1-on-1 Coaching Call with Any Mentor

1-on-1 Coaching Call with Any Mentor

Get your questions answered by Industry Professionals!

Book a one-hour video call with a mentor of your choice. Here’s where you will receive crucial advice, be able to ask questions, and review your work! Benefit from a professional mentorship and advance your craft!

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*Once you pay for a private coaching call, you must book a time within 365 days of payment. All payments are non-refundable.

David Cole

Master Colorist

David Cole began his career in 1996 in Melbourne, Australia in the telecine department of AAV Digital Pictures. While maintaining his position as a colorist, his role expanded to Technical Director of Digital Film. He also assisted in the visual effects department as a Technical Director, writing scripts and other tools for the CG group.

In 2001, Cole joined The Post House Ltd in Wellington, New Zealand, as a Lead Digital Colourist on Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring, and over the next several years helped pioneer DI in Australia and New Zealand. In 2004, Cole joined Weta Digital as Supervising and Lead Digital Colourist, setting up and leading the DI division for Peter Jackson’s King Kong, for which he earned a nomination for Outstanding Color Grading – Feature film, from the Hollywood Post Alliance Awards in its inaugural year.

Video Call – $599

Filmmakers Academy Master Colorist David Cole
Filmmakers Academy mentor Jordan Brady

Jordan Brady

Director

Jordan Brady directed four narrative feature films, three full documentaries, and over 1,200 national & regional commercials, as well as Maria Bamford’s acclaimed Netflix Comedy Special. Working with advertising campaigns for brands and agencies all over the world, Brady directed industry giants from comedy stars Will Ferrell, Kevin Hart, Keegan-Michael Key, and Rory Scovel to pop icons Arnold Schwarzenegger and country music legend Brad Paisley; plus, he has directed campaigns starring actresses Kathryn Hahn for Chrysler and Lamorne Morris for Buick.

Notable advertising awards include multiple Clios, National Gold, ADDY’s, Gold Promax Award, One Show, D Show, Pencil, and AICP Awards. Brady’s work is routinely spotlighted on AdWeek, Ads of The World, and Agency Spy. 

Video Call – $599

Shane Hurlbut ASC

Cinematographer

Director of photography Shane Hurlbut, ASC works at the forefront of cinema as a storyteller, innovator and discerning collaborator, who brings more than three decades of experience to his art. He is a member of the American Society of Cinematographers, the International Cinematographers Guild/Local 600, and The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Some of his film credits include: We Are Marshall, Terminator: Salvation, Need for Speed, Act of Valor, Semi-Pro, The Greatest Game Ever Played, Into the Blue, Mr 3000, among many others. 

Video Call – $599

Filmmakers Academy Mentor Shane Hurlbut ASC
Editor Joaquin Elizondo

Joaquin Elizondo

Film & TV Editor

Joaquin Elizondo has over 20 years of experience as an editor and currently works in the world of scripted television shows in Hollywood. His most recent editing credits include Narcos: Mexico (Netflix), The Hot Zone: Anthrax (NatGeo), Dark Winds (AMC) and is currently working on Griselda, a new Netflix limited series starring Sofia Vergara. Before arriving in Los Angeles, Joaquin worked in unscripted television for several years in New York City where he edited content for HBO Sports, NBC, Telemundo, and was the lead editor on Bravo’s late-night talk show Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen.

Video Call – $599

Justin Jones

Cinematographer

Justin Jones is a cinematographer with a fresh, unconventional style that integrates into narrative storytelling, especially in today’s fast-paced industry. With deep roots in the freelance music video world, he has built upon streamlined techniques to accomplish some of the most ambitious projects within budget. Specializing in color and unique camera techniques, he creates a new perspective and brings a redefined look to filmmaking.

Video Call – $499

Cinematographer Sherri Kauk

Sherri Kauk

Cinematographer

Sherri Kauk received her Bachelor of Science in Film & Photography from Ithaca College, Ithaca NY in 2005 and her MFA from the American Film Institute in 2007. Her work has taken her on-location to India, Egypt, Mozambique, Mexico and across the United States. Kauk won an Emmy for Outstanding Lighting Direction in 2019.

Video Call – $499

Lydia Hurlbut

Wellness & Filmmaking Lifestyle

Lydia Hurlbut is CEO of the Filmmakers Academy. Founded in 2009, the educational platform delivers comprehensive industry knowledge instructed by leading filmmaking professionals. In addition to Filmmakers Academy, Hurlbut is a certified life/business coach and a Holy Fire III Reiki practitioner.

