It’s a classic, high-stakes problem. You’re on set, trying to light a large interior. The director wants to see the bright, beautiful exterior through the windows, but the room itself is falling into shadow. You know you need a massive amount of power to balance that interior exposure with the sun. You call for the […]
Tag Archive for: lighting
For over a decade, one light has been the gold standard on my sets for punching through windows or bouncing into massive frames: the ARRI M90. This HMI has been a powerful workhorse, a tool that expanded my creativity and could beautifully replicate the sun. It was an oldie, but a goodie. But as filmmakers, […]
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 […]
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 […]
Deconstructing The Brutalist: Cinematography & Production Design In a captivating episode of Finding the Frame, host Chris Haigh dives deep into the visual world of Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist with two of the film’s key creative forces: cinematographer Lol Crawley, BSC, and production designer Judy Becker. Both Academy Award nominees, Crawley (known for Vox Lux, […]
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” […]
Film Production: Large Night Scenes Forget everything you thought you knew about lighting night exteriors. In this excerpt from the Night Cinematography Masterclass, cinematographer Shane Hurlbut, ASC, throws down a challenge. Illuminate a sprawling 150-yard stretch of road with cinematic precision. Armed with Nanlux’s cutting-edge LED lighting system, Shane reveals the secrets to creating depth, […]
Moonlight Magic: Shane Hurlbut’s DIY Nighttime Lighting Mastering nighttime lighting requires a skilled hand and a keen eye for creating a believable and atmospheric environment. But what if you’re working with limited resources? In this excerpt from the Filmmakers Academy archives, renowned cinematographer Shane Hurlbut, ASC, unveils his ingenious approach to crafting beautiful “gray moonlight” […]
Bridgerton’s Magical Moonlight Ball Sequence: DP Alicia Robbins Netflix’s Bridgerton has captivated audiences with its lavish costumes, scandalous storylines, and a visual style that feels both classic and contemporary. Much of this visual magic is thanks to the talented cinematographers behind the camera, including Alicia Robbins, who lensed several episodes in season two. In an […]
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, […]
Light Quality Lab: DMG Maxi & Depron Dome for Soft Light Light is the language of cinema, and mastering it is essential for any filmmaker. At Filmmakers Academy, we’re committed to bringing you the best insights from industry leaders. Today, we’re thrilled to share an exclusive excerpt from our Cinematic Light Quality Masterclass, featuring Director […]
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 […]
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 […]
The Ultimate Guide to Filming a 360-Degree Dolly Shot (Unlocked Lesson) Are you ready to make a statement with a full 360-degree dolly shot? This kind of camera movement gives the audience a unique perspective by capturing the action from all 360 degrees. In this lesson, Shane Hurlbut, ASC, demonstrates how to light and shoot […]
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 […]
Cinematography Tip: Remove Glare from Reflective Objects with Dulling Spray Cinematographer Shane Hurlbut, ASC demonstrates how to reduce the shine, glare, and reflections on items with dulling spray for film production – and it also works for photography! Discover more about lighting and cinematography by becoming a member of Filmmakers Academy! HOW TO LIGHT DAY […]
Standardizing Exposure with the El Zone System You often hear “take it three stops down” or “four stops over,” but what does that actually mean? In this episode of The Inner Circle podcast, Shane Hurlbut, ASC takes a deep dive with Ed Lachman, ASC into the El Zone System and standardizing exposure in the digital […]