Stephen Murphy Talks Working on 'Primate' as Director of Photography in this exclusive interview!

In our interview with Stephen Murphy, he discusses his personal journey into the art of cinematography and his distinct vision for the film. Through shadows, darkness, vivid colors, and specific angles and shots, this cinematographer discusses how he shaped key scenes in the film to elicit specific emotions from the audience and what classic horror films influenced some of his work.

Primate (2026) is currently available to rent or buy on digital, with a Blu-ray/DVD release scheduled for April 21, 2026.

Timestamps for our interview with Stephen Murphy about Primate
00:00 - Intro. What is the role of a Director of Photography in films and shows?
02:16 - What is his personal journey into cinematography?
05:30 - What was the overall visual philosophy used in Primate?
07:30 - On homages to past films in the genre in this film.
08:30 - Using light to create suspense instead of "jump scares."
10:50 - The process of setting up the scenes and collaborating with different directors
13:05 - On working on Heart Eyes (2025).
14:00 - The use of color in the visuals in Primate. (such as the pool scenes)
16:15 - Achieving a claustrophobic feel in the film using the lenses and environment. 
19:15 - A shot that he's particularly proud of in the film.
19:40- Filming inside the closet
21:50 - What do you hope audiences take away from your work as cinematographer in Primate?