Dave Brick’s director told him “I’ve never seen a prep like this before.”
That’s the stuff we care about most at DEEP-LIGHT, and that people rarely teach.
Not just how to light something, but how to communicate ideas, build trust with directors, lead a crew, collaborate, negotiate, and pick your battles.
All the things that happen before you even step on set, and that shape the entire shoot.
A lot of the cinematographers who come through the program tell us they wish they’d had these conversations earlier in their careers. And that’s exactly why Natasha Braier created DEEP-LIGHT: to build the kind of space, guidance, and community she wishes she’d had when starting out.
Our 2026 mentorship begins with a live online intensive weekend on May 30–31 and continues throughout the year with ongoing conversations, Zoom calls, and a private international community of cinematographers supporting each other through the real ups and downs of the job.
We only take 35 people each year, and there are still a few spots left.
🔗More info in the link in bio to reserve your spot
The first time I visited Mark at the hospital, he told me I’d probably have to wake him up. I sent a meme of a guy poking with a stick, saying “c’mon, do something.” He had a much needed laugh and told me to bring a stick. When I woke him up, the first thing he said to me was, “hey man, I’m sorry, I don’t think I’m gonna finish the legs for your table.” Of course his first thoughts weren’t of himself.
He was kind, generous, and as selfless as one could be.
The second thing he said after I woke him was, “…where’s the stick?” Even on chemo, he had his sense of humor and he was sharp- he memorized the name of everyone from the hospital and in Mark fashion, he made it a point to tell them all thank you. Individually. One by one.
We shared the same birthday, or as he would say, “astrological twins.” Every trip around the sun, we would grab birthday drinks together, share a dumb birthday meme, and multiple times he found more “astrological twins” and got us all together to celebrate.
You could always count on Mark. He helped on countless projects. I loved having him on set- he showed up with a smile, and always taught new skills to our PAs- I often called him Professor Sasahara. He loved teaching. Our last conversation he talked hours telling me the different looks of his favorite lenses.
He was crafty- My favorite being what we have long called on my crews, “The Sasahara Death Wagon” a cart to move weight plates, held together by the *tiniest* push handle. I frequently joked with him that I didn’t know if it survived years on set due to his engineering prowess or because I told everyone to treat it with respect or learn how it got its moniker.
I’m grateful for his friendship, his tutelage, how much he supported his friends. To have a friend like him was to be truly blessed. I’m grateful I got to say goodbye and how much I appreciated him. I’m grateful our final image is sharing a laugh together… while I poke him with a stick.
Farewell my friend, my brother, my Astrological Twin- Birthdays will hit different without you in them, but I’ll forever appreciate the memory of you in them.
Much love.
11 Years of Copa! July 4, 2014 I found her abandoned in an alley, soaking wet in a thunderstorm. I’ve been trying to let her live her best life ever since
I’m very happy to share @westhamptonfilm is an official selection for #tribeca2025 @tribeca spotlight narrative category- premiering June 7th!
So many people worked incredibly hard to make this thing happen, particularly @xiannilsson who tirelessly championed making this film. I’m beyond thankful for the opportunity and can’t wait to show it to the world!
Last weekend I shot my short film HOUSEWIFE with the help of an AMAZING CREW AND CAST!
It just might be my favorite project to date😆
Thank you to my amazing actresses (and actor) mostly pictured here, my amazing crew behind us - including my Stony Brook peers, unique photo fam, msu connects, set friends from past projects, and everyone else who got swept up into this crazy little ambitious one day shoot💜
Can’t wait to share more from this project (and others in the works)
Written/directed - me
Camera- @davebrick
Hmu - @vanessfx_
Thanks @ryanbakerphoto for the AWESOME bts shot!!📸
#film #filmmaking #director #womeninfilm #movie
