Latest News in the category production
A news aggregator from various RSS feeds, like technology, gaming, development and general news sites.
How Did 'The Twilight Zone' Adapt a Bible Story Into a Popular Episode?
It actually adapts a Bible story into a futuristic science fiction story, and I think it holds a lot of lessons for writers.Digging into "Probe 7, Over and Out"So, the twist is that this is the real story of Adam and Eve, who were not emissaries of God but space travelers who crash-landed on Earth to start a new world.
09/05/2025
Jodi Picoult's Writing Advice Will Keep You Up at Night
This week, I want to cover a video from Jodi Picoult, who is one of the fiercest and most unique voices working in storytelling right now. Over her prolific career, Picoult has published over 28 novels, a bunch of short stories, and even written for DC Comics' Wonder Woman series.Jodi Picoult's Writing Advice
09/05/2025
What Are Quentin Tarantino and Roger Avary's Favorite Movies Right Now?
In order to promote a special video episode of The Video Archives Podcast, Quentin Tarantino and Roger Avary each shared the three movies they are obsessing over right now. Quentin Tarantino and Roger Avary's Favorite MoviesLet me know what you think in the comments.
09/05/2025
Read and Download These '30 Rock' Scripts
Easily one of my favorite TV shows of all time is Tina Fey's 30 Rock, which was on NBC from 2006 to 2013. The series is a behind-the-scenes look at a fictional live sketch comedy show, "TGS with Tracy Jordan", and is largely based on Fey's own experiences as the head writer for Saturday Night Live.The show packs so many joke-writing and plotting lessons onto every page that I wanted to bring you a collection of episodes, including the pilot, to study. Read and Download These 30 Rock Scripts 30 Rock 1x01 - Pilot30 Rock 1x03 - Jack the Writer30 Rock 1x05 - Jack Meets Dennis30 Rock 1x07 - Tracy Does Conan30 Rock 1x11 - The Head and the Hair30 Rock 1x12 - Black Tie30 Rock 1x15 - Hardball30 Rock 2x01 - SeinfeldVision30 Rock 3x08 - Flu Shot30 Rock 3x19 - The Ones
09/05/2025
How Did 'The Studio' Accomplish That Golden Globes Episode?
In order to achieve that look and feel, they didn't use the real Golden Globes, but they did rent out the Beverly Hilton Ballroom, where the actual Globes take place, and shot inside that. On an upcoming episode of The Filmmaker Toolkit podcast, show creator and star, Seth Rogen, talks about just how they brought it all together. So when they produced the episode, they only had about 12 hours to load in, and then had to shoot the entire episode in just four days.
09/05/2025
Maxima Brings MicroFocus Lens to the Maxima 6 GaN to Refine Light Output
Which all comes together with the MicroFocus Lens being brought to the Maxima 6 GaN.The MicroFocus Lens Comes to Maxima 6 GaNThis new combo features an aluminum collimator that guides the light flow and a 3 mm-thick borosilicate glass lens fused into an array of 150-micron microlenses that homogenizes the output.
09/05/2025
Panasonic Drops Teaser In Anticipation of New Lumix Announcement on May 13th
The company has dropped a teaser video to let us know that a new Lumix camera is on the way.Set to be revealed on Tuesday, May 13th, 2025, we don’t know too much about what this new camera is going to be.There’s debate as to whether this will be a full-frame camera or a new Micro Four Thirds option.
09/05/2025
TTArtisan’s New 35mm f/1.4 Tilt Lens is Fast, Intuitive, and Very Affordable
Let’s look at this new TTArtisan 35mm f/1.4 Tilt Lens and explore how it could be a great tilt option for your camera bag.TTArtisan 35mm f/1.4 Tilt LensThe TTArtisan 35mm f/1.4 Tilt Lens is out and available now in several different mount options.
09/05/2025
Royalty-Free Music vs. Copyright-Free Music: What's the Difference?
So, if you find music in the Creative Commons, make sure you check the usage rights.So, at the end of the day, which should you use, copyright-free or royalty-free music? Then you might want to try to find copyright-free music in the public domain.
09/05/2025
Rewriting Your Script? Then You Need This "Red Flag" Checklist
Trust your dialogue and action lines.By looking for these red flags during your self-edit, you can significantly elevate the quality of your screenplay and increase its chances of resonating with readers. Let me know what you think in the comments.
08/05/2025
How Did 'Sinners' Pull Off Those Twin Shots?
How They Did the Twin Effect in Sinners When the characters interacted with each other, they used a halo rig to capture it.The combination of these two techniques allowed them to shoot some of the more intense scenes in the movie, and then allowed Jordan to add nuance to his performances as each of the brothers.
08/05/2025
What First Drove Stephen King to Write?
And for Stephen King, this original call to write came from a fit of rage.Let Your Anger Out Stephen King thinks it's a sweaty, close-up thing that should be accessible to the people and have the energy of a nightclub.
08/05/2025
What Do Studio Heads Have to Say About The Hollywood Tariffs?
Well, movie studio heads are starting to weigh in on the possibility of these upcoming taxes and to offer solutions as to what would really help the industry out. A few of these studio moguls were at the 2025 Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, where the tariffs were one of the first questions brought up. “It’s a big issue, obviously,” said Ravi Ahuja, president and CEO, Sony Pictures Entertainment.
08/05/2025
The Sony FX3a Might Be the Most Minor Camera Update of All Time
The Sony FX3a is pretty much exactly the same as the previous Sony FX3.With a compact design for solo shooters, for travel applications, and to serve as an ideal B cam, the Sony FX3 borrows from both the Cinema Line and Alpha series of cameras to create an optimized portable cinema camera.The FX3 features all the imaging attributes you'd expect from this class but sports a new lightweight, handheld form with a streamlined profile and a "cage-free" design offering the ability to secure various accessories directly to the camera body.
08/05/2025
Edit Anywhere: VEGO's Mobile Studio is the Size of a Carry-On
VEGO, a portable baseband video editing solution developed by Broadcast Solutions, aims to bring a new level of speed and flexibility to mobile editing.A single Thunderbolt 3 cable is all it takes to make the entire unit operational for video editors looking to work on the go.The “suitcase” is fully equipped for the highest demands of video editing and features the following items integrated into the lid: a SmallHD 702 monitor, a Bose Soundlink speaker, and a MakeProX 4-fader controller.
08/05/2025
OWC Launches My OWC App to Easily Set Up, Monitor, and Keep Your Gear Up-to-Date
OWC Introduces My OWC iOS AppThe My OWC app can be a handy friend who remembers manuals, firmware updates, and warranty details so you don’t have to.1. Download the app – Click here to snag My OWC free from the App Store.
08/05/2025
Blackmagic Camera for Android 2.2 Adds Support for Cloud Folders and More Phones
Blackmagic Camera for AndroidOverall, the big news here is the added support for Blackmagic Cloud Folders, which should help streamline production workflows and processes for those using Cloud storage.Support for Android 16.
08/05/2025
Are the Cardinals Really Watching 'Conclave' While Electing a New Pope?
it was also the Cardinals electing the Pope?“Some have watched it in the cinema,” a cleric admitted to Politico.But there's a chance that in between proceedings, these Cardinals are circling up to talk about the differences between the movie and reality.
08/05/2025
How I Edited the 'Found Footage' Episode of 'Only Murders in the Building'
Establishing the Tone: A Genre-Bending SeriesIt was such a pleasure working on the first season of the series because I got to help shape the tone and style of the show.The thing that became evident right away is that the show is a balancing act between murder plot, comedy, and character drama that I think no other show really does.The most challenging scene to edit was the Trio’s climactic confrontation with the Brothers Sisters.
07/05/2025
What's Denzel Washington's Favorite Role He's Ever Played?
Washington is one of, if not the best, living actors, and it makes sense that he would have a favorite performance he's turned in. That's why he wanted to play Detective Alonzo Harris in Antoine Fuqua’s Training Day so badly.He wanted Hollywood to see his other side.
07/05/2025
Why Was Kirk Douglas Fired From 'Rambo'?
One of the things that really stood out to me is the on-screen chemistry of Rambo's relationship with his mentor, Colonel Sam Trautman. Kirk Douglas Was In RamboHollywood legend Kirk Douglas was originally cast in the role that Richard Crenna would eventually make famous in the 1982 blockbuster, First Blood. Kirk Douglas was gone from the production, and Rambo was allowed to keep shooting.
07/05/2025
Keep Your SmallHD Monitors Up-to-Date With The Latest Firmware Update for PageOS
That’s why it’s cool to see that SmallHD is rolling out a pretty expansive firmware update for the company’s monitor software, PageOS.Let’s look at all of the new improvements and alterations set to be included in PageOS firmware version 6.1.0 and what SmallHD monitors are going to get a boost.SmallHD PageOS6 Firmware Update
07/05/2025
The Golden Globes Has Added a 'Best Podcast' Category
This award will debut in 2026.The Golden Globes will find the top 25 podcasts, and then voters will whittle it down to six nominees.The 83rd Golden Globes will mark the debut of the Best Podcast category.
07/05/2025
Tony Gilroy on The 'Andor' “Genocide” Speech
This week, the ninth episode of the season brought forward Mon Mothma (Genevieve O’Reilly) to deliver a speech before the Galactic Senate, where she attacked Emperor Palpatine and his Imperial forces.In the scene, Mothma says, “I believe we are in crisis.”To my knowledge, this is the first time Star Wars has used that word, and it brought a much needed gravity to the season, which has already taken on big topics like prison, rape, and surveillance.
07/05/2025
You Have To Listen to Tolkien's Advice on Worldbuilding
Tolkien on Fictional Worlds So if you have a specific plot you're writing, build the world around that plot.let the world grow with the narrative.
07/05/2025
Sigma Joins Growing List of Companies Raising Prices Over Tariffs
In a letter to Sigma customers, the president of Sigma America outlines why these price increases are happening and shares more details about when these new pricing points are set to take effect.Due to the recent implementation of government-imposed tariffs, our costs at Sigma America have increased substantially.New pricing will take effect on June 2, 2025, and will apply to all new orders and any unfulfilled items.
07/05/2025
Keep Your Nikon Z30 Up-to-Date With Latest Firmware Version 1.20
Nikon is doing as much with the latest firmware update for the company’s popular entry-level Z30 camera.Nikon Z30 Firmware Update 1.20Confirm that the firmware has been updated to the new version.
07/05/2025
SmallHD Expands Lineup with Large, Ultra-Bright Monitor Built for Pro Workflows
Let’s look at the new SmallHD ULTRA 10 4K Portable Production Monitor, its 2000 cd/m² display, 1920 x 1200 touchscreen QD-LCD, and compatibility options.The SmallHD ULTRA 10 4K Portable Production MonitorThe 10" monitor features a bright 2000 cd/m² display, a 1920 x 1200 touchscreen QD-LCD, wireless Teradek Bolt compatibility, HDMI 2.0, and 6G-SDI inputs/outputs that support up to 4K30 resolutions.
07/05/2025
What Does a Casting Director Do? Role, Salary & Career Guide
What is a Casting Director?A casting director and their team are responsible for bringing the characters to life by helping the director choose the most suitable actor for each role.With a good casting director on board, you will have top actors lined up for your screenplay.
07/05/2025
Godox’s New Generation of Ultra-High Power LEDs Are Here to Redefine Professional Lighting Performance
The MG6K is here to redefine professional lighting performance with capabilities that surpass 6kW HMl in brightness with 4,300W power and with a lightweight 24.5 kg/54 lb light head without yoke (28 kg/61 lb with yoke) and a CCT range up to 10,000K with± 100% G/M adjustment.Additionally, when paired with Godox's comprehensive accessory ecosystem, the MG6K is designed to deliver penetrating light, crisp shadows, and parallel beams.Let’s take a deeper look at the MG6K, its built-in CRMX, IP54 weather protection, flicker-free performance, ultra-fine 0.1% dimming, and efficient heat dissipation, and explore how these specifications and features are designed to further elevate your professional lighting experience.
06/05/2025
Rian Johnson Defends Movie Theaters
Recently weighing in is Knives Out director Rian Johnson, who signed a deal to make the sequels with Netflix but has expressed the desire to get them onto the big screen. With the third Knives Out, Wake Up Dead Man, coming out later this year, he's hoping to get that in front of as many people as possible, including in theaters. "I want this in as many theaters for as long as possible," Johnson said.
06/05/2025
A List Of Commonly Used Words and Their Synonyms for Writers
That's why I wanted to help create a list of some commonly used words and emotions and their synonyms, so writers can diversify how they explain what happens on the page.These words are meant to spark your creativity and help take your writing to the next level. A List Of Commonly Used Words and Their Synonyms
06/05/2025
Preview Your Digital Lenses for Your VFX With Zeiss’ New One-Click Virtual Lens Tech
Debuting at FMX in Stuttgart, Germany, Zeiss has unveiled its new one-click virtual lens tech, which aims to provide real lens behavior for digital content VFX artists and cinematographers to preview the characteristics and how a digital lens will look in VFX and other compositing workflows.Zeiss One-Click Virtual Lens TechThe technology offers physically based digital lenses with a high-fidelity standard that are able to capture the visual essence of real lenses with unmatched precision.
06/05/2025
What Does A24's $3.5 Billion Valuation Mean For Hollywood?
Now, a recent evaluation has A24's worth listed at $3.5 billion, which is staggering for a mini studio that feels like it broke on the scene just a decade ago. How A24 Became a Household Name Independent film studio A24 has carved out a unique space in Hollywood since its arrival in 2013.Now, the studio's valuation is $3.5 billion, which is a huge amount of growth in just over ten years.
06/05/2025
Go Behind the Scenes of 'Thunderbolts'
Now, Marvel has released a behind-the-scenes interview talking about how the movie was made with such an epic ensemble. The video contains on set interviews with Florence Pugh, David Harbour, Sebastian Stan, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Olga Kurylenko, Wyatt Russell, Lewis Pullman, Hannah John-Kamen, and director Jake Schreier. Making of 'Thunderbolts'
06/05/2025
DJI Raises Price of the Osmo Pocket 3 From $519 to $799 As Tariffs Start to Hit the US
Over the past few weeks, DJI has quietly raised the price on one of its most popular products—the Osmo Pocket 3—from the $519 price point it was originally released at to $799, where it now sits.The two price hikes now represent a 54% price increase, which is pretty significant for a product that’s designed for low or no-budget content creators.the Creator Combo kit option for the Osmo Pocket 3 that includes additional accessories has seen its price increase from $669 at launch to $979 now.
06/05/2025
How Can Trump Fix Hollywood?
Trump says he wants to help Hollywood, and as part of the drowning man, I'd take a rope no matter who threw it to me. Hollywood does need help, and I will talk to anyone about it.Because I think there's actually a lot that Trump can do to help American movies and TV survive.
06/05/2025
New DJI Teaser Promises to Spin Your World With Upcoming Announcement
To add fuel to the anticipation fire, DJI has dropped a new teaser video that appears to suggest a new drone featuring a spinning triple-camera system.This comes on the heels of reported price increases due to tariffs and other concerns facing the Chinese company’s ability to operate in the United States.Overall, by all indications, this new spinning triple-camera system is going to be a component of the new DJI Mavic 4 Pro that is most likely going to be announced next week during a launch scheduled for May 13 at 12 p.m. GMT.
06/05/2025
RIP to a DSLR Legend: The Nikon D6 Has Officially Been Discontinued
The Nikon D6, a powerful and popular dinosaur of a camera from the DSLR era of digital cameras, has officially been discontinued.Yet, despite the news, it does appear that units are still available online to purchase.With a 20.8MP FX-format sensor and an EXPEED 6 image processor capable of UHD 4K video recording at 30 fps, the D6 might be able to stay relevant for a while longer too.
06/05/2025
The 'Damsel in Distress' Archetype: Analysis & Examples
Let’s learn about the damsel in distress and how (if you like) you can use the trope in your writing.A damsel in distress is essentially a female character who exists primarily to be rescued by the hero.The damsel in distress trope—whether featuring a sister, lover, mother, or female stranger—often reinforces traditional gender dynamics in literature and film.
06/05/2025
What is Anticlimax? The Art of ‘Much Ado About Nothing’
Primarily, anticlimax is seen as a sign of narrative failure, but that’s when the anticlimax is unintentional or is a result of poor plot development.If that’s the case, then yes, any writer should be afraid of their narrative ending in an anticlimax.So, when is an anticlimax considered a meaningful experiment?
06/05/2025
What Is a Smash Cut in Movies? Definition & Examples
The Gilligan Cut Smash cuts also came to be known as the “Gilligan cut,” after the show Gilligan’s Island brilliantly used smash cuts as a consistent treatment for its titular character Gilligan.This means a jump cut that is assigned to break continuity to depict contrast is a smash cut.Check out this video to see some great examples of smash cuts.
06/05/2025
Author Tom Perrotta's Advice on Becoming a Writer
Perrotta's novels, such as Election and Little Children, thrust him into the spotlight after they were adapted into critically acclaimed films;Tom Perrotta's Advice For Writers Summing It All UpTom Perrotta's story is a reminder that the path to finding your creative voice can be winding.
06/05/2025
How KoЯn Enlisted Fans to Shoot Their Doc with the Blackmagic Camera App
Blackmagic Design has shared a cool story about how one of the most popular nu-metal groups from their day, KoЯn, used hundreds of fans to help them create a pretty kick-ass rock concert documentary.Armed with Blackmagic Camera apps on their smartphones, over 200 KoЯn fans served as assistant camera operators on a recent documentary that captured the band’s 30th-anniversary concert in action.In 1998, they were the first ever band to do an online weekly video talk show from their recording sessions.
05/05/2025
Only 1% of All Scripts Submitted to The Black List Will Make It to Nicholl Readers
The Black List + the Nicholl Fellowship The way writers apply to the Nicholl Fellowship has recently changed.You need to pay for hosting on the Black List website as well as at least one evaluation to be considered for the Nicholl.
05/05/2025
The AI Recreation of 'Notting Hill' Proves Computers Are Bad Actors
Tweeted under the guise of actors being in trouble.It's also a video that could not have been made without training the AI on the movie in question. Regardless, the performance in the AI is missing all of the humanity and subtlety of Julia Roberts's original performance.
05/05/2025
SAG Lays Out What AI Protections It Will Seek In The Future
SAG-AFTRA chief Duncan Crabtree-Ireland was on a panel at the SeriesFest in Denver when he said AI would be a huge component in the upcoming talks. Crabtree-Ireland calls for "consent and compensation" to lead the way.Protections secured in the recently approved 2025 SAG-AFTRA Commercials Contract mandate that advertisers or agencies must obtain SAG-AFTRA's consent prior to authorizing third-party use of commercial material for AI training.
05/05/2025
New Blackmagic Camera Update Fixes CFexpress Card Recognition Bug
This update fixes this issue.Blackmagic Design has reported that this update fixes an occasional issue where CFexpress cards are not recognized on some Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K cameras.Here’s the full list of updates, as well as the minimum system requirements for installing this Blackmagic Camera 9.5.2 update on different operating systems.
05/05/2025
Atomos Gets New CEO as Peter Barber Replaces Co-Founder Jeromy Young
While we don’t expect any more changes or disruptions from this change which sees former COO Peter Barber step into the role of CEO, which was previously held by co-founder Jeromy Young, in the short term at least, it is a sign that Atomos is looking to grow and could be ready to face new challenges in the coming years.With concerns of potential tariffs and trade wars heating up, it could be a rocky stretch for all brands and manufacturers in the film and video industry.A Statement from New CEO Peter Barber
05/05/2025
DaVinci Resolve 20 Beta 3 Introduces Improved Character Styling and Labeling of MultiText Layers
Blackmagic Design is rolling out a new beta update for DaVinci Resolve 20, which was only just released at the start of NAB last month.Here are the steps to follow to download and install the latest version of DaVinci Resolve on different operating systems along with minimum system requirements for each below.For DaVinci Resolve 20.0, we have taken efforts to keep the project libraries compatible with DaVinci Resolve 19.1.3.
05/05/2025
Trump Announces a 100% Tariff on Foreign Movies
Trump put up a post on Truth Social that said he instructed the Commerce Department and the US Trade Representative to add a 100% tariff on films that are produced outside the United States and for films that are imported into America.This is an unprecedented move that Hollywood is still figuring out in real time. Trump's post read, "The Movie Industry in America is DYING a very fast death.
05/05/2025
What is a Second Unit Director? What Do They Do?
Like the director of the film is the head of the first unit crew, a second unit director heads the second unit and manages the production parallel with the first unit. If you direct the second unit, you are responsible for maintaining the director's voice and vision.So, if you have a good directorial portfolio, you can easily pitch yourself as the second unit director in any film.
02/05/2025
“Lower Third” in Television—Everything You Need to Know
This visual element of text and graphics is called the “graphic overlay,” and this particular type of overlay is called the “lower third.”What is the Lower Third?The lower third (or in industry jargon, “L3,” or sometimes “supers” in screenplays or “chyrons”) is a broadcast graphic, or a combined textual and graphical element, that adds a supportive reference to the primary on-screen content, by and large within the lower third of the television screen.
02/05/2025
What Is Deductive Reasoning? Art of Thinking Like Sherlock
But before we learn what deductive reasoning is, let’s first learn what inductive reasoning is. There are several ways in which we can use deductive reasoning.In filmmaking and screenwriting, deductive reasoning helps build strong stories.
02/05/2025
What Is Denouement? Definition & Film Examples
The denouement typically follows the climax and the falling action and provides closure by tying up loose ends and revealing the ultimate fate of the characters.The denouement has been used more flexibly in movies.Let’s explore some examples of film denouements that give you different experiences.
02/05/2025
Reports Indicate That a Possible New Sony Cinema Camera Could Be on the Way
Online rumors are beginning to swirl about a potential new Sony camera—possibly a new FX cinema camera—piquing our interest, too.A document also appears to indicate that this new Sony camera is set to be manufactured in Shanghai, China, a location where Sony has developed cinema cameras in the past.The reports further indicate that this new camera could be one of two possible models.
02/05/2025
How Did They Make The Original Lightsabers in 'Star Wars'?
I found this informative video that detailed the lightsabers.How Did They Make The Original Lightsabers? The creation of the original lightsabers for Star Wars involved a clever mix of practical prop building and innovative visual effects.
02/05/2025
A Huge List of Sound Effect Words For Screenwriters
So I finally broke down and made a huge list of sound effects words in order to help myself.these might help a lot of people out.So today, I want to load you up with the onomatopoeia and give you a shortcut of a list of all these words to use next time you 're writing.
02/05/2025
New Silicon Valley Drone Company Sets Target on Besting DJI’s Aerial Dominance
SiFly, a new Silicon Valley drone startup based in Santa Clara, is here to challenge DJI directly.Set to offer drones that can reportedly fly longer, farther, quieter, and stronger, SiFly is here to bring some healthy competition to the market that will hopefully drive innovation up and prices down for aerial cinematographers and content creators.SiFly is also set to launch a launch platform, the Q12, that will offer an unprecedented two-hour continuous hover and up to three hours in forward flight, enabling a 90-mile operational range while carrying up to 10 pounds of payload.
02/05/2025
What Is The "Unity of Opposites" in Storytelling?
I was on YouTube looking at some trailers and came across this explainer about an idea called the "Unity of Opposites." The "Unity of Opposites" in StorytellingAnd make the moral arguments inside your movie all the more profound for the characters and the audience.
02/05/2025
You've Got to Try Mark Twain's Secret Writing Trick
Mark Twain's Secret About WritingCollect them as valuable building blocks that you can use again and again in future writing projects.By storing and strategically reusing phrases, you can streamline your writing process, add depth and emotion to your work, and unlock a new level of efficiency.
02/05/2025
Leaked Image Indicates that DJI Might Be Working on a 360-Degree Camera
Rumors of a DJI 360 CameraThe post, which is posted in Portuguese, shares that the camera could have a 1” sensor, removable lenses, and be priced in Europe at around €510.The user further posts that this “DJI Osmo 360” is “currently being purchased at a reduced price for testing with the usual confidentiality agreements,” but the user shares that they “would not be surprised if real images and new specifications of the camera soon appear.”
02/05/2025
Nikon’s Flagship Z9 Mirrorless Camera is Now Under $5,000
The big news here is that the Nikon Z9 is getting a $500 price cut, dropping its retail offering to below $5,000 for the first time ever.With a powerful FX-format 45.7MP BSI stacked CMOS sensor capable of recording 8.3K 60p N-RAW and 4.1K 60p ProRes RAW video, this is certainly notable for those in the film and video industry, considering which mirrorless camera might be the best option for a range of project types.Nikon Z9 Mark II Rumors
02/05/2025
Top 10 Royalty-Free Genres for Corporate Videos (And Why They Work)
So, before you search, learn which genres you should target.To make your life a little easier, we’ve put together a list of 10 genres that work really well with corporate content.(That’s why it’s called “folk” music!)
01/05/2025
What Does Robert Rodriguez Think Makes the Best Action Movies Ever?
Rodriquez was recently on Lex Friedman's podcast, where he talked about what he thinks make the best action movies. Greatest Action Movies Ever According to Robert Rodriguez But what separates a truly great action film from a forgettable one?
01/05/2025
Read and Download These Robert Rodriguez Scripts
He burst onto the scene with the famously micro-budgeted El Mariachi.The guy is an inspiration to filmmakers everywhere, and his book, Rebel Without a Crew, is a must-read for anyone who wants to direct. Today, I wanted to give you a sampling of his screenplays for you to see how he gets ideas out of his head and onto the page.
01/05/2025
The 7 Best Movies Based on Tony Award-Winning Musicals
Today, I wanted to pick out some of my favorite musicals that are actually based on Tony Award-winning shows and rank them.George Cukor's film adaptation is a witty and visually stunning affair.Robert Preston triumphantly reprises his iconic Tony-winning role as Harold Hill, delivering a performance bursting with charisma and rapid-fire talking.
01/05/2025
Why Tarantino Will Never Go Near a Superhero Film
So it's no surprise he has some takes on superhero movies and the genre.I stumbled upon this video of him on the Howard Stern show, going into his feelings on these movies and why he would never go near one. Tarantino talks about how he collected comics as a kid and how he was obsessed with them.
01/05/2025
What We Lose If We Don’t Preserve Film
In this episode of the No Film School Podcast, GG Hawkins of No Film School sits down with Ben Roberts, Chief Executive of the British Film Institute (BFI), for a powerful conversation on the cultural and creative necessity of film preservation.As the BFI celebrates the 90th anniversary of its National Archive and launches its new BFI America initiative, Roberts shares deep insights into the archival process, global collaboration, and the evolving role of film as both art and artifact.Listen to more episodes of the No Film School podcast right here:
01/05/2025
How Soderbergh Elevates Even Minor Scenes
However, Steven Soderbergh has found a way to make these small or minor scenes pop in ways usually reserved for the bigger scenes.How Soderbergh Directs Small Scenes Soderbergh has been directing for almost 40 years, and over that time, he's developed a set of skills that he uses time and time again in these minor scenes to make them pop.