For more than two decades, Hurlbut advocated and implemented health and wellness standards within a variety of professions. First graduating from Simmons College in Boston, MA, Hurlbut began a career as a pediatric nurse at Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles. After earning a master’s degree in forensic nursing at the University of Virginia a few years later, she specialized in investigating sexual violence. It was during this time, Hurlbut helped develop a program for law enforcement to prevent psychological burnout due to the nature of their work.

Video Call – $499

Lydia Hurlbut
Producer Jamee Ranta

Jamee Ranta

Producer

With her keen eye for innovation, Jamee Ranta produced dozens of award-winning music videos and commercial spots. Ranta is GRAMMY-nominated for her work producing Justin Bieber’s music video “Peaches.” She also manages up-and-coming LatinX star Natalie Paris.

Known for her work as a music video producer with clients including Justin Bieber, Halsey, Kendrick Lamar, Bon Jovi, Cardi B, Selena Gomez, J. Balvin, Demi Lovato, and Jennifer Lopez, Ranta brings cutting-edge tools and top-of-the-line production value, maximizing the output and outreach for all her clients.

Video Call – $499

Thomas Popp

Production Sound Mixer

Thomas Popp is a Production Sound Mixer with over 15 years of experience in Production Sound. He has worked on countless movies and television shows, as well as an ENG Sound Mixer on multiple documentaries, reality shows, and live-streamed events where sound is imperative to record right the first time when it cannot be captured again.

Thomas is the owner of his own private school VideoMantis.com, dedicated to helping Production Sound Mixers in the union world create better synergy for their department. He has traveled to China, Canada, and Mexico to teach master classes for aspiring professionals in those regions as well as many different schools around the US.

Video Call – $499

Thomas Popp Sound Recorder
Filmmakers Academy Mentor Derek Edwards

Derek Edwards

Key 1st Assistant Camera & Operator

Derek Edwards is Shane Hurlbut’s trusted 1st AC of over 20 years working on Hollywood productions. He continuously expands his vast knowledge of camera systems and methodology to remain at the forefront of the latest technology and complement the pioneering spirit worthy of an ASC cinematographer. Derek is a member of the Guild/Local 600.

Video Call – $399

Gabrielle Blackwood

Documentary Director

Gabrielle Blackwood is a Jamaican Director and Director of Photography who has written, directed, and shot short films, documentaries, music videos and commercials for the US, Canada, UK, Jamaican, and New Zealand markets. Her clients include BBC World, CLARKS, Nike, Apple Music, and Mercedes Benz. A recipient of the Geoff Evans Award for Excellence in Screen Production in New Zealand, Blackwood is currently in pre-production for her feature film Kendal which was shortlisted for a Sundance Lab, the Screencraft Drama Feature Writing Competition, and was the winner of the 2019 Caribbean Tales Big Pitch Competition.
Born in Jamaica, Gabrielle has her Masters (Hons) and Post Grad in Screen Production from the University of Auckland, New Zealand and was the past president of the Jamaica Film & Television Association (JAFTA) and a Co-Convenor of Women In Film Jamaica. She resides in Kingston as an independent filmmaker.

Video Call – $499

Director Gabrielle Blackwood
Jason Robbins Gimbal Operator filmmaker

Jason Robbins

Gimbal & Camera Operator

Jason Robbins is a camera operator based in Los Angeles, specializing in Gimbal and Steadicam. His expertise in capturing stunning visuals is derived from his diverse background in photography, video journalism, design, engineering, and fitness. Likewise, Jason’s dedication to fitness enhances his ability to execute smooth and dynamic movements, enhancing the visual storytelling of any project he works on.

Video Call – $399

Chris Herr

Gimbal Tech & Camera Op

Chris Herr is a Local 600 Camera Operator and Gimbal Operator that has worked on over 15 feature films. Herr cemented his place in the industry as part of the very beginnings of gimbal applications. His credits include Straight Outta Compton, A Star Is Born, Venom, and Birds of Prey, and collaborated with cinematographers such as Shane Hurlbut, ASC, Matthew Libatique, ASC, Paul Cameron, ASC, Barry Ackroyd, ASC BSC, and Jeff Cronenweth, ASC.

