Niraj K Mishra

Mad Max: Fury Road, Three Thousand Years of Longing, Harry Potter, City of Angels, The English Patient, Dead Poets Society, Rain Man… the list goes on. These masterpieces share one thing in common—the living legend behind the lens, John Seale. A Director of Photography, or as he prefers, a ‘cinematographer,’ whose work has shaped cinema in extraordinary ways.

Yesterday, I had the privilege of attending his masterclass, and it was nothing short of inspiring. From starting as a camera and equipment driver to becoming one of the most celebrated cinematographers in the world, his journey is as remarkable as the films he’s created. And no, he never attended film school—a testament to the power of passion and perseverance.

One of the most exciting takeaways was his innovative approach to multi-camera setups in real locations, which not only ensures perfect edit cuts but also minimizes stress on actors and saves hours of shooting time. Coincidentally, we applied the same method while shooting our film, ‘Samanantar,’ and the experience truly boosted our confidence as professionals.

What struck me most was his humility and grace—John Seale is the epitome of a gentleman. His words continue to resonate with me, and his masterclass has left an indelible mark, still in awe!! Thank you, Sir, for sharing your wisdom and for giving the world such incredible films. May God bless you with health, happiness, and even more exceptional stories to tell. Long live cinema! 🎥❤️ @pulkit.rathii @shots.by.archit
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