Episode Details

Kaity Williams went from making home videos in South Carolina with her twin sister to becoming an award‑winning director of photography in Los Angeles. In this episode of Call Sheet Confessions, host Mia LePage sits down with Kaity to talk about her unconventional path to becoming a DP, why she skipped the traditional camera-assistant ladder, and what really matters more than owning the “perfect” camera.

Kaity opens up about moving to LA with no connections, going into debt to buy an Arri camera, and surviving the slow seasons of freelance life. She shares how mentorship from cinematographer Jay Holben transformed her understanding of lighting, why community is everything in this industry, and how she protects her mental health through jiu-jitsu and life outside of set. They dive into what a DP actually does day-to-day, how to lead a crew, what a great director–DP collaboration looks like, and how to navigate the pressure of answering a thousand questions on set.

You’ll also hear Kaity’s honest “call sheet confession” about the career mistake she wishes she hadn’t made, her favorite projects (including shooting with Brettman Rock in Hawaii and Michael Jackson’s nephews), and her inspiration behind launching her podcast “Exposing the Negative,” which focuses on the realities and mental health challenges of working in entertainment. If you’re an aspiring cinematographer, film student, or anyone curious about the real life of a DP in Hollywood, this conversation is packed with insight, honesty, and practical advice.