Gratitude, Gold, and Guidance
A Powerful Moment with Patrick Cady ASC and Thomas Bernardo
A live virtual session from the StudentFilmmakers.com Webinar Series, featuring Film/TV Director Patrick Cady, ASC, “Virtual Shadowing: Navigating Television Production,” brought together filmmakers at all career stages. “Breaking In & Building a Career Path,” was the first webinar of the “Virtual Shadowing” series, and it was led by instructor Patrick Cady ASC with his special guest Thomas Bernardo. The educational session delivered valuable insights while also generating gratitude and meaningful connections among industry professionals.
Mr. Cady is an Emmy-nominated cinematographer and director known for his work in both film and television. He gained recognition for his cinematography on the film Girlfight (2000) and has since become a sought-after Director of Photography and director. Cady is particularly noted for his work on Insecure (2018), for which he earned an Emmy nomination, as well as for his work on Bosch andBosch: Legacy. He has also directed episodes of Rectify (2016) and Interrogation (2020). As a member of the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC), the Directors Guild of America (DGA), and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), Cady is recognized for his unique visual style and storytelling approach.
Mr. Bernardo is a film and television producer and writer, known for his work on Bosch: Legacy (2022), Bosch (2014), and The Lincoln Lawyer (2022). He has been instrumental in the development and structure of high-profile episodic television, and is widely respected for his narrative instincts and room leadership.
The start of the live educational session quickly set this webinar apart from any typical online presentation. Film professionals at every stage of their career journey were immediately drawn to the genuine warmth and openness of Cady and Bernardo. The mix of engaging Q&A sessions, personal stories, and practical advice created an atmosphere where attendees not only gained technical knowledge but also felt truly seen and validated. Many expressed a strong desire to return for future events by StudentFilmmakers.com. The chance to ask questions directly to the panelists added significant value, allowing learners to engage in meaningful dialogue. One participant shared how the opportunity to connect with fellow attendees during the Q&A made the experience feel more personal and accessible. The session provided exceptional depth, with several participants describing it as a life-changing introduction to the shared challenges and successes within the filmmaking community.
Here’s what participants had to say
“I’m so glad my instructor at Berkeley City College referenced a Student Filmmakers Magazine article, and I learned about this resource. It was wonderful to attend today’s webinar with Patrick Cady ASC and Tom Bernardo. I look forward to attending more webinars. Thank you!”
“I’m really grateful to Patrick Cady ASC and Tom Bernardo for such an informative and engaging webinar. Hearing straight from two pros about the creative process and the ups and downs of the industry really hit home for me and others attending. The mix of useful advice and a friendly, welcoming vibe made the session feel both helpful and personal. Thanks so much for sharing your time and knowledge with us!”
“Big thanks to Patrick Cady ASC and Tom Bernardo for an awesome webinar! They were so open and easy to talk to that it felt more like a conversation than a class. I left feeling inspired and ready to keep pushing forward. Looking forward to the next one!”
“Thanks to Patrick Cady ASC and Tom Bernardo for a really clear and helpful webinar. Their detailed tips and honest talk about the challenges in the industry were super useful. The session balanced technical info with practical advice perfectly, and the chance to ask questions made it even better.”
“This was very helpful, especially having the opportunity to ask the panelists questions directly. I also appreciated that we were able to get to know some of the attendees through the Q&A, and it made the panel feel that much more personal and accessible. Thank you so much for providing this resource, and I will be sure to attend more in the future!”
“Informative session on getting started in the industry. Everyone has some form of imposter syndrome and worries about getting the next job. Even someone with over 30 years in the business can still be a student filmmaker. Always learning something new.”
“It was great to hear about the path a now successful DoP took to getting established in the industry, and the importance of being willing to take risks and face the unknown in order to seize opportunities to build the career of your dreams.”
“This was a great opportunity to hear from two experts in the industry! I really appreciated the community-oriented feeling of the space.”
“Very informative webinar.”
“First time I heard the term ‘impostor syndrome’.”
The welcoming environment from StudentFilmmakers.com combined with the personal engagement from the panelists created a deep impression. The webinar provided attendees with advice on handling industry uncertainties as well as motivation to take creative risks which left them feeling both energized and inspired.
The journey of a successful Director of Photography, who built his industry presence, highlighted how taking risks and embracing uncertainty can pave the way to a dream career.
StudentFilmmakers.com hosts this webinar as part of its ongoing mission to educate and connect filmmakers worldwide, offering empowering resources along the way. Led by Patrick Cady ASC, the “Virtual Shadowing” series provides accessible educational experiences that highlight both the challenges and triumphs of careers in television and film.
Find the schedule for the “Virtual Shadowing” series here if you missed this session or want to access future events right away. Join the conversation and learn from industry leaders to become part of this expanding supportive community.
A heartfelt thank you to Patrick Cady and Tom Bernardo for sharing not only your knowledge, but your time, generosity, and honest insight with the filmmaking community.
