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Chewed Gum Documentary - Alana Maiello looking up at the Mormon temple

Announcements, Post Production, Production

“Chewed Gum” Documentary Seeks Finishing Funds with DocLands

At its best, the value of documentary filmmaking allows filmmakers to bring an important subject to light in order to enact change for the betterment of the world. That’s what makes the documentary feature film Chewed Gum so prescient. It’s a film that follows the personal story of Alana Maiello,…

Announcements

Filmmakers Academy App & Features

There’s much to love about Filmmakers Academy from our amazing team of mentors to our highly produced content that helps make filmmakers become better in various filmmaking subjects. But it’s our amazing Filmmakers Academy app that allows members to really get the most out of our content, community,…

Live RED V-RAPTOR Demo with Shane Hurlbut, ASC

Announcements, Cinematography

Live RED V-RAPTOR Demo w/ Shane Hurlbut ASC

RED's V-RAPTOR is now available and the world of cinematography will never be the same. Filmmakers everywhere can finally sink their teeth into RED Digital Cinema’s new flagship camera system – the RED DSMC3 V-RAPTOR 8K VV. Cinematographer Shane Hurlbut, ASC joins RED on Friday, April 28, at 2:00…

Jessica Chastain recognizes suicide awareness in impassioned Oscars speech

Announcements, Wellness

Jessica Chastain recognizes mental health awareness in impassioned Oscars speech

“For any of you out there who do in fact feel hopeless or alone,” said Jessica Chastain in her Oscar-winning speech for the role of the titular televangelist in The Eyes of Tammy Faye, “I just want you to know that you're unconditionally loved for the uniqueness that is you." Jessica Chastain…

Cinematography, Finding the Frame

The Cinematography of HBO Max’s MOONSHOT with Brendan Uegama

Anyone who has ever experienced a long-distance relationship knows it’s no easy matter. But, what if you and your better half resided on two separate planets? HBO Max’s latest film Moonshot explores that very idea! Moonshot is a romantic comedy that follows two college students (Cole Sprouse and…

Cinematography, Post Production

Creating the Look of The Batman with Dave Cole and Matt Reeves

After months upon months of hand-wringing anticipation, the latest iteration of the Batman franchise released in 2022. And it was gorgeous! The cinematography of The Batman was a collaborative effort between director Matt Reeves, cinematographer Greig Fraser, and master colorist David Cole. They treat…

Announcements, Sponsored

Filmmakers Win BIG with Musicbed Challenge 2022

Musicbed makes it possible to pair the right music with your film and video projects. Whether you’re searching for the ideal score for your feature film or need a song for a commercial or video essay, Musicbed works with talented artists who create original music. In fact, the music-licensing company…

Announcements, Off Topic

The 36th Annual ASC Awards: A Celebration of Cinematography

The 2022 ASC Awards ceremony kicked off with a bang – as it was the first time in over two years that the ASC Clubhouse hosted an in-person event. The entire event was made possible by the ASC Awards Committee and Chair Chuck Minsky and hosted by the very talented Debbie Allen. Over 600 attendees…

Finding the Frame, Production

Inside Foo Fighters’ Studio 666 with the Producers

Studio 666 is a horror-comedy that defies all expectations to make it into theaters after contending with the pandemic. Among Foo Fighters fandom, it’s sure to become an instant cult classic. Plus, anyone who loves 80s slasher films, exceptional rock music, and slap-stick comedy will find a good time…

Finding the Frame, Pre Production, Production

Interview with Producer Jamee Ranta on Halsey’s Album-Film

Singer/Songwriter Halsey released her all-new album-film If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power in 2021. A potpourri of Halsey’s latest album with a medieval horror aesthetic, the film is not only genre-defying but an artistic wonder that explores and challenges the nature of femininity. The album-film…

Cinematography, Lighting

Lighting Black Skin Tones with Sade Ndya

Cinematographer Sade Ndya spent her youth traveling the world, observing most of it through the scope of a lens. As a Black, Indian, and Jewish-raised woman of color, Ndya’s unique approach to cinematography portrays a surreal, dreamlike style of imagery. It's rooted in her personal experiences and…

Production, Wellness

Filmmaking Nutrition: Clean Eating On Set

Filmmakers are faced with a particularly difficult challenge. I mean, just try navigating craft services without picking up something too sugary or full of carbs. Repeat after me: Clean eating is possible. Now that we positively affirmed ourselves, let’s talk about solutions. The food that you…

Finding the Frame, Pre Production, Production

A Discussion with The Producers of Mass

There’s something special about a film that can spark a conversation about a taboo subject and ultimately create more empathy in the world. This very idea is what makes Mass one of the most important films of the year. It’s an emotional rollercoaster that allows the audience a fly-on-the-wall perspective…

Post Production, Production, Sponsored

Barry Jenkins: The Artist’s Journey

Barry Jenkins metamorphosed the landscape of the film industry, and it will never be the same. For that, we are all grateful. Jenkins is most renowned for his smash hit film Moonlight, but the director has a filmography that continues to redefine the industry. And at his age, we can expect films for…

