Clubhouse Conversations — Life Below Zero

In this episode, cinematographers Charlie Beck, Michael Cheeseman and Pedro Delbrey discuss their work on Life Below Zero — the acclaimed National Geographic docuseries that explores life in Alaska's remote territories.

Life Below Zero follows a number of resilient residents living in uniquely harsh areas of Alaska, where extreme cold, isolation and dangerous wildlife are elements of everyday existence. With no neighbors within hundreds of miles, the subjects of the series rely on hunting, foraging and bartering to brave the unforgiving winter and unpredictable spring.

In this interview, Beck, Cheeseman and Delbrey discuss working with small crews in freezing weather; the myriad roles taken on by each member of the production's small crew; the importance of committing to creative shot choices when shooting non-fiction material; their preferred filmmaking tools and the ideal times in which they used them, and more.

Charlie Beck is a cinematographer known for his work on the Discovery Channel series Deadliest Catch, for which he received five Emmy Award nominations.

Michael Cheeseman is a cinematographer whose work on Life Below Zero has earned three Emmy Award wins in 2020, 2021 and 2022.

Pedro Delbrey is a cinematographer who has served on crews for the series Flophouse, Through the Wormhole and Port Protection.

Paul Atkins, ASC is a cinematographer renowned for his underwater photography and contributions to acclaimed documentaries like Hawaii: Strangers in Paradise, Great White Shark and Dolphins: The Wild Side, as well as additional photography on narrative features such as Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, The Tree of Life and The Revenant.

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