What fuels the creative vision of today’s top filmmakers? For Nick Matthews–cinematographer behind Saw X, Mob Land, and Bone Lake–it’s not just technical skill. It’s inspiration: films that challenge convention, books that sharpen visual instincts, and podcasts that deepen your understanding of the human experience.
In this exclusive interview with MasterShot, Nick Matthews shares the music videos, films, books, and podcasts that shaped his career–and that every filmmaker should explore to receive cinematic inspiration.
Cinematographer Nick Matthews during an exclusive interview for MasterShot
Music Videos That Redefine Visual Storytelling
Music videos are where cinematographers can take the biggest creative swings. Here are three that Nick Matthews says “scratch the head” and leave a lasting impact through bold visual language.
1. “Iron Sky” – Paolo Nutini (Dir. Daniel Wolfe)
Shot by Robbie Ryan in Ukraine, this poetic video feels more like a cinematic short film.
“It’s just a gorgeous music video. It tells a story–and it has something to say.”
2. “Born Free” – M.I.A. (Dir. Romain Gavras)
A politically charged, pulse-pounding piece that refuses to be ignored.
“It feels political. It feels propulsive–like watching a dramatic action film.”
3. “Anima” – Thom Yorke (Dir. Paul Thomas Anderson)
A dreamlike blend of dance, emotion, and surreal storytelling.
“Such a visual feast and so experimental. Thom Yorke is a presence on screen.”
A scene from the music video “Iron Sky” by Paolo Nutini
Essential Films Every Aspiring Cinematographer Should Watch
Some films entertain, but others educate. These three left a lasting impression on Matthews because they offer a masterclass in tone, texture, and visual language.
1. “Ratcatcher” (1999, Dir. Lynne Ramsay)
A haunting look at childhood and poverty in Glasgow, filled with dreamlike visuals.
“She explores dream space and social class in a way no other filmmaker does,” he shares. “The visual style is unique to each film.”
2. “Burning” (2018, Dir. Lee Chang-dong)
A slow-burn psychological thriller that explores class and alienation in South Korea. According to Nick Matthews, this Korean movie resonates far beyond its borders.
“Burning is certainly not for everybody. It’s a slower-paced film, but it’s a thriller. It shows an exploration of the class and political landscape of South Korea. At the same time, in its specificity, it manages to encompass the universal, therefore, it’s just a gorgeous film.”
3. “The Turin Horse” (2011, Dir. Béla Tarr)
An atmospheric and meditative experience in true Béla Tarr fashion that rewards patience.
“It’s a masterclass in texture and tone,” he says. “Early in my career, I might’ve found some of his films a little too slow or tedious. Now, I have the patience to love and enjoy them, and highly recommend it.”
A scene from the movie “Ratcatcher” directed by Lynne Ramsay
Bonus: Nick Matthews’ All-Time Favorite Films
Some films define your path as a filmmaker. For Nick Matthews, these two were life-changing.
4. “Se7en” (1995, Dir. David Fincher)
A dark, tightly crafted thriller that showed him what genre filmmaking could be.
“If I were choosing films that were instrumental in me wanting to make films, I would probably go back to Se7en,” Nick admits. “I still feel like it’s one of the greatest genre films of all time due to the darkness and the thematic material of the movie, the way that the movie is told.”
5. “Blue” (1993, Krzysztof Kieślowski)
An emotionally rich story of grief and healing, told with poetic visuals. The film is a part of the legendary “Three Colors” trilogy.
“Blue is one of those films that I adore,” he says. “It touched me on a really deep level–so visual and emotional.”
A scene from the movie “Se7en” directed by David Fincher
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Photography Books That Train the Cinematic Eye
Visual storytelling starts with knowing how to see deeply. Nick Matthews recommends three photography books that inspire cinematic composition and train your eye to find magic in every frame.
1. “The Suffering of Light” – Alex Webb
This book immerses readers in vibrant and striking imagery.
“You won’t find better street photography with more brilliant colors.”
2. “Immediate Family” – Sally Mann
An intimate, evocative portrayal of family and place.
“It explores memory space and this sense of looking through a glass in such a beautiful and profound way.”
3. “Twilight” – Gregory Crewdson
Crewdson’s photography mirrors the cinematic language of a film set. A master of mood, light, and eerie storytelling through stills.
“It has such striking surrealist images, this sense of loneliness and this magical realism that I have just not seen in any other photographer.”
Cinematographer Nick Matthews during an exclusive interview for MasterShot
Podcasts Every Filmmaker Should Be Listening To
Great storytelling is more than what’s on-screen–it’s about understanding people, perspectives, and process. These podcasts explore filmmaking and life itself.
1. “Where Should We Begin?” – Esther Perel
Nick Matthews advises filmmakers to make movies about relationships because understanding human connection is key to great storytelling.
“If you are a filmmaker, you should be making films about the stuff of relationships in life. And so I’d recommend this podcast as a way to explore your own trauma and experience of the world.”
2. “Team Deakins” – Roger & James Deakins
In this podcast, legendary cinematographer Roger Deakins shares wisdom and technique.
“An incredible resource–interviews with top filmmakers. That’s been a part of my life for the last few years ever since they started it.”
3. “American Cinematographer Podcast”
A goldmine of insights from some of the best in the business.
“So many great references and resources on filmmaking and cinematography.”
Your Cinematic Journey Starts Now
Inspired by Nick Matthews’ favorite recommendations? Watch the full interview with Nick Matthews, where he discusses his creative process, what it’s like working with Saw X’s Tobin Bell, and how he plans trap scenes for maximum visual impact.
And if you’re looking to streamline your next production, MasterShot is here to help. From pre-production and scheduling to multicam shot planning, MasterShot gives filmmakers the tools to bring their vision to life faster and smarter.