How ‘Shōgun’ cinematographer Sam McCurdy helps create a visual portrait

Cinematographer Sam McCurdy knew he was part of something special during his nearly year-long tenure on FX’s “Shōgun,” where he shot five episodes of the 10-part historical epic set in 1600s Japan. When Emmy nominations were announced, the success continued as creators Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo told the L.A. Times’ Tracy Brown it was “ surreal ” for “Shōgun” to lead the way with 25 nominations, including nods for series, acting, production design, costume design, sound, editing and visual effects. “It was the first time the cast could sit and chat in their own language and you could really feel the ease and how comfortable everyone was.” Awards How Hiroyuki Sanada plays his own hero in ‘Shōgun’ The actor-producer was keenly aware of telling the story through a Japanese lens, unlike the 1980s miniseries. In “Crimson Sky,” McCurdy sought to “drive the Mariko story” by showcasing “the weight the character earned through the rest of the season.” What it meant was lensing a visual narrative around Mariko’s strength and connecting the camera to her perspective.