01/05/2025
Protect and Expand Your Canon EOS R50 V With This Ergonomic Cage Kit
The Canon EOS R50 V checks all these boxes with its UHD 4K60 video recording, versatile recording modes, and its $650 price point.The SmallRig Cage Kit for Canon EOS R50 VFeaturing black and silver options, the SmallRig Cage for Canon EOS R50 V is set to offer robust protection, versatile expansion, and optimized grip.
01/05/2025
The SmallHD Cine 7 Touchscreen On-Camera Monitor Gets $1,000 Price Cut
Dropping the price by nearly 50%, the SmallHD Cine 7 Touchscreen On-Camera Monitor (L-Series, B-Stock) is currently on sale for just $1,199, down $1,000 from its previous $2,199 price point.Best known as a helpful way to monitor your camera for indoor or outdoor use, the SmallHD Cine 7 Touchscreen On-Camera Monitor supports up to UHD 4K HDMI output as well as various HD and SD formats.The Cine 7 features a bright 1800 cd/m², 322 ppi, 1920 x 1200 IPS LCD touchscreen with 3D LUT compatibility.
01/05/2025
What Is Motion Capture? How Does Mocap Work?
In the 1980s, motion capture became a viable option for entertainment, allowing animators to capture realistic movement and work more efficiently.Let's go over what motion capture is, how it's used, and the films that made it famous.Motion capture is not the same as animation.
30/04/2025
Coverfly Is Shutting Down. What Does This Mean for Screenwriters?
It was from Coverfly, informing them that the website was going to shut down soon.It says the site will officially die on August 1st, 2025.The email says it's part of the parent company's strategy.
30/04/2025
Read and Download These Terrifying and Hilarious Jordan Peele Screenplays
With films like Get Out, Us, and Nope, he masterfully blends edge-of-your-seat terror with sharp social commentary.US (2019)Screenplay by Jordan Peele – Read the screenplay!Let me know what you think in the comments.
30/04/2025
Ben Affleck Explains Why It's So Hard to Make a Good Movie
But what I loved was this twelve-minute segment where Affleck breaks down just how hard it is to make a good movie. Ben Affleck describes making a good movie as a significant challenge for several interconnected reasons.Affleck emphasizes that crafting a good movie is an iterative process.
30/04/2025
Take a FREE Filmmaking Class From the First AD of 'Adolescence'
It captured 124 million viewers in its first month and rocketed to become the third most-watched English-language series in Netflix history.Stage 32 is hosting "Behind the Scenes of ADOLESCENCE: How the AD Team Mastered One-Shot Magic on Netflix’s Smash Hit," an exclusive FREE webinar featuring the visionary First Assistant Director Sarah Lucas.Sarah was the First AD on Adolescence, guiding hundreds of actors and crew through the high-stakes world of one-shot filmmaking.
30/04/2025
Has the DJI Phantom's Flight Been Cancelled...Forever?
Or, more specifically, DJI is set to officially stop support and service for the Phantom 4 Pro and Phantom 4 Advanced in June of this year, in effect, killing the DJI Phantom.Let’s take a moment to look back at the legacy of the DJI Phantom and explore what this could still mean for the future of DJI and aerial drone cinematography and videography.RIP to the DJI Phantom
30/04/2025
Steven Soderbergh Issues A Warning to Hollywood After 'Black Bag'
His most recent movie, Black Bag, was an absolute blast.But it also didn't do well at the box office.It only brought in a little over $38M worldwide, and there's really no explanation as to why.
30/04/2025
Kathy Bates Regrets The Toning Down Of The Violence in 'Misery'
I think it still is the best movie made about authorship, audiences, and relationships with fans.At the 16th annual TCM Classic Film Festival last week, there was a 35th anniversary screening of Misery, which had director Rob Reiner and actress Kathy Bates in attendance. And the movie was a giant hit.
30/04/2025
Here’s What We Know About the New Canon RF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 Telephoto Zoom
Set to release in Australia only right now, this new lens does look exciting for RF shooters and those looking to upgrade from their smartphones and point-and-shoot workflows.Canon RF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 Telephoto LensThe lens promises to be light and compact as it will weigh almost the same as a 500ml drink bottle.
30/04/2025
New Firmware Updates Bring Expanded Functions to Multiple Aputure Lighting Fixtures
These updates are set to add some significant new functions and improvements to these popular products.The firmware updates will bring bug fixes and upgrades to the following lights including the STORM 80c, STORM 1000c, and STORM 1200x fixtures, along with updates to the Sidus Four transmitter and the MC Pro mini light.The STORM series lights can be updated with a USB-A flash drive (or with a USB-C flash drive for the Storm 80c).
30/04/2025
DP Alvin Sun on the Importance of Shadows in 'The Killgrin'
Why are unique camera angles, experimental lighting choices, and the use of dark shadows so prevalent in horror films?Director Joanna Tsanis is well-versed in the horror genre, so she felt comfortable exploring these outside-of-the-box techniques in her latest film, The Killgrin, which was just released by Dark Sky Films. I don’t think you could do a psychological horror film without being inspired by Japanese horror.
30/04/2025
How this Editor Got Movies Into SXSW and Sundance This Year
Leah Boatright is a documentary editor with a decade of experience focusing on stories where private lives intersect with larger societal forces, exploring themes of belief, survival, and control.Her recent work includes Baby Doe (SXSW 2025) and The Librarians (Sundance/SXSW 2025).Leah Boatright:
30/04/2025
In 1974, Francis Ford Coppola Directed The Two Most Important Movies of the Year
The Godfather Part II and The Conversation were massive successes.The Conversation was released earlier in 1974, before The Godfather Part II.Starring Gene Hackman as Harry Caul, a surveillance expert obsessed with privacy yet professionally violating it, the film is a masterclass in suspense and paranoia.
29/04/2025
How Seth Rogen Pitches a Comedy Idea Like 'Neighbors'
Recently, Rogen was on the Zane Lowe podcast for Apple Music, where he covered a wide range of subjects, including pitching. Seth Rogen on PitchingThere was a ton to learn from Rogen and his process.
29/04/2025
Jordan Peele and Ryan Coogler on Using Fear As Fuel
I found this awesome podcast with directors Ryan Coogler and Jordan Peele, where they talk about this fact and a lot of other cool stuff. Another key moment was when Peele said that the raw, often uncomfortable emotions of fear and anger can be powerful catalysts for storytelling.Peele believes this process can be cathartic.
29/04/2025
Is the New Godox KNOWLED MG6K One of the Brightest New Pro Lighting Fixtures?
In fact, this new KNOWLED MG6K from Godox looks to be one of the brightest new pro lighting fixtures revealed in quite some time.Introducing the Godox KNOWLED MG6KDespite its large usability, though, the KNOWLED MG6K Bi-Color LED Monolight from Godox weighs less than 63 lbs. with its included yoke attached, which means that this light can be carried and installed by one person for faster on-set workflows.
29/04/2025
Save Thousands of Dollars on DZOFilm’s Vespid Prime Lenses With Major Price Cut
The current Vespid Prime lenses are available individually with savings of over $600 per lens or as a 7-lens kit with savings of over $1,300.DZOFilm VESPID Prime LensesAs a 7-lens kit, the DZOFilm VESPID Primes include 16, 25, 35, 50, 75, 100, and 125mm PL mount lenses with included EF mount adapters to cover full-frame sensors.
29/04/2025
URSA Cine 17K Gets Major Image Boost in New Blackmagic Update
In particular, the Blackmagic URSA Cine 17K 65 is going to get some notable image improvements for 65mm open gate recordings.The rest of the Blackmagic camera lineup is also going to get some improved clip playback and better responsiveness, which should be big news for 1st AC focus scales.What’s New in Blackmagic Camera 9.5.1
29/04/2025
ZHIYUN’s Pocket-Sized X100 RGB Light Delivers Pro-Level Performance
Developed by ZHIYUN, the company that pioneered the ‘X’ series palm-sized video lights in the past, this new ZHIYUN MOLUS X100RGB is a portable 100W RGB video light ideal for a range of applications.Weighing just 384g, the X100 RGB Light should offer high brightness, accurate colors, a wide 2700K–10000K range, and flexible modifiers.It also claims to be able to provide up to 34 minutes of battery life and wireless control via the ZY Vega App.
29/04/2025
'Yellowstone' is The Biggest Franchise on TV
The Journey of Yellowstone Taylor Sheridan was an actor sick of not getting the roles he wanted.Paramount is planning at least three additional series set in its universe, building on the $2.9 billion in sales and estimated $700 million profit generated so far.Three of Sheridan's other shows, Lioness, Landman, and Tulsa King, are among the most-streamed shows on TV.
29/04/2025
Study The 7 Best Animation Scripts
Today, I want to look at some of my favorite animated screenplays and talk about what you can learn from each of them. Finding NemoSpider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
29/04/2025
Nathan Fielder Confronts Paramount+ Over Their Censorship of 'Nathan For You'
In the show Nathan For You, Nathan sets out to work with a business to help them find outside-the-box solutions.Fielder donates 100% of Summit Ice profits to the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre, raising millions of dollars since 2015.In the most recent episode, he reveals that Paramount+ has taken down this episode of Nathan For You.
29/04/2025
It's 2025 And 'Revenge of the Sith' Made How Much In Movie Theaters This Weekend?
That's because Star Wars: The Revenge of the Sith made $25.2 million this weekend in theaters.And it's not just in the USA, but the movie added another $17 million at the international box office, as well.The movie was rereleased for the 20th anniversary, and it has been going gangbusters over the last three days, cracking into the top two movies, just behind Sinners, and selling out screenings all over the country.
29/04/2025
What Does Steven Spielberg Think is the 'Greatest American Film Ever Made'?
It was really cool to see a lot of these guys come together to watch Coppola get the 50th AFI Life Achievement Award from the American Film Institute. "The Godfather, for me, is the greatest American film ever made.Spielberg continued, “You have taken what came before and redefined the canon of American film, and in so doing, you’ve inspired a generation of storytellers who want to make you proud of their work, proud of our work, and I always want to make you proud of my work.”
29/04/2025
A Brand-New Line of Boom Poles is Here for Fast-Paced Filmmakers and Content Creators
Designed for indie filmmakers, documentarians, or any other manner of content creators, these Indie Poles should be lightweight and easy to handle.The K-Tek Indie PolesThat’s why these K-Tek Indie Poles were designed with a proprietary composite material that makes these boom poles lightweight, durable, and easy to handle in the most demanding environments and with an independent filmmaker’s budget in mind.
28/04/2025
Pack Up Everything You Need for Your Next Shoot With This Helpful Master Rigging Kit
Offering exactly what it sounds like, this new Master Rigging Kit is a nicely designed box option that is set to include everything a solo or small crew would need for mounting your lights, cameras, and other gear and equipment on set.The Matthews MICROGrip Master Rigging KitAlong with eight 1.25” MICROGrip Heads, the kit will include a wide range of MICROGrip Rigging Plates, Standard Plates, pins, head screws, rods, magnets, and—you guessed it—everything else you might need to rig up your cameras, lights, and equipment for a small film or video shoot.
28/04/2025
Read and Download 10 Great Action-Adventure Scripts
Action-adventure films deliver some of cinema's most thrilling moments, transporting us to dangerous jungles, distant galaxies, and treacherous cityscapes.But before the cameras roll, before the stunts are choreographed, and before the hero makes that impossible leap, it all begins with words on a pageThese are some of my favorite action-adventure scripts, and I hope you can learn from them by reading and downloading.10 Great Action-Adventure ScriptsRaiders of the Lost Ark (1981) - Written by Lawrence Kasdan (Story by George Lucas and Philip Kaufman)Die Hard (1988) - Written by Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza (Based on the novel Nothing Lasts Forever by Roderick Thorp)The Matrix (1999) - Written by The Wachowskis (Lilly Wachowski, Lana Wachowski)Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) - Written by James Cameron and William WisherAliens (1986) - Written by James Cameron (Story by James Cameron, David Giler & Walter Hill, based on characters created by Dan O'Bannon and Ronald Shusett)Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) - Written by George Miller, Brendan McCarthy, and Nico LathourisPirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) - Written by Ted Elliott & Terry Rossio (Screen story by Ted Elliott & Terry Rossio and Stuart Beattie and Jay Wolpert)The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) - Written by Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, & Peter Jackson (Based on the novel by J.R.R. Tolkien)Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977) - Written by George LucasThe Dark Knight (2008) - Written by Jonathan Nolan and Christopher Nolan (Story by Christopher Nolan & David S. Goyer, based on characters created by Bob Kane)
28/04/2025
What It Takes to Make a First Feature
In this episode of the No Film School Podcast, GG Hawkins hosts a conversation with filmmakers Annapurna Sriram (Fucktoys) and Alex Burunova (Satisfaction).Fresh from their SXSW premieres, they open up about the challenges and triumphs of making their first feature films independently.Listen to more episodes of the No Film School podcast right here:
28/04/2025
iPhone Camera App Pearla Adds Pro Video Recording Capabilities and Features
The Pearla app, which was mostly used by photographers looking to get superior image quality and advanced features out of their iPhone models, has announced that its latest update is expanding its offerings to video capture as well.Pearla iPhone App for VideoBy incorporating industry-standard log profiles and a film emulation system, Pearla can help bring the technical sophistication of professional photography and videography workflows to mobile creators.
28/04/2025
'Sinners' Drops Only 6% In Its Second Box Office Weekend - What Should Hollywood Learn?
This is an original horror movie that's rated R and now has a drop off of only 6% in its second weekend in theaters.Do we need more vampire movies?More movies about the blues?
28/04/2025
The DJI Mavic 4 Pro’s Camera and Flight Specs are Reportedly Leaked Online
DJI Mavic 4 Pro Leaked SpecsThe big news potentially revealed here is that the camera could feature an expandable variable aperture that would range from f/2.0 to f/11 and that the camera would boast 16 stops of dynamic range for recording video.The max flight time would be 51 minutes, and the max transmission range would be 30 km (FCC).
28/04/2025
What Is Misdirection in Writing? Definition & Examples
The Sixth Sense by M. Night ShyamalanMisdirection by characterJust by establishing a character in a certain way and revealing information about them strategically, a filmmaker can determine the character’s impression on the audience. This is what M. Night Shyamalan does in The Sixth Sense.In the Spanish drama series, Money Heist, the makers use a powerful misdirection but with a genius twist.
26/04/2025
What Is a Static Character in a Story? Definition & Examples
A static character is a type of character in any story or narrative that remains essentially the same at the end as they were in the beginning. If characters are the “drivers” of their story, what good are they if they remain “static”?Atticus Finch (To Kill a Mockingbird)Atticus Finch, widely considered to be one of the greatest heroes of American cinema, is surprisingly a static character—and obviously for the good.
26/04/2025
Why I Made the Jump from Live Action to Animation and Never Looked Back
After years of writing for live action, I took the leap and followed my passion for animation—and everything shifted.But I found a more collaborative, story-first way to write!As Guillermo del Toro puts it: Animation is not a genre, animation is cinema, animation is film!
26/04/2025
María Gabriela Torres on Editing 'Endless Calls for Fame' with Premiere Pro
We sat down with the editor of the film, María Gabriela Torres, to learn more about how she cut the film.Using Adobe Premiere Pro and Frame.io, she wove each of the band members’ origin stories together.Agnes Varda and Frida Kahlo are my main sources of inspiration, regardless of the project I’m working on.
26/04/2025
Pete Davidson & Bill Murray On The Future of Cinema and "Background Movies"
Recently, Pete Davidson & Bill Murray sat down for the Club 30 with Henrik Lundqvist Podcast. On their episode, they chatted about their incredible careers and the generational differences that shaped their comedic paths.What Makes a Great Movie (According to Bill Murray)Bill shares his perspective on what makes a movie truly great, which involves chemistry on set and dealing with people who are jerks.
26/04/2025
Studio Strategy & Indie Grit in the Wake of ‘Sinners’
In this two-part episode of the No Film School Podcast, hosts GG Hawkins and Jason Hellerman dive into the success of Ryan Coogler’s new original film, Sinners, a box office hit that marks a significant moment for original storytelling in Hollywood.They explore Coogler’s strategic career trajectory from shorts to studio features, examining what emerging filmmakers can learn from his path.Later in the episode, GG takes us back to the 2022 Sundance Film Festival with an interview featuring director Sing J. Lee.
26/04/2025
Why Does 'Sinners' Ownership Deal Have Everyone Talking?
Warner Bros. jumped at the chance to be a part of the movie, and it seems like they didn't bat an eye at the director's demands.According to a report from MSNBC, Coogler's arrangement for Sinners includes several key provisions rarely seen together: Final Cut: Coogler retains creative control over the final version of the film. Early Profit Participation: He stands to receive returns much earlier than typical studio deals allow, essentially as soon as the film starts generating revenue. Rights Reversion: Perhaps the most significant element – the rights to Sinners will revert back to Coogler 25 years after its release.People freaking out about this deal need to take into account that Ryan Coogler is probably the most powerful and marketable filmmaker under 40 in Hollywood.
25/04/2025
Get Succinct Writing Advice From Judd Apatow
Judd Apatow's Writing Advice Don't be afraid to put yourself out there.Embrace the Two Modes of CreativityThe video also goes over two distinct modes of the creative process.
25/04/2025
7artisans Drops a Fast and Creamy Photoelectric 35mm f/1.4 AF Prime for Fujifilm X Cameras
The new 7artisans Photoelectric 35mm f/1.4 AF Lens is set to deliver a 52.5mm full-frame equivalent focal length and should be a nice option for Fuji shooters looking to find a solid option on a budget.The 7artisans Photoelectric 35mm f/1.4 AF LensThe 7artisans Photoelectric 35mm f/1.4 AF Lens is available to order right now.
25/04/2025
Finishing a Draft Is More Important Than Telling People Your Idea
The way to have a long career as a writer in Hollywood is not endless ideas.It's the ability to take those ideas and turn them into finished drafts of screenplays.Even if you have a bad first draft, you can spend time fixing it and making it better so you can sell it to someone.
25/04/2025
Fujifilm Teases New Mystery Camera That’s “Half the Size, Twice the Story”
Sadly, for this teaser, all we know is what you can see in the video.It’s a new camera, it’s half the size, and it's twice the story.New Mystery Fujifilm Camera
25/04/2025
New Sony 400-800mm G Lens Gets $700 Price Increase as Tariffs Start to Hit Industry
Now, from the looks of prices changed online, it appears that the new Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS lens, the company’s furthest reaching lens to date and an exciting new film and video product has been directly or indirectly hit with a $700 price increase possibly due to these tariffs.Sony FE 400-800mm Lens Price IncreaseSony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Lens (Sony E)
25/04/2025
New Sony 400-800mm G Lens Gets $700 Price Increase as Tariffs Start to Hit Industry
Now, from the looks of prices changed online, it appears that the new Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS lens, the company’s furthest reaching lens to date and an exciting new film and video product has been directly or indirectly hit with a $700 price increase possibly due to these tariffs.Sony FE 400-800mm Lens Price IncreaseSony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Lens (Sony E)
25/04/2025
Writing Screenplays for Animation: A Beginner's Guide
2. You Have Experience Working With an Animation StudioEven if you are not an out-and-out animator, but you have the experience of working under one as a writer, storyboard artist, or any other creative role, that will be great preparation for your own animated screenplay.4. Write Your TreatmentA detailed treatment is a written summary of your script.Learn the Visual Focus of Animated FilmsOne way of gaining visual focus (i.e., writing with visuals in mind) is by trying to understand the storyboarding process.
25/04/2025
What Is a Monologue? Types with Definitions and Examples
In this article, we'll go over what monologues are, some examples, and how to use them in your own stories.A monologue is a long—and I mean, really long—speech delivered by a single character.Be sure to align the content, the tone, and the placement of your monologue to the story.
25/04/2025
Editing Without Borders: Sustaining Creative Excellence Remotely
But in recent years, the collaborative, in-person nature of the editing process has been fundamentally disrupted.Remote editing, once a niche solution, is now the norm, accelerated by technology and changing expectations.Today, it’s common for an editor in London to collaborate with a director in Los Angeles and agency creatives in New York without ever meeting in person.
25/04/2025
Behind the Scenes of 'The Friend' With Editor Isaac Hagy
We sat down with the film’s editor, Isaac Hagy, to discuss how he used Adobe Premiere Pro and Frame.io to bring the story to life.With the directors in New York and Hagy in California, collaborating remotely was a key part of the workflow, including relying on Frame.io to send full and partial cuts back and forth for notes.The Friend, distributed by Bleecker Street, is now showing in theaters.
24/04/2025
Read and Download All The 'Star Wars' Scripts
We've curated a comprehensive library of Star Wars scripts for you to download and analyze.Discover how the saga unfolded scene by scene, word by word.The Star Wars (Story Treatment) (1973) by George LucasThe Star Wars (1974) by George LucasThe Star Wars (1974) by George Lucas (Later Draft)The Star Wars: The Adventures of Luke Starkiller (1975) by George Lucas (Later Draft)Star Wars IV: A New Hope (1977) by George LucasStar Wars Holiday Special (1978) by Rod Warren, Bruce Vilanch, Pat Proft, Leonard Ripps, and Mitzie WelchStar Wars V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980) by Leigh Brackett and Lawrence KasdanStar Wars VI – Return of the Jedi (1983) by Lawrence Kasdan and George LucasStar Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999) by George LucasStar Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002) by George LucasStar Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005) by George LucasStar Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) by J.J. Abrams and Lawrence KasdanStar Wars: The Last Jedi (2017) - by Rian Johnson Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker (2019) - Screenplay by Chris Terrio, J. J. Abrams, Story by Derek Connolly, Colin Trevorrow, J. J. Abrams, Chris TerrioStar Wars IX: Duels of the Fates (2019) by Derek Connolly & Colin Trevorrow (UNPRODUCED)
24/04/2025
How Did George Lucas Get 'Mission: Impossible' to Add a Spaghetti Scene?
Recently, one of the coolest I've heard is about George Lucas and his influence on the Mission: Impossible movies.George Lucas's Spaghetti Scene During the shoot, Estevez said George Lucas stopped by to check it out, and immediately asked where the "spaghetti scene" was in those early shots.
24/04/2025
How to Build a Music Library That Actually Speeds Up Your Filmmaking Workflow
If the “infinite music search death spiral of doom” sounds like something you’d rather avoid, then you should try building a music library that not only organizes your favorite tracks but also speeds up your workflow, which is a feature that PremiumBeat offers.You can create and curate your own playlists and music libraries.You’ve created your file structure and started throwing all your tracks in folders.
24/04/2025
Writer-Director-Actor Ramy Youssef Delivers Essential Screenwriting Advice
Ramy Youssef Delivers Essential Screenwriting AdviceYoussef's process is flexible.Summing It All Up Ramy Youssef's advice was great.
24/04/2025
Netflix's Ted Sarandos Says Movie Theaters Are “An Outmoded Idea For Most People”
The company’s co-CEO, Ted Sarandos, was recently at the TIME100 Summit, where he was grilled about the streamer's place in the world. Sarandos put it simply: “No, we’re saving Hollywood.”It would be nice if Netflix's relationships with Hollywood and theaters were less combative and more supportive.
24/04/2025
Did Ryan Reynolds Learn Anything From 'Green Lantern'?
That's why I was so heartened to see Ryan Reynolds talking about the major lessons he learned while shooting Green Lantern.This is a film that has become sort of a punchline in Reynolds' very successful career now.Reynolds said he takes the “lesson” of “character over spectacle” to heart.
24/04/2025
Portkeys' New On-Camera Touchscreen Monitor Makes 3D LUT Monitoring Easy
The latest new addition to this area comes from the Chinese monitor company Portkeys with their new 5.4-inch on-camera monitor.The Portkeys PT5 III is made out of ABS and polycarbonate weighs only 154.5g/5.45oz and has dimensions of only 135.1 x 82.5 x 22mm. With a low power consumption of just 7W, a compact and lightweight Sony NP-F 550 battery can power the monitor for over two hours.
24/04/2025
Nikon Creators Go Hands-on With the New Z5II for the First Time
Hosted in Austin, Texas, the Nikon team showed off the new Z5II mirrorless camera by putting it into the hands of a diverse group of photographers and videographers as part of a Nikon Creators Camp.The goal was to let actual creatives test out the Z5II and explore how its full-frame, FX-format 24.5MP BSI CMOS sensor was able to handle the stress of high-octane photo and video shoots in a variety of situations.Featuring a solid full-frame, FX-format 24.5MP BSI CMOS sensor that is paired with Nikon’s EXPEED 7 image processor, the Z5II is able to capture detailed 4K UHD video at 30 fps with no crop, as well as features the ability to shoot in 4K at full-frame and with more wide-angle freedom.
24/04/2025
New Hollyland Headset Intercom System Aims to Ensure Seamless On-Set Communication
Let’s look at the new Solidcom SE Pro 9S 9-Person Full-Duplex Single-Ear Headset Intercom System from Hollyland and explore how it can be both a cost-effective, yet powerful, communication solution for your film and video production teams with its 1 master single-ear headset and 8 remote single-ear headset additions.This Solidcom SE Pro 9S configuration includes 1 master single-ear headset and 8 remote single-ear headsets, which all operate in the 1.9 GHz frequency range and feature a lightweight design, Environmental Noise Cancellation, resistance to dust and wind, and extended battery life.The Solidcom SE Pro also includes 18 rechargeable batteries to ensure the system keeps running with minimal downtime, so users can communicate with their team for up to 10 hours using the remote headset with noise cancellation engaged and for up to 5 hours with the master headset when connected to five remote headsets.
24/04/2025
Check Out Ryan Coogler's 'Thank You' Note to Fans For Seeing 'Sinners'
Who saw the film in groups.”I believe in the theatrical experience.The letter ends with around 40 names of filmmakers who inspired him to make the movie, “Spike Lee, John Singleton, Ernie Barnes, Steve McQueen, Ava Duvernay, Euzhan Palcy, Eudora Welty, Oscar Micheaux, Robert Rodriguez, Barry Jenkins, Quentin Tarantino, Nicolas Roeg, Andrea Arnold, Jeremy Saulnier, Paul Thomas Anderson, Joel and Ethan Coen, Bill Gunn, Jordan Peele, John Carpenter, Boots Reilly, Shaka King, Nia Dacosta, Terence Nance, Rian Johnson, Bradford Young, David Cronenberg, David Lynch, Chris Nolan, Emma Thomas, Theodore Witcher, Francis Coppola, Julie Dash, Steven Spielberg, Kahlil Joseph, Mati Diop, Ben and Josh Safdie, Stephen King, Robert Palmer, Amiri Baraka, Martin Scorsese, Brian De Palma, George Lucas, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Walter Mosley, Stephen Graham Jones, Joel Crawford, Wes Craven, and many others.”
