THE story
Hi there, it's LT, the host and creator of Cinemapodgrapher, I'll be your narrator.
Let's rewind to 2014 when I was 25, a recent graduate of the Australian National Film School, shooting around the country and overseas as a cinematographer, winning awards, and life was good. But, as life would have it, disaster struck. I became complacent, made some poor decisions, and by my late 20s, the phone stopped ringing. Work became scarce and I was making ends meet by driving for Uber.
Then, in 2020, everything changed. A big breakup, a pandemic, and I moved back home to my dad's during lockdown. Here I am, 31 years old, without a house, without work, my partner gone, and feeling like the world is ending. Life sucked.
It was in a tiny guest bedroom where I decided enough was enough, this wasn’t going to be my story. On a whiteboard on the floor I wrote down my values: Adventure, Strong, Inspire, Lead & Help. Not knowing what was happening with the world, I knew this was what mattered to me most.
With my newfound values I became determined to live into them every day. I decided I would help others by starting a podcast. What started as a small way of giving back, grew into an audience from all over the world. I kept following my values, work began to flow in and the past 4 years have been the busiest of my career.
Cinemapodgrapher has given me friendship, mentors, valuable lessons and most of all, fulfilment. Fast forward to 2024, I’m joined by Producer Deb and we’re a global brand with listeners and guests worldwide. Our vision is still the same; to help, celebrate and inspire filmmakers. Our story doesn’t end here though, in fact, we’re just getting started. So tune in and relax, you’ll be hearing from us.
LT
L.T
podcast host | camera, steadicam, REMOTE HEAD operator
Kia Ora, I’m Lucas Tomoana but some people call me L.T. I’m a Griffith graduate, an AFTRS graduate and I’ve been in the Camera Department 17 years. I’m a proud Polynesian man that grew up in New Zealand and Australia, hence the Aussie accent. I like puns, American football, Japanese food and giving back to the community.
I have a background shooting documentaries and commercials as a DP but found my true calling as a Camera, Steadicam & Remote head operator on feature films and television. If you’d like to know more about me or see my work, hit my website or follow me on the gram.
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Deb
podcast producer | ENTREPRENEUR & DESIGNER
Hi! I'm Deb, one of the creative forces behind Cinemapodgrapher. With 16 years in the creative industries, I'm an entrepreneur, designer and now producer of this amazing podcast.
I love helping creatives and connecting people through stories in my design world so when I met L.T it was only natural to do the same in film. I want to share stories and lessons that inspire filmmakers so they can not just survive, but thrive in the industry.
I'm a Manchester United supporter and a massive sports lover, so when I'm not working you'll find me with friends being active or watching a game.
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What People Are Saying
“Hey Lucas, my name is Mark. Just wanted to first say your content around everything on-set has been amazing to watch. Your podcast is such a helpful ‘eye’ into the world of film and has helped me grow more passionate about being in the industry. I am currently starting my journey and find individuals like yourself very inspiring as you embody the hard work and dedication I strive to have”
— Mark, AUSTRALIA
“Hey L.T! Bit late to the party but just thought I’d reach out and say thanks for putting the time and effort into your brilliant podcast! Ive been an operator for 6 years now and listening to Cinemapodgrapher recently given me the fresh boost of motivation I really needed. Here in Scotland the winters are pretty cold and dark, so I’m really grateful for your inspiration especially when it comes to setting goials and creating a healthy routine. I’ve been at the gym more than ever, practicing steadicam, practicing wheels and taking the time to plan for 2024. So thank you for everything, keep up the great work, and hopefully I’ll be able to pay it forwards sometime soon”
— Sean, scotland
“Your podcast with Sega Mega Drive (Rachel Seiger) was so invaluable for me with this recent 2nd AC gig. I listened to it on my way into the job as a refresher and it was perfect. I also legit tell everyone in the industry I talk to to give it a follow and a listen”
— matt, australia
“Lucas man you need to set up one of those ‘buy me a coffee’ links or something. Or send me your home address man, I’d love to send you a case of beer. Your podcasts and personal messages were an absolute bible to my first few days on set this week. Everything you said, happened, and I was well equipped for damage control thanks to you - and I’d otherwise be left for dead!!! Thanks so much again dude, love your work”
— ALEX, CANADA
“Hello Lucas, I just wanna say thank you for your podcast! It’s AMAZING! Believe me when I say this, listening to your podcasts is saving my life. I’m currently going through some tough times and listening to your podcasts remind me of my dreams of work in the industry. When I’m in that funk, and I’m feeling hopeless, it doesn’t matter if I’ve heard it already, it just helps me. Keep making your episodes! You’re making an impact on a lot of people. Thank you so much again! Like you had said, this industry is so small you’re bound to work with pretty much everyone I hope I get to work with you someday”
— anonymous, san jose, usa
“Hey Lucas! Hope you are well. Found your podcast a few weeks back and have been binge listening to it full stop. So good. I’m kicking off my career as a corporate Grip and Gaffer in Wisconsin USA and have found the podcast super encouraging. I’m at the stage right now where I am only booking 5-6 days / month so the practical tips on networking and treating this work like a biz has been super useful. Cheers!”
— grant, wisconsin, usa
“Helllo Lucas! My name is Grace and I’m a film student and listener from Los Angeles! I want to thank you for all of the hard work you put into your podcast. I’ve learned so much from Cinemapodgrapher and I appreciate your desire to share your knowledge as a working profesional with the rest of us beginners”
— grace, los angeles, usa
“Hey man just wanted to reach out and say thank you for all the work you put in to your podcast. I’m based in Ireland and relatively new to operating and what I’ve learned from you and your podcast has been immensely valuable. Not just in terms of operating technique and managing my business but also in my overall mindset when it comes to my life and career. Your podcast has even given me that extra kick I needed to start taking exercise more seriously… Anyway I just wanted to say keep doing what youre doing man cause youre inspiring a lot of new operators out there. Thanks for everything”
— raditya, ireland
“Hey LT! Just been binging your podcast, its really awesome to hear from the talented people here in Aus. Loved Diana and Katie Milwright’s episode, go the gals!! Super inspiring for an emerging cam op”