Clubhouse Conversations — Wicked

Editors’ note: In-depth coverage of Wicked will be available in American Cinematographer's January 2025 issue.

In this episode, cinematographer Alice Brooks, ASC is joined by interviewer M. David Mullen, ASC to discuss her work on the musical Wicked, directed by Jon M. Chu.

Adapted from the long-running Broadway show, Wicked tells the story of Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), a misunderstood young woman with green skin, who forms an unexpected friendship with popular fellow student Glinda (Ariana Grande) at Shiz University in the Land of Oz. After meeting the Wizard of Oz, their bond is tested as their lives take drastically different paths.

In this interview, Brooks discusses blending practical sets with visual effects to create the vibrant world of Oz; balancing naturalistic and theatrical lighting; coordinating complex lighting cues; collaborating with cast and crew to enhance performances; using color symbolically; and the challenges and joys of adapting a beloved musical.

Alice Brooks, ASC is a cinematographer whose feature credits include tick, tick… BOOM! and In the Heights.

M. David Mullen, ASC is a cinematographer whose credits include the series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, for which he has won two ASC Awards and three Primetime Emmys, and the features The Love Witch, Jennifer’s Body and Akeelah and the Bee.

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