23/04/2025
Foundry Unveils Nuke Stage to Unify Pre-Production and Final Pixels in Virtual Productions
Or, as is the case with our visit to the Brompton booth to get a demo of Foundry’s new Nuke Stage, the future is already here.Showcasing Nuke Stage, a new application purpose-built for virtual production and in-camera visual effects, the Foundry team showed off some exciting new technology that might finally be able to unify pre-production and final pixels in the virtual production space.Designed to offer end-to-end creative content control over imagery and color from start to finish, Nuke Stage can link pre-pro through final pixels in one pipeline with the ultimate goal of giving VFX artists full creative control over imagery and color from start to finish.
23/04/2025
What Are The 7 Best Vampire Movies?
I've steeped myself in the vampire genre and picked out some movies I think are the very best these bloodsuckers have to offer. Now that you have all these movies to check out, you should watch them and decide which ones you think are best.Let me know what you think in the comments.
23/04/2025
DaVinci Resolve 20 Public Beta 2 is Here with Bug Fixes and Keyframe Improvements
Released as part of a public beta 2 update, DaVinci Resolve 20 is getting your usual mix of minor bug fixes and improvements, most notably the ability to view and adjust changes made to speed keyframes, better syncing in source timeline workflows, and other improvements for dual-screen layouts.Announced the day before NAB Show 2025 kicked off and showcased on the Las Vegas Convention Center floor for the first time, there’s still a lot to love—and explore—about this latest version of Resolve.DaVinci Resolve 20 introduced over 100 new features and other AI-powered tools that have taken the NLE to new heights.
23/04/2025
What Are The Best Horror Movie Sequels Ever Made?
Today, I wanted to go over some horror sequels I think are excellent and go over what I love about them. Bride of FrankensteinDirector: James WhaleWriters: William Hurlbut (Screenplay & Story), John L. Balderston (Story).A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors Director: Chuck RussellWriters: Wes Craven, Bruce Wagner, Frank Darabont, Chuck Russell.
23/04/2025
The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is Now Below $2,000 for the First Time Ever
And now, with this new price drop, it’s available for under $2,000 for the first time ever.An updated 24.2MP CMOS sensor pairs with updated processing to offer improved AF, impressive 4K 60p 10-bit video, and faster overall performance.The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is out and on sale now.
23/04/2025
What 2 Things Hold Most Filmmakers Back?
This video discusses two things every filmmaker wants more of in order to improve their lot in life. Time and Money Like it or not, every project you work on will always feel like it's short on time and money.Look, you're not doomed by the amount of money you have or the amount of time.
23/04/2025
How Editor Ernie Gilbert Crafted Psychosocial Thriller 'Opus' with Premiere Pro and After Effects
The film follows a young writer (Edebiri) after she’s invited to the remote compound of a legendary pop star who mysteriously disappeared 30 years ago.Editor Ernie Gilbert used Adobe Premiere Pro and Adobe After Effects to cut the film, complete with synthy musical numbers and complex character arcs that offer a clever indictment of the literal cult of celebrity.Opus premiered at Sundance 2025 and in theaters on March 14, 2025 (A24).
23/04/2025
5 Writing Tips from C.S. Lewis
Writing Tips from C.S. Lewis There are five lessons I think writers of any persuasion would benefit to learn from him. 1. Use Clear LanguageStrive for clarity above all else.
23/04/2025
5 Writing Tips from C.S. Lewis
Writing Tips from C.S. Lewis There are five lessons I think writers of any persuasion would benefit to learn from him. Ensure your language fits the topic appropriately.
23/04/2025
Sony a7S III Firmware Update 4.00 Adds Log Shooting Mode to Display LUTs While Recording
Sony has also just announced a world’s first f/2 telephoto zoom lens with the new Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM lens that is quite exciting as well.However, for fans of the Sony a7S III in particular, the big news now is going to be the firmware update version 4.00.Sony a7S III Firmware Update Version 4.00
23/04/2025
Save $500 on the Popular Sony a7 IV Mirrorless Camera
Featuring a powerful 33MP CMOS full-frame sensor and the ability to record 4K/60p 10-Bit 4:2:2 video, the a7 IV has a lot to offer.The a7 IV also offers oversampled 4K recording, via a 4.6K capture area, with a Super 35 crop, that offers UHD 4K output up to 60p in 10-bit.The Sony a7 IV is out and available at this new price as part of a special deal right now.
23/04/2025
Why Is There So Much Irish Music in 'Sinners'?
As a guy who studied abroad in Ireland in 2009, I couldn't help but be pleasantly surprised by the amount of Irish music in Ryan Coogler's Mississippi Delta epic, Sinners. It turns out, Coogler is a big fan of these tunes and had some great reasons for them being in the movie. The lead vampire in this movie, Remmick, is played by Irish actor Jack O’Connell, and his dancing lures our heroes toward a life where racism doesn't exist, and everyone gets to exist together in eternal life.
23/04/2025
Read and Download These Joseph Kosinski Screenplays
The best way to answer that is to read the screenplays he's directed. So today, I wanted to provide you with some of his huge hits, for you to read, analyze, and for them to inspire your next work of art. Screenplay by Ken Nolan and Eric Warren Singer Based on the GQ Article "No Exit" by Sean FlynnTOP GUN: MAVERICK (2022)Directed by Joseph Kosinski – Read the Screenplay!
23/04/2025
5 Screenwriting Tips from James Mangold
While looking for some inspiration to crack my latest spec screenplay, I stumbled upon this video, hosted by our very own Jo Light, where she talks to director James Mangold about his best screenwriting advice. James Mangold's Screenwriting Advice Let's unpack some of his best advice.
23/04/2025
A Brilliant New Contender Joins the High-Bright Monitor Game
The new C215S 21.5" High-Bright Broadcast Monitor from ANDYCINE looks to be a solid option that should bring high-bright functionality as well as a helpful protective case.Let’s look at this ANDYCINE C215S 21.5″ High-Bright Broadcast Monitor and explore how it could be an ideal bright viewing option for both studio and on-location monitoring.The ANDYCINE C215S 21.5″ High-Bright Broadcast Monitor comes with a protective case that features a top handle, detachable front and back panels, and rubber bumpers on each corner.
22/04/2025
Blackmagic Camera for Android Update Focuses on PYXIS 6K and URSA Cine Cameras
This latest 2.1 update for Blackmagic Camera for Android is set to add support for remotely controlling the PYXIS 6K and other Blackmagic URSA Cine cameras.What’s new in Blackmagic Camera for Android 2.1Improved resolution and frame rate compatibility for Samsung, Sony, and Xiaomi models.
22/04/2025
Get a Glimpse into the Post-Apocalyptic World of '28 Years Later'
The Danny Boyle and Alex Garland collaboration has had a lot to say about society over the years, and I've been so excited to see where the world they established has gone in the years since the first movies, and to see what it has to say about our society now. 28 Years Later Behind the Scenes Danny Boyle and Alex Garland go into the ruthless dynamic of how you survive in a situation like this.
22/04/2025
Oscar Voters Now Have to Watch All The Movies For Their Opinions to Count
Moving forward, all designated nominees in all categories will now be listed on the final ballot.The Academy is shifting from an honor system to a mandatory viewing requirement for final-round voting.Best Foreign Language Film Another smaller, but equally big idea is that the Academy is finding a way for the work of filmmakers with refugee or asylum status to be submitted for the best international feature Oscar by the country to which they have fled.
22/04/2025
Sony Introduces the World’s First f/2 Telephoto Zoom Lens to Reach a Maximum Focal Length of 150mm
For the “world’s first” aspect, the Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM lens will be the first telephoto zoom lens to reach a maximum focal length of 150mm while offering a constant f/2 aperture.The Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM lensThe Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM lens is available for preorder now with units expected to start shipping in the new day or so.
22/04/2025
Sony Introduces the World’s First f/2 Telephoto Zoom Lens to Reach a Maximum Focal Length of 150mm
For the “world’s first” aspect, the Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM lens will be the first telephoto zoom lens to reach a maximum focal length of 150mm while offering a constant f/2 aperture.The Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM lensThe Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM lens is available for preorder now with units expected to start shipping in the new day or so.
22/04/2025
Upgrade Your Production to Cinematic 360° Video with the New Insta360 X5 8K Camera
The new Insta360 X5 is a 360° camera capable of capturing HDR 8K30 360° PureVideo in dual or single-lens modes.It also boasts some impressive AI PureShot photo processes and some fun and innovative video modes like Bullet Time, Me Mode, and Time Shift.Along with supports up to 8K30 and 5.7K60 360° video for smooth shots at ultrahigh resolution in PureVideo mode, the camera also supports up to 4K120 capture for super slow-motion 360° footage.
22/04/2025
Editor Max Allman on Discovering the Unique Language of 'The Python Hunt'
Editor Max Allman walked us through his creative process, which always starts with watching all the footage in the order it was shot to fully get into the mind of the director.He introduced me to fellow Floridian Lance Oppenheim to edit his documentary series “Ren Faire”.Tell us about a favorite scene or moment from this project and why it stands out to you.
22/04/2025
AWS Showcases How AI is Shaping the Future of the Media and Entertainment Industry at NAB 2025
AWS left a major footprint at NAB this year, showcasing how the company is leveraging AI and other cloud technologies to shape the future of the media and entertainment industry.Let’s explore some highlights from the AWS booth this year, which simulated F1 races, live broadcasts, and some truly insane new AI and cloud-based technologies.The AWS booth itself was filled with new generative AI technologies and live cloud production workflows and tools, including the likes of Amazon Nova, Amazon Bedrock, and AmazonQ, all showcasing the power of convergence across M&E.
21/04/2025
How 'Sinners' Shot That Crazy Juke Joint Dance Scene
Ryan Coogler's vampire epic has a controversial ending, fun villain design, and this amazing juke joint scene that everyone in the lobby of my theater was talking about.Today, I wanted to dig into this scene and talk about how they accomplished it.They shot the scene in three parts, and each part took about half a day to film.
21/04/2025
Unpacking That Agonizing 'Last of Us' Death From Last Night
In the scene in question, Abby (Kaitlyn Dever) brutally kills Joel (Pedro Pascal) in retaliation for him murdering her father.We learn that her father was the surgeon from the end of season one who believed operating on Ellie (Bella Ramsey) – a procedure that would have killed her – could lead to a cure for the parasitic Cordyceps plague.Craig Mazin sat down with The Hollywood Reporter to talk about the scene in question and how they adapted it from the game.
21/04/2025
It's Time to Heed Pope Francis' Words: Film Can 'Reawaken Wonder'
I share this reflection with you, entrusting you with the task to reawaken wonder.”As another great Pope of cinema, Roger Ebert, once said, cinema is an empathy machine.Pray for inspiration.
21/04/2025
Hollywood Fires Back at 'Sinners' Budget and Box Office Headline
Last night, as numbers for Sinners came in, we learned it was opening to a $61 million weekend worldwide.That means that Sinners made a total of $63.5 million in its global debut.I think a lot of us creatives inside Hollywood are really tired of the doom and gloom.
21/04/2025
Get a Cheap and Flexible 3D-Printed Monitor Hood for Your Sony FX6
The latest example of this comes from the team at 3D Film Parts with their latest invention, a new flexible monitor hood for Sony FX6 cameras.3D Film Parts Sony FX6 Monitor HoodThe 3D Film Parts Sony FX6 Monitor Hood is out and available now, and can be purchased on 3D Film Parts website for $49.00.
21/04/2025
The Sirui Vision Prime Cine Lenses to Offer High Quality and Lots of Versatility
These new Sirui VP-1 T1.4 full-frame cine lenses, which will be available in a three lens kit that will include 24, 35, and 50mm options, promise to help filmmakers and video pros elevate their filmmaking with exceptional image quality, versatility, and artistic expression.Sirui Vision Prime 1 Cine Lens SeriesThe full Sirui VP-1 T1.4 full-frame cine lens series is available as a three-lens kit or individually, with each lens coming in either black or metal gray options.
21/04/2025
Meet the Pixboom Spark: A Compact Super 35 Global Shutter High-Speed Cinema Camera
Announced on the company’s website, Pixboom has officially unveiled the Spark project, a new compact Super 35 global shutter cinema camera that is set to be able to capture 1000 fps video at full 4K resolution.While still in development, Pixboom has officially launched a website that gives more details and promises to share updates on the Spark project, plus has confirmed more specs, features, and details about this exciting new camera.Set to be a high-end option primarily for slow-motion video, there’s a lot to explore here.
21/04/2025
Is This the Best Boom Combo for Gaffers?
Check out this cool video from the Avenger Grip team that showcases how these two new Manfrotto products—the Super Wind Up Stand and Mega Boom—could together be used as a superior boom combo.The Manfrotto 425B Mega Boom is a two-section Mega Boom with a 12' maximum extension.It features a maximum payload of 13.23 lb at maximum extension and 66.14 lb at minimum extension.
21/04/2025
What Is a Negative Connotation? Definition + Examples
Now, we'll go over the definition and examples of negative connotations specifically, so you can use them to boost your writing skills.What is a Negative Connotation?How Negative Connotations Can Affect CommunicationNow that we know what negative connotation is, how can we use it in our own writing to develop characters and conflict?
19/04/2025
How to Launch a Multimedia Brand and Tackle Indie Filmmaking Issues Along the Way
That’s why we were excited to sit down during NAB 2015 to chat with CA in LA (aka Courtney Birk and Ashleigh Coffelt), a dynamic multidisciplinary film and content creation duo based in Los Angeles to learn more about their journeys and see what advice they could share for everyone else launching their own channels, brands, and careers.AC: We want to finish out the two films left in the connection trilogy.We're also right now in the middle of recording a studio album, and we're trying to do 10 music videos to go in tandem with its release in the fall.
19/04/2025
Is the Blackmagic URSA Cine One of the Most Important Cinema Cameras Ever?
For NAB 2025, Blackmagic Design announced the PYXIS 12K, a promising large-format box camera that combines a full-frame 12K RGBW sensor with the versatile design of the PYXIS camera.Last year, at the start of NAB 2024, Blackmagic Design also kicked things off with the announcement of the original PYXIS 6K camera and—perhaps even more significantly—with the URSA Cine.At NAB 2025, we sat down to chat with Hurlbut to pick his brain on his favorite parts of the URSA Cine and explore his insights into why this might be one of the best—and perhaps most important—cinema cameras ever.
18/04/2025
Read and Download These Spike Jonze Screenplays
The guy started off his career with a few collaborations with Charlie Kaufman, and now has blossomed into someone who really shines in both writing and directing. But until that happens, it's fun to revisit old scripts that he directed and write to see what drew him to projects.ADAPTATION (2002)Screenplay by Charlie Kaufman and Directed by Spike Jonze – Read the screenplay!
18/04/2025
Check Out This Behind the Scenes Featurette for the New 'Superman' Movie
DC has released one of these featurettes that gives us an inside look at the production of the new Superman movie. Behind the Scenes of 'Superman' I'm pumped for James Gunn and Superman fans.
18/04/2025
Reminder: Protect Your Gear! $26K ARRI Alexa Mini Stolen on London Shoot
Today’s reminder that film crews and video teams should always be safe comes from the story of a music video shoot in London, having a $26,000 ARRI Alexa Mini brazenly stolen from their set.ARRI Alexa Mini StolenThe crew in London lost an ARRI Alexa Mini, a Laowa 12mm lens, and a transmitter.
18/04/2025
How The Oners in 'The Studio' Add Up To A Series Philosophy
It's a deliberate choice by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg that elevates the storytelling and works in tandem with the themes.Well, Seth and Evan believe it adds a unique, almost play-like feel to the scenes, making them more cohesive and engaging. Seth and Evan feel this stylistic choice significantly enhances the humor, making it some of the funniest work they've created.
18/04/2025
The 'Sinners' Ending Explained
The movie has a massive IMAX release, and the director has a ton of other film formats in which you can view the movie.Today, we're going to unpack the ending of the movie and talk about what it means. The horror shifts from the supernatural to the grimly historical reality of the Deep South.
18/04/2025
Netflix Continues to Expand to Video Podcasts and Creator Content
Netflix is already the biggest streaming service in the world, with over 300 million users, but it's trying to capture an even bigger market share by moving into the video podcast and creator space. Instead, it's looking at services like YouTube and Google to see where it can find ways to expand what it does.But on the first quarter earnings call Thursday, co-CEO Ted Sarandos said the company is “constantly looking at all different types of content and content creators.”
18/04/2025
Adjust the Bokeh in Your Shots With This New 35mm T2.1 Dual-Bokeh Cine Lens
Introducing the TTARTISAN 35mm T2.1 Dual-Bokeh Cine LensOtherwise, the lens is a pretty standard offering T2.1–T22 declicked aperture, a durable all-metal construction, and options available for E, X, Z, RF, and L mounts.The TTARTISAN 35mm T2.1 Dual-Bokeh Cine Lens is also a full-frame lens and will weigh in at just between 678g and 735g, depending on your mount choice.
18/04/2025
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro Adventure Combo Gets Creator-Friendly Price Drop
In fact, DJI has just dropped the price of its Osmo Action 5 Pro Adventure Combo kit to well under $400, which—in theory—should give creators everything they need to get started. DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro Adventure ComboOther key features for this DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro Adventure Combo include 13.5-stops of dynamic range, 8K photos, subject centering/tracking, OsmoAudio support, raw footage capture, a 155° field of view, 47GB built-in storage, and an SD card slot that supports up to 1TB cards.
18/04/2025
What Bill Burr's Panic Attack Can Teach You About Your Filmmaking Career
In an older clip, Burr was on Howard Stern, where he talked about how it basically took a panic attack to get his mind wrapped around his career. Bill Burr on Questioning His CareerBurr recounted a panic attack he experienced at The Funny Bone in St. Louis, a moment where he seriously questioned his chosen path.
17/04/2025
The 5 Best John Hughes Movies
I picked my top five, which were all written and directed by him.Written and directed by Hughes, it's widely regarded as a defining film of the 1980s and perhaps Hughes' most iconic work.But the one who steals the movie is Macaulay Culkin, and this was prior to his breakout role in Home Alone.
17/04/2025
‘American Psycho’ Director Mary Harron Is Still Baffled by People Idolizing Patrick Bateman
Well, directly in line with all of that are people who watch American Psycho and want to be Patrick Bateman, the character who murders a bunch of people. In her opinion, she always saw American Psycho as “a gay man’s satire on masculinity.” American Psycho isn't telling you how to succeed; it's showing you a horrifying vision of what happens when humanity gets lost in the pursuit of having the best business card.
17/04/2025
Affordable All-Around Glass: Meet Viltrox's New Flagship 35m f/1.2 Lens
Let’s look at the new Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB FE Lens and explore what it could offer for your photo and video projects.The Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB FE LensThe AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB FE Lens from Viltrox is out and available for Sony E-mount full-frame digital cameras now.
17/04/2025
Broadcast Loud and Clear Audio With DJI’s First Speaker for Multi-Payload Drone Platforms
Another enterprise-level solution for drone operators who work in various enterprise-level operations like public safety and emergency rescue scenarios, the DJI Zenmuse V1 is designed to be compatible with the same DJI enterprise drones as the Zenmuse S1 model, including the DJI Matrice 350 RTK and Matrice 300 RTK.The DJI Zenmuse V1The DJI Zenmuse V1 will boast high volume and long broadcast distance, plus support multiple broadcast modes, which should make it ideal for scenarios like public safety, emergency rescue, and more.
17/04/2025
Ben Affleck Says California Took the Film Industry "For Granted"
Their disappearance has been a blight on our economy, and we need leaders to step up and bring them back, or we'll risk losing them forever. Ben Affleck on why California Needs Hollywood California needs to respond quickly.
17/04/2025
There's a 4-Hour Version of 'The Breakfast Club' Out There
In my humble opinion, the best one is The Breakfast Club, a movie about different high schoolers coming together for detention on a Saturday morning. Recently, the cast of the movie reunited at the Don’t You Forget About Me: The Breakfast Club 40th Anniversary Reunion panel at C2E2 2025.The reunion served as a powerful reminder of the film's legacy and the director who brought it to life.
17/04/2025
Be Your Own Cloud With Strada’s New Remote Collaboration Tool
Founded by brothers Michael and Peter Cioni, Strada has already been making waves in the remote collaboration and cloud storage space over the past few years.The company has just introduced Strada Agents, a new remote collaboration tool that promises to allow users to remotely access media stored on their local computer from anywhere and at any time.Strada Agents allows users to share media directly from their RAID, NAS, and local drives so that they always have access.
17/04/2025
Light Up the Night With DJI’s First Spotlight for Multi-Payload Drone Platforms
The new DJI Zenmuse S1 is the company’s first spotlight designed for multi-payload drone platforms.Set to be compatible with the DJI Matrice 350 RTK and Matrice 300 RTK—both popular DJI enterprise drones—this new spotlight looks to be quite intriguing for enterprise-level needs.Tailored to be compatible with the DJI Matrice 350 RTK and Matrice 300 RTK, the Zenmuse S1 could be an ideal option for enterprise-level drone operators looking to use the spotlight for public safety, emergency rescue, inspection, and other nighttime operations.
17/04/2025
The Secret to a Calm Film Set with Director Mimi Cave
In this episode of the No Film School podcast, Director Mimi Cave joins No Film School’s GG Hawkins and guest co-host Madison Lanesey for a candid conversation about her path from dance to directing, maintaining artistic vision in the studio system, and fostering a grounded and collaborative atmosphere on set.Mimi opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of filmmaking, the practical steps she takes to craft immersive visual tones, and how she cultivates trust with her actors and crew.Listen to more episodes of the No Film School podcast right here:
17/04/2025
What is a Spin-Off in Film & TV? Definition & Examples
A spin-off is a film or a series that is derived from a film or series.1. Young Sheldon (Spin-off to The Big Bang Theory)I personally love this series because of its well-rounded characters, with special mention to Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons), of course.Minions (Spin-off to Despicable Me)If Gru used the Minions to steal the moon, there’s definitely something special about them.
17/04/2025
What's the Difference Between Melodrama & Cinematic Drama
Because it's so foundational to film and storytelling as a whole, the cinematic drama is probably the broadest of all film genres in film.Features of cinematic drama encompass a range of technical, narrative, and emotional elements that work together to create compelling storytelling on screen.So, what's the difference between cinematic drama and melodrama?
17/04/2025
Composer Clayton Worbeck on Adding Cosmic Madness to 'Call of the Void'
Gravitas Ventures’ latest film is James B. Cox’s folk horror, Call of the Void, which follows Moray as she retreats to a remote mountain cabin to try and escape her work, her family, and her old life after the tragic death of her brother.With sounds playing such a central role in Call of the Void, both the sound design and score had to be precisely thought out.Serving as the film’s composer was Clayton Worbeck, who had previously collaborated with director James B. Cox on Hacked.
17/04/2025
Scoring on a Budget: Royalty-Free Music Tips for Short Films
So, how do you elevate your short film with great music without draining your entire budget?So, if your short film budget isn’t large enough to shell out big bucks for a custom score, an end credit track, or a song for your trailer, opting for royalty-free music is a practical way to keep costs low without having to sacrifice quality. Before you choose a platform, though, you need to think about what is most important to you and your short film project.
16/04/2025
How Trump Tariffs & Economic Volatility Could Affect Hollywood
Today, The Hollywood Reporter published a long article about how Trump's tariffs and the overall economic instability have affected Hollywood.That volatility makes people in Hollywood wary.Movies are in the same boat.
16/04/2025
You'll Never Guess the Movie That Inspired Ryan Coogler's 'Sinners'
"That's a massive one,” Coogler said of the film’s impact on him and on the movie Sinners. Coogler then revealed that the villain in Sinners is inspired by the Wolf from Puss in Boots.'Puss in Boots: The Last Wish'
16/04/2025
George R.R. Martin's Advice on How to Make It as a Writer
Writing Advice From George R.R. Martin Martin emphasized that networking can be helpful in getting people to read your work.Martin emphasizes that success in writing requires passion, dedication, and a willingness to take risks and persevere through challenges.
16/04/2025
Read and Download These Michael Bay Movie Scripts
Today, I wanted to look at all the screenplays Michael Bay has directed and give you a chance to read them.If you want to be in the action space, these are a must.Read and Download Michael Bay Movie ScriptsBad Boys (1995)
16/04/2025
The Original 'Star Wars' Edit to Show For The First Time in Decades
The British Film Institute's (BFI) Film on Film Festival in June will be screening the original 1977 version of Star Wars.This is a significant event, as the original cut hasn't been available since 1997.According to The Telegraph, this is the first time the original print has been publicly screened since December 1978 outside of home video.
16/04/2025
Why Are Original Movies Struggling At the 2025 Box Office?
A recent report from The Wall Street Journal unpacked that original movies are not doing well at the box office this year. Original Movies Are Struggling It's incredibly hard to put together an original movie these days.An original drama or sci-fi concept?
16/04/2025
Nikon NX Tether Adds Support for Z5II and More Advanced Photo and Video Capabilities
Following up the news some notable new firmware updates coming to some popular Nikon cameras like the Z9 and the Z50II, Nikon is also rolling out a pretty significant update to NX Tether, the company’s tethered shooting tool that includes support for live view, video capture, and fully-featured wireless control with compatible Nikon cameras.The most important news here is that NX Tether is adding support for the new Nikon Z5II.Nikon NX Tether Version 2.3.0
16/04/2025
Nikon Z50 II Firmware Update Adds Pro-Release When Using SmallRig SR-RG2 Grip
Nikon has rolled out a new firmware update for the Z50 II mirrorless camera that adds some notable new features.The biggest news here is the addition of Pro-Release Capture when using a SmallRig SR-RG2 multifunctional wireless shooting grip.The camera is also set to add the Russian language for models sold in the Middle East versions.
16/04/2025
How Sennheiser’s Colorful Mics Became Stars of Letterboxd’s Interviews
Let’s look at what Sennheiser mics are being used for these videos and how they could be nice options for your own projects.Letterboxd's Rise to FameNow, with a global social network for film discussion and discovery, Letterboxd users all over the world log, rate, and share their thoughts on their favorite films.
16/04/2025
Nikon Adds Remote Shooting System for Corporate Users with Latest Z9 Firmware Update
The Nikon Z9 is getting a firmware update version 5.20, which, most notably, is adding support for NX Field, a remote shooting system for corporate users.The camera is also getting some minor tweaks and updates to help it perform better for shooters and content creators of all types.Check the camera firmware version.
16/04/2025
Is This the Next-Generation Sundance? CAMP Film Festival to Celebrate Internet-Born Storytellers
Set to take place April 26th-27th at the Paramount Theatre in Austin, Texas, the CAMP Film Festival Powered by Patreon aims to redefine the cinematic landscape.A New Film Festival EmergesThe festival is set to curate compelling, authentic narratives from a new era of creators who have already amassed millions of followers and views online.
