Celebrated actor Stanley Tucci, known for winning six Emmy Awards and two Golden Globes, is also highly regarded for his travel and food shows. His latest series, Tucci in Italy, premiered this week on National Geographic.
Cinematographer Matt Ball, who also worked on Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy for CNN, shared with PetaPixel how his career progressed from camera trainee to award-winning filmmaker. He emphasized that becoming a Director of Photography (DoP) required a shift in mindset from supporting to shaping the creative vision.
Ball highlighted the collaborative dynamic with Tucci and the production team. Tucci’s passion for Italy, its people, culture, and cuisine drives his dedication to the show. He is actively involved and receptive to ideas, sharing the challenges and long days alongside the crew.
The creative team focuses on portraying Italy’s authentic culture through wide, context-rich shots that connect Tucci with the people he meets, rather than tight close-ups. When filming food, they prefer plate-sized close-ups that tell a story rather than typical “food porn” visuals.
Tucci in Italy is a documentary centered on people, their stories, and culture, conveyed through the universal language of food. The production requires a flexible documentary approach to capture spontaneous, genuine moments without staged performances. The team maintains natural color grading to preserve authenticity.
Ball noted that while the show features stunning locations, it also embraces everyday scenes and modest settings, emphasizing the real lives of the people. Drawing on his experience in both photography and cinematography, Ball explained the differences between the two disciplines and encouraged aspiring filmmakers to gain hands-on experience and embrace continuous learning.
Filming in diverse Italian regions like Trentino Alto Adige, Naples, and Abruzzo, Ball cherished the opportunity to work on this series. The five-part Tucci in Italy is now available on National Geographic and streaming platforms Disney+ and Hulu, offering a heartfelt tribute to Italian culture and cuisine through Stanley Tucci’s infectious passion.
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