Cinematographer Jason McCormick returns to Go Creative Show to discuss his work on the FX series Love Story, beginning with the story of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette. Jason breaks down how he approached the visual language of a romantic story after working on darker projects like Dahmer and Menendez, and how the show's look evolved through instinct, collaboration, and trust.
Jason shares how the project came together quickly when he stepped in just weeks before shooting the pilot, and how working with director Max Winkler allowed the show's style to develop organically on set. From choosing the 1.85 aspect ratio and developing a custom LUT inspired by 90s film photography, to navigating the challenges of shooting in New York City, Jason explains how cinematography can support emotion, character, and story.
The conversation also explores the realities of working in today's film industry, the importance of pacing yourself during long production runs, and why great cinematography often comes from staying flexible and responding to the moment.
How Jason McCormick developed the visual style of Love Story
Why aspect ratio and color pipeline are the first decisions he makes on a project
Creating a custom LUT inspired by film photography
The challenge of stepping into a project late and making it your own
Shooting romance versus darker subject matter like Dahmer
Navigating paparazzi and location challenges while filming in New York
Why flexibility and instinct are key tools for cinematographers
Entering the project shortly before shooting the pilot
Working with director Max Winkler
Developing the show's color palette and LUT
Choosing lenses and aspect ratio for the series
Building visual language for a romantic story
The influence of paparazzi photography from the 1990s
Filming in Manhattan and dealing with paparazzi on location
Balancing creative instincts with production realities
The current state of the film industry in Los Angeles
Cinematography starts with the shape of the frame and color pipeline, not the lighting.
The best visual ideas often come from reacting to actors and locations in the moment.
Trust between departments allows filmmakers to work faster and more creatively.
Great cinematography isn't always about complexity — sometimes the right shot is simply putting the camera in the perfect place.
LINKS
'Love Story' Series on Hulu
Jason McCormick's Instagram
Go Creative Show Instagram