Post Production, Sponsored

Learn How To Edit with EditMentor

There was once a time when you would have to attend a traditional film school or watch dozens of random educational videos from random sources in order to learn how to edit. Those days are over. Whether you’re interested in brushing up your editing skills or wish to learn from square one, EditMentor…

Off Topic, Pre Production

Digital Identity and the Future of Acting

Acting in the digital age places actors in a unique position. Actors have long adapted alongside technological innovations in order to further perfect the illusion of cinema. Advances like green screen technology and special effects transformed the industry over the past 30 years. Now, it would appear…

Announcements

Filmmakers Academy 2022 Roadmap

Make 2022 the year you master your craft with the best online filmmaking courses. Never before has it been easier to learn directly from filmmaking professionals and grow in your filmmaking discipline. Every filmmaking course and lesson is streamable on your smartphone, tablet, computer, and smart…

Wellness

Energy Management is Your Key to Success

The demands of 12 and even 14 hour days make it nearly impossible to hit the gym on a regular basis or follow a daily ritual. However, with a few easy changes to your routine, managing optimal levels of energy day in and day out is doable for filmmakers. The tips below will help you feel sharp and alert…

Post Production, The Look Of

The Color of Dune with David Cole

Master Colorist David Cole took some time out of his busy day at FotoKem to sit down and talk with us about the color of Dune. Part of this interview was featured in The Look of Dune, which we highly recommend if you’re curious about how Denis Villeneuve and his team pulled off their daring space epic! David…

A Christmas Story department store Santa Claus with elf

Cinematography

Composition in Holiday Movies

Many iconic films take place during the holiday season. There are those that center on Christmas or Hannukuh, whereas, others might have another focus with the holidays serving as a mere backdrop, or even appearing as a segment in a passing montage. Cinema gave us bank-robbing Santas, first love under…

Wellness

Healthy Habits for Filmmakers: Sleep Wellness

Anyone who’s made a career in production knows how it oftentimes feels impossible to maintain continuity in your sleep cycle. Days often span 16+ hours, especially when considering the commute, and just as your head hits the pillow, your alarm goes off and you’re cursing your call time. Fortunately,…

Film Theory, The Look Of

The Look of Dune

Dune is a space epic set 10,000 years in the future that blends medieval and sci-fi aesthetics. The film is an adaptation of the 1965 Frank Herbert novel. The plot follows the 15-year old Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) and House Atreides as they accept the stewardship of the desert planet Arrakis…

Announcements

Our Favorite Black Friday Deals

There’s no better time in the year to score big on huge savings than Black Friday weekend and Cyber Monday (which has expanded into an entire week!). Like a good filmmaker, you’ve waited all year for this moment, so now you can get what you need for a fraction of the cost. That’s why we at Filmmakers…

Decentralized Hollywood, Blockchain and NFTs thumbnail

Off Topic, Pre Production

Decentralized Hollywood, Blockchain & NFTs

Filmmaking is expensive. For far too long filmmaking has remained an exclusive artform due to high costs and extremely limited opportunities. Even if your script impresses a cadre of executives, your final product will vastly differ from your original vision. That’s Hollywood. But, could the way we…

Off Topic, Post Production

Should Film Festivals Better Compensate Filmmakers?

Film festivals serve an astronomical role for filmmakers in the filmmaking community. They provide the space to screen and premiere films and could even connect filmmakers with interested distributors. But, is just having your film screened at the big ball enough for filmmakers, particularly in lieu…

Announcements

Filmmakers Academy: A Complete Guide

Filmmakers Academy places filmmaking education directly at your fingertips. You can use our platform to unlock a whole new realm of creative possibilities from refreshing your general knowledge on specific gear and techniques to swift support for challenges that arise while in the throes of production.…

Film Theory, The Look Of

The Look of The Green Knight

The featured Department Heads and Technical Specifications behind the look of The Green Knight collaborated closely with the writer and director David Lowery. Featured Department Heads • Director: David Lowery • Cinematographer: Andrew Droz Palermo ◦ Editor: David Lowery •…

Film Theory, Production

Are Game Engines the Future of Filmmaking?

Since the earliest days of cinema, filmmakers have captivated audiences with movie magic. Similar to a magician and his hat, such visual innovations trick viewers allowing them to experience fantasy as reality. Today, with the advancements in gaming technology, amazing new workflows are transforming…

Lighting, Production

Where Should I Place My Key Light?

Light is to filmmaking what paint is to — well — painting. So, for anyone who might be thinking, “Where should I place my key light?” don’t worry, you’re in the right place. The way you place your key will have an impact on your mood, dimension, and color tones, but you probably already…

How To Write a Killer Logline - Filmmakers Academy

Pre Production

How To Write a Logline

Your logline is every bit as significant as your screenplay. That’s because a logline not only serves as the first glimpse at your subject matter but it also reveals its marketability while showcasing your writing abilities. With all this in mind, it’s absolutely essential to know how to write a…

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