Limitations don’t easily deter Jessica Lee Gagne. From her early days navigating the endless aisles of her father’s Quebec City video stores to her directorial debut on the critically acclaimed Apple TV+ series “Severance,” Gagne has consistently demonstrated a knack for transforming constraints into compelling visual storytelling. This episode of the Finding the Frame Podcast […]
Tag Archive for: lighting
Adam Newport-Berra isn’t your typical Hollywood cinematographer. Emerging from the raw energy of Oregon skateboarding videos, his approach to visual storytelling is often described as “punk” — stripping away the excess, embracing simplicity, and fearlessly diving into the heart of the story. This ethos is on full display in the wildly popular AppleTV+ series The […]
Filmmaking gear isn’t cheap. Building or upgrading your kit — whether it’s a new camera, essential lenses, lighting, audio equipment, or a powerful editing computer — represents a significant investment. At Filmmakers Academy, we’re always looking for ways to support your journey and make professional filmmaking more accessible. That’s why we’re thrilled to highlight an […]
Ever felt lost in a conversation with a grip crew? The world of film rigging has its own specialized vocabulary, a shorthand that allows grips to communicate quickly and precisely about complex setups. In this excerpt from our Film Production Rigging: Condor Boom Lifts course, we’ll demystify some of the key terms used when rigging […]
As filmmakers, we are constantly striving to master the art of visual storytelling. Every frame, every shot, every subtle shift in light and shadow contributes to the narrative tapestry we weave. Among the many challenges and opportunities we face, night scenes stand out as particularly evocative and demanding. They are where mood, tone, and style […]
In the world of cinematography, lighting is more than just illumination. It’s an art form that shapes perception, evokes emotion, and guides the viewer’s eye. Mastering different lighting techniques is essential for any filmmaker looking to elevate their storytelling. In this Filmmakers Academy lesson, cinematographer Shane Hurlbut, ASC, explores the nuances of “key on key” […]
Lighting modifiers are essential tools for filmmakers and photographers looking to control and shape the quality of light. They allow you to create a wide range of effects, from soft and diffused to hard and focused. Nanlux, a leading innovator in LED lighting, offers a comprehensive range of modifiers designed to complement their powerful Evoke, […]
Prepare to step behind the camera and into the captivating world of The Perfect Couple, a Netflix series that seamlessly intertwines mystery and suspense with breathtaking cinematography. This visually stunning production is the result of the combined talents of co-directors of photography, Shane Hurlbut, ASC and Roberto De Angelis, AIC, working in tandem with series […]
In the EL Zone System Exposure Guide, we break down this revolutionary new exposure system so you can implement it into your cinematography. That way, you can light scenes faster and more accurately, while also improving communication with the gaffer and fellow cinematographers. PRO TIP: Bookmark this page to quickly refer to it in the […]
Picking the right backdrop for your scene is essential to create the perfect atmosphere and setting the right mood for your project. Rosco’s Academy Award® and Emmy® winning SoftDrop backdrops are a popular choice for filmmakers because of their versatility and practicality in delivering photo-realistic backgrounds. Their non-reflective surface, durability, ease of installation, and cost-effectiveness […]