Failure is the only absolute guarantee in this industry. It will find you, it will embarrass you, and it will force you to question why you ever picked up a camera or a pen in the first place. We constantly hear hollow mantras like “fail upward” and “fake it ‘til you make it.” These catchphrases […]
Tag Archive for: Film Industry
As a cinematographer, your job extends far beyond simply capturing a well-exposed image. You are a visual psychologist, tasked with translating the complex inner worlds of characters into a language of light, shadow, and movement. Every choice you make—from lens selection and camera placement to the subtle nuances of camera motion—should serve the emotional core […]
How do you break into the film industry? How do you move from learning the theory to actually doing the work on a professional set? It’s the classic Catch-22: you need experience to get hired, but you need to get hired to gain experience. At Filmmakers Academy, we understand this challenge deeply, which is why […]
Prep, Adapt, Collaborate: Judd Overton’s Filmmaking Philosophy The latest Finding the Frame podcast episode is a goldmine. It offers insights for filmmakers of all levels. Host Chris Haigh speaks with cinematographer Judd Overton and their conversation is more than a career overview. It explores the key elements of great filmmaking: visual storytelling, adaptability, and collaboration. […]
Filmmaking & Family: How to Find the Balance The film industry is known for its demanding schedules, long hours, and the constant pressure to deliver. For filmmakers who are also parents and partners, navigating this world while maintaining a healthy family life can feel like a high-wire act. In this episode of the Inner Circle […]
Filmmakers Academy Coaching Sessions (feat. Brady Bessette) Filmmakers Academy recently hosted a Spotlight Group Coaching session with esteemed cinematographer Brady Bessette, offering a wealth of knowledge and practical advice to aspiring and seasoned filmmakers alike. This session, generously offered free to the public, exemplifies the incredible value of Filmmakers Academy’s premium membership, which provides exclusive […]
Office Hours: Film School Experience without the Price Tag Office Hours is the Latest Feature of Delivering Filmmakers Academy’s New Standard of Film Education! Let’s ditch the stuffy film school brochures and have a real talk. We all know breaking into the industry can feel like scaling Mount Everest in a pair of Crocs. But […]
“Vigilante”: Indie Filmmaking Outside the Studio System In this episode of Finding the Frame, Chris Haigh welcomes the “Vigilante Team” — director Wesley “Wuz Good” Armstrong, and producers Jamee Ranta (who’s also one of our brilliant mentors here at Filmmakers Academy) and Alain Fleury (Black Panther Wakanda, Dr. Strange) — about their short film “Vigilante,” […]
Night Lighting Day for Night Nighttime cinematography presents unique challenges and opportunities for filmmakers. To capture the magic of the night, a careful balance of light and shadow is essential. In this exclusive excerpt from the Night Cinematography Masterclass, renowned cinematographer Shane Hurlbut, ASC guides you through the process of creating a stunning nighttime scene […]
Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetle-Edited! (feat. Editor Jay Prychidny) Get ready to scream with laughter (and maybe just a little bit of fright)! This spooky season, Finding the Frame kicks off with the strange, unusual, and utterly delightful. Join your hosts Chris Haigh and Steven Napolitano as they sit down with the incredibly talented Jay Prychidny, CCE, […]
Finding the Frame: The Making of ‘Good Girl Jane’ Get ready for an exciting new season of Finding the Frame! This season, we’re thrilled to welcome Chris Haigh as the new host of the series. Chris brings his unique insights and passion for the industry and dives deep into the world of film, chatting with […]
Q&A Lydia & Shane Hurlbut: Gear, Techniques & Career Advice In the ever-changing landscape of filmmaking, aspiring creators and filmmakers are constantly seeking guidance and inspiration. In the latest episode of the Inner Circle Podcast, Lydia Hurlbut, together with her DP husband, Shane Hurlbut, ASC, field questions from eager Filmmakers Academy members. The episode covers […]
Mastering Social Media as a Filmmaker Gone are the days when a filmmaker’s success hinged solely on a polished resume and a foot in the door. In today’s digital age, social media has become an indispensable tool, transforming your online presence into a dynamic portfolio, a bustling networking hub, and a platform to establish yourself […]
Here at Filmmakers Academy, we believe in fostering a supportive community where you can learn from the industry’s best. And the best part? These filmmaking events and opportunities just might be happening right in your own backyard! MEET THE MENTORS BRINGING FILMMAKING TO YOU Filmmakers Academy isn’t just about online courses – it’s about connecting […]
Imagine this scenario: you attend a Spotlight group coaching session, ask some insightful questions, and within two weeks, you’re working on more projects than you have in the past two months! That’s exactly what happened to Filmmakers Academy member Ray Taylor after participating in our recent Spotlight Group Coaching session with director and executive producer […]
In this episode of the Inner Circle Podcast, Shane Hurlbut, ASC and Lydia Hurlbut welcome a man of many talents, George Billinger, for an inspiring conversation. The legendary Steadicam operator and camera operator opens up about his unconventional journey from firefighting to becoming a sought-after filmmaker. Shane and George Billinger have worked together on multiple […]
Landing Your Dream Film Job Breaking into the film industry is a dream for many, but landing that coveted job often hinges on a single crucial moment: the interview. Navigating this high-pressure situation can feel daunting, but fear not! In this insightful conversation, Lydia and Shane Hurlbut, ASC offer a roadmap to success in your […]
The multi-talented Rudy Mancuso visits the Filmmakers Academy studio to discuss his directorial debut, Música. Premiering at the esteemed South by Southwest Film Festival and now available for audiences to experience on Amazon Prime Video, Música marks a significant landmark in Rudy’s creative journey. This episode is co-chaired by Lydia Hurlbut, Brendan Sweeney, and, of […]
How DP Sherri Kauk Prepped the Drugstore June Movie 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 […]
An Olympian’s Approach to Health (feat. Dr. Terry Schroeder) Your success as a professional filmmaker directly results from your mental and physical fortitude. In this episode of the Inner Circle Podcast, former Olympic athlete and coach, Dr. Terry Schroeder, joins Lydia Hurlbut in the Filmmakers Academy studio. Together they discuss Dr. Terry’s history as an […]