15/04/2025
The 5 Best Alex Garland Movies
The guy was an acclaimed novelist and screenwriter (The Beach, 28 Days Later, Sunshine) and is now pioneering his way as a director who crafts thought-provoking and often unsettling genre films. Today, I was pumped to sit down and rank the five movies he's directed. It's an atmospheric cosmic horror film based on Jeff VanderMeer's novel.
15/04/2025
What Stand-Up Comedy Can Teach You About Storytelling
Since movies and TV make up most of my life, my evenings are spent watching a lot of sports and stand-up comedy.Those are tactics you use when writing you're first ten pages as well.Stand-up is essentially storytelling stripped down to its core, designed for maximum immediate impact on a live audience.
15/04/2025
Stats Show LA Film Industry is Struggling to Recover After Fires
FilmLA's latest report reveals a significant drop in on-location filming within the Greater Los Angeles area for the first quarter of 2025. Between January and March, total shoot days decreased by 22.4%, adding up to only 5,295 days across all major categories.Television production saw the sharpest decline at 30.5% (1,670 days), while feature film shoots fell by 28.9% (451 days).
15/04/2025
How a New Era of Race Storytelling is Changing How Teams Tackle Big Productions
One highlight from this year’s NAB Show in Las Vegas was "Rewriting the Rules: A New Era of Race Storytelling," featuring Shannon Vandivier and Blake Campbell of Cold Collaborative.Presented by OWC, this session gave some helpful insights into how teams, both big and small, can take on major productions of any scope.Inspired by Netflix’s Drive to Survive, the idea began in 2021 to transform how cycling races were covered—character-driven, cinematic, and emotionally engaging.
15/04/2025
Automatically Bleep Cuss Words in Your Edits with This New Premiere Pro Plugin
The new EFF-IT! plugin from Digital Anarchy aims to streamline this process with a simple workflow.The plugin also offers per-word timecodes and the ability to work with many different types of transcripts and languages.This new EFF-IT! plugin from Digital Anarchy works with the company’s Transcriptive app, which is a text-based editing suite of tools.
15/04/2025
Why TV Writing Jobs Fell Over 40% in the '23-24 Season
Last Friday, the WGA emailed its members a report detailing the number of jobs lost over the last few years.According to a report in The Hollywood Reporter, the 2023-24 TV season saw 1,319 fewer writer jobs compared to the previous year (pre-strikes).In fact, the total number of television writing jobs last season (2023-24) plummeted to 1,819, a 42% drop from the 2022-23 season and significantly fewer than the 2,722 jobs during the COVID-affected 2019-20 season.
15/04/2025
The ARRI Camera Companion App is Finally Here for Apple Devices
Set to allow remote control of ARRI cameras like the ALEXA 35, ALEXA 35 Live, ALEXA Mini LF, ALEXA Mini, AMIRA, and ALEXA 265, the ARRI Camera Companion App is live.It promises tons of customization and personalized control for one or multiple ARRI cameras.The ARRI Camera Companion App
15/04/2025
Sundance 2025: Editor Bryan Mason on the Making of 'Jimpa'
Directed by Sophie Hyde, co-written by Hyde and Matthew Cormack, and edited by Hyde’s partner of 23 years, Bryan Mason, the film follows Jimpa, his daughter Hannah (Olivia Colman), and her nonbinary teenager Frances, played by Hyde and Mason’s real-life child Aud Mason-Hyde, as they navigate their complex intergenerational and familial relationships, all while discovering the pleasures and perils of queer life in the big city.In addition to serving as the second camera on set, Mason used Premiere Pro and Frame.io to edit the film, leveraging these versatile tools to weave 70 different flashback sequences into the story and showcase all the different eras that brought this cast of characters to their current circumstance.Sophie Hyde is my partner of 23 years, as well as the co-writer, producer, and director of the film, and as such I have known about and been involved in this project since its inception in the lockdown period of 2020.
14/04/2025
‘The Last of Us’ Writers Want Gamers to Be In Charge Of Adaptations
Series co-creator Neil Druckmann and writer Halley Gross (who also co-wrote the game The Last of Us Part II) recently chatted with IndieWire, where they shed light on the adaptation process and what viewers might expect.Making a video game adaptation is hard in Hollywood.He and Druckmann are the minds behind the TV show The Last of Us, and their care for the game is evident on the screen.
14/04/2025
8 Movies About Totally Unqualified People Going to Space
However, now that space travel is becoming more normalized with Blue Origin flights full of celebrities and elites, like Katy Perry, William Shatner, and Jeff Bezos himself, it got me thinking: there have been so many movies that feature space travelers that you wouldn't want to send to the grocery store let alone space — characters that are so unqualified for space travel that you wonder how they ever made it off the launch pad.So, here are 9 movies where the wrong people go to space—and somehow, it works. Enlisting the twist on the whole "alien invasion" thing, NASA astronaut Chuck, voiced by Dwayne Johnson, lands on a planet unknowingly inhabited by green extraterrestrials and, of course, chaos ensues.
14/04/2025
What Was Hemingway's 3 Step Writing Exercise?
In fact, Hemingway had a three-step exercise he used to crack ideas.So today, I want to dive into that process and talk about how you can use it for your own work. Summing It All UpIf you want to improve your writing, take a page out of Hemingway's book.
14/04/2025
Atomos Expands Its Tracking and Streaming PTZ Camera Line with New A-Eye Series
Atomos A-Eye 4K-20X PTZ Camera with 20x Optical ZoomFor classrooms, houses of worship, and conference rooms for remote meetings, the new Atomos A-Eye 4K-20X PTZ Camera will be a nice option for all types of uses.The Atomos A-Eye 4K-20X PTZ Camera will be able to capture up to UHD 4K60 and 1080p60 over IP and HDMI, USB-A, and 3G-SDI.
14/04/2025
10 Writing and Directing Tips From Michael Mann
Today, I want to go over some of the big lessons you can get in writing and directing from watching those movies and see how they can help your career. Michael Mann's 10 Writing and Directing Tips Let's dig into these 10 writing and directing tips he's inspired.
14/04/2025
Get Your DJI Osmo 3 Moving with This New Adapter
That’s why it’s exciting to report that iFootage has announced that they are offering a new adapter for the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 to work with the company’s Shark Slider Nano II sliders.This new adapter will allow DJI Osmo Pocket 3 shooters the ability to connect and control many elements of motion, including tracking, as well as adding the ability to use keyframes to create controllable moves to tilt and pan while sliding.Here are the full specs and purchase options for the 17” iFootage Shark Slider Nano II 660 model.
14/04/2025
How Season 2 of 'The Last of Us' Deviates from the Game
Showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann have hinted that Season 2 might feature more significant deviations from the source material compared to its predecessor. The big news out of the first episode was that Catherine O'Hara stepped into the shoes of an entirely original character created specifically for the series.
14/04/2025
Atomos Is Making Headphones Now (and They're Built for Creators)
A smaller, but still very cool announcement that came from Atomos from this year’s NAB Show was the unveiling of new StudioSonic headphones by the brand.Featuring large 50mm drivers and up to 10Hz to 40kHz frequency response, plus a tactile 6.6’ coiled cable and dual 3.5mm and 6.3mm jack ports, these new Atomos StudioSonic headphones could end up being quite popular.Price and AvailabilityThe Atomos StudioSonic Headphones are available for pre-order now.
14/04/2025
Mount a 200mm Zeiss Lens on This New Vivo 200MP Smartphone Camera
Featuring some impressive photo and video specs, including 4K/60p 10-bit log recording as well as 4K 120p slow-motion, the Vivo X200 Ultra is also getting a nice partnership with Zeiss with some impressive lenses.While not all details about this Ultra model are out yet, the big news is that the Vivo X200 Ultra will feature some impressive video recording specs, powered by a 200MP sensor and capable of recording 4K/60p 10-bit log recording as well as 4K 120p slow-motion.Zeiss Lenses for the Vivo X200 Ultra
14/04/2025
Why Playing It Safe Will Ruin Your Movie: Blumhouse Hit Director Christopher Landon on 'Drop'
In this episode of the No Film School podcast, writer-director Christopher Landon joins No Film School’s GG Hawkins to discuss his newest film Drop, a sharp, suspenseful thriller starring Meghann Fahy.Known for genre-bending films like Happy Death Day, Freaky, and We Have a Ghost, Landon dives deep into his evolution as a filmmaker, how he overcame early failures, the importance of authenticity in storytelling, and the meticulous craft behind building tension.Listen to more episodes of the No Film School podcast right here:
11/04/2025
Morgan Freeman Thinks This Separates a Good Director from a Bad One
What Separates a Good Director from a Bad One?So, what does make a good director in Freeman's eyes? Apparently, Mike Nichols told him, "A good director is a good casting agent."
11/04/2025
Did Kurt Russell Actually Direct 'Tombstone'?
So today, I want to unpack whether or not Kurt Russell actually directed Tombstone and go through the facts.He reportedly fell behind schedule quickly.Eventually, the studio made a tough call: Kevin Jarre was fired about a month into shooting.
11/04/2025
Read and Download These Ryan Coogler Scripts
From his searing debut Fruitvale Station to the cultural phenomenon of Black Panther and the successful reimagining of a beloved franchise with Creed, Coogler's work consistently blends powerful character drama, sharp social commentary, and exhilarating genre storytelling.Today, I wanted to give you a selection of his screenplays to check out. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022): Screenplay by Ryan Coogler & Joe Robert Cole.
11/04/2025
Finally! Stunts Get Their Own Oscar Category
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced today that it has officially announced a brand-new Oscar category: Achievement in Stunt Design.The first one will be presented at the 100th Academy Awards ceremony in 2028.The award will honor films released in the calendar year 2027.
11/04/2025
Director Ryan Coogler Breaks Down Each Aspect Ratio
Now, with his new movie, Sinners, we're going to get an original movie from Coogler, which has me pretty excited. This also produced two different aspect ratios: 2.76:1 (Ultra Panavision) 1.43:1 (IMAX)This is the first time ever to see a film like this released with two different aspect ratios. Experience Sinners only in theaters on April 18.
11/04/2025
NAB 2025: NiSi Announces a Fresh Set of Fast and Lightweight Full-Frame Cine Lenses
One of the highlights from this year’s NAB Show was NiSi’s announcement of a new AUREUS PRIME line.NiSi AUREUS PRIME Full-Frame Cine Lens SeriesUltrafast T1.4 Maximum Aperture
11/04/2025
SmallRig Announces New, and More Reliable, X-Touch V-Mount Battery at NAB 2025
That’s why we’re excited to check out the new X-Touch Smart Triple-Proof X99 Battery from SmallRig.As a follow-up to the company’s existing 99Wh options, this new X-Touch V-Mount will be 14.5V and 8600mAh and should be highly versatile, durable, and reliable in any and all production settings.The SmallRig X-Touch Smart Triple-Proof X99 Battery is available for pre-order now.
11/04/2025
Is High Dynamic Range Ruining Movies?
High Dynamic Range Changed Cinema Forever This video uses the 1998 film The Parent Trap as a starting point to discuss the shifts in modern cinematography.It theorizes that the new digital film cameras with High Dynamic Range (HDR) can capture incredible detail, but this capability doesn't automatically translate to better-looking movies.
10/04/2025
Is High Dynamic Range Ruining Movies?
High Dynamic Range Changed Cinema Forever This video uses the 1998 film The Parent Trap as a starting point to discuss the shifts in modern cinematography.High Dynamic Range (HDR) is the capability of capturing a greater range between the brightest and darkest parts of an image compared to traditional standards.
10/04/2025
5 Writing Tips From 'The Handmaid's Tale' Author Margaret Atwood
But outside of her most famous work, Margaret Atwood is a legendary and prolific author who has been at the top of her game for years.So when I saw a YouTube video of her giving some writing advice, I thought I should bring it to you. If you want to be a writer, you have to read.
10/04/2025
What's the Viral ‘Chicken Jockey’ Trend Getting ‘Minecraft’ Fans Kicked Out of Theaters?
At the center of all this is the Chicken Jockey Trend, a thing that I had no idea what it was until I saw some wild Instagrams and heard some kids talking about it. In Minecraft the game, a Chicken Jockey is a rare hostile mob combination.Like many things in gaming, a funny or unexpected encounter with a Chicken Jockey captured on video can go viral on platforms like TikTok, YouTube Shorts, or Reddit.
10/04/2025
The Nucleus-M II Brings Major Updates to Tilta’s Popular Follow Focus System at NAB 2025
The new Tilta Nucleus-M II is a wireless control system that should provide some advanced, four-channel lens control for cine-style shooters.It will be backward compatible with its original model and features more reliable transmission, greater precision, a 2.4" display, updated algorithms, and L-series battery power.The Tilta Nucleus-M II Wireless Lens Control System is available for pre-order (and, as of writing right now, on sale) online.
10/04/2025
James Cameron Wants to Cut Blockbuster Budgets in Half
Recently, Cameron appeared on the “Boz to the Future” podcast.While talking about his career, he asserted that the entire a future of blockbuster movies relies on them being able to “cut the cost of [VFX] in half.”Now, it helps that he's on the board of Stability AI, which does text-to-image stuff right now.
10/04/2025
The Sennheiser MKH 8018 is Here to Capture Film Dialog and Immersive Soundscapes
Audio is a huge and highly important part of all types of film and video content.Let’s look at the new Sennheiser MKH 8018 and how this stereo shotgun microphone can offer some exceptional directionality, pristine sound quality, and versatile stereo recording options for your projects.Introducing the Sennheiser MKH 8018
10/04/2025
What's Playing at the Cannes Film Festival in 2025?
The festival will start with Robert De Niro, who will receive the honorary Palme d’Or at the opening night ceremony.French actress Juliette Binoche will serve as the President of the Jury, succeeding last year’s jury head, Greta Gerwig.This year’s festival runs May 13 — 24 and you can view all the movies below.
10/04/2025
SanDisk Unveils New microSD Express Cards to Help Filmmakers Prepare for the Future
SanDisk has just announced some new microSD Express Cards, which aim to help film and video professionals prepare for tomorrow.Set to take advantage of its NVMe PCIe 3.1 interface to support the capture of up to 5.3K video at 30fps, these new microSD Express cards should be helpful tools to explore.SanDisk microSD Express Cards
10/04/2025
How to Choose the Perfect Music Track for Your Film’s Mood
Here are some methods you can use to select the perfect music for your project, including pinpointing a scene’s emotional core, understanding pacing, and using platforms like PremiumBeat to make the whole process easier.Before you choose a musical track, you also have to consider the tempo and pacing of your scene.Make sure the quality of your tracks is the best you can get your hands on—no plosives, no muddiness, no over-compression.
09/04/2025
Worldbuilding in an Instant: How 'Love+Death+Robots' Crafts Fully Realized Universes Quickly
Build outward from this core concept, only adding details relevant to the plot or character arcs.Use them to visually establish the tone, setting, and a key aspect of the world's rules or reality quickly.Let me know what you think in the comments.
09/04/2025
What Does Darren Aronofsky Think of Method Actors?
Recently, during a French Cinematheque masterclass in Paris, director Darren Aronofsky said, “I hate Method actors." He clarified that method acting can be “fine, as long as it’s not debilitating for the rest of the crew.”As a director, you should sit down with your cast before adding them to your project and talk with them about their process and your expectations.
09/04/2025
Why Ryan Coogler Wants to Focus on Original Ideas Right Now
Coogler recently sat down with Mike Fleming at Deadline, and talked about how excited he was to finally show his unfiltered voice on screen. Sinners is his first big original idea on the screen, and one he felt okay putting off Black Panther 3 in order to tell. And to share part of themselves with every piece of work.
09/04/2025
Predator’s Midpoint: Why ‘If It Bleeds, We Can Kill It’ Still Hits Hard
Predator's PlotIt was directed by John McTiernan and written by brothers Jim and John Thomas.The story follows Arnold Schwarzenegger's Dutch Schaefer, the leader of an elite rescue team on a mission to save hostages in a Central American rainforest.
09/04/2025
US Senators Reintroduce AI “No Fakes” Bill
Well, on Wednesday, a bipartisan group of lawmakers reintroduced the NO FAKES Act, nearly a year after its initial proposal last July.The bill proposes a federal right for all Americans to control their voice and visual likeness, a protection especially valuable for public figures like politicians, actors, and musicians. This addresses the rise of AI deepfakes, which have become more common as the technology improves and becomes widely accessible.
09/04/2025
Turn the Blackmagic PYXIS into a Skater-Style Video Camcorder With This Pro Handle Add-On
And we also have reported the latest news on the price changes for the PYXIS 12K in reaction to newly announced US tariffs.Let’s look at the new PYXIS Pro Handle and what it can offer for broadcast and skater-style video production.The Blackmagic PYXIS Pro Handle
09/04/2025
Godox ML100R RGB Portable LED Lights Shine Bright at NAB 2025
The Godox ML100R RGB Portable LED LightThe ML100R offers 14 selectable lighting effects to create the exact mood a shooter might need.The Godox ML100R is available for pre-order now, with units expected to start shipping soon.
09/04/2025
Price of Blackmagic PYXIS 12K Settles Down to $5,500 in the US
Blackmagic Design kicked off NAB Show 2025 with a bang, announcing the new PYXIS 12K cinema camera as a follow-up to the PYXIS 6K, which was previously announced one year ago at NAB Show 2024.However, a lot in the world has changed since Friday of last week when the PYXIS 12K was announced with a suggested retail price of $4,995 for US customers.Tariffs in the United States are certainly going to bring vast pricing changes across the entire film and video industry, and in response to these tariff announcements, Blackmagic Design is changing the price to the PYXIS 12K and other cameras.
09/04/2025
The Wildly Non-Linear Journey of My Indie Film 'Pools'
We’re now getting ready for our North American Premiere at TIFF Next Wave on April 12th, and we are so thrilled to have been invited.“Stay Relaxed.” - Vince VaughnGo and be a part of the film community.
08/04/2025
The Wildly Non-Linear Journey of My Indie Film 'Pools'
We’re now getting ready for our North American Premiere at TIFF Next Wave on April 12th, and we are so thrilled to have been invited.“Stay Relaxed.” - Vince VaughnGo and be a part of the film community.
08/04/2025
Unpacking The Most Dubbed Movies and TV Shows in the World
Well, in a new study, Kapwing analyzed the entire Dubbing Database (which includes 2,221 movies, 5,384 TV series, and 21,153 actor profiles) to reveal which series, films, and actors have been dubbed the most. The funny thing is, religion also travels, and the number one film was seen dubbed 17 times more than the rest and is the only live-action one on the list. Interestingly, while Arnold Schwarzenegger's voice is iconic, he wasn't allowed to dub his own lines for the German release.
08/04/2025
Unpacking The Most Dubbed Movies and TV Shows in the World
Well, in a new study, Kapwing analyzed the entire Dubbing Database (which includes 2,221 movies, 5,384 TV series, and 21,153 actor profiles) to reveal which series, films, and actors have been dubbed the most. The funny thing is, religion also travels, and the number one film was seen dubbed 17 times more than the rest and is the only live-action one on the list. Interestingly, while Arnold Schwarzenegger's voice is iconic, he wasn't allowed to dub his own lines for the German release.
08/04/2025
How Danny McBride Turns His Ideas Into TV Shows
His show, The Righteous Gemstones, is in its last season, and there's is no word about what he will do next, but McBride seems like a guy with a lot of ideas and an uncanny ability to bring them to the screen. McBride was recently on Theo Von's podcast, where he talked about bringing his ideas to the screen after they were just like kernels of his imagination. How Danny McBride's Ideas Become TV Shows
08/04/2025
How Danny McBride Turns His Ideas Into TV Shows
His show, The Righteous Gemstones, is in its last season, and there's is no word about what he will do next, but McBride seems like a guy with a lot of ideas and an uncanny ability to bring them to the screen. McBride was recently on Theo Von's podcast, where he talked about bringing his ideas to the screen after they were just like kernels of his imagination. How Danny McBride's Ideas Become TV Shows
08/04/2025
Screenwriters, Don't Forget Your B-Stories
Today, I thought we should discuss the idea of a b story and examine why amateur writers seem to forget about it. B-stories offer a change of pace, tone, and focus.Now that you have a grip on these B-stories go out and make sure you add them to your screenplays.
08/04/2025
Screenwriters, Don't Forget Your B-Stories
Today, I thought we should discuss the idea of a b story and examine why amateur writers seem to forget about it. B-stories offer a change of pace, tone, and focus.Now that you have a grip on these B-stories go out and make sure you add them to your screenplays.
08/04/2025
Read and Download 'The Handmaid's Tale' Scripts
One of the biggest hits for Hulu has been the Margaret Atwood adaptation of the novel The Handmaid's Tale. Now entering its seventh season, the show has become part of the cultural lexicon, with costumes entering the political discourse and its topic being insanely relevant. I thought this would be a good time to assemble some scripts across the seasons, from the pilot onwards, that you can check out and read.
08/04/2025
Read and Download 'The Handmaid's Tale' Scripts
One of the biggest hits for Hulu has been the Margaret Atwood adaptation of the novel The Handmaid's Tale. Now entering its seventh season, the show has become part of the cultural lexicon, with costumes entering the political discourse and its topic being insanely relevant. I thought this would be a good time to assemble some scripts across the seasons, from the pilot onwards, that you can check out and read.
08/04/2025
Check Out This VFX Breakdown From 'The Substance'
Well, I have been waiting since before the Oscar run to get a VFX breakdown on what I consider to be one of the best and most inventive movies from last year. The French company la Compagnie Générale des Effets Visuels put a breakdown on YouTube that I think is really special and shows how they did those killer effects. The Substance -- VFX Breakdown
08/04/2025
Check Out This VFX Breakdown From 'The Substance'
Well, I have been waiting since before the Oscar run to get a VFX breakdown on what I consider to be one of the best and most inventive movies from last year. The French company la Compagnie Générale des Effets Visuels put a breakdown on YouTube that I think is really special and shows how they did those killer effects. The Substance -- VFX Breakdown
08/04/2025
Adobe Showcases Premiere Pro’s Generative Extend and Media Intelligence at NAB 2025
To go along with some exciting After Effects updates, the big news from the Adobe booth for video editors was the release of the April 2025 update (25.2) which pushed the Firefly-powered Generative Extend feature live to all public Premiere Pro users.Generative Extend Goes Live in Premiere ProAdobe also reports that Generative Extend will be free to use for Premiere Pro users;
08/04/2025
Adobe Showcases Premiere Pro’s Generative Extend and Media Intelligence at NAB 2025
To go along with some exciting After Effects updates, the big news from the Adobe booth for video editors was the release of the April 2025 update (25.2) which pushed the Firefly-powered Generative Extend feature live to all public Premiere Pro users.Generative Extend Goes Live in Premiere ProAdobe also reports that Generative Extend will be free to use for Premiere Pro users;
08/04/2025
Nikon Zf Gets its First Major Update With Improved AF and New Features
The Nikon Zf gets a new 2.00 firmware version that is set to add some notable new specs and features to the popular retro-style digital camera.The Zf will add improved AF, digital zoom, and new image recipes to allow hybrid shooters more control and fun features to try out with this throwback camera.Nikon Zf Firmware Update
08/04/2025
Nikon Zf Gets its First Major Update With Improved AF and New Features
The Nikon Zf gets a new 2.00 firmware version that is set to add some notable new specs and features to the popular retro-style digital camera.The Zf will add improved AF, digital zoom, and new image recipes to allow hybrid shooters more control and fun features to try out with this throwback camera.Nikon Zf Firmware Update
08/04/2025
China Contemplates Banning Hollywood Movies In Response to American Tariffs
But now, outlets like The Hollywood Reporter are saying that Chinese bloggers have intimated that the Chinese government is debating whether or not to ban Hollywood movie releases there as a retaliation for the tariffs. A Minecraft Movie opened at number one in China last weekend, generating $14.5 million in ticket sales.For comparison, the highest-grossing U.S. release in China during 2024 was Warner Bros. and Legendary’s Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, which earned a substantial $132 million.
08/04/2025
China Contemplates Banning Hollywood Movies In Response to American Tariffs
But now, outlets like The Hollywood Reporter are saying that Chinese bloggers have intimated that the Chinese government is debating whether or not to ban Hollywood movie releases there as a retaliation for the tariffs. A Minecraft Movie opened at number one in China last weekend, generating $14.5 million in ticket sales.For comparison, the highest-grossing U.S. release in China during 2024 was Warner Bros. and Legendary’s Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, which earned a substantial $132 million.
08/04/2025
Blackmagic Shows Off Complete Immersive Video Experience for First Time at NAB 2025
It’s really hard to put into words just how uncanny and, dare we say, “immersive” the experience of viewing URSA Cine Immersive-shot footage on an Apple Vision Pro headset is.The Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive ExperienceThe footage, shot on a Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive camera out in the snowy wilderness of Canada, was also quite breathtaking and uncannily lifelike.
08/04/2025
Blackmagic Shows Off Complete Immersive Video Experience for First Time at NAB 2025
It’s really hard to put into words just how uncanny and, dare we say, “immersive” the experience of viewing URSA Cine Immersive-shot footage on an Apple Vision Pro headset is.The Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive ExperienceThe footage, shot on a Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive camera out in the snowy wilderness of Canada, was also quite breathtaking and uncannily lifelike.
08/04/2025
Editing Oscar-Nominee 'The Substance' with Premiere Pro
This “be-careful-what-you-wish-for” fable for the ages is currently nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture.Read on to learn more about the making of The Substance.I have been working with Coralie Fargeat for about twenty years — and this is our second feature film together (our first was Revenge in 2017).
08/04/2025
The Lesson Hollywood Should Learn From 'Minecraft'
In its opening weekend, the movie made $157 million domestically, beating prognosticators by around $100 million.Minecraft Movie Lesson: The Youth Are Not NostalgicAllow the IP to adapt and grow organically.
08/04/2025
Want to Get Cursed? How to Shoot a Black Magic Documentary
That’s the premise of the new documentary A Cursed Man, which originally premiered at Dances With Films last year and is now available on VOD.Blake Horn: The director of A Cursed Man, Liam Le Guillou, is a close collaborator of mine back from the early days of my career in New York.Our fixers in Mexico and India were lifesavers.
08/04/2025
You Can Watch 'The Fire Rises: The Creation & Impact of The Dark Knight Trilogy' For Free
Recently, I was scrolling YouTube and found out that the Warner Brothers had a 76-minute documentary on the making of all the movies and their impact, just sitting for free on their channel.'The Fire Rises: The Creation & Impact of The Dark Knight Trilogy'A Lasting LegacyThe Dark Knight trilogy wasn't just a series of films; it was an event.
08/04/2025
Read and Download the 'Tombstone' Script PDF
George P. Cosmatos's 1993 classic remains a fan favorite for its stellar cast (Kurt Russell, Val Kilmer, Sam Elliott, Bill Paxton!), iconic moments, and unforgettable dialogue.Reading the screenplay is the perfect way to do just that.This is one of the best Westerns of all time.
