Clubhouse Conversations — The Residence

In this episode, cinematographer Paula Huidobro is joined by interviewer Oliver Bokelberg, ASC, BVK to discuss her work on The Residence — the comedic mystery series centered on a murder scandal that implicates members of the White House staff.

The Residence follows detective Cordelia Cupp (Uzo Aduba), who partners with FBI Special Agent Edwin Park (Randall Park) to carry out an investigation after a White House chief usher is found dead at a state dinner. Huidobro served as director of photography on four episodes for Season 1, including the premiere, entitled "The Fall of the House of Usher."

In this interview, Huidobro discusses how she created a stylized, theatrical look for the show, inspired by Gosford Park and Panic Room; the challenges of shooting on expansive, multi-level White House sets built across four stages; the technical and narrative considerations made in approaching the show's elaborate dolly, crane and cable-cam shots; how she helped design a soft overhead LED lighting system for key scenes; her close collaboration with director Liza Johnson to balance dark comedy with murder mystery elements, and more.

Paula Huidobro is a cinematographer whose credits include Coda: Señales del Corazon, Good American Family, and the Fargo series. In 2022, she was nominated for an ASC Award for her work on Physical, and for an Emmy Award for her work on Barry.

Oliver Bokelberg, ASC, BVK is a cinematographer whose credits include My Own Worst Enemy and Raines, both of which were nominated for an ASC Award, as well as The Station Agent and the series Grey’s Anatomy and Endgame.

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