Clubhouse Conversations — Bugonia

In this episode, cinematographer Robbie Ryan BSC, ISC is joined by interviewer Steven Fierberg, ASC to discuss his work on Bugonia — a tale of conspiracy obsession gone mad from writer-director Yorgos Lanthimos.

Bugonia is centered on the kidnapping of Michelle Fuller (Emma Stone), a high-powered corporate CEO, carried out by two young men (Jesse Plemons, Aidan Delbis) whose fixation on conspiracy theories leads them to believe Michelle is actually an alien. The film marks Ryan's third feature collaboration with Lanthimos, following the duo's work together on The Favourite and Poor Things.

Also Read: Robbie Ryan, BSC, ISC and Director Yorgos Lanthimos on the Making of Poor Things

Conversation Highlights

Ryan's conversation with Fierberg explores a range of strategies, as well as the creative and practical challenges they encountered, including:

• Shooting the film in VistaVision with prototype Panavision lenses
• Working almost entirely with practical lighting
• How he worked to complement Lanthimos' preference for fixed framing and restrained camera movement
• Collaborating with colorist Greg Fisher to refine the film's texture
• How he helped reinforce Lanthimos' on-set philosophy, which emphasizes naturalism and spontaneity

Robbie Ryan, BSC, ISC is a cinematographer whose credits include The Favourite (2018), American Honey (2016), C’mon C’mon (2021) and Poor Things (2023). For his work on The Favourite and Poor Things, he was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Cinematography in 2019 and 2024, respectively.

Steven Fierberg, ASC is an award-winning cinematographer whose credits include the TV series Emily in Paris, Entourage, mini-series Attila and feature Secretary (2002). In 2002, he won the ASC Award for Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography for his work on Atilla.

You’ll find all episodes in our ASC Clubhouse Conversations discussion series here.

Images courtesy of Focus Features.