07/04/2025
We Asked the Director of 'A Minecraft Movie' for Advice and Got These 11 Tips
The adaptation of the block-building, monster-filled game Minecraft has been in the works for a long time.Don't underestimate how physical spaces can transform your vision.Getting out into potential filming locations early can spark creative possibilities you might never have imagined while sitting at your desk.
07/04/2025
'The White Lotus' Season Three Ending Explained
Today, I want to go over these and then explain the ending of the third season of the show.We'll go over who died in The White Lotus season three, a bit of the plot, and maybe a setup for season four. Mike White delivered another eight episodes of confusion, hysteria, and human connection.
07/04/2025
Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K Adds New Autofocus Features and Upgrades
The Blackmagic Cinema 6K camera, the company’s full-frame, high-end 6K video camera that features a 24 x 35mm sensor and 13-stops of dynamic range, is getting a notable firmware update that will add new autofocus control to the camera.The Blackmagic Cinema 6K will also get added features for global cloud workflows with DaVinci Resolve projects, as well as USB webcam support and other new improvements.The big news here is that the Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K will now feature some impressive autofocus capabilities that will include active object tracking and facial recognition.
07/04/2025
Hands-On With the New Canon PowerShot V1 at NAB 2025
Expectations have been high, though, as early footage tests and reviews indicate that this new Canon V series could become one of Canon’s most popular new camera lines.And while we didn’t get to fully take the PowerShot V1 through the paces, here are some thoughts about the Canon PowerShot V1 after checking it out in person at the Canon booth at NAB Show 2025.It feels like it’s roughly the same size as the EOS R50 V, which we also got to check out in person for the first time.
07/04/2025
Blackmagic Announces Price Increase for the Just-Announced PYXIS 12K Due to US Tariffs
Just days after kicking off NAB Show 2025 with a bang with the announcement of a new PYXIS 12K, the cinema camera that was announced with a retail price of $4,995 for US markets has now seen its price increase roughly 32% to $6,595.The move, as you might guess, comes in response to tariffs being implemented by the Trump administration in the United States.Blackmagic has also revealed that the PYXIS 12K will also be able to record Blackmagic RAW with proxies directly to dual CFexpress media recorders.
07/04/2025
How Our Indie Doc About ‘A Goofy Movie’ Made It to Disney+
Nearly five years ago, we began a journey to independently create a documentary about our favorite Disney film, A Goofy Movie.Not Just A Goof is a documentary uncovering the untold story of A Goofy Movie.Not Just A Goof is set to release April 7 on Disney+.
05/04/2025
IMAX and AMC Theatres Pioneer New Tech For Cinemas
The new agreement involves installing IMAX with Laser technology across more than 180 IMAX auditoriums within AMC locations across the United States.This deal will make AMC the chain with the most IMAX laser locations worldwide. And the pact represents the largest U.S. laser system agreement for IMAX since 2018 and includes plans to add 12 entirely new IMAX locations and upgrade 68 existing ones to the laser format at AMC sites.
04/04/2025
What Does 'I'm Your Huckleberry' Mean From 'Tombstone'?
Of all the iconic lines Kilmer delivered, his sultry "I'm your Huckleberry" from Tombstone is one that I say most often.So, today, I wanted to unpack the meaning of the phrase and why it was so perfect for the movie. The Movie 'Tombstone'
04/04/2025
DaVinci Resolve 20 Introduces More Than 100 New Features and AI-Powered Tools
Along with the (somewhat of a) surprise announcement of a new PYXIS 12K cinema camera, Blackmagic has also kicked off NAB 2025 with the introduction of DaVinci Resolve 20.Set to include over 100 new features and some notable AI-powered tools designed to assist with all stages of your post-production workflows, this is one of Resolve’s biggest updates in quite some time.Introducing DaVinci Resolve 20
04/04/2025
How James Gunn’s Superman Is Setting a New Tone for the DCU
Now, with James Gunn taking over DC and making the first new Superman movie in over a decade, I can't help but be excited for the new take on the icon. The film, starring David Corenswet as Superman and currently in production, is slated for release on July 11, 2025.Gunn has explicitly stated his Superman will embody hope, kindness, and compassion.
04/04/2025
Blackmagic Design Kicks Off NAB 2025 With PYXIS 12K Announcement
Officially not set to start until Sunday, April 6th, in Las Vegas, Blackmagic Design is starting the show early with the announcement of a new PYXIS 12K cinema camera.As the 12K upgrade to the PYXIS 6K model which was announced at the start of NAB last year, this new PYXIS 12K will feature a full frame 36 x 24mm RGBW sensor up to 12288 x 8040 resolution, 16 stops dynamic range, and the choice of EF, PL or L Mount. Blackmagic has also revealed that the PYXIS 12K will also be able to record Blackmagic RAW with proxies directly to dual CFexpress media recorders.
04/04/2025
Slapstick, Satire, and Spoofs: The Cinematic DNA of 'The Naked Gun'
Today, I want to look into the pedigree of Naked Gun and talk about how the reboot, whose trailer just dropped, looks to revive it. It mixed them with the spoof and satire genre to create gold.The Naked Gun's DNA is a potent mix where slapstick provides the physical comedy, satire mocks the conventions of the police genre, and spoof/parody uses imitation, exaggeration, and relentless gags to deconstruct and ridicule those conventions.
04/04/2025
Read and Download the 'Little Miss Sunshine' Script PDF
In doing this, I became very familiar with the work of Michael Arndt, who has been a wealth of information for writers of all levels. Well, the movie Little Miss Sunshine wasn't just cinema; it was a cultural moment, a perfect blend of laugh-out-loud absurdity and surprisingly deep heart.Read and Download the Little Miss Sunshine Script PDF here!
04/04/2025
The Aputure STORM 80c Can Now 'Go Anywhere' with New 3-Light Kit Option
The STORM 80c has proven to be a quality, small point source LED light that features Aputure’s BLAIR-CG light engine and offers a range of 1800K-20,000K with Full +/- Green tint control and Indigo emitters.The Aputure STORM 80c 3-Light KitThe complete 3-light Kit is available to pre-order now.
04/04/2025
Behind the Score: How I Composed the Music for 'Sebastian'
An arthouse drama about modern sex work that avoids judgment and generic queer tragedy, armed with delicate yet powerful storytelling and striking visuals.The film tells the story of Max, a Londoner writing his debut novel about sex work in the digital age.Creating a Musical IdentityI wanted to create a strong and unique musical identity for Sebastian—something that truly draws you in and leaves a memorable sonic imprint on viewers.
03/04/2025
Elijah Wood Says ‘The Lord of the Rings’ Wasn't a ‘Lucrative Scenario’ For The Actors
But they were not movies that made those actors rich beyond their wildest dreams. At the time, these movies were a gamble for New Line Cinema, so they were saving money anywhere they could.And Wood sees making a great movie as part of the fulfillment, outside of money.
03/04/2025
David Foster Wallace's 5 Rules For Great Writing
So today, I want to take you through David Foster Wallace's advice on what makes writing great, and we can go from there. Therefore, paying close attention to the structure of your writing is essential.Summing Up David Foster Wallace's 5 Rules For Great Writing I think it's important to treat screenplays like literary artifacts and to make the words on the page stand out.
03/04/2025
Paul Thomas Anderson on the Enduring Influence of Robert Altman
Paul Thomas Anderson on Robert AltmanThat's why I was so stoked to find this video, where Paul Thomas Anderson delves into the significant impact Robert Altman had on his own distinct filmmaking style.PTA specifically points to Altman's iconic Nashville as a key influence when he was crafting Boogie Nights.
03/04/2025
Here’s How to Light Your DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Shoots With a Dedicated LED Panel
Luckily, as is the case with other camera rigs, there are options to add lights to your DJI Osmo Pocket 3.The Frezzi Pocket-Sized Bi-Color LED Light Panel KitThe Frezzi Pocket-Sized Bi-Color LED Light Panel Kit is capable of providing a variable color temperature of 3200 to 5600K for tungsten and daylight lighting.
03/04/2025
The Viltrox AF 50mm f/2 FE is Another Cheap and Lightweight Lens for Hybrid Shooters
The latest Viltrox, an AF 50mm f/2 FE lens is another solid option for Sony and Nikon shooters.The Viltrox AF 50mm f/2 Air FEThe lens’ quick and quiet autofocus performance is provided via its STM focusing motor, making it reliable—again—for both photo and video applications.
03/04/2025
What's Tarantino's Secret of Self-Discipline?
He has a unique perspective on life and an even more unique perspective on movies.In the slip, Tarantino discusses a period in his 20s when he felt stuck working at a video store.According to Tarantino, the secret to self-discipline is to confront your own shortcomings without making excuses and then develop a plan to change your situation.
03/04/2025
Adobe Announces Premiere Pro to Finally Support Nikon’s N-RAW Video Codec
The only catch is that it might not be until later this year.So, it is very welcomed news that Adobe is planning to add N-RAW support to Premiere Pro.The best guess we get is that it will happen by the end of the year.
03/04/2025
What They Don’t Tell You About Editing a Feature with 'Sacramento' Editor
In this episode of the No Film School podcast, No Film School's GG Hawkins and Jason Hellerman sit down with editor Max Goldblatt, who cut the heartfelt and hilarious indie road trip film Sacramento.Directed by Michael Angarano and starring Michael Cera, Kristen Stewart, and Maya Erskine, the film made waves at Tribeca and has since garnered a devoted following.Listen to more episodes of the No Film School podcast right here:
03/04/2025
Filmmaker Brandon Champ Robinson on Bringing His Script and Premiere Pro Timeline Together While Editing Upcoming Feature 'Strong Friend'
We sat down with Brandon Champ Robinson to learn more about his creative process on Strong Friend, a film that asks, “What would happen if the person and friend everyone relied on suddenly had the walls collapse around her, yet she still tried to be strong for everyone else?”He chose Premiere Pro, After Effects, Photoshop, and Frame.io to bring this project to life and specifically leveraged the new Celtx Screenplay Plugin.In collaboration with screenwriting software Celtx, this new plugin allows editors to bring a script directly into their Premiere Pro project to streamline the editing process — from easily linking assets to automatically importing scene bins.
03/04/2025
Meet the Nikon Z5II: A New Generation of the Intermediate-Level Camera
The Z5II will be able to capture vivid and detailed 4K/30 UHD video with no crop.The Z5II will also feature flexible in-camera video recording options with 12-bit N-RAW, 10-bit H.265, and 8-bit H.264, and it will be the first camera in Nikon’s line to be able to record N-RAW to an SD card.The new Nikon Z5II full-frame mirrorless camera is set to be available here in April 2025 and will retail for $1,699 for the body, or for $1,999 with a NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 lens kit, or for $2,499 with a NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR lens kit.
03/04/2025
Win $75K in Cash and Prizes in the Filmsupply Editfest Editing Competition
Filmsupply Editfest is an annual 30-day editing competition in which creators are challenged to cut together trailers, title sequences, and short advertisements using Filmsupply footage.Participants in each category will compete for the chance to win their share of over $75,000 in cash and prizes.Winners will be announced on May 16th.
02/04/2025
Independent Film Is Hollywood’s DNA...Not an Industry Trend
But maybe in the rubble, we can see the original DNA of Hollywood and maybe that original DNA is, in its essence and in the true sense of the word, independent.Natalie Dormer and Ami Canaan Mann on the set of 'Audrey's Children'CREDIT: Blue Harbor EntertainmentWere I to do the whole thing over again, I’m not sure I’d go to film school.Filmmaker Ami Canaan Mann’s upcoming feature Audrey’s Children, which premiered at Tribeca in 2024, is now in theaters.
02/04/2025
Movie Theaters Beg For 45-day Window Before Streaming
Now, Cinema United, formerly known as the National Association of Theatre Owners, has come together to call for a longer window so theaters can remain profitable, As reported in Raw Story, Cinema United president Michael O'Leary said, "There must be a baseline," and advocated for a mandatory 45-day window before films hit streaming. Before COVID, 90-day windows were pretty much the industry standard.But after the pandemic, companies were eager to make money as fast as possible and saw streaming and studio-owned streamers as ways to pull in consistent cash.
02/04/2025
My Journey Co-Directing 'Hell of a Summer'
I’m 16 when I meet Billy Bryk on Ghostbusters: Afterlife.Finn Wolfhard, Mckenna Grace, and Logan Kim in 'Ghostbusters: Afterlife'Hell of a Summer releases in theaters on April 4th, 2025.
02/04/2025
Artlist Announces New Video and Image Generator to its Catalog of Creative AI Tools
Artlist, a company known for its royalty-free music and other digital assets, has just announced that it is rolling out its own AI video generator.Designed for a video creator’s workflow, Artlist’s AI video generator will allow users to generate an image and then animate it into a high-quality video using the team’s curated models and specially designed styles.Images and videos generated by this feature will be covered by the Arlist license, which will allow creators to use them in their commercial projects.
02/04/2025
Everything We Know About The Fincher/Tarantino 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood' Team-up
It's not a sequel, but a spinoff following the character of Cliff Booth, played by Brad Pitt.The Budget and Distribution The Playlist’s sources say there is an expected $200 million budget and plans to shoot in California in July. The rumor is that the streamer paid $20 million for the script from Tarantino.
02/04/2025
What Will be at NAB 2025? What to Know Ahead of This Year's Show
As perhaps the premiere conference for film and video professionals, the NAB Show is an annual trade show produced by the National Association of Broadcasters that dates back to 1991.But what does this year’s NAB Show have in the cards?New Cameras to Premiere at NAB 2025
02/04/2025
Adobe After Effects Just Got Its Biggest Performance Boost Ever
However, Adobe’s new caching system is now able to utilize your computer’s RAM and local disks together so that After Effects can cache and preview your entire composition.The promise is that now any user, on any computer, can play back more of their comp than ever before.Adobe After Effects Update
02/04/2025
Is the Aputure STORM XT52 the Brightest Tunable White Point Source LED Yet?
The latest product announcement comes from Aputure with the company’s new STORM XT52, which Aputure reports is the brightest tunable white point source LED to hit the market yet.Offering 5200W of high-output white CCT from 2500 to 10,000K and featuring a BLAIR chipset for exceptional accuracy, the STORM XT52 could be an ideal option for your high-end lighting setups.The Aputure STORM X552 is available for pre-order now.
02/04/2025
What Are The 7 Best Val Kilmer Movies?
As we mourn the loss of an icon, I wanted to go over some of his best roles of all time and look at all the things he brought to them. Kilmer plays a dying Doc Holliday.This biopic is about the 1960s rock band The Doors and its charismatic, self-destructive frontman Jim Morrison.
02/04/2025
Premiere Pro Gets New AI-Powered Search Tools and Other Improvements with 25.2 Update
This latest release, which is listed as update 25.2, adds several new AI-powered tools, including an AI-powered search panel, an update to Generative Extend, and new translate captions capabilities.The other major update will be new AI-powered media intelligence and a corresponding search panel.Adobe has also announced that this 25.2 update will feature several minor bug fixes and improvements.
02/04/2025
10 Great Movies About Legendary Bands
Music has the power to change your life and your world, and when paired with movies, I think you're cooking with two forms of art that have shaped humanity over the last hundred years. Today, I want to take you through some movies about legendary bands, both real and fake, to brighten up your day and bring you back to the power of music. Straight Outta ComptonDirector: F. Gary GrayWriters: Jonathan Herman, Andrea BerloffCast: O'Shea Jackson Jr., Corey Hawkins, Jason MitchellThis is a band movie that's really a political film.
01/04/2025
How The 'Warfare' Cast Bonded Shaving Each Other's Heads
It's a touching tribute to Mendoza's squadron of SEALs, who went through a pretty hairy situation during the battle of Ramadi in 2006.He served as a consultant on Act of Valor and Lone Survivor.There’s a real love between us all.”
01/04/2025
Is David Fincher Directing a 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood' Spinoff For Tarantino at Netflix?
The script was written by Quentin Tarantino, who didn't want it to be his tenth and final film.And Netflix allegedly paid $20 million to him for it.According to The Playlist, the spinoff film would cost $200 million and begin shooting in July.
01/04/2025
How '28 Days Later' Changed Zombie Movies Forever
I snuck into 28 Days Later in 2002.28 Days Later and Hollywood 28 Days Later wasn't just a great zombie movie;
01/04/2025
Where to Find Music for YouTube Videos Without Getting Demonetized
Well, let’s take a look at some of the best music libraries to find songs that will increase the production value of your YouTube videos without the worry of demonetization.Don’t use copyrighted material, including music — it’s not worth the risk of your video getting taken down or demonetized.A safer route is to use royalty-free music.
01/04/2025
Patrick Schwarzenegger Opens Up About His Weird Incest Storyline in 'White Lotus'
This season, one of the heroes of the show is Patrick Schwarzenegger, who is stealing scene after scene as Saxon, the rich finance bro on vacation with his parents and siblings.As I said, Mike White's writing is fearless. Well, Schwarzenegger sat down with Indiewire to discuss his role in the show and the twists and turns many viewers found shocking.
01/04/2025
Get a Smoother Flying Experience With the DJI Flip’s Latest Firmware Update
DJI has released a new firmware update for the DJI Flip that should make the flying experience with this small vlog drone even better.Let’s look at the small fixes and improvements set to come to the DJI Flip with this aircraft firmware update.DJI Flip Firmware Update
01/04/2025
New amaran Pano Series to Bring More Lighting Flexibility to Content Creators
amaran Pano 60c RGB COB Mobile Light Panel KitDesigned for all types of on-the-run creation, the Pano 60c model is an ultra-slim and travel-friendly mobile light panel that is approximately the size of a 15" laptop.amaran Pano 120c RGB COB Mobile Light Panel
01/04/2025
Why Did the ARRI ALEXA 265 Not Get Added to Netflix’s Approved Camera List?
According to reports online, Netflix has officially declined to approve the ARRI ALEXA 265 to be included on Netflix’s approved camera list.Four other ARRI cameras are currently on Netflix’s approved camera list, including the ALEXA LF, ALEXA Mini LF, ALEXA 65, and the ARRI 35.Will the ALEXA 265 eventually make it onto Netflix’s approved camera list?
01/04/2025
What Are The 5 Best Zack Snyder Movies?
Today, I wanted to take you through Snyder's best movies.that's a Snyder movie.Dawn of the DeadI remember going to this movie because I read a review that this new director coming from commercials made a fast zombie horror flick that you had to see to believe.
01/04/2025
DJI Drops Ronin 4D Price and Decreases RAW License to Just $1
The Ronin 4D offers full-frame capture at rates up to 6K60 in Apple ProRes 422 HQ, which—when combined with the Ronin's CineCore 3.0 image processing system with ACES workflow support—also makes the 4D a nice "B" or 2nd unit camera for larger cine-style productions.This price drop reduces the cost of the 6K version of the Ronin 4D to just $4,999, a decrease of $1,800, and drops the price of the 8K version to $9,999, a decrease of $2,839.Along with the price drop to the different models of the Ronin 4D, DJI has also announced that the price of the RAW license, which is required to unlock ProRes RAW video recording on both versions of the Ronin 4D, has been dropped to just $1.
01/04/2025
Parallel Editing: What Is It and How Is It Used in Film?
The answer is parallel editing. We'll even look at some great examples of its use in film and TV.In the cast of The Godfather, parallel editing is used to build tension.
31/03/2025
What is a Character Actor?
Today, I want to go over the definition of character actors and look at some examples across film and television.The key to being a character actor is the ability to portray a wide range of personalities, often with unique quirks, mannerisms, or appearances.The term 'character actor' I think gets tossed around a lot, meaning any actor in Hollywood who is not up for leading roles.
31/03/2025
What is an Archetype?
But what is an archetype, and how can you use them in your own writing? Summing Up: What is an Archetype Now that you understand what archetypes are and why filmmakers use them to craft characters, it's time to get to work.
31/03/2025
Read and Download 'The Righteous Gemstones' Pilot Script
It's a dark comedy by Danny McBride about a family of preachers who run megachurches.The pilot episode sets the stage for the chaos that ensues. Conflict is King The pilot script immediately establishes the central conflict: the internal power struggles within the Gemstone family to run the church.
31/03/2025
How Does Rotten Tomatoes Work?
What is Rotten Tomatoes?They self-describe as "The world’s most trusted and recognized source of movie and TV reviews, Rotten Tomatoes and the Tomatometer score have served as the most reliable home of entertainment recommendations for over 25 years.How Does The Rotten Tomatoes Website Work?
31/03/2025
Runway’s New Gen-4 AI System Promises the Most Predictable Media Creation Yet
The latest AI news comes from the team at Runway as the company’s Gen-4 AI system promises to be the most consistent and controllable media generation offering now on the AI marketplace.This new Gen-4 model, which features Image-to-Video capabilities that have begun rolling out across Runway’s paid plans, is set to add some new world consistency, production-ready outputs, and universal generative model improvements for AI creators.This new media generation model is set to be the first and only one that can provide production-ready output, according to the company.
31/03/2025
The Best Low-Budget Movies That Became Big Blockbusters
Today, I want to look at a handful of low-budget movies that became huge blockbusters. and talk about what made them such successes. This found-footage horror film had an incredibly low budget, yet it generated a huge buzz and massive box office returns.It launched the career of Mel Gibson and director George Miller.
31/03/2025
Reinforce Your Lighting Control With This Next-Gen Lighting Control App
With a free-to-use base offering, Creamsource’s Slyyd lighting control app offers simplified DMX lighting that can be easily managed by experienced lighting professionals or content creation newcomers.Creamsource Slyyd Lighting Control AppThe Creamsource Slyyd is available for download from the Apple Store.
31/03/2025
Reinforce Your Lighting Control With This Next-Gen Lighting Control App
With a free-to-use base offering, Creamsource’s Slyyd lighting control app offers simplified DMX lighting that can be easily managed by experienced lighting professionals or content creation newcomers.Creamsource Slyyd Lighting Control AppThe Creamsource Slyyd is available for download from the Apple Store.
31/03/2025
This New H5studio Handy Record is Zoom’s Most Powerful Yet
Featuring a pair of oversized 19.4mm condenser microphones—the largest ever on a Zoom portable recorder—as well as some impressive quality and useability specs, this new H5studio should be a top option for recording audio on the run.The Zoom H5studio Handy RecorderThe Zoom H5studio Handy Recorder is available for preorder now with units expected to start shipping here in mid-April 2025.
31/03/2025
This New H5studio Handy Record is Zoom’s Most Powerful Yet
Featuring a pair of oversized 19.4mm condenser microphones—the largest ever on a Zoom portable recorder—as well as some impressive quality and useability specs, this new H5studio should be a top option for recording audio on the run.The Zoom H5studio Handy RecorderThe Zoom H5studio Handy Recorder is available for preorder now with units expected to start shipping here in mid-April 2025.
31/03/2025
Nikon’s “Z Cinema” Trademark Fuels RED Replacement Rumors
However, it also could signal that Nikon might be planning to launch a new cinema camera brand and bring an end to RED Digital Cinema.What this trademarking application most likely means is that Nikon could be launching a new cinema camera lineup to replace RED Digital Cinema.Nikon Applies for “Z Cinema” Trademark
31/03/2025
Nikon’s “Z Cinema” Trademark Fuels RED Replacement Rumors
However, it also could signal that Nikon might be planning to launch a new cinema camera brand and bring an end to RED Digital Cinema.What this trademarking application most likely means is that Nikon could be launching a new cinema camera lineup to replace RED Digital Cinema.Nikon Applies for “Z Cinema” Trademark
31/03/2025
How Composer Brian Steckler's Score Contributed to the Story for Sundance Movie 'Starfish'
The man behind the music is composer Brian Steckler.Aside from composing the music for the movie, he also played all the guitars and piano for it.The original score soundtrack will be released on streaming platforms on January 10.
28/03/2025
Dissecting the Eccentric Heart of 'The True Beauty of Being Bitten By a Tick'
Ickiness of ticks aside, I was pleasantly delighted to find their beauty as a plot device in Pete Oh's (co-writer, director, editor, and cinematographer) latest feature, The True Beauty of Being Bitten by a Tick.Oh's unsettling, darkly comic SXSW entry follows Yvonne (Zoë Chao) shortly after the tragic death of her dog.NFS Interviews Writer Pete Ohs and Actress Callie Hernandez
28/03/2025
The Evolution Of Slasher Movies
Over the years, slasher movies have evolved, and it's been pretty interesting to track them. The First Slasher MoviesWhat are your favorite slasher movies?
28/03/2025
Read and Download These 'Mad Men' Scripts
From the pilot to the finale, we have all the PDFS that shaped the iconic series Mad Men available by reading and downloading original scripts.Created by Matthew Weiner, this critically acclaimed period drama television series is one of my favorites and maybe the best-written show ever on TV. Witness the birth of Don Draper's enigmatic persona, Peggy Olson's groundbreaking ambitions, and the complex dynamics that defined an era.
28/03/2025
The Burden of Packaging and Development Has Fallen Solely on Writers And Hollywood is Worse For It
Over the last decade, there has been a marketed change in the way Hollywood greenlights movies and TV shows that place all the work on the writer.Today, I want to talk about the burden of packaging and how it has crippled the industry from making decisions, neutered great executives, and made Hollywood into a lazy town that needs a kick in the ass. Now, development executives leave the entire development process to writers and their reps. This is all done without anyone paying the writers.
28/03/2025
Studios Are Making YouTube Pay Them For The Pervasive AI Movie Trailers On The Site
And because they're using AI to mess with my copyrighted materials.But instead of attacking the copyright, they're asking YouTube to pay them the ad revenue made from these AI views.Studios are still trying to figure out how to deal with AI.
28/03/2025
CINESPEED65: KIPON’s Bold Entry into the Medium Format Cine Lens Arena
KIPON has announced that the company is moving into the medium format cine market with its new CINESPEED65 lens.Built to meet the needs of the next generation of cinematographers, this lens is set to be optimized for medium-format cinema cameras and deliver unmatched depth, clarity, and cinematic character.Introducing the KIPON CINESPEED65 Cine Lens
28/03/2025
How that Final 'Reacher' S3 Battle Caused Broken Bones And Rehab
It's legitimately one of the most fun shows on TV and always delivers.Well, the season 3 finale of "Reacher" delivered an explosive and unforgettable fight scene between Jack Reacher and Paulie, a formidable bad guy played by Olivier Richters, also known as The Dutch Giant--which is a great nickname. The production schedule dedicated three full weeks of shooting to this single final fight scene, primarily at night.
28/03/2025
Canon EOS R50 V vs Sony ZV-E10 II: Which is Better for Cinematic Content Creation?
Canon EOS R50 V vs Sony ZV-E10 IIBoth the Canon EOS R50 V and the Sony ZV-E10 II are capable of 4K60p 4:2:2 10-bit video, capable, interchangeable lens mirrorless cameras.The Sony ZV-E10 II currently retails for $999 for the body only, while the Canon EOS R50 V is set to retail for just $649 for the body only here at its launch.
