Cinematographer Adam Newport-Berra is gaining recognition for his ability to capture dynamic and intimate moments in film, particularly while collaborating with actor-directors. This year, he has brought his unique vision to two notable projects: “The Invite,” directed by Olivia Wilde, and A24’s “Club Kid,” which features Jordan Firstman in both the director and lead role.
Collaboration with Actor-Directors
Newport-Berra, who has been named one of Variety’s 10 Artisans to Watch for 2026, expresses a preference for working with actor-directors. He articulates the special dynamic that arises on set: “They get to direct the film both from outside and from within during the scene,” he emphasizes, noting that this perspective provides a unique opportunity to shape moments in real-time.
Exploring Themes in “Club Kid”
While “The Invite” presented the challenge of filming creatively within a limited space, “Club Kid,” which opens this weekend, provides a vibrant backdrop in New York City. The film follows a queer party promoter, portrayed by Firstman, whose life is dramatically changed when he discovers he has a 10-year-old son. The cast is rounded out by notable actors including Cara Delevingne, Diego Calva, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, and Reggie Absolom. Newport-Berra highlights a memorable scene where the father and son bond over music as his camera elegantly captures the unfolding atmosphere.
Creating Magic with Camera Techniques
Initially, the filmmakers planned to create a montage of moments shared between the two characters, but logistical constraints transformed this vision. Newport-Berra recalls the production team feeling claustrophobic after weeks of shooting in the same apartment, prompting them to seek an alternate perspective. They ultimately found a rooftop location, which allowed them to beautifully capture the evolving relationship against the backdrop of a city sunset. “We had this amazing zoom-out shot timed perfectly with a dolly shot inside,” he describes, revealing the intricate planning that went into creating this evocative moment.
According to Newport-Berra, the key to achieving the right mood lay in their adaptive approach on set. They had meticulously shot-listed the film, yet remained open to the emotional currents of each scene. “Sometimes it was very clear to us that we wanted a very intimate, simple handheld camera, where I could just be between them — the three of us in the room. Other times, the camera needed to be locked off and observing the pair from a distance.”
Authenticity in New York City
Newport-Berra’s familiarity with New York City has also informed his work. Having spent over a decade living there, he approached “Club Kid” with the goal of creating an authentic portrayal of the city. He describes a sense of pride in how the film embodies the essence of indie filmmaking in New York: “It was very much a New York indie movie and I love that. I’m proud we got to make that movie there.” His longstanding connections with local crew members helped further enhance the film’s authentic feel, allowing them to capture a modern yet nostalgic view of the iconic city.
