Cinematic Trailblazers: Visionary Mentors of Filmmakers Academy

Welcome to the realm where dreams are crafted into cinematic masterpieces, visionaries shape the future of storytelling, and innovation meets artistry.

Filmmakers Academy proudly stands at the forefront of nurturing the next generation of filmmakers. At the heart of our success lie the luminaries who guide and inspire our members — our esteemed mentor instructors.

Picture this: a cohort of industry trailblazers, each wielding a formidable arsenal of talent, experience, and accolades. From award-winners to visionaries, our mentors represent the epitome of excellence in the film industry.

Follow along as we dive into the latest works of our mentors, exploring their groundbreaking contributions that have graced the screen this year. From captivating blockbusters to binge-worthy Netflix gems, each piece of content serves as a testament to the unparalleled expertise and visionary prowess of our mentors.

Get ready to be inspired, enlightened, and mesmerized!

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MASTER COLORIST DAVID COLE

Beyond fear, destiny awaits! With Dune: Part 2 now in theaters, we are thrilled to shine a special spotlight on a creative who helped make the stunning visuals all possible!

Filmmakers Academy mentor David Cole is the master colorist behind one of the greatest sci-fi blockbuster series ever created. Cole last shared his process of coloring and grading the world of Arrakis in the first installment of the series. His work wowed audiences with distant worlds full of treacherous sandstorms and pulse-pounding action sequences.

Get ready to embark on a journey beyond imagination, where heroes rise, villains fall, and the fate of the universe hangs in the balance. So, if you haven’t already, grab your popcorn, buckle up, and prepare for an interstellar adventure that will transport you to the far reaches of the cosmos.

Filmmakers Academy Courses by David Cole:

Book a 1-on-1 Coaching Session with David Cole!

DP SHANE HURLBUT, ASC

Música is an absolute masterpiece that mesmerizes audiences with its captivating storyline, remarkable performances, and stunning visuals. Rudy Mancuso’s directorial debut is nothing short of phenomenal as he effortlessly weaves together a narrative that seamlessly blends humor, heart, and profound moments of reflection.

Filmmakers Academy mentor Shane Hurlbut, ASC’s cinematography elevates Música to new heights, capturing breathtaking landscapes and intimate moments with equal finesse. Each frame is meticulously crafted, immersing audiences in a visually stunning world that feels both expansive and deeply personal.

Hurlbut’s cinematography paints a vivid backdrop against which Mancuso’s character navigates life’s joys and challenges. The result is a cinematic experience that is as visually captivating as it is emotionally resonant.

With Música, Rudy Mancuso and Shane Hurlbut, ASC have crafted a film that transcends genre conventions, delivering a timeless story that speaks to the universal human experience. It’s a testament to their talent and vision, leaving audiences spellbound from start to finish. This film is not just a movie; it’s a transformative journey that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll.

Musica premieres at SXSW and afterward Shane will meet with members and friends of the Filmmakers Academy community.

Filmmakers Academy Courses by Shane Hurlbut, ASC:

Book a 1-on-1 Coaching Session with Shane Hurlbut, ASC!

CINEMATOGRAPHER SHERRI KAUK

Drugstore June is an indie gem that shines brightly, captivating audiences with its compelling narrative and breathtaking visuals. Filmmakers Academy mentor Sherri Kauk’s masterful cinematography enhances every scene with its exquisite composition and evocative imagery.

At the heart of Drugstore June is a story that resonates with authenticity and emotional depth. Kauk’s cinematography serves as a visual feast for the eyes, transporting viewers into the heart of the story with its immersive camera work. Every shot is meticulously crafted to capture the raw emotion and beauty of the narrative.

Overall, Kauk’s cinematography infuses Drugstore June with a sense of visual poetry that lingers. Each frame is a work of art, elevating the film and drawing viewers deeper into its world. With its compelling story, exceptional performances, and breathtaking visuals, it’s a film that leaves a lasting impression and reminds audiences of the magic of cinema.

Filmmakers Academy Courses by Sherri Kauk:

Unscripted Camera Operating: The Playbook

Book a 1-on-1 Coaching Session with Sherri Kauk!