28/03/2025
Apple Makes it Easier to Add Color Corrections and Other Effects in Final Cut Pro 11.1
This new Final Cut Pro 11.1 update offers some helpful improvements that should help FCP be even more relevant.The ability to add color corrections and effects to an adjustment clip above the timeline is going to be huge.Image Playground with Apple Intelligence
28/03/2025
All 12 Hayao Miyazaki Movies, Ranked
I found them much later in life, in college, after I had a roommate obsessed with Studio Ghibli.If you didn't know, Hayao Miyazaki is a Japanese animator, manga artist, and director.Summing Up All 12 Hayao Miyazaki Movies, RankedMiyazaki is an auteur whose work has spanned a few decades and whose influence has no measure.
27/03/2025
Why Does CGI In 'The Lost World: Jurassic Park' Look Better Than Modern Movies?
That's why I was so excited to see a recent video from Corridor Crew where they broke it all down. The temptation to rely heavily on fully digital sets and effects is strong in modern movies because it's seen as easy to do.It's a movie that stands the test of time and should serve as a model for Hollywood.
27/03/2025
Read and Download the 'Reacher' Pilot Script
And Nick Santora's writing pops off the page and contains a lot of lessons for people who read the first episode. And now, I want to share the Reacher pilot with you. You can read and download it here.
27/03/2025
How 'The Studio' Shoots Complicated Oners For Every Shot
It's an inside look at Hollywood via a satirical comedy television series created by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, along with Peter Huyck, Alex Gregory, and Frida Perez. The series stars Rogen as Matt Remick, the head of Continental Studios, and follows his attempts to save the floundering company amidst rapid changes in the film industry. And to use just one camera and one lens to do it.
27/03/2025
Add Intelligent Power Distribution to Your Blackmagic PYXIS Cinema Camera
The company MID49 is adding a new Power Distribution option to the market specifically for the Blackmagic PYXIS with a new Power Distribution DB-9 Box.Designed to attach directly to the camera body itself using two rear 1/4-20 threaded holes, this intelligent power distribution option could be a worthy investment to monitor camera power and dictate remaining power budgets.MID49 Power Distribution Box DB-9 for the Blackmagic PYXIS
27/03/2025
Seth Rogen Explains What It's Like Directing Martin Scorsese in 'The Studio'
I am a sucker for anything set in Hollywood, and Seth Rogen playing the head of a studio is the kind of cringe comedy I thoroughly enjoy.Recently, Rogen stopped by Stern to talk about what it was like directing auteur legend Martin Scorsese in the pilot of the show. Seth Rogen spoke about the surreal and somewhat intimidating experience of directing Martin Scorsese.
27/03/2025
Sundance is Officially Moving To A New Location
The festival, formerly held in Park City, Utah, had been looking for a new venue for expansion.The official move will not take place until 2027, but it will surely be a different festival.The festival reached a 10 year-deal with city officials, so it will be in Boulder at least until 2037.
27/03/2025
Massive Price Drop: RED KOMODO 6K Cinema Is Now Less than $3,000
But here we are, reporting that RED has slashed the price of the KOMODO 6K by nearly $2,000, dropping its total price for the camera itself to just under $3,000.The RED KOMODO 6K features a 19.9MP Super35 CMOS sensor Global Shutter technology.The KOMODO 6K features a top 2.9" 1440 x 1440 touchscreen that makes it easy to configure and monitor your footage.
27/03/2025
Sony Unveils VENICE 2 Extension System Mini for Ultimate Pro Cine-Style Flexibility
As an upgrade on the company’s previous Rialto expansion unit, this new VENICE 2 Extension System Mini promises to offer a 70% smaller form for increased mobility while supporting compatibility with VENICE 2 8K and 6K cameras.Sony VENICE 2 Extension System MiniThe Sony VENICE 2 Extension System Mini is available to preorder now with units expected to start shipping soon.
27/03/2025
How Real Is STAY IN LA? Plus Sundance DPs on Landing Jobs & Getting Shots
In this episode of the No Film School podcast, GG Hawkins and Jason Hellerman tackle the timely question of whether production in Los Angeles is truly back, despite rising costs and the lure of tax incentives elsewhere.They also host a special Sundance DP Roundtable, featuring cinematographers from some of the festival's most talked-about films.Listen to more episodes of the No Film School podcast right here:
27/03/2025
7 Films that Exemplify Breaking the Fourth Wall
There is no other filmmaking technique that makes us, the audience, feel directly connected to the on-screen characters than the technique of "breaking the fourth wall."In filmmaking, the Fourth Wall is an imaginary wall that separates actors from the audience.Annie Hall (1977)
27/03/2025
Innie, Outie, and Everything In Between: 'Severance' Editor Explains It All
Editor Geoff Richman got his start in episodic and documentary work, but now, he is currently working on one of the buzziest TV shows today, Severance.We got the chance to talk to him about his work on the Apple TV+ show, from his post workflow to how Severance's visual design affects his edit.GR: The visual design on this show in particular is so much a part of the feeling of the show.
26/03/2025
Is Bryan Cranston Playing The Tim Robbins Character From 'The Player' in 'The Studio'?
They reminded me of one of my favorite movies of all time, Robert Altman's The Player.In Altman's movie, we follow Griffin Mill, a studio executive who, convinced that an aspiring screenwriter is sending him death threats, takes matters into his own hands by murdering him.The character is played by Tim Robbins to perfection and has a pretty happy ending.
26/03/2025
How Changes to the Nicholl Fellowship Submissions Will Affect You
Well, The Academy Nicholl Fellowships is changing their submission process. Key changes and dates: Partner-only submissions: Starting now, only scripts submitted through approved partner programs will be considered. Submission window: Partner programs can submit scripts between late July and late August. Fellowship announcement: The Nicholl fellows will be announced in spring 2026. Public Submissions: The Black List will continue to be the platform for public submissions.As we put above, Nicholl has said that each partner will vet and submit scripts for consideration for an Academy Nicholl Fellowship.
26/03/2025
The Numbers Are In: Hollywood Originality Is Down
In Hollywood right now, IP is one of the safest bets in the marketplace.The Numbers Behind IP in Hollywood IP-driven films and shows dominate viewership and revenue.Parrot Analytics revealed that from 2020 to 2024, only about 12% of new releases were based on existing intellectual property, with a declining trend after a 2021 peak.
26/03/2025
OpenAI Is Going For Indie Filmmakers, Hoping Mainstream Hollywood Follows
Right now, OpenAI is not allowed to train its program on copyrighted material.Indie filmmakers will suddenly be the experts in the space. OpenAI is so excited about indie filmmakers because they are free case studies.
26/03/2025
Canon Rolls Out a New Hybrid Prime 20mm Ultra Wide-Angle Lens for Stills & Video
Introducing the Canon RF20mm F1.4 L VCMThe lens will feature quiet, fast, and precise AF for both still and video shooting, thanks to Canon’s actuator and focusing systems.The RF20mm F1.4 L VCM is currently scheduled to be available in April 2025 for an estimated retail price of $1,699.
26/03/2025
Canon Unveils Its First RF Lens With Power Zoom Optimized for Cinematic Video
Designed for social media creators and all other manner of content shooters that exist in today’s ever-evolving video ecosystem, the new Canon RF-S14-30mm F4-6.3 IS STM PZ is the company’s first RF lens with Power Zoom optimized for cinematic video.Canon RF-S14-30mm F4-6.3 IS STM PZThe RF-S14-30mm F4-6.3 IS STM PZ Lens is currently scheduled to be available in July 2025 for an estimated retail price of $329.
26/03/2025
Canon Officially Reinvigorates the Point-and-Shoot Market With New PowerShot V1
The camera will feature an ultra wide-angle zoom lens that should offer approximately 17-52mm for movie recording and 16-50mm/F2.8-4.5 for still imagery.A new 1.4 type sensor with approximately 22.3 megapixels for stills, while the PowerShot’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF II will also offer improved AF speed and subject detection tracking performance when compared to the previous PowerShot G7 X Mark III model.For now, though, we can officially report that the PowerShot V1 is scheduled to be available in April 2025 for an estimated retail price of just $899.
26/03/2025
The New Canon EOS R50 V Promises Cinema Quality in the Palm of Your Hand
Set to provide “cinema quality in the palm of your hand,” as Canon puts it, the EOS R50 V does look to be quite capable for all types of video needs as the camera will feature plenty of video-focused design elements and the ability to shoot 4K crop at 60fps and YCC 422 10-bit.The camera will be powered by Dual Pixel CMOS AF II for quiet and smooth AF and will feature the ability to shoot 4K crop at 60fps and YCC 422 10bit.The Canon EOS R50 V is scheduled to be available in April 2025 for an estimated retail price of $649 for the body only and $849.9 with the RF-S14-30mm F4-6.3 IS STM PZ.
26/03/2025
Cover Your Large-Format Sensors With These Wide-Angle Laowa Zero-D Shift Cine Lenses
Venus Optics has dropped some new Laowa lenses that should be a nice options as a versatile wide-angle shift lenses ideal to partner with cameras like the ARRI Alexa 65, Blackmagic URSA Cine 17K 65, or RED V-Raptor VV 8K. Featuring a ±11mm shift function, this new Laowa 20mm T4.1 Zero-D Shift Cine could be an ideal option to capture expansive scenes with precision and creativity.Let’s take a look at the new Laowa 15mm T4.8 and 20mm T4.1 Zero-D Shift Cine lenses and explore if they might be the right options for you and your cinematography needs.The Laowa 20mm T4.1 Zero-D Shift Cine
26/03/2025
Take Full Control of Diffusion with Godox’s New Adjustable Panels
If you’re looking to fine-tune your diffusion levels for your scenes, these new Adjustable Diffusion Panels from Godox should be nice options to consider, along with some helpful motorized control and different light reduction modes.Godox AD21 / AD32 / AD33 Adjustable Diffusion PanelsThe Godox Adjustable Diffusion Panels are set to come in three different sizes and will support five frequency levels to help ensure the video footage you record is flicker-free with compatibility up to 300fps.
26/03/2025
What Are The 7 Best Plot Twist Movies Of All Time
1. Planet of the ApesDirector: Franklin J. SchaffnerWriters: Michael Wilson and Rod Serling (based on the novel by Pierre Boulle)Cast: Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowall, Kim Hunter, Maurice Evans. One of the all-time mic drop moments is the very end of this movie, where we realize we've been on Earth this whole time.MementoShutter IslandDonnie DarkoThe OthersThe Crying GameThe VillageThe MachinistThe PrestigeThe IllusionistThe HandmaidenParasiteKnives OutThe UninvitedThe Skeleton KeyThe GamePrimal FearFractureThe GiftEnemyThe Invisible GuestBad Times at the El RoyaleGet OutSe7enIdentityVertigoChinatownJacob's LadderPlanet of the ApesThe Skin I Live InEx MachinaBlack SwanSoylent GreenMulholland DriveThe Cabin in the WoodsPredestinationArrivalSumming Up The Best Plot Twist Movies
25/03/2025
How SXSW Doc 'La 42' Captured the Authenticity of Art in Community
Perhaps a broad way to contextualize the art of the doc, but it's something that is particularly prevalent in the way director José Maria Cabral captures the Dominican street and community in his SXSW doc La 42—a particularly immersive experience that leaves you feeling as if you've been there the duration of its short and dense runtime.Essentially, La 42 is a rich window into an overlooked culture under the guise of a music documentary.Below, we chat with Cabral about the technical process of creating an immersive trip through 42nd Street hot off the heels of his SXSW premiere.
25/03/2025
Could Adding Intermissions Save the Theatrical Business?
Right now, in India, every movie is coming with an intermission.This influx of cash may be just what's needed to boost revenue at theaters.We need to find a way for theaters to capitalize on the money they can make showing these marathon movies.
25/03/2025
Ultra-Fast and Indestructible: Meet the New Delkin Black Series Memory Cards
Delkin has just announced a new and upgraded Black series of CFexpress cards that should offer some ultra-fast data transfer to help improve workflows and reduce downtime.This new line of Black series CFexpress cards will offer up to 3700MB/s read and 3220MB/s write speeds and have received a VPG400 certification—a certification for CFexpress memory cards that ensures a minimum sustained write speed of 400MB/s is available.The new Delkin Black CFexpress cards are set to be available in 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB capacities, with prices starting at $200 for the 512GB version and going up to $700 for the 2TB version.
25/03/2025
Oz Perkins Closes the Book on Making More Stephen King Adaptations
Recently, Oz Perkins delved into King's mind, with his crackling movie The Monkey. But in an interview, he told Fangoria's The Kingcast that it might be his last venture into the novelist's world. So it's like, will there be a Longlegs 2?
25/03/2025
Read and Download All the 'Final Destination' Screenplays
We even have a ranking of all the Final Destination movies. You can learn so much from these screenplays, so we wanted to provide them for you below! Read them, download them, and enjoy them.
25/03/2025
Did This Video Assist iPad App Just Become a True Pro HDMI and SDI Video Monitor?
The Video Assist iPad app has been a popular option for those looking to turn their iPads into working video monitors for their shoots.This new update for the Video Assist iPad app is set to give this iPad option a huge boost, though, as it will now include helpful features like LUTs, False Color, Zebras, Focus Peaking, and even ProRes Recording.Video Assist iPad App 2.0 Update
25/03/2025
Has Gen Z Already Decided the Fate of Hollywood?
The survey revealed that 56% of Gen Zs and 43% of millennials find social media content “more relevant than traditional TV shows and movies.” Now, Hollywood needs Gen Z to watch things in order to stay in business.The survey also found that only 29% of consumers overall would want to watch stuff starring those creators.
25/03/2025
Panasonic’s Video Mixer Plug-in Adds AI-Powered Face Filter and Other Improvements
A new Version 2 update to the Panasonic AW-SF400 Video Mixer Plug-in is set to introduce some advanced AI-driven features with the goal of achieving greater efficiency for simplifying high-quality video production.Set to be showcased at the upcoming NAB Conference in Las Vegas next month, this Video Mixer Plug-in Version 2 aims to expand upon the helpful tools offered in this media production suite—that admittedly already has some AI-powered tools and features.Panasonic Video Mixer Plug-in Version 2
25/03/2025
Keep Your Shoots Buttery Smooth with SmallRig’s Mini Shock Absorber Arm
The new mini Shock Absorber Arm from SmallRig looks to be a powerful new shock absorption tool that should help adventure content pros tackle all types of bumpy trails and dangerous recording situations.Designed to work with a range of action cameras from the likes of DJI, GoPro, and Insta360, this new mini Shock Absorber Arm should certainly be able to do what it promises to do—offer the ability to smooth out your shots on bumpy terrain.The SmallRig mini Shock Absorber Arm
25/03/2025
Beyond the Budget: Elemental Post's Mission to Elevate Independent Film
Today, we're thrilled to sit down with David Tomiak and Matt Drake, the dynamic co-owners of Elemental Post, a Vancouver-based powerhouse bringing a fresh approach to post-production. In a landscape often dominated by larger studios, David and Matt have carved out a space dedicated to fostering collaboration and elevating independent cinema.They’ve built Elemental Post on the premise that exceptional color and sound should be accessible to all filmmakers, regardless of budget.
24/03/2025
What Recent Trends Has Musicbed Seen In Filmmaking?
That's why I was so excited to see how Musicbed released a new study on the trends they've seen with music used in the film and TV industry. Musicbed 2025 Music in Film Trend Report.pdfToday, I want to highlight some of the trends they found and talk about how it can inform your next projects. There's something perfect about classical music for almost any scene.
24/03/2025
Having Trouble Financing Your First Film? Werner Herzog Suggests a Sex Club
But if you're trying to get your first movie off the ground, getting enough money to make your dreams come true can feel insurmountable.Earn money to finance your first films.It's basically just to live your life and make money.
24/03/2025
What Are The 7 Best Wrestling Movies Of All Time?
That's why wrestling movies always get me.Today, I wanted to go into my favorite wrestling movies and take a look at how they attack this stuff. All of Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei, and Darren Aronofsky are at the top of their games, dealing with the legacy and toll of a hard life.
24/03/2025
Exploring Dialogue Techniques in Screenwriting
What I want to focus on today is a few techniques I think that can help you add layers to your dialogue and also will allow you to find the right beats in your writing. You sort of want your scenes to match throughout the story.Summing Up Dialogue Techniques in ScreenwritingDialogue is so tricky. at the ned ofthe day, all these tips can help you, but the main lesson in a post like this is to just concentrate and listen to your characters.
24/03/2025
Tamron Launches Spring Savings Event With $200 Discounts on Popular Lenses
To help with this, Tamron Americas is launching its Spring Savings event in the US and Canada with some major savings for some of the company’s most popular lenses.Tamron Spring Savings SaleThe sale also includes the 35-150mm F/2-2.8 premium fast aperture all-in-one zoom with a savings of $100 on both Sony E and Nikon Z mounts, along with a new low price on the 35-150mm.
24/03/2025
How to Light A Serial Killer With Cinematographer Gareth Paul Cox
That's why I really dug the look and feel of 'The Man in the White Van', which was shot by cinematographer Gareth Paul Cox.The progression of the color palette and tonality within the film was very important to tell Annie’s story.This is where the film's pacing as a slow burn throwback '70s thriller comes into play.
24/03/2025
Latest Panasonic CX Series Camcorder to Bring Enhanced Capabilities and 10-bit 4K Video
Following up on the success of its previous AG-CX350 model, Panasonic is launching a new AG-CX370 version that aims to offer enhanced system capabilities for even greater performance.Some top specs will include 10-bit 4K recording, a wide-angle high-magnification zoom lens, and HDR compatibility with V-Log/HLG.The camcorder will also include advanced connectivity features such as streaming, SRT, and NDI1 HX2.
24/03/2025
Rob Lowe Breaks Down How Filming Internationally Is Cheaper Than Filming in LA
It turns out, Rob Lowe's game show, The Floor, shoots in Ireland because it's cheaper to fly people there than it is to shoot in LA.That sucks, and it's killing the industry in Hollywood. As Rob Lowe says, it is cheaper to take 100 people and put them up in Ireland than it is to shoot on the Fox Lot.
24/03/2025
Are You a Card Goblin? SmallRig’s New 9-in-1 Docking Station Might Be for You
Let’s look at the new SmallRig CFexpress and SD 9-and-1 Docking Stations, which come in options for both Type A and Type B cards and aim to provide high-speed data transfer and versatile conductivity thanks to some updated designs.SmallRig CFexpress 9-in-1 Docking StationThe SmallRig CFexpress 9-in-1 Docking Station will also support Ethernet speeds of up to 1000 Mb/s and should be a nice option to consider for those looking for a reliable and versatile docking station option to take with them on shoots big or small.
24/03/2025
DJI Mavic 4 Pro Reportedly Gets Leaked Price and Launch Date
We just got a glimpse of the Mavic 4 Pro in some leaked images last week, but now it sounds like leaked (or at least rumored) details about the price, release date, and key features are here as well.The reports also seem to indicate that a teaser might be officially launched by DJI a week prior to this rumored launch date.These pricing rumors indicate a starting price of just $2,250 for the DJI Mavic 4 with different Fly More Combos and Creator Combos coming in at $3,200 and $4,400 respectively.
24/03/2025
7 Takeaways From the 'Severance' Season 2 Finale, "Cold Harbor"
In its season 2 finale, "Cold Harbor," Severance flexes all these muscles in a dense 76 minutes that never let up. Standing as Executive Producer and Director of 10 of Severance's 19 episodes, Ben Stiller entered Season 2 with creative ambitions to give each episode a distinct personality and sought to approach "Cold Harbor" as a standalone episode of sorts.Jame Eagan Has Plans for Helly R.
22/03/2025
Ben Stiller Unpacks the Final Shot of 'Severance' Season 2
The season just ended, and Ben Stiller sat down with Indiewire to talk about it and how the final frame of the season came to be. We have to start with Stiller talking about the final shot of the season.Perhaps one of the most difficult things about making a second season of a hit shoe is living up to the first season's expectations.
21/03/2025
Read and Download the 'Severance' Pilot Script
Now, you can read and download the 'Severance' pilot script here! Why Read the Severance Pilot Script?I think it's awesome to read pilots and see the voice of the writer on the page.
21/03/2025
What Places Are Becoming The New Hollywood?
KentuckyHoping to leverage North Carolina's 25 percent tax rebate, people are flocking to the state to shoot in one of the many historic cities or along the beach. Toronto will soon be home to the Basin Media Hub, a $250 million film studio on an 8.9-acre waterfront site.
21/03/2025
New Report: Which Movie Studios Are Making a Profit?
We want movie studios to have money.It feels like a lot of WB's health relies on DC making a comeback this year.But this year could be huge with the live-action How to Train Your Dragon, Jurassic World Rebirth, and Wicked: For Good all set to win their box office weekends.
21/03/2025
All Sean Baker Movies in Chronological Order
I thought it would be beneficial to go through all of his movies so you can check them out when you have the time.It just won all the Oscars.Summing up Sean Baker Movies Baker is one of my favorite filmmakers.
21/03/2025
Sirui Officially Joins the Leica L-Mount Alliance With Aurora 85mm f/1.4 AF Lens
The first lens that Sirui plans to introduce as an L-mount option will be the brand’s popular Aurora series 85mm f/1.4 full-frame autofocus lens.Sirui Aurora 85mm f/1.4 AF L-Mount LensThe L-mount version of the Sirui Aurora 85mm f/1.4 AF Lens should be available here soon and we expect it to feature the same specs and pricing as the X, Z, and E models currently available online.
21/03/2025
Blackmagic Camera App Adds 17K URSA Cine 65 and Remote Control for Cine Models
The Blackmagic Camera app for iOS got a pretty significant boost today as Blackmagic Design has added new support for both the upcoming URSA Cine 17K 65 cinema camera, as well as full remote controlling support for Blackmagic URSA Cine cameras.The other bigger news perhaps is the remote control of all Blackmagic URSA Cine cameras.Blackmagic Camera users will receive new support for pixel recalibration, improved proxy clip playback behavior for off-speed recordings, and some updated 8K and 4K Constant Quality record settings.
21/03/2025
What Are the Best Paul Thomas Anderson Movies?
His next film, One Battle After Another, will be released in 2025.Check out the trailer for it below, and then let's dive into his other movies and talk about what makes them special.Summing Up The Best Paul Thomas Anderson MoviesPTA is one of my favorite filmmakers of all time.
21/03/2025
Filmmaker’s Guide to SXSW: Tips, Takeaways & Tough Lessons
No Film School founder and director Ryan Koo flips the script in this special episode, interviewing regular podcast host GG Hawkins about the world premiere of her feature film I Really Love My Husband at the 2025 SXSW Film Festival.GG shares her whirlwind experience of showcasing her first feature, from managing the chaos of festival logistics and marketing, to the overwhelming response from audiences and peers alike.Listen to more episodes of the No Film School podcast right here:
21/03/2025
Watch the Stunning First 17K Footage from Blackmagic’s New URSA Cine 65
Released as two downloadable BRAW clips from the Blackmagic Design team, the world is getting its first official look at the Blackmagic URSA Cine 17K 65 cinema camera in action for the first time.Designed for big and bold cinema, this 17K cinema camera provides a brand new large-format 65mm RGBW sensor with 17,520 x 8040 resolution and numerous improvements over the URSA Cine 12K.Plus, with interchangeable lens mounts, built-in OLPF, 8TB of built-in storage, built-in live-streaming, Generation 5 color science, and integration with the Blackmagic Cloud and the Blackmagic cinema ecosystem, the URSA Cine 17K 65 is slated to be Blackmagic Design’s top-of-the-line camera.
21/03/2025
ProRes Comes to Windows and Linux in DaVinci Resolve’s Latest Update
Coming from the team at Blackmagic Design, a new version of DaVinci Resolve has been released that brings some helpful added support as well as addresses a small number of issues with different aspects of the NLE.The big headlines here are really the added support for Blackmagic RAW SDK 4.5 as well as the added support for Samsung Log LUTS.For DaVinci Resolve 19.1.4, Blackmagic has made efforts to keep the project libraries compatible with DaVinci Resolve 18.6.6.
21/03/2025
What is a 'Hero Prop'—And Why is it So Important For Production Designers?
Take solace that this very idea is explored in GG Hawkin's SXSW-premiere I Really Love My Husband.Not pigeonhole Hawkins' vision, however—I Really Love My Husband is a unique analysis of young, millennial relationships all on its own.Enter production designer Jesse Chaffin.
21/03/2025
The Sunglasses Billionaire Who Got Hollywood to Leave Film Behind
Nearly 20 years ago, Jim Jannard, the billionaire founder of Oakley (yep, the sunglasses brand), and his team of industry bandits changed cinema forever.As a bonafide camera nut, ideas man, and entrepreneur, he set himself a new target:Create the world’s most powerful (digital) cinema camera. Frederic Lumière (of no relation to the Lumière brothers) was a camera enthusiast and IT expert who created Lumière HD: the first plugin to allow users to edit HDV.
21/03/2025
Rejoice! Lost Film 'Coyote vs. Acme' Is Being Saved
The sale is happening for a reported $50 million. This is after the studio initially tried to sell the movie for around $70 million to buyers. Will Forte, John Cena, and Lana Condor headline a film where Wile E. Coyote sues Acme for product failure.
20/03/2025
What is This Mysterious New Canon “V” Camera Being Teased Online?
In the teaser image shared on social media, Canon indicates that a new “V” camera is on the way and set to be unveiled on March 26th of this year.Canon “V” Camera TeaserWhat we do know is that all questions will undoubtedly be answered next week on March 26th.
20/03/2025
How Quentin Tarantino Came Up With His Directing Style
Check out this video of Quentin Tarantino talking with CNN's Chris Wallace about how he created his style by examining scenes from Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction.Quentin Tarantino is an Auteur One throughline of the whole video is his writing process and ideation.
20/03/2025
7 Best Body Horror Movies of All Time
It took me a beat, but I picked out my seven favorites that I think are a must-watch for any fan of cinema.They run the gamut of old, new, and disgusting.Summing Up The Best Body Horror Movies of All TimeThese are my favorites, but I know there's a whole world of body horror out there to appreciate.
20/03/2025
Apple Loses Over $1 Billion A Year On Streaming
The tech company has been spending around $5 billion a year on content since it launched Apple TV+, but it has caught much reaction.To mitigate these losses, they spent around $500 million less last year. Despite having a growing subscriber base, the service is still facing challenges in achieving profitability.
20/03/2025
68,000 MovieGoers Beg Hollywood to Make More Comedies and Thrillers
The GCF sent out a survey to see what kinds of movies people want to watch.Over 68,000 people in 15 markets worldwide replied.The survey revealed that 72% believe moviegoing offers good value.