Video Call – $399

Filmmakers Academy mentor Chris Herr
Filmmakers Academy Mentor Derek Johnson

Derek Johnson

Junior Colorist & DIT

Derek Johnson is a Digital Loader/DIT with credits on commercials and films like Need for Speed, Nightcrawler, The Ridiculous 6, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2: Out of the Shadows. Johnson first began his career back in 2012 as an intern of Hurlbut Visuals before becoming the personal assistant of Shane Hurlbut, ASC. Derek’s career quickly progressed to working on major motion pictures.

Video Call – $399

Filmmakers Academy Master Colorist David Cole

David Cole

Master Colorist

David Cole began his career in 1996 in Melbourne, Australia in the telecine department of AAV Digital Pictures. While maintaining his position as a colorist, his role expanded to Technical Director of Digital Film. He also assisted in the visual effects department as a Technical Director, writing scripts and other tools for the CG group.

In 2001, Cole joined The Post House Ltd in Wellington, New Zealand, as a Lead Digital Colourist on Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring, and over the next several years helped pioneer DI in Australia and New Zealand. In 2004, Cole joined Weta Digital as Supervising and Lead Digital Colourist, setting up and leading the DI division for Peter Jackson’s King Kong, for which he earned a nomination for Outstanding Color Grading – Feature film, from the Hollywood Post Alliance Awards in its inaugural year.

Video Call – $599

Filmmakers Academy mentor Jordan Brady

Jordan Brady

Director

Jordan Brady directed four narrative feature films, three full documentaries, and over 1,200 national & regional commercials, as well as Maria Bamford’s acclaimed Netflix Comedy Special. Working with advertising campaigns for brands and agencies all over the world, Brady directed industry giants from comedy stars Will Ferrell, Kevin Hart, Keegan-Michael Key, and Rory Scovel to pop icons Arnold Schwarzenegger and country music legend Brad Paisley; plus, he has directed campaigns starring actresses Kathryn Hahn for Chrysler and Lamorne Morris for Buick.

Notable advertising awards include multiple Clios, National Gold, ADDY’s, Gold Promax Award, One Show, D Show, Pencil, and AICP Awards. Brady’s work is routinely spotlighted on AdWeek, Ads of The World, and Agency Spy. 

Video Call – $599

Filmmakers Academy Mentor Shane Hurlbut ASC

Shane Hurlbut ASC

Cinematographer

Director of photography Shane Hurlbut, ASC works at the forefront of cinema as a storyteller, innovator and discerning collaborator, who brings more than three decades of experience to his art. He is a member of the American Society of Cinematographers, the International Cinematographers Guild/Local 600, and The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Some of his film credits include: We Are Marshall, Terminator: Salvation, Need for Speed, Act of Valor, Semi-Pro, The Greatest Game Ever Played, Into the Blue, Mr 3000, among many others. 

Video Call – $599

Editor Joaquin Elizondo

Joaquin Elizondo

Film & TV Editor

Joaquin Elizondo has over 20 years of experience as an editor and currently works in the world of scripted television shows in Hollywood. His most recent editing credits include Narcos: Mexico (Netflix), The Hot Zone: Anthrax (NatGeo), Dark Winds (AMC) and is currently working on Griselda, a new Netflix limited series starring Sofia Vergara. Before arriving in Los Angeles, Joaquin worked in unscripted television for several years in New York City where he edited content for HBO Sports, NBC, Telemundo, and was the lead editor on Bravo’s late-night talk show Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen.

Video Call – $599

Justin Jones

Cinematographer

Justin Jones is a cinematographer with a fresh, unconventional style that integrates into narrative storytelling, especially in today’s fast-paced industry. With deep roots in the freelance music video world, he has built upon streamlined techniques to accomplish some of the most ambitious projects within budget. Specializing in color and unique camera techniques, he creates a new perspective and brings a redefined look to filmmaking.

Video Call – $499

Cinematographer Sherri Kauk

Sherri Kauk

Cinematographer

Sherri Kauk received her Bachelor of Science in Film & Photography from Ithaca College, Ithaca NY in 2005 and her MFA from the American Film Institute in 2007. Her work has taken her on-location to India, Egypt, Mozambique, Mexico and across the United States. Kauk won an Emmy for Outstanding Lighting Direction in 2019.

