Spotlight Coaching Sessions give All Access members the opportunity to interact with Filmmakers Academy mentors. 

On top of comprehensive training videos, filmmakers need an outlet to ask questions and work out ideas. As filmmakers, we get that. 

And that’s where monthly Spotlight Coaching Sessions come in. 

HOW SPOTLIGHT COACHING SESSIONS WORK…

Every month, a mentor is invited on to the Filmmakers Academy Platform to field four questions submitted by members. These are virtual sessions that are only viewable from the Filmmakers Academy platform. 

Out of 90 minutes, 15 minutes is allotted for each “spotlight” followed by a 30-minute Q&A. While the first 40 members to register are invited to virtually attend, all other members can watch live on the FA platform and interact via the chatbox. 

• 60 minutes: 3-4 Spotlight Coaching Sessions
• 30 minutes: Q&A from others in attendance

If you’re a member who cannot make the live event, don’t worry! A replay of each spotlight coaching session is made available inside the platform to watch on-demand. Just allow some time from the live broadcast to re-publishing. 

MASTER COLORIST DAVID COLE 

In this excerpt from a Spotlight Coaching Session in December of 2022, David Cole and Shane Hurlbut, ASC describe their work together as DP and colorist. They detail what the prep process looks like, effective collaboration, and how color sessions begin in post-production. 

In the excerpt from the session below, David Cole advises one of our members about his project.

 

PRODUCER JAMEE RANTA 

During Jamee Ranta’s coaching session in 2022, she discusses her approach to producing in both commercial and music video spaces. Then, she answers questions from members about collaborating with directors, cinematographers, and other producers. 

In the excerpt below, Jamee Ranta advises on how she communicates with the director of photography.

KEY 1ST AC DEREK EDWARDS 

In this Spotlight Coaching Session from earlier this year, Derek Edwards talks about the importance of networking, solid communication, camera prep, and joining the union. 

In the following excerpt, Derek shares some advice with a member about pulling focus. 

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY SHANE HURLBUT, ASC 

From a Spotlight Coaching Session from October of 2022, Shane Hurlbut, ASC takes a deep dive into finding representation, dealing with impossible schedules, lighting for varying genres, and shares tips on how to get experience to grow your craft. 

In the excerpt below, Shane breaks down the power of prep to ensure your success as a cinematographer. 

JOIN THE NEXT SPOTLIGHT COACHING SESSION!

Shane Hurlbut, ASC returns for the upcoming Spotlight Coaching Session on Sunday, February 26th at 10:00 AM PST (1:00 PM EST). 

Here are some of the member topics that Shane will respond to during the next coaching session: 

• Work/life balance and navigating the business financial side of collaborating with producers and directors to build a solid foundation 
• Scaling from smaller projects to larger projects as a Director of Photography
• Moving from commercial cinematography to narrative cinematography
• Using the Insta360 camera on different project sizes

Want to join the next session? If you haven’t already, sign up for Filmmakers Academy All Access today! Then, look out for email announcements from us advising how to register and ask a question. 

Are you a member who hasn’t received Spotlight Coaching announcements? If you’ve opted out of our newsletter, you’re missing our new content and even possible job opportunities. Make sure to safelist Filmmakers Academy so you don’t miss out. If you have any questions, please reach out to our customer service: customerservice@filmmakersacademy.com 

HOW TO SAFELIST US? 

Make sure we get in your inbox!

Scroll down the page to find your email program for instructions to add us to your address book or safelist list.

iPhone

1. Tap the sender’s from name
2. Choose “Create New Contact” 
3. Tap “Done” to save

Android

1. Tap the picture of the sender
2. Tap the add to contacts icon
3. Tap “Create new contact”
4. Choose the correct account if signed into multiple email addresses
5. Tap the check mark to save

Gmail

1. Open the email in your inbox
2. Hover over the sender’s name
3. Select “Add to contacts” to save the sender to your Contacts list

(You can also safelist on Gmail before opening the email by hovering over the sender’s name next to the subject line and selecting “Add to contacts” to save to your Contacts list.)

Click here to learn how to add an email address to your contacts if you use another mail service. 

1-ON-1 COACHING CALLS

If you want more time with a particular mentor or prefer a 1-on-1 virtual experience, we offer 1-on-1 Coaching Calls. The 1-on-1 Coaching Calls are ideal for filmmakers who want an entire hour with a mentor to get their questions answered in-depth about the craft and industry. 

*Just note 1-on-1 Coaching Calls are not included with an All Access membership and are an additional expense. 

Learn more about 1-on-1 Coaching Calls!