043 | Sami Ansari on his unseen ’Sound City’ photos

2026-02-04

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Sign up to the Foos Files newsletter for free bonus content.--SummaryCinematographer Sami Ansari’s role in the 2013 documentary film ‘Sound City’ was a case of fourth time lucky. Having been hired - and subsequently let go - on three occasions when working with the Foo Fighters, Sami eventually found himself thrust into the less familiar role of photographer on the ‘Sound City’ project. In keeping with the analog spirit of the Dave Grohl-directed film, he captured several rolls of black and white photos which have been unreleased - until now. In this week’s ep...

Summary

Cinematographer Sami Ansari’s role in the 2013 documentary film ‘Sound City’ was a case of fourth time lucky.

Having been hired - and subsequently let go - on three occasions when working with the Foo Fighters, Sami eventually found himself thrust into the less familiar role of photographer on the ‘Sound City’ project.

In keeping with the analog spirit of the Dave Grohl-directed film, he captured several rolls of black and white photos which have been unreleased - until now.

In this week’s episode, the San Francisco Academy of Art film school graduate recalls his memories of the Sound City sessions, in which Dave Grohl and his Foo Fighters bandmates were joined by an all-star cast of musicians including Sir Paul McCartney, Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty.

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