Clubhouse Conversations — Landman

In this episode, cinematographer Robert McLachlan, ASC, CSC is joined by interviewer Scott Cunningham, ASC to discuss his work on Landman — the series from creator Taylor Sheridan set against the backdrop of the West Texas oil industry.

Landman follows petroleum landman Tommy Norris (Billy Bob Thornton), who fights to push the company where he works as an operations VP, M-Tex Oik, to the top of the heap of competitors amid an energy boom. McLachlan shot seven episodes for Season 1, including the show's premiere.

In this interview, McLachlan discusses his grounded and naturalistic approach to the material; the advantages of his camera and lens choices; the challenges of lighting interior scenes entirely from outside the set; shooting multicamera handheld coverage while still maintaining scenes' emotional intimacy; how he and the crew crafted immersive car scenes using interactive lighting and greenscreen plates; how he worked to complement Sheridan’s improvisational, location-driven directing style; the creative flexibility afforded by a loyal and experienced crew, and more.

Robert McLachlan, ASC, CSC is a cinematographer whose credits include the series Ray Donanvan, Game of Thrones and Yellowstone.

Scott Cunningham, ASC is a cinematographer whose credits include the music videos Rebound for Jennifer Lopez and Gorilla for Little Simz — both of which received ASC Award nominations in the category of Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography, Music Video — as well as Humble for Kendrick Lamar.

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