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, […]
Tag Archive for: Shane Hurlbut ASC
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 […]
On a film set, the generator is the beating heart of the production, providing the essential power that brings every light to life. But simply plugging in lights isn’t enough. A professional gaffer’s most critical and often unseen task is balancing the generator’s load—a crucial process that ensures safety, efficiency, and the stable operation of […]
“I don’t have 18Ks. I don’t have M40s. How can I create cinematic lighting?” It’s one of the most common challenges filmmakers face. The great news is that powerful storytelling isn’t always about having the biggest lights. It’s about creatively shaping the light you already have. In this exclusive lesson excerpt, we provide a detailed […]
“I want to be a filmmaker. Where do I start? What camera should I use?” This is one of the most common questions cinematographers like Shane Hurlbut, ASC, get from aspiring storytellers. His answer is often surprising: start with the powerful cinema camera already in your pocket. Modern smartphones, especially the iPhone, have incredible imaging […]
As filmmakers, we are constantly in a dance with light. We shape it, diffuse it, flag it, and bounce it. While powerful lights create our key, the subtle art of the bounce is often what brings an image to life, especially when working with actors in challenging lighting conditions. How do you fill in shadows […]
What’s the deal with Streaks ‘N Tips as a lighting technique? Well, as cinematographers, we’re constantly battling and embracing light. Practical light sources — those lamps, bulbs, and fixtures that exist within your scene — can add immense realism and atmosphere. But they can also be unruly, creating unwanted lens flares or spilling light where […]
Practical lights — those lamps, fixtures, and light sources visible within your frame — are the unsung heroes of cinematic realism. From table lights and barrel shades to goosenecks and bare bulbs, these elements, often provided by the Set Decoration department, are crucial for grounding your scene in reality and establishing mood. However, as any […]
We’ve explored the build, specs, features, and controls of the Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K LF in the previous parts of our deep-dive demonstration. (Check out Parts 1, 2 & 3…) Now, we arrive at the crucial test: How does this camera really handle light? In this final segment, Shane Hurlbut, ASC, and senior colorist Dave […]
Having examined the core specs and put the sensor through its paces in Part 2, Shane Hurlbut, ASC, and Blackmagic’s Tor Johansen now turn their attention to the practical realities of using the URSA Cine 12K LF on a professional set. How easy is it to control? How does it handle? What are its capabilities […]
Welcome back to our deep dive into the Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K LF! In Part 1, we covered the first impressions – the build, media, and foundational tech. Now, we get to the heart of what truly matters for cinematographers: the image itself. How does this camera render skin tones? How does it handle different […]
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 […]
Welcome back to the Inner Circle Podcast, where cinematography fuses with wellness and leadership! In this special episode, hosts Shane Hurlbut, ASC, and Lydia Hurlbut return to a favorite format: answering questions directly from Filmmakers Academy members. It’s a deep dive into practical challenges, creative choices, and even some essential self-care tips for life on […]
Blackmagic Design has a history of shaking things up. From democratizing color grading with DaVinci Resolve to putting RAW recording in compact cameras, they’ve consistently challenged the status quo. Now, with the URSA Cine 12K LF, they’re stepping firmly into the high-end cinema arena, aiming not just to compete, but potentially to redefine expectations. This […]
Heading to Las Vegas for the NAB Show 2025? Get ready to step beyond the endless booths and into an unforgettable educational experience! Filmmakers Academy is bringing the insights and techniques from our masterclasses directly to the show floor, featuring live, in-person demonstrations led by none other than acclaimed cinematographer Shane Hurlbut, ASC. This is […]
Understanding how to light characters and create room tone is one of the most important and subtle tools you can use to take your storytelling to the next level. In fact, the nature of your ambient light hinges on how you light the background, mid-ground, and foreground. This video shows you a glimpse into the […]