20/03/2025
Viltrox Brings Beloved AF 135mm f/1.8 LAB Lens to Nikon Z-Mount
The Viltrox AF 135mm f/1.8 LAB Z Lens for Nikon Z-mount will bring a bright f/1.8 maximum aperture to Nikon shooters looking for a solid option for low-light scenes and run-and-gun scenarios.Similar to other previous Viltrox lenses the lens should be quite versatile and feature some helpful focus motor features as well as solid protection against the elements.The Viltrox AF 135mm f/1.8 LAB Z Lens
20/03/2025
The New Fujifilm GFX100RF Brings a Fixed Lens to the GFX System for the First Time
Uniquely designed as the first digital camera with a fixed lens in the history of the GFX System, the camera will feature a large-format image sensor that is approximately 1.7 times larger than a typical 35mm full-frame sensor.The camera itself though will be quite small and able to fit into tiny grab-and-go bags as an ideal option for travel photography or videography.Let’s look more at what the Fujifilm GFX100RF has to offer with its FUJINON GF 35mm f/4 lens, 4K30p internal and external recording, and 20 Fujifilm film simulations.
20/03/2025
Killer Advice: Horror Comedy Tips from a First-Time Director
More recently, films such as Lisa Frankenstein, Young Monster, and The Monkey have been standouts for fans of the niche subgenre. Another new mockumentary worth mentioning is For Sale By Exorcist, which was directed by Melissa LaMartina and recently released by Epic Pictures’ horror label, Dread. NFS: When Jordan Peele was a guest on The Daily Show he said “The main difference between horror and comedy is the music”.
19/03/2025
The Incredible Cast of 'Adolescence' Breaks Down The Therapy Episode
In it, we see an interrogation between a child who has committed a heinous crime and a court-appointed therapist who is trying to unpack why this happened.It's one of the greatest episodes of television ever, and something I think sticks with you for days after. The Adolescence Therapy Episode
19/03/2025
Why Content Creators Should Be Excited About Godox’s New LEDs
The light's high 95 CRI and TLCI ratings can ensure accurate light reproductions as well as flexibility with multiple modes, including CCT, HSI, RGBW, FX, and Gel, to further customize your lighting output with adjustable dimming, hue, and saturation options. The LITEMONS LA600R RGB LED from Godox also features 1800-10,000K CCT tuning with a bright and powerful output of 141,000 lux at 3.3' at 5600K with its included BR30 reflector.As the bi-color partner to the LA600R, the Godox LITEMONS LA600Bi offers 2800-6500K CCT tuning with a bright and powerful output of 212,500 lux at 3.3' at 5600K with its included BR30 reflector.
19/03/2025
These Kolari Clip-in Filters Could Be a Game-Changer for Your Blackmagic Full-Frame Rig
Kolari’s line of magnetic clip-in lens filters is expanding to include options for these two popular Blackmagic cinema cameras.Kolari Clip-in Filters for Blackmagic Cinema CamerasHere are the filters offered for these Blackmagic cinema cameras:
19/03/2025
'Reacher' Star Alan Ritchson Understands Something Most Action Stars Completely Ignore
One of the main reasons the show is successful is that its star, Alan Ritchson, understands a fundamental tenet of action storytelling that seems to be ignored by a lot of other actors. Having Ritchson understand this is huge for the writers on the show.Think about that the next time you sit down to write an action script.
19/03/2025
Laowa Releases Widest Rectilinear Full-Frame Lenses for Cinematography
Set to include 9mm T5.8 VV Cine, 10mm T2.9 Zero-D VV Cine, 12mm T2.9 Lite Zero-D VV Cine, and 14mm T2.6 Zero-D VV Cine lenses, this new series should be a nice option for high-end cinematographers as well as run-and-gun videographers looking for a specific wide-angle shot type.Venus Optics Laowa VistaVision Wide-Angle Cine LensesThe Venus Optics Laowa VistaVision wide-angle cine lenses are also set to be available for purchase in multiple mount options including ARRI PL, Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, and L mount.
19/03/2025
6 Great Movies Filmed in One Take (Or Made to Look Like It)
(Netflix's hit miniseries Adolescence is 1.)But the real artists know how to elevate a story beyond the buy-in and take you into something that makes you feel. Today, I wanted to assemble a list of movies shot as one take (or made to look like it) and go through why I think these stand above the rest.
19/03/2025
Sony Unveils OCELLUS: A Game-Changing Camera Tracking System for Virtual Production
Dubbed the OCELLUS, this is a marker-free camera tracking system tailored for all types of virtual productions.Featuring a multi-eye image sensor that works in conjunction with a processing box and lens encoder, the OCELLUS is able to integrate tracking data with camera and lens metadata to better streamline your virtual production, AR, on-set preview, and post-production workflows.The Sony OCELLUS promises to push things even more forward as a camera tracking system designed to adapt to a wide range of applications, environments, and cameras.
19/03/2025
First Images of the DJI Mavic 4 Pro Leak Online, Is an April Release Next?
Let’s take a look at these most recent leaked images and explore what others online are indicating points DJI towards a possible April release date for an upcoming DJI Mavic 4 Pro.Rumored DJI Mavic 4 Pro Release DateWhile of course nothing official has been shared by DJI yet, the same reports seem to indicate that an April announcement could be in the cards.
19/03/2025
'Adolescence' Ending Explained: It Can't Get Better Overnight
It's called Adolescence, and it's a British crime drama show by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham and directed by Philip Barantini.The show follows a 13-year-old schoolboy who is arrested for the murder of a classmate.Each episode is shot in one take.
19/03/2025
What Are The 7 Best Movie Soundtracks of All Time?
Today, I want to go over which ones I consider to be the best of all time. In order to make this list, I didn't include movie scores, just movies with amazing soundtracks consisting of music by popular artists. It got so much play, and "I Will Always Love You" became one of the greatest covers of all time.
18/03/2025
Hot Film Marketing Trends from a 'Barbie' Advertising Campaign Insider
The real challenge is creating an online phenomenon, turning a movie into a cultural event that audiences actively engage with before and after its release.As an editor with ten years of experience in creative advertising for motion pictures, I’ve worked on campaigns for Barbie, Spider-Man: No Way Home, and Avatar: The Way of Water.The primary goal of any film marketing campaign is to announce the arrival of a new movie, and the trailer is often the starting point of this process.
18/03/2025
What Is Surrealism in Film and TV?
That's how I feel about surrealism in film and TV.Surrealism in film and TV creates a sense of wonder and unease by challenging our perceptions of reality.If you have any deeper thoughts on surrealism or surrealist films and TV shows, I want to hear about it.
18/03/2025
The 7 Best Video Game Movies
It feels like, recently, Hollywood has a better handle on what these stories can be.Let's go over seven of the best video game movies.However, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is by far the best in the franchise, as you can see from its rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
18/03/2025
What is a Scene? Definition and Examples in Storytelling
Take the idea of a scene.Today, I want to give a scene definition, look at some examples, and get into why they matter so much in storytelling. Let's take a look at some famous scenes as examples.
18/03/2025
How These Filmmakers Used the Blackmagic PYXIS to Shoot Their DIY Indie Zombie Flick
A new contender for one of the best indie-friendly cinema cameras for filmmakers of all types is the Blackmagic PYXIS, which is proving to be a compact and modular option that can work on film projects both big and small.To explore how the Blackmagic PYXIS could be an interesting option for aspiring filmmakers dreaming the indie dream, Sean & Taylor King, a father-son filmmaking team from New Zealand Sons Films, explore their thoughts on using the PYXIS on their most recent horror feature Zombie Repellant—a fun and DIY-minded zombie film that is a perfect indie film test project.The Black Magic Ursa 4.6K.
18/03/2025
Canon R1 and R5 Mark II Firmware Updates Boost Autofocus, Reduce Overheating
Canon has just announced some minor, but important, firmware updates for two of the company’s most popular mirrorless digital cameras.The Canon EOS R1 and the EOS R5 Mark II are both set to get firmware updates to offer a few optimizations and fixes.As usual, firmware updates are easy to download and install for Canon cameras.
18/03/2025
Can the New Ascent AeroSystems Helius Drone Actually Compete With DJI?
The latest comes from Ascent AeroSystems with the company’s new Helius drone, a small and portable aerial camera drone that looks promising—although admittedly not exactly as video-focused as most DJI products.The Ascent AeroSystems Helius will be able to reach speeds of 45mph in the air and offer 30-minute endurance for its flight time.The Ascent AeroSystems Helius will feature a 12.3MP camera that will be capable of recording 4K video at up to 60fps, or 1080p video at up to 240fps, both solid recording numbers that should rival the best of similar-sized DJI drones like the Flip.
18/03/2025
How They Got 'That' Shot On Netflix's 'Adolescence'
It follows a 13-year-old schoolboy who is arrested for the murder of a classmate.Each episode is shot in one take.Netflix released a video that took you behind the scenes of this complicated cinematic effort.
18/03/2025
400+ Hollywood Filmmakers Fight Back Against AI Copyright Rules
Yet, despite these efforts, major AI companies are pushing for unfettered access to AI training data, citing national security concerns, and spurring a coalition of Hollywood filmmakers and creatives to band together to make their voices heard in opposition.Hollywood's Response to the Administration’s Artificial Intelligence Action PlanThis letter comes at a crucial time as the current Trump administration is planning to release an “AI Action Plan” this summer that aims to settle copyright debates for AI training.
18/03/2025
Crafting the Title Sequence for Disney+’s “Agatha All Along” with Perception’s Christian Haberkern
The series pays homage to witches throughout history, setting an eerie tone from the beginning with its intricate title sequence.We sat down with Christian Haberkern, Art Director at the Emmy-nominated design lab Perception and Agatha All Along title designer, to learn more about his work using Premiere Pro and After Effects to craft both the main title sequence and an "Agnes of Westview" parody title sequence that appears within the series.For the main sequence, Haberkern and the Perception team highlighted representations of witches over time, incorporating various pieces of mixed media.
17/03/2025
How Director Yana Alliata Utilized Hawaii to Accentuate Her Poignant Thriller, 'Reeling'
It was directed by Yana Alliata.It tells the story of Ryan, a physically and emotionally scarred guy who lost some of his memory in an accident just outside his family's home in Hawaii.And to hear that after being celebrated for her debut film at SXSW, Alliata is raising financing for her next project - a haunting thriller at an idyllic Hawaiian wedding.
17/03/2025
What’s Hot in 2025: FilmSupply Breaks Down This Year’s Commercial Film Trends
With so much hands-on experience in the commercial industry, they, too, need the time to compile a report of all the trends they've noticed.FilmSupplyToday, I want to go over some of these trends and look at how you can use them in your own work. Filmmakers are using new technologies like smaller cameras, drones, and robotic arms to create dynamic camera movements and unique perspectives that capture the audience's attention.
17/03/2025
Tidy Up Your DJI Rig with These U-Shaped Cables
Let’s take a look at these new Ignite Digi U-Shape USB-C cables and explore which DJI grips, gimbals, and Focus Pro systems they’ll be compatible with, plus how you can use them to bring a more robust connector, something more low profile, and offer more length choices for gimbal and handheld shooting.Ignite Digi U-Shape USB-C CablesAs an upgrade that offers a more robust connector, a lower profile, and more length choices, these Ignite Digi U-Shape USB-C cables are designed to work with a wide range of DJI products also including the DJI Focus Pro motors, Focus Pro LiDAR, Focus Pro Grip, RS gimbals, and Tilta Nucleus Nano II motors.
17/03/2025
The Speedy and Versatile Nikon Z6 II Gets a Price Drop to Under $1,500
Now five years old, the Nikon Z6 II has just received a pretty significant price drop that puts it in a very desirable price bracket of under $1,500.Let's take a new, retrospective look at the Nikon Z6 II and explore how its 24.5MP BSI CMOS sensor and UHD 4K video recording stack up today against the competition—and with this $500 price point in mind.The Z6 II features a 24.5MP BSI CMOS sensor that can be used for all-around shooting, impressive low-light quality, and fast readout speeds to benefit continuous shooting, movies, and time-lapse recording.
17/03/2025
Did Harvey Weinstein Kill Blockbuster Awards Chances? 'Avengers' Director Thinks So.
He said it was a trend “started by Harvey Weinstein.”Russo continued, “He vilified mainstream movies to champion the art films he pushed for Oscar campaigns.”Right now, Hollywood is at a crossroads.
17/03/2025
Read and Download 'The Boondock Saints' Script
So, today, I wanted to give you the chance to read and download it, for educational purposes only. It might just be the perfect read for your St. Patrick's Day. Troy Duffy's script is a fascinating, if controversial, piece of screenwriting.
17/03/2025
Bring Powerful Light to Your Sets With the Latest Godox KNOWLED LED Light
Godox has just unveiled another new lighting option with the KNOWLED M1000R Full-Color LED light.Designed to bring powerful light to your film sets, production projects, and video broadcasts, this 1000W fixture is set to produce 20,400-lux output at 3.3' and offers a nice variety of lighting support for a range of uses.Godox KNOWLED M1000R Full-Color LED Light
17/03/2025
The RED Digital Cinema Camera Trade-in Program Officially Returns
As the RED Digital Cinema Camera Trade-in Program returns, it’s also set to add the latest generation of RED cameras, including the new Z mount models.RED Camera Trade-in Program ReturnsThe RED Camera Trade-in Program is a credit-based system that allows RED camera owners to trade in select cameras to unlock credits that can be used for some different higher-end camera packs.
17/03/2025
What The Hell Is Happening in Hollywood Right Now?
A healthy Hollywood is very good for the movie and TV industry worldwide.Right now, Hollywood is still trying to figure out what 2025 will look like. but I'll give you a snapshot of what it is right now. The Paramount and Skydance merger is a looming shadow over Hollywood.
17/03/2025
SXSW 2025: Master the Art of Black Box-Style Absurdist Comedy With 'Dead Lover'
Dead Lover relishes in a tone-perfect absurdity that builds and never lets up until its totally bonkers closing moments.In its plot and tone alone Dead Lover is unique, but what also sets it apart is its practical black box theater aesthetic and recycling four-person ensemble cast (the players: Glowicki, Petrie, Lowen Morrow, and Leah Doz).Grace Glowicki: Definitely!
14/03/2025
How Do You Create a Believable Popstar in a Movie?
While not a new idea, the streak of notable popstar characters is a fun one and continues this year in full force with writer-director Emma Higgins' SXSW entry Sweetness.The popstar at the center of Sweetness is the Harry Styles, Brendon Urie-adjacent Payton Reed (Herman Tømmeraas), taking on the modicum of the band Floor Plan.Emma Higgins Advice to Aspiring Filmmakers
14/03/2025
Go Behind the Scenes of Making a 35MM 'Anora' Print
Well, Sean Baker, writer, director, editor, and producer behind Anora, took Letterboxd behind the scenes of them making Anora into a print. He explains that select theaters will screen the film using this print for a roadshow they're doing where the movie's print will be shown.These prints were developed like real film.
14/03/2025
Amy Landecker Says Directors Must Have This Skill
Amy Landecker, who has appeared in numerous film and TV shows including Transparent, The Handmaid's Tale, and one of my favorite movies of all time, A Serious Man, wrote and directed short films before she decided to take on her first feature.Her passion led her to develop For Worse, a rom-com she also produced and starred in.We Zoomed with Landecker during the festival to find out why actors make good directors, the important lessons she learned, and more.
14/03/2025
What Excited Michael Fassbender About The 'Black Bag' Script?
Fassbender talked with Indiewire about his hiatus from acting and what brought him back to the big screen. Now he's starring in Steven Soderbergh's Black Bag, a sizzling spy thriller that has debuted to extremely favorable reviews. Fassbender said of Soderbergh's style, “Steven Soderbergh sets up a relaxed atmosphere on set.”
14/03/2025
7 Iconic F1 Movies You Need to Race to See
In the next few months, we're even going to get a huge Brad Pitt movie called F1, which was filmed in IMAX and could be a hit for the summer.They won't all be strictly F1 movies, but they have crossover and are really wonderful watches.The dangerous era of Formula One in the 1960s and 1970s was wild.
14/03/2025
How Director Alex Ullom Went from Childhood Movies Starring His Action Figures to His SXSW Feature Film Debut
We sat down with Ullom to get an inside look at his creative process and filmmaker origin story, going all the way back to his time making Hi-8 videos with his action figures and comedy sketches for his high school’s morning show.A Premiere Pro user since the beginning, Ullom used the software to cut It Ends, and mastered the art of custom keyboard shortcuts in the process.Premiere Pro because I grew up with it, and After Effects for some fake camera shake because I grew up with it.
14/03/2025
How Blackmagic Cameras Were Used to Revisit the Strange Journey That is 'Rocky Horror'
Now, fifty years and a million cultural touchstones and references later, Richard’s son Linus has brought the story of Rocky Horror full circle with his film Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror.It premiered at SXSW 2025 at the Paramount Theater, one of the few theaters to expand Rocky Horror’s reach.To fully understand and appreciate the filmmaking feat of bringing this decades-spanning documentary project together, we chatted with Strange Journey cinematographer Warren Kommers about his Blackmagic Design-powered camera arsenal, his vision for revisiting this sacred text, and the film’s lasting impact today.
14/03/2025
SXSW 2025: 4 Tips on How to Make a Screenlife Film like 'Lifehack'
This is a modern cyber thriller that is genuinely a nail-biter, and it accurately captures that feeling one might have when they realize the things they do online can hurt people in reality. They see these limitations as "allies" that drive more creative storytelling and problem-solving.Kemp agreed that the spirit of indie film was alive and well at the festival.
14/03/2025
What Are The Best St. Patrick's Day TV Episodes?
I decided to go through some of the best TV episodes about the holiday and list them here for you to check out Let's dive in. The Office: "St. Patrick's Day" (Season 6, Episode 19)Summing Up The Best St. Patrick's Day TV Episodes
14/03/2025
The Panasonic LUMIX GH7 is Now Under $2K
The Panasonic LUMIX GH7 has just seen its price drop to below $2,000, which makes it quite a bargain with its 25.2MP sensor and 5.7K30 Apple ProRes 422 HQ internal recording powering its video capabilities.The Panasonic LUMIX GH7 Price DropThe Panasonic LUMIX GH7 is out and available at this new price for a limited time.
14/03/2025
Meet the World’s First Cinema-Grade Mobile Lenses for iPhone
Designed by the teams at Tusk and ShiftCam, the “world’s first” cinema-grade lens and filter system for the iPhone is here to take your smartphone cinematography powers to the next level.The Tusk Cinema SeriesThe complete kit of cinema lenses itself will include the following lenses:
14/03/2025
Why 'The Righteous Gemstones' Started Their Final Season in the Civil War
But I have to say my mind was blown when season four debuted with an episode set during the Civil War, directed by Danny McBride and starring Bradley Cooper. It was a stunning thirty minutes where we followed the history of the Gemstone family in their patriarch, Eli, who was a thief, a liar, and a murderer who found his faith after a whole lot of sinning. Danny McBride sat down with IndieWire to talk about the episode.
12/03/2025
SXSW 2025 Filmmakers Share Their Best Advice for Those Starting Out
We chatted with the filmmakers of this year’s SXSW Film and TV Festival about the challenges they faced to bring their projects to life.Licensing the Texas Chainsaw Massacre footage was a challenge.— Marissa Goldman, director of Max Distance.
12/03/2025
What Are The 7 Best Steven Soderbergh Movies?
Today, I want to introduce you to seven of his films that I think are his very best. The story is told in fragmented parts of past and present, and it has one of the best endings of all time.Summing Up The Best Steven Soderbergh MoviesThat's my Soderbergh top list.
12/03/2025
4 Things This Director Learned While Sending Kate Mara to Space (Sort Of)
The writer/director is Jess Varley, who premiered the film at SXSW 2025 as her first feature.The movie also stars Diego Luna and the young Scarlett Holmes as the final members of Mara's family.Be Patient and PersistentVarley was initially inspired to develop the script after reading about the strange, real-life symptoms astronauts experience after missions.
12/03/2025
What is Newstalgia?
Today, we want to define it, look at some examples, and pick apart the characteristics of the term. Let's dive into the past and the present together. Blending of Past and Present: Newstalgia mixes retro elements with modern aesthetics, technologies, or sensibilities.
12/03/2025
Meet “Marey,” a Clean and Ethically Trained AI Video Model Here to Reshape the Industry
Released by a partnership between AI studio Asteria (of which Trillo is a strategic partner) and the AI research startup Moonvalley, this new AI video model is being dubbed “Marey” and it promises to shake up an industry that is brimming with potential, but plagued by mistrust and speculation about a dark, potentially creator-less future.Marey AI Video ModelTrillo shares that the model will be text-to-video, with the plan to roll it out to select filmmakers for alpha testing here to start.
12/03/2025
Sean Baker Reveals The Most Important Part of the Screenwriting Process
In the video, Baker reveals his process for writing an episode, which I think probably holds up, given what we saw this past year in Anora.And he focuses more on the last scene and the impact it will have on the audience.I love the idea that the script is always alive.
12/03/2025
What is Disc Rot And How Can You Prevent It?
But that shelf life is shrinking due to something called 'disc rot'. So, today, I want to go over disc rot and talk about ways to prevent it. But you still need to take care of the discs if you want them to last a long time.
12/03/2025
Jazz up Your DJI Ronin 4D with These Tiny Viltrox Lenses
This new line of Raze AF f/1.8 DL lenses from Viltrox will be available in a range of focal lengths, including 16mm, 24mm, 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm, and will be able to provide sharp precision and seamless integration into the DJI Ronin 4D ecosystem.These Viltrox Raze lenses will be able to seamlessly adapt to DJI’s professional-grade filmmaking system, the Ronin 4D, and integrate perfectly with the DL mount ecosystem, making it possible to capture dynamic shots with swift and precise motion.The Viltrox Raze AF f/1.8 DL lenses for the DJI Ronin 4D are available to purchase as a 6-lens set on Viltrox’s website for $3,514.05.
12/03/2025
Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive Camera Debuts at SXSW 2025
Nestled into the middle of the Austin Convention Center in the downtown hub of the SXSW Conference and Festivals, Blackmagic Design’s booth featured an array of the latest and greatest Blackmagic cameras.First Look at the Blackmagic URSA Cine ImmersivePacked with dual 8160 x 7200 58.7MP sensors capable of capturing immersive 8K images at up to 90 fps and with a versatile 16 stops of dynamic range, the URSA Cine Immersive feels like its raring to go with its full range of connectivity options, including 12G-SDI, 10G Ethernet, USB-C, and XLR for high-quality audio capture.
12/03/2025
Screenwriting Software Gets An Upgrade With Highland Pro
So today, I'm going to go over some of the cool things about the update, and we'll even embed a video from John August taking you through how to use them.Highland was built for Mac and is compatible with the iPad and iPhone.Highland Pro is available now on the App Store, with a free 30-day trial.
11/03/2025
All The Bong Joon-ho Movies Ranked
Today, I want to go through all eight of his movies and give them an official ranking.My main takeaway from this movie is that Robert Pattinson is a singular actor who takes so many risks and should be rewarded with lots of awards.Let me know what you think in the comments.
11/03/2025
What is Cyberpunk?
So, today, I thought it would be a good idea to enlighten myself on the definition of the term, some examples, and the characteristics.How do you know if you're reading or watching something that happens in the cyberpunk universe? So I came up with a list of cyberpunk films and TV shows you can check out to deepen our understanding.
11/03/2025
The Blade Runner Ending Explained: Tears in Rain
Today, I watched the Final Cut in 4K, and I decided now was as good a time as any to go over the ending of the movie Blade Runner and explain it all to you. Deckard's mission is to track down and retire the escaped replicants: Roy Batty, Leon Kowalski, Zhora, and Pris.But I prefer the ambiguity of the final cut.
11/03/2025
Should You Make a Movie with a Dog as the Star? 'Good Boy' Proves You Can
He also is a star in the making as the lead character of the horror film Good Boy, which just premiered at this year’s SXSW.The making of the movie was a family affair.NFS got the chance to sit down with the filmmakers (and Indy) to discuss the challenges of Good Boy and all the adaptations you must make when working with animals.
11/03/2025
Another Compact and Capable Wireless Microphone System is Here
This new wireless microphone system is a compact system that uses 2.4 GHz transmission frequency brands and will come with one receiver and two transmitters.A neat perk for this system will be its battery life, with built-in batteries for each unit that together will give users up to six hours of operation time, a high number for the size and price point of this system.The Saramonic Mix
11/03/2025
'Die Hard' Director John McTiernan Says There Are No Movie Studios Left
McTiernan hopes the movies he's working on now are better than the last two he put into theaters.He said, “I gave up working on bad movies, the last two films I made were terrible.In McTiernan's mind, the way forward is independent financing.
11/03/2025
The Ultimate Ranking of the 'Scream' Movies
Still, today, we're going to rank all the movies in the Scream franchise and talk about what I like about all of them. Its own soft reboot of the franchise came back at a time of peak horror to poke fun at other franchises and deliver some of the most brutal kills.With Scream VII on the way, (with Matthew Lillard returning!)
11/03/2025
Here Are the Readout Speeds for the Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K LF and PYXIS 6K Cameras
If you’re interested in either of these cameras, we’re excited to share the readout speed data published by Blackmagic Design on these two cameras.Here is the readout speed data for the Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K LF.The results indicate that the URSA Cine 12K LF is indeed a fast camera with very menial rolling shutter artifacts that are comparable to other high-end cinema cameras like the ARRI ALEXA LF, the Sony VENICE 2, or the BURANO.
11/03/2025
DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Gets New Med-Telephoto Mode and Other Improvements
Yet, interestingly enough, DJI has chosen to introduce a pretty significant firmware update to the Osmo Pocket 3, signaling that it’s still very much in the company’s plans.This new update adds a new Med-Tele mode, which is set to bring some substantial image quality improvements to the camera when zoomed in to its 40mm focal equivalent.DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Firmware Update v01.06.08.04
11/03/2025
Dissecting The Evolution of The Harry Potter Movies' Visual Style
Today, I want to dig into the franchise's visual storytelling and see what we can learn. Alfonso Cuarón's direction brought a significant shift in visual style.Summing Up The Evolution of The Harry Potter Movies' Visual StyleThe Harry Potter series is one of my favorites.
10/03/2025
Licensing Horror Footage and Building Out Locations for Your Short Film
Director Bianca Poletti’s Video Barn is definitely one of them.Utilizing a single location (a nostalgic video store) and ‘80s horror conventions, the short creates a world and mythology that feels expansive despite its short runtime.Licensing the Texas Chain Saw Massacre footage was a challenge.
10/03/2025
From 'Snowpiercer' to 'Mickey 17': How Bong Joon-ho Crafts Unique Sci-Fi Worlds
But how does Director Bong create these unique science-fiction worlds? Today, I want to look at a few techniques I've seen in his movies and talk about how you can tailor them to your own work. Much like genre, Director Bong has a lot of fun playing with the tone of a movie.
