In this Life Offset episode, John Bregel sits down with cinematographer Jared Levy for a wide-ranging conversation about what actually shapes a cinematographer's creative voice and most of it happens away from set.

Jared breaks down the DP's role into three pillars: image-making, managerial, and political. While technical skill is table stakes at a certain level, he argues that the real differentiator is everything you bring from your lived experience. You can't recreate emotion on screen if you haven't felt the full depth of those emotions yourself.

The conversation covers the tension between chasing what's visually trendy versus creating from genuine self-exploration, why the best director-DP relationships are rooted in something closer to love than professional convenience, and how to actually listen to that quiet inner voice on set that's telling you something isn't right.

Jared also gets into the practical reality of saying no to work, compartmentalizing commercial jobs versus narrative passion projects, and why incremental success built on long-term relationships matters more than chasing any single career-changing opportunity.

Enjoy!

Life Off Set - Jon Bregel

Jon Bregel has come on board to host a new series on the podcast called "Life Off Set".

He is a filmmaker, coach for filmmakers, and founder of the Nourish community.

Jon has been on the podcast twice previously and now he is taking the reins to shed some light on a side of the filmmaking industry that is very rarely explored.

His unique background and experience at the highest level makes him the perfect sounding board for filmmakers trying to come to terms with the ins and outs of the job.

If you want to explore working with Jon be sure to check out the links below. I would highly recommend taking advantage of the opportunity.

If you'd like to reach out to Jon:

Website - Jon Bregel

Filmmaker Community - Nourish Community