A Portbox Studios Production — S3 Now Available
A cinematic deep dive into the craft, psychology, and invisible architecture behind unforgettable films — and the emotional language of visual storytelling.
Browse All Episodes ↓S3 · E1 — Latest Episode
Writer/Director Karan Singh Tyagi (Kesari Chapter 2, Bandish Bandits S2) on walking away from a Harvard law career to adapt one of India's most suppressed historical events into a courtroom thriller — where poetry becomes revolution and emotion must always trump logic.
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About the Show
Invisible Storytelling is a cinematic deep dive produced by Portbox Studios. Every episode goes behind the frame — into the psychology of light, the grammar of an edit, the discipline of silence.
Not the what. The how. And the why it makes you feel something you can't always name.
By the numbers
Writer/Director Karan Singh Tyagi (Kesari Chapter 2, Bandish Bandits S2) on the transformative journey from Harvard-trained lawyer to first-time filmmaker, where emotional truth becomes the foundation of cinematic storytelling.
Academy Award-nominated cinematographer Jeff Cronenweth (Fight Club, The Social Network, Gone Girl) on the silent architecture of cinematic storytelling — where light, shadow, and restraint carry more emotional weight than spectacle ever could.
Academy Award-nominated cinematographer Matthew Libatique (A Star Is Born, Black Swan, Straight Outta Compton) on emotional truth over technical perfection, and how the most impactful light is the one you don't notice.
Academy Award-winning cinematographer Erik Messerschmidt (Mindhunter, Mank, The Killer, Ferrari) on the psychology, patience, and precision behind visual storytelling — mastering human behavior defines great cinematography.
The fearless director behind Gangs of Wasseypur, Dev.D, Black Friday, and the Cannes-acclaimed Kennedy on battling censorship, surviving rejection, reclaiming creative freedom, and why real filmmaking demands rebellion.
The visionary behind Udaan, Lootera, and Sacred Games on navigating the evolution of Indian cinema without sacrificing artistic integrity, and fighting quiet battles against censorship while reaching global audiences.
Academy Award-winning cinematographer Wally Pfister (Inception, The Dark Knight, The Prestige, Memento) on building cinematic worlds with Christopher Nolan — and why real cinema demands soul, not shortcuts.
Cinematographer Ben Kutchins (Ozark) on creative process, maintaining lighting continuity, the importance of human connection on set, and the enduring influence of 1970s cinema on modern visual storytelling.
Oscar-nominated cinematographer Phedon Papamichael (Nebraska, Ford v Ferrari, Walk the Line, Indiana Jones: Dial of Destiny) on the emotional architecture of visual storytelling and why trusting intuition beats chasing perfection.
Cinematographer Jon Chema (Big Sean, Google, Airbnb) on why motivated visuals matter, how over-preparation fuels creative freedom, and why developing your own voice is the only path to timeless work.
Singer-songwriter Hailey Knox on touring, imposter syndrome, the trap of appearing "cool" online, and how songwriting helps her survive her own mind.
Singer-songwriter Mogli on heartbreak, depression, and how the darkest year of her life gave birth to her most honest music — and why letting yourself be seen is the first step toward healing.
Cinematographer Steve Annis (I Am Mother, The Crow, Foundation) on why chasing prestige erodes the soul of an artist — and what it means to stand out in an era drowning in content.
From renegade skateboard videos to award-winning features, Bryce Fortner (Ingrid Goes West, Portlandia, I'm Your Woman) on why raw vision beats perfect circumstances, and ego as both tripwire and teacher.
VMA-winning director Andrew Donoho (Twenty One Pilots — Heathens, HeavyDirtySoul) on lucid dream training, color psychology, the mythic pull of teal and red, and how the subconscious shapes iconic visual work.
Editor and director Dionna McMillion on transforming raw footage into emotionally resonant stories — Walter Murch's rule of six, blink-rate science, cutting for emotion, and the invisible architecture of a great edit.
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