? Discover the hidden language everyone understands but few can truly “speak.” Cinematographer and educator Tal Lazar unveils the most sought-after lessons from his workshops at the American Film Institute Conservatory, Columbia University, Sundance and other top institutions. Whether you’re a filmmaker, photographer, or any other visual storyteller, this is your chance to learn how movies communicate through images—and apply it to your own work.
The Visual Strategy
What happens when a perfectly planned shot list collides with the unexpected reality of actors on a set? In this episode of Visium, we explore a common yet critical moment filmmakers face: when reality challenges preparation—and improvisation becomes essential.
Starting with a story every director and cinematographer can relate to, we dive deep into why traditional shot-listing often falls short, and why relying on it can leave you stuck when the unexpected happens. The solution? Visual strategy.
Through real-world examples from The Lives of Others, The Truman Show, The Godfather, Jaws, and more, we re...
From Words to Images
There’s one question that never fails to make filmmakers squirm: What’s your story? It sounds simple, but the answer isn’t always obvious. In this episode of Visium, we unpack why that question is so hard to answer—and why it might be the most important one a filmmaker can ask.
We also explore why the screenplay doesn’t hand you the story outright. Like a music score awaiting interpretation, it’s the director’s job to find the emotional core. Story is not what’s written—it’s what’s discovered. If you’ve ever wondered why some mo...
The Visual Story
Would you walk onto a stage in front of 500 people without knowing exactly what you want to say? Probably not. Yet, many filmmakers do something similar when they step onto set without a clear vision for their images. In this episode of Visium, we dive into what makes images in film truly work—not just as pretty pictures, but as powerful storytelling tools.
We start with legendary photographer Irving Penn’s approach to imagery: Every image has a purpose. Before picking up a camera, filmmakers need to ask—what is this image meant to do? From there, we bre...
Unforgettable Images
What makes an image truly unforgettable? Think of the Afghan Girl’s piercing stare, Muhammad Ali towering over his opponent, or Neo stopping bullets in The Matrix. These images don’t just capture a moment—they tell a story that sticks with us. But what’s the secret behind them?
In this first episode of Visium, Tal Lazar dives into the hidden language of images. Why do certain visuals resonate with millions while others fade away? Is there a formula, an invisible ingredient that makes an image powerful? From classic films to iconic photographs, we break down how comp...