CINEMATOGRAPHER GABRIELLE BLACKWOOD

Director/Cinematographer Gabrielle Blackwood released her all-new GB LUTs Pack, including dark skin tone lookup tables: Blue Mahoe, Cinnamon, and Hazelnut.

Gabrielle started out creating LUTs for her needs. But then she discovered there were others like her who were frustrated with their imagery from post-production. Say production didn’t allocate enough time for color grading, and it just went to an editor for a general grade. The GB LUTs make for an ideal starting point. Moreover, LUTs are also great for filmmakers just starting out who are not used to color grading and require some extra assistance.

It was a few years ago when Gabrielle developed her first set of dark skin tone LUTs: Dark Pecan I & II, Dark Syrup, and Tawny. The LUTs bring out the best in various shades of dark skin tones, so we were ecstatic to get our hands on the latest edition.

With all this in mind, remember, LUTs are not a simple fix. It’s not a stamp-and-go operation. You must adjust the LUTs based on your camera color science, lighting, locations, makeup, etc.

We hope you enjoy Gabrielle’s free GB LUT Pack! She encourages everyone to feel free to use and share them as they wish — and we encourage you to tag her: @emeraldpicturesco

The Dark Skin Tone LUTs are here to help you. So, adjust them and play around with them until you have the image that best suits your project!

Book a Virtual Coaching Session with Gabrielle!

Download the Dark Skin Tone LUTs Pack!

EDITOR JOAQUIN ELIZONDO

Go beyond the story of Griselda, the woman otherwise known as the “Black Widow,” with the editor of the Netflix limited series, Joaquin Elizondo.

In our recent Mentor Spotlight, Joaquin begins by sharing his journey of becoming a Netflix editor and emphasizes the importance of putting yourself out there, communicating your goals, and having a strong support system to achieve success in the industry. Now, he is paying it forward by sharing his wisdom with The Hollywood Editing Mentor and Filmmakers Academy.

Throughout this episode, Joaquin talks shop, explaining how working on a pilot episode of a new series differs from his time on the previous Narcos series. Even though it was the same team, they wanted a different style for the Griselda series, avoiding the feel of past iterations. He explores everything from his editing process and managing his time to experiences on the show and collaborating with other editors and the VFX team.

Griselda is a Netflix Original and is available to stream now.

Joaquin Elizondo is also known for Dark Winds (2022), Narcos: Mexico (2018), and The Hot Zone (2021).

Filmmakers Academy Courses by Joaquin Elizondo:

Book a 1-on-1 Coaching Session with Joaquin Elizondo!

1ST AC DEREK EDWARDS

Discover on set focus pulling processes, techniques, and scenarios with Derek Edwards all-new On Set Series: Camera Assistant. This in-depth exploration is a must for camera assistants and focus pullers!

On Set Series: Camera Assistant invites you on set with key 1st AC Derek Edwards as he shares his professional insights on the unique scenarios a focus puller faces.

Throughout the course, Derek draws from his personal experiences, highlighting challenges a focus puller encounters, and then offers solutions that have served him in his work.

This course challenges you to think outside the box when dealing with impossible situations. Derek demonstrates everything from overcoming issues with your wireless video transmitters to working with child actors to stay in focus.

Derek also clues you into his approach to rigging cameras for car stunts to capture high-octane shots. And he pulls back the veil to action scene choreography and staying razor sharp — even while filming rainy samurai duels. Across the board, Derek gives you the confidence and peace of mind you need walking onto a set where almost anything can happen.

Filmmakers Academy Courses by Derek Edwards:

Book a 1-on-1 Coaching Session with Derek Edwards!

COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR JORDAN BRADY

Jordan Brady is bringing back the Commercial Directing Bootcamp on April 27, 2024 with a limit of 12 filmmakers. This Bootcamp is a one-day, intensive live filmmaking seminar on how to launch, manage, and grow your commercial directing career!

Bootcamps offer a structured and intensive learning experience designed to equip individuals with practical skills and knowledge. Like an espresso shot, it’s a quick jolt of knowledge and experience to give you the confidence you need to succeed in the commercial directing landscape.

Overview of the Commercial Directing Bootcamp: