Wally Pfister, who won an Academy Award for Best Cinematography for Christopher Nolan’s science-fiction thriller Inception, made his directorial debut last year with the Johnny Depp-starrer Transcendence. A t2 chat with Wally before you catch Transcendence on Sony PIX this evening (6pm).

You have been a cinematographer for many years. Was it a planned move to become a director or did it just happen to you?

I think it was a planned move. I have been behind the camera since I was an 18-year-old. I have spent 20 years as a cinematographer. After that, I wanted to try different aspects of storytelling. At a certain point, I wanted to get involved in the process (of filmmaking). So, there it happened.

How was it working with Johnny Depp in your directorial debut?

Working with him is a real joy. He is smart and an interesting person. He is a great actor. He had come up with wonderful ideas to contribute to the film. I have worked with him for many years. He told me about how the machine (the sentient computer around which the film’s plot revolves) should be handled and spoke about certain ideas and concepts that made sense.

You have worked with Christopher Nolan for so many years. Tell us about your friendship with him...

Yes, it is a friendship of many years now. We have done seven films (Memento, Insomnia, Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, The Dark Knight Rises, Inception, Prestige) together. When Transcendence came up, I basically told him that I wanted to try directing and he was very supportive.

Have you been to India?

Yes, I have been to Jaipur with my wife. We stayed in a beautiful palace (smiles).

What is your impression of Indian films? Have you heard about Bollywood?

Of course I have heard about Bollywood... it is fantastic! The first film that I ever saw in a theatre was Slumdog Millionaire. It did catch my attention. On a flight, I watched The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. It was fascinating.