Rodney Charters

We're re-sharing a 2017 episode of our show with a heavy heart.

Rodney Charters ASC, CSC, NZSC passed away on September 13th, 2026 at age 77.

He was best known as the cinematographer behind the television series 24, as well as the shows Roswell and Shameless.

Rodney also had decades of documentary and drama experience spanning New Zealand, Canada and Hollywood.

In this episode, Rodney takes us all the way back, growing up in his father's darkroom in New Plymouth and cutting his teeth as a sound recordist for the BBC.

He learned to shoot on the fly as a documentarian and traveled to more than 80 countries.

Rodney talks candidly about the philosophy that shaped his camera work on 24, with full scenes shot in their entirety and actors given the freedom to find their own truth.

From cheap secondhand fixtures to modern LED lights, Rodney perfected the craft of lighting, no matter the budget.