Video Call – $499

Lydia Hurlbut

Lydia Hurlbut

Wellness & Filmmaking Lifestyle Guru

Lydia Hurlbut is CEO of the Filmmakers Academy. Founded in 2009, the educational platform delivers comprehensive industry knowledge instructed by leading filmmaking professionals. In addition to Filmmakers Academy, Hurlbut is a certified life/business coach and a Holy Fire III Reiki practitioner.

For more than two decades, Hurlbut advocated and implemented health and wellness standards within a variety of professions. First graduating from Simmons College in Boston, MA, Hurlbut began a career as a pediatric nurse at Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles. After earning a master’s degree in forensic nursing at the University of Virginia a few years later, she specialized in investigating sexual violence. It was during this time, Hurlbut helped develop a program for law enforcement to prevent psychological burnout due to the nature of their work.

Video Call – $499

Producer Jamee Ranta

Jamee Ranta

Producer

With her keen eye for innovation, Jamee Ranta produced dozens of award-winning music videos and commercial spots. Ranta is GRAMMY-nominated for her work producing Justin Bieber’s music video “Peaches.” She also manages up-and-coming LatinX star Natalie Paris.

Known for her work as a music video producer with clients including Justin Bieber, Halsey, Kendrick Lamar, Bon Jovi, Cardi B, Selena Gomez, J. Balvin, Demi Lovato, and Jennifer Lopez, Ranta brings cutting-edge tools and top-of-the-line production value, maximizing the output and outreach for all her clients.

Video Call – $499

Thomas Popp Sound Recorder

Thomas Popp

Production Sound Mixer

Thomas Popp is a Production Sound Mixer with over 15 years of experience in Production Sound. He has worked on countless movies and television shows, as well as an ENG Sound Mixer on multiple documentaries, reality shows, and live-streamed events where sound is imperative to record right the first time when it cannot be captured again.

Thomas is the owner of his own private school VideoMantis.com, dedicated to helping Production Sound Mixers in the union world create better synergy for their department. He has traveled to China, Canada, and Mexico to teach master classes for aspiring professionals in those regions as well as many different schools around the US.

Video Call – $499

Filmmakers Academy Mentor Derek Edwards

Derek Edwards

Key 1st Assistant Camera & Operator

Derek Edwards is Shane Hurlbut’s trusted 1st AC of over 20 years working on Hollywood productions. He continuously expands his vast knowledge of camera systems and methodology to remain at the forefront of the latest technology and complement the pioneering spirit worthy of an ASC cinematographer. Derek is a member of the Guild/Local 600.

Video Call – $399

Director Gabrielle Blackwood

Gabrielle Blackwood

Documentary Director

Gabrielle Blackwood is a Jamaican Director and Director of Photography who has written, directed, and shot short films, documentaries, music videos and commercials for the US, Canada, UK, Jamaican, and New Zealand markets. Her clients include BBC World, CLARKS, Nike, Apple Music, and Mercedes Benz. A recipient of the Geoff Evans Award for Excellence in Screen Production in New Zealand, Blackwood is currently in pre-production for her feature film Kendal which was shortlisted for a Sundance Lab, the Screencraft Drama Feature Writing Competition, and was the winner of the 2019 Caribbean Tales Big Pitch Competition.

Video Call – $499

Filmmakers Academy mentor Chris Herr

Chris Herr

Gimbal Tech & Camera Op

Chris Herr is a Local 600 Camera Operator and Gimbal Operator that has worked on over 15 feature films. Herr cemented his place in the industry as part of the very beginnings of gimbal applications. His credits include Straight Outta Compton, A Star Is Born, Venom, and Birds of Prey, and collaborated with cinematographers such as Shane Hurlbut, ASC, Matthew Libatique, ASC, Paul Cameron, ASC, Barry Ackroyd, ASC BSC, and Jeff Cronenweth, ASC.

Video Call – $399

Filmmakers Academy Mentor Derek Johnson

Derek Johnson

Junior Colorist & DIT

Derek Johnson is a Digital Loader/DIT with credits on commercials and films like Need for Speed, Nightcrawler, The Ridiculous 6, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2: Out of the Shadows. Johnson first began his career back in 2012 as an intern of Hurlbut Visuals before becoming the personal assistant of Shane Hurlbut, ASC. Derek’s career quickly progressed to working on major motion pictures.

Video Call – $399

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