10/03/2025
7 Great Movies That Don't Have (A lot Of) Dialogue
But to make it, I have been watching a lot of movies without dialogue in order to gain inspiration.A Quiet PlaceDirector: John Krasinski Writers: Bryan Woods, Scott Beck, John Krasinski Cast: John Krasinski, Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds, Noah JupeNot having a lot of dialogue was built into the story in such a clever way.And I want to hear your favorite movies without dialogue.
10/03/2025
How Tony Gilroy is Keeping 'Andor' Scripts Safe From AI
Leading the charge is Tony Gilroy, an esteemed writer of film and TV who is currently showrunning and writing on Disney's Andor.But Gilroy doesn't just want the Empire to lose, he also wants to protect his storytelling from AI. Gilroy recently said in an interview with Collider that he won't be releasing his Andor scripts to the public.
10/03/2025
How This SXSW Director Secured Locations (and More) on a Budget
In this year’s pilot competition at SXSW, JJ Herz created a love letter to sibling dynamics in R&R, featuring a character based on her brother.Herz, who also directed and produced, plays one half of the sibling duo, with Kevin Iannucci opposite.The proof-of-concept pilot had a crew of 16 and was shot in three days on a $10,000 crowdfunded budget in Los Angeles.
10/03/2025
Turn Any Tripod into a Leveling Tripod with This Adapter
To solve this problem, Vanguard is introducing an innovative new LVL Universal Tripod Leveling System, which is set to include five models that can be fitted to any tripod and solve these camera and tripod leveling issues for you.Vanguard’s New LVL Universal Tripod Leveling SystemThe LVL Universal Tripod Levelling System options are available on Vanguard’s website here and range from £55.00 ($70.78) for a 42mm base to £100.00 ($128.70) for a 75mm base.
10/03/2025
What is Slapstick Comedy?
(Just ask Seth Rogen.)Basically, I'm trying to find the line of slapstick comedy. Today, we're going to go over the subgenre, define it, and look at some examples.
10/03/2025
Ditch the Dongles: Shure’s MoveMic 88+ Sends Stereo Audio Straight to Your Phone
The Shure MoveMic 88+ Wireless Stereo MicrophoneThis Shure MoveMic 88+ will further feature some nice and helpful built-in Bluetooth technology that will allow content creators to operate the microphone from up to 100 feet away from your camera, smartphone, tablet, or whatever audio or video recording device you have out in the field with you.The Shure MoveMic 88+ Wireless Stereo Microphone is in stock and available now.
10/03/2025
From ARRI to iPhone: SXSW Filmmakers Explain Their Camera Picks
This year’s Film and Television lineup is no different, as the 2025 SXSW Conference brings a wide variety of innovative storytellers and passionate talent.This year saw an impressive array of different camera systems used for a wide variety of reasons.So, without further ado, let’s hear from 2025 SXSW Film and TV filmmakers about what cameras they used and why.
10/03/2025
What is a Stock Character?
But what is a stock character, and how do they fit into storytelling?Today, we'll go over the definition, examples, and how writers use them.When you branch out in your own writing, these stock characters can help you come to grips with your story and find your way.
07/03/2025
Read and Download Guy Ritchie Screenplay PDFs
From the rapid-fire dialogue to the intricate, twisting plots, his screenplays are a masterclass in modern cinematic storytelling.This collection offers you the chance to explore the raw, unfiltered blueprints of his most iconic films. Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)Screenplay by Written by Guy Ritchie – Read the screenplay!
07/03/2025
The Power of the Business Card Scene in 'American Psycho'
I'm talking about the business card scene. Today, I want to dig into that scene and look at how it sets the tone of the story and lays all the themes in the movie out for you to look at. Also baked into this is Patrick Bateman's loss of sanity.
07/03/2025
Antiheroes vs. Villains: A Deep Dive Into the Characters We Love to Hate
Today, I want to go over the differences between the two and talk about how you can use them in your writing. An antihero is not your typical protagonist because their personality traits are much more complicated.When you're writing the villain in your screenplay, you have to realize they are the hero of their own story.
07/03/2025
7 Things 'White Lotus' Can Teach You About Filmmaking
Created by Mike White, each season tells its own murder story at a different location of the resort worldwide.Today, I want to go over my top 7 filmmaking lessons from the show and share them with you. Let me know what you think in the comments.
07/03/2025
Yes, You Can Visit the Actual Lumon Building from 'Severance'
Like inside your soul, you have a need to go to that place to completely satisfy yourself.Severance is an AppleTV show about severing your work brain and outside brain so that you lead two distinct lives.In the show, the characters work at a company called Lumon.
07/03/2025
This Is One of the Best Quotes about Screenwriting of All Time
Even when you do it well, it does not mean Hollywood is going to buy in. The quote comes from Peter Hymans, the director and writer of movies like Time Cop, Presidio, and 2010: The Year We Make Contact. His screenwriting wisdom was as follows...
07/03/2025
DJI Goggles and FPV Drones Get Major Boost with Advanced INAV Support
What you might not have known though is that this Goggle-to-Drone technology is about to get much better as new firmware updates for the DJI Goggles are set to add new INAV on-screen display support (OSD) for these combos.INAV Support Comes to DJI GogglesWith this INAV technology being added to these DJI Goggles and FPV drones, users will be able to use some advanced data and technology such as:Real-time telemetry data: View altitude, speed, GPS coordinates, and battery life directly in the goggles’ display.
07/03/2025
What is Fujifilm Planning to Announce at its Upcoming Fujifilm X Summit This Year?
Here’s what we do know about the Fujifilm X Summit set to take place on March 20th, 2025 in Prague.Fujifilm X Summit in PragueSpeculators seem pretty convinced this might be a new GFX series model with a 35mm lens the same size as an X series model.
07/03/2025
The Godox BG02 Battery Grip Can Help Keep Your Portable Lights Shining Longer
The grip's 95Wh internal battery will keep lights like the ML100Bi and ML100R powered while on the go as well as add to the portability of compact fixtures.For photographers, the Godox BG02 Battery Grip can power your Godox flashes using this ergonomic handgrip and an optional D-tap dummy battery cable.The Godox BG02 Battery Grip is available for preorder now with units expected to start shipping soon.
07/03/2025
Don't Miss Out on the AI Future That Started Yesterday
It's the reality AI is bringing to post-production today.The AI Future of Post-ProductionThat's where Eddie AI comes in – an AI assistant editor that works while you sleep.
07/03/2025
Practical Advice for Shooting on Film from This SXSW Director
The film stars Samantha Robinson (of The Love Witch fame) and John Valley (Rats!) as a married couple who have a rough wedding night.Wes Ellis:I landed a full-time still photography job at Rooster Teeth Productions in 2017 which opened up so many doors and opportunities for me to find my voice as an artist.
07/03/2025
Robert Rodriguez Wants to Co-Produce a Movie With You
In it, he was offering readers a chance to invest in one of his movies and also pitch him their own action movie.The basic idea is that if you pay a certain amount of money, you get to send a video pitch to Rodriguez's new company, Brass Knuckles Films.They're developing an action movie slate that you can invest in.
06/03/2025
How California Is Trying to Keep Production at Home
One thing that did catch my eye was a new initiative called “Keep California Rolling" which aimed to bring production back to the state. 1. Support Gov. Gavin Newsom’s $750 million budget cap raise on the incentive and urge him to temporarily uncap the incentive for three years in L.A. County as part of efforts to rebuild after the fires.3. Raise the tax incentive amount to 30 percent for both films and television shows.
06/03/2025
This Compact $679 Anamorphic Lens Packs a Cinematic Punch
This Sirui AF 20mm T1.8 anamorphic lens promises to further combine the cinematic quality of 2.35:1 widescreen imagery with the convenience of subject-tracking autofocus.Designed specifically for the FUJIFILM X-mount cameras with Super 35 sensors at launch, this versatile, wide-angle lens with a 1.33x squeeze factor and T1.8 maximum aperture should be a great option for those looking to ensure exceptional low-light performance along with some stunning subject isolation and a signature oval-shaped bokeh.The Sirui AF 20mm T1.8 Anamorphic Lens
06/03/2025
What Are The Best End of the World Movies?
Today, I want to go over some of my favorite end-of-the-world movies and tell you about what makes them so special. 3. 28 Days LaterDirector: Danny Boyle Writer: Alex Garland Cast: Cillian Murphy, Naomie Harris, Christopher EcclestonI am an absolute sucker for zombie movies.Summing Up The Best End of the World Movies
06/03/2025
Level Up Your Editing Skills With Blackmagic’s Beginner’s Guide to DaVinci Resolve 19
Blackmagic Design has just released its official Beginner’s Guide to DaVinci Resolve 19.This training series includes several books to help guide you through getting started with basic edits and color correction and grading, as well as more advanced insights into Fusion VFX, Fairlight audio tools, and the rest of the powerful features in DaVinci Resolve 19.Beginner’s Guide to DaVinci Resolve 19
06/03/2025
Canon Offers Huge $700 Price Drop for the Canon EOS R5 C
Following up on a significant price drop to the Canon R5 Mark II last week, Canon has once again slashed the price of one of their top cameras as the Canon EOS R5 C is now retailing for under $3,000 for the first time ever.However, with this recent drop of $700, the R5 C is now set to retail for just $2,999.The Canon EOS R5 C is available now with this new price point.
06/03/2025
The Canon EOS C80 is Latest Canon Camera to Become Netflix Approved
In all seriousness, despite minor arbitrariness in the system, Netflix has been adding more and more cameras to its Netflix-approved list to give filmmakers more options when looking to create content specifically for the company’s 4K Originals.Let’s look at the Canon EOS C80, a powerful full-frame cinema camera that melds the Canon C400’s CMOS sensor (which was also just added to the Netflix approved list) with the lightweight design of the previous EOS C70 to create a compact yet capable cinema camera option.Canon C80 Added to Netflix Approved List
06/03/2025
Crafting Connection: The Editors Behind 'Daughters'
Editors Troy Lewis and Adelina Bichis take us inside their process, from shaping the raw footage to balancing the film’s emotional weight and ensuring the story was told ethically and collaboratively.Daughters premiered at Sundance, is shortlisted for the Academy Awards, and is now streaming on Netflix.Listen to more episodes of the No Film School podcast right here:
06/03/2025
'Anora' Ending Explained: Ani's True Love
The movie, Anora, was directed, written, and edited by Sean Baker.I'd love to hear your interpretations of the story and the ending of the movie. Let me know what you think in the comments.
06/03/2025
What Is an Intimacy Coordinator?
I want to define the role, go over what they do on set, and talk about why some sets need them. Think of it this way: they're like stunt coordinators but for sex scenes.Now that you know about the job, you can talk to your actors about having one on set, or you can even consider working within the profession yourself.
05/03/2025
The 7 Best Stop-Motion Movies Every Filmmaker Should Study
Let's take a look at seven stop-motion movies that can teach you so much about the medium.Nick Park's contributions to stop motion are immeasurable.Kubo and the Two StringsDirector: Travis Knight Writers: Marc Haimes, Chris Butler Cast (Voice Actors): Art Parkinson as Kubo, Charlize Theron as Monkey/Kubo's Mother, Matthew McConaughey as Beetle, Ralph Fiennes as Raiden the Moon KingI'm very happy the medium of stop motion has continued, and with the aid of computers and motion smoothing, it feels like some of the best stop motion movies are ahead of us.
05/03/2025
What Is Steampunk? Definition, Origins, & Examples
So, today, I'm going to go over the definition of steampunk, look at some examples, and clue you into the characteristics Let's dive in. Authors Jules Verne and HG Welles wrote stories that had all the characteristics of this subgenre, but we didn't actually get the term until the late 1980s when science fiction author K.W. Jeter introduced it.Now, you can use it to inspire your own work.
05/03/2025
Meet Venus Optics' New Compact Anamorphic Zoom Series, Laowa Proteus 2x
The new Venus Optics Laowa Proteus 2x Anamorphic Zoom Series is the company’s most compact and affordable series for S35 sensors yet and should provide a nice mix of mobility and versatility for DPs looking for options for all types of projects.Let’s look at these two new Laowa Proteus 2x Anamorphic Zoom lenses, which will cover a 26-45mm T2.9 and a 45-85mm T2.9, here to see if they might be right for your cinematography needs.Venus Optics Laowa Proteus 26-45mm T2.9 2x S35 Anamorphic Zoom
05/03/2025
Apple's New Gen Mac Studios Are Powered Up for Video
The Apple Mac Studio will see a new M4 Max version as the new base model for Mac Studio, while an M3 Ultra will be the new upgraded model.They will cost $1,999 for the M4 Max and $3,999 for the M3 Ultra, and they’re both set to be available next week on March 12th.Both new versions of the Mac Studio are available for preorder on Apple’s website here, with units expected to start shipping on March 12th.
05/03/2025
Launch Your DJI Drones Directly From Your Cars With This On-Vehicle Drone System
The Chinese electric vehicle company BYD—which is actually the world’s number one EV maker- has partnered with DJI to introduce a new AI on-vehicle drone system called the “Lingyuan” that is here to introduce some revolutionary new car and drone technology.As you’ll see in the video below, owners of this AI on-vehicle system will be able to store, launch, and operate a DJI drone from the comfy confines of their BYD electric vehicle.From the looks of the video, DJI is pairing a DJI Air 3S drone with a small drone hangar situated on top of the BYD vehicle that features a rising platform to help launch, capture, and store the DJI drone.
05/03/2025
Apple’s New M3 Chip-Powered iPad Air is Faster and More Powerful Than Ever Before
The new iPad Air continues this trend, but really speeds things up a bit with its M3 chip, which is set to make the new iPad Air twice as fast as previous M1 models and over three times faster than A14 Bionic models.The New Apple iPad AirWith 8GB of RAM, 1TB of storage, a portable design, all-day battery life, options for either 11” or 13" Liquid Retina Display, and support for optional Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil (USB-C), and Magic Keyboard, this new version of the iPad Air should be a nice option for those wanting to be empowered to be even more productive and creative while on the go.
05/03/2025
What Are the 9 Best Tim Burton Movies?
One of those auteurs is Tim Burton.There are many essays you can learn about storytelling and aesthetics from each.Edward ScissorhandsA poignant and visually stunning fairy tale that contains maybe the best production design I have ever seen.
05/03/2025
The Anatomy of Fear: Tips on Scoring a Body Horror Movie
A new addition to the long list of films in this genre (notable gems worth mentioning are The Fly and The Thing) is Sasha Rainbow’s Grafted, which some critics have compared to Mean Girls and Face/ Off.He also leaned into using organic sources such as vocal/body sounds.Lachlan talks more in-depth about how he crafted the Grafted score below.
04/03/2025
'Severance’ Director Confirms No CGI Was Used for This Oner
In a recent episode, season two episode seven, there was this oner that I attributed to CGI in my mind, but I was shocked to learn it was actually done via practical effects when I read IndieWire. The director of the episode was Jessica Lee Gagné, who has made a name for herself by finding practical ways to do some of the coolest in-camera shots I have ever seen. She serves as the cinematographer for the show but that episode was her first time directing.
04/03/2025
The Best 11 Alfred Hitchcock Movies Ranked
But this is my list of the eleven movies I enjoy the most.For me, I feel like he's in such control of each movie that you just have to give yourself up to the story and let him carry you.And let me know what you think in the comments.
04/03/2025
Is the AgfaPhoto Realimove MC3X Ready to Take on DJI’s Pocket Series Gimbals?
The AgfaPhoto Realimove MC3XTrue 4K Video and 120 Degrees of ShootingAvailable overseas, the AgfaPhoto Realimove MC3X is set to retail at €349.99 (or $363 USD).
04/03/2025
Rob McElhenney Reveals the Secret Rule that Makes 'Always Sunny' Hot
Last week, creator of It's Always Sunny and Mythic Quest, Rob McElhenney, was on, and he dove into a cool rule he uses with creativity that I thought our readers would enjoy.And he called it the secret to Sunny's success.It's called the "Two Against One" rule and says that because they all trust each other implicitly and respect one another.
04/03/2025
Sony Fixes a7 IV Recording Frame Rate Issues With Latest Firmware Update
Sony a7 IV Firmware UpdateSony Firmware Update Version 5.00Sony a7 IV Mirrorless Camera
04/03/2025
A Massive List of Spring 2025 Grants, Labs & Fellowships
Chicken and Egg, this lab is for women and gender-expansive non-fiction filmmakers working on their first or second feature.Deadline: March 4Science in Cinema Filmmaker FellowshipFunded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and administered by SFFilm, this fellowship is awarded to two narrative feature projects each year that explore scientific or technological themes or characters.
04/03/2025
This Popular Canon Power Zoom Gets an Update Videographers Will Love
If you’re a current owner, renter, or interested party in the Canon RF 24-105mm f/2.8L IS USM Z power zoom lens, you’re going to want to check out this latest (version 1.1.0) firmware update.RF 24-105mm f/2.8L IS USM Z Firmware UpdateStill, it’s absolutely worth downloading and updating for anyone who uses the Canon RF 24-105mm f/2.8L IS USM Z Power Zoom lens for their various photo and video projects.
04/03/2025
This $176 Viltrox AF 25mm Lens Is as Tiny as It Is Affordable
All three are set to be offered for Sony E-mount, Nikon Z-Mount, or Fujifilm X-mount cameras, and this latest 25mm version will be the smallest, lightest, and most affordable yet.Viltrox AF 25mm f/1.7 Air LensPrice and AvailabilityThe Viltrox AF 25mm f/1.7 Air Lens is available for preorder now, with units expected to start shipping soon.
04/03/2025
How 'Sunfish (& Other Stories on Green Lake)' Builds Character Through Clothes
Sunfish (& Other Stories on Green Lake) costume designer Ruth Araujo tackled this Sundance movie wanting to layer in all sorts of details in the costumes. It will have its premiere around December of 2025 or January of 2026.RA: I am a very loud advocate of the respect that costume design deserves as a key element to moviemaking.
03/03/2025
New Price Drop Slashes Canon R5 Mark II to Below $4K for the First Time Ever
The Canon EOS R5 Mark IIThe EOS R5 Mark II Mirrorless Camera is a great option for a multimedia professional looking for versatility, image quality, and intelligence.Still, the Canon R5 Mark II is one of the best cameras offered by Canon and one of the best on the market.
03/03/2025
Read and Download the 2025 Academy Award Screenplays
Read and download the official screenplays of the 2025 Academy Award nominees and winners, and witness firsthand the artistry and craft that brought these captivating stories to life.Check them out below. Writing (Adapted Screenplay)A Complete Unknown (Screenplay by James Mangold and Jay Cocks)Conclave (Screenplay by Peter Straughan) (WINNER)Emilia Pérez (Screenplay by Jacques Audiard;
03/03/2025
What Are the Best Genres for Short Films?
So, today, I'm going to go over the best genres for short films. The Magic Genre for Short Films Short Film Genres
03/03/2025
How 'Anora' Won Best Picture and Shocked Us All
Sean Baker and his wife, and producer, Samantha Quan, set out to make a movie inspired by stories Baker heard in the early 2000s about sex workers.Once the movie hit theaters, it became a success.The movie has made $40,989,193 so far in its theatrical run.
03/03/2025
Independent Film Dominated the Oscars. Why?
That is the world of current Hollywood, and it's the main reason we've seen a rise in indie film and indie filmmakers taking Awards season by storm, and picking up most of the statues, including at last night's Academy Awards. Today, I want to go over how indie film, which is in danger of disappearing.I want to talk about how it's been taking awards and why more studios should be paying attention.
03/03/2025
Xiaomi 15 Ultra Smartphone Features Leica Lens for Pro Photo and Video
Xiaomi has unveiled the company’s 15 series smartphones with the new Xiaomi 15 and 15 Ultra models that are being marketed as professional imagery devices with a focus on mobile photography and videography.The Xiaomi 15 UltraThe new Xiaomi 15 is set to release in the UK and Europe starting at a price of 999 euros, while the Xiaomi 15 Ultra will cost 1,499 euros.
03/03/2025
Amazon Captures Bond and a Producer on Producer
Then, filmmaker Elle Roth-Brunet joins the show to talk about her unconventional journey into producing, demystifying indie film financing, and why tough conversations are essential in production.The global market shift that keeps franchise fatigue at bayHow Bond’s new freedom could lure filmmakers like Christopher NolanElle Roth-Brunet’s journey from marketing to film producingThe reality of indie film financing—debt vs. equity vs. deficit financingThe importance of clear producer roles in today’s industrySubscribe to the No Film School Podcast on:Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogleGet your question answered on the podcast by emailing [email protected] to more episodes of the No Film School podcast right here:
03/03/2025
Vimeo Launches its First-Ever Short Film Grant in Partnership with Nikon and RED
So it’s cool to see that Vimeo is partnering with Nikon and RED to launch Vimeo’s first-ever Short Film Grant.Vimeo Short Film Grant Presented by Nikon |Submissions for the Vimeo Short Film Grant presented by Nikon |
03/03/2025
The New Shinobi GO 5” Monitor is a Bright, Budget-Friendly On-Camera Monitor Option
The new Shinobi GO 5” Monitor is set to feature the same 5.2” 1920x1080 resolution display as the Shinobi II, but will come in at a decreased price point.Atomos Shinobi GO 5" Touchscreen HDR Video/Photo MonitorA Bright Display with HDR and LUT Support
03/03/2025
Who Won the 2025 Academy Awards?
Sean Baker gave the speech for the night for Best Director -- go to the movies to support cinema! The 2025 Academy Award WinnersLyric by Clément Ducol, Camille and Jacques Audiard) (WINNER)“The Journey” from The Six Triple Eight (Music and Lyric by Diane Warren)“Like a Bird” from Sing Sing (Music and Lyric by Abraham Alexander and Adrian Quesada)“Mi Camino” from Emilia Pérez (Music and Lyric by Camille and Clément Ducol)“Never Too Late” from Elton John: Never Too Late (Music and Lyric by Elton John, Brandi Carlile, Andrew Watt and Bernie TaupinDocumentary Feature FilmBlack Box Diaries (Shiori Ito, Eric Nyari and Hanna Aqvilin)No Other Land (Basel Adra, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal and Yuval Abraham) (WINNER)Porcelain War (Brendan Bellomo, Slava Leontyev, Aniela Sidorska and Paula DuPre’ Pesmen)Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat (Johan Grimonprez, Daan Milius and Rémi Grellety)Sugarcane (Julian Brave NoiseCat, Emily Kassie and Kellen Quinn)Documentary Short FilmDeath by Numbers (Kim A. Snyder and Janique L. Robillard)I Am Ready, Warden (Smriti Mundhra and Maya Gnyp)Incident (Bill Morrison and Jamie Kalven)Instruments of a Beating Heart (Ema Ryan Yamazaki and Eric Nyari)The Only Girl in the Orchestra (Molly O’Brien and Lisa Remington) (WINNER)International Feature FilmI’m Still Here (Brazil) (WINNER)The Girl With the Needle (Denmark)Emilia Pérez (France)The Seed of the Sacred Fig (Germany)Flow (Latvia)Production DesignThe Brutalist (Production Design: Judy Becker;
03/03/2025
Who Are The 10 Youngest Actors To Be Nominated For Oscars?
Today, I want to introduce you to the 10 youngest actors to be nominated for an Academy Award. Haley Joel Osment, The Sixth Sense (1999)Abigail Breslin, 'Little Miss Sunshine' (2006)
01/03/2025
How Editors Troy Lewis and Adelina Bichiș Used Premiere Pro and Frame.io to Craft Moving Documentary 'Daughters'
This unique fatherhood program in a Washington, D.C. jail is the only time some of the daughters will be able to touch or hug their fathers during their sentences, some of which are as long as 30 years.Editors Troy Lewis and Adelina Bichiș, BFE, used Adobe Premiere Pro to help them bring this emotional film to life by conveying the deeply emotional connections between subjects who spend very little time together, both in real life and on screen.“Daughters” first premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, taking home two awards: Festival Favorite and Audience Choice, U.S. Documentary Competition.
28/02/2025
Why Unsung Heroes Behind the Camera Matter to Below-the-Line Agent Andrew Toth
Andrew Toth is an agent who specializes in getting these people work, and formed the Above Below the Line (ABL Agency) to represent them.No Film School: Andrew, you founded Above Below the Line (ABL) in 2021 with the goal of representing below-the-line talent in a way that hadn’t been done before.Andrew Toth: I have been working in the film industry for over 14 years and have had the opportunity to gain experience in a variety of different crew and production positions.
28/02/2025
What Is the Most Expensive Mistake Filmmakers Make on Their First Movie?
That's why we would recommend not renting the most expensive equipment for your first movie, specifically not the most expensive camera. Work with your DP and rental houses to see what you actually can afford based on what your needs are, not what you want to tell people you shot on.Take your time, work with your crew heads, and be patient.
28/02/2025
Who Are the 9 Actors With the Most Oscar Nominations?
Over the history of the Academy Awards, we've had a few actors who have soared above the rest and collected lots of nominations. Their work has been heralded and seen by millions if not billions, but today, I wanted to shine a light on them for their individual achievements. Let me know what you think in the comments.
28/02/2025
DJI Flip vs Mini 4 Pro: Which is the Better Budget Drone for Filmmakers?
The DJI Flip vs DJI Mini 4 ProThe most affordable model of the DJI Flip currently retails for $439, while the more affordable kit for the DJI Mini 4 Pro is currently at $759.DJI Mini 4 ProFlight safety is really the name of the game for the DJI Mini 4 Pro as this drone features some significant upgrades that have been made to both vision sensing and transmission range compared to the last generation.
28/02/2025
Sundance 2025: Bringing 'The Librarians' to the Big Screen with Premiere Pro and After Effects
The bravery of the librarians is at the heart of the film, exploring their efforts and determination to protect children’s rights to access books that educate and empower.Read on for an inside look at editing The Librarians.My advice for Premiere is the same for all the NLEs I’ve worked with, and it's to build your project in a clean and organized way!
28/02/2025
Rumors Suggest Canon Might Announce a PowerShot V3 in 2025
The V1 is set to get its global debut in March, with many expecting shipments to not come to the United States until April.Yet, rumors abound about a Canon PowerShot V3 coming out possibly sooner rather than later in 2025.This Canon PowerShot V3 could be positioned as a superzoom model—yet will likely feature the same 1.4-inch sensor as the PowerShot V1.
28/02/2025
Oscars 2025: We Rank The 10 Best Picture Nominees
This year, I was able to plow through all the Best Picture nominees in short order, and I have to say, I was impressed.The BrutalistDirector: Brady CorbetWritten by: Brady Corbet, Mona Fastvold. Cast: Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, Guy Pearce, Joe AlwynA brilliant entry into the annals of epic filmmaking.Summing Up the 2025 Best Picture Nominees The Academy Awards are so much fun.
28/02/2025
OWC Atlas Ultra CFexpress Cards Approved for Blackmagic PYXIS and URSA
Other World Computing (OWC) has announced that its Atlas Ultra CFexpress Type B memory cards have been approved for use with some of Blackmagic’s powerful new cinema cameras.Namely, the PYXIS 6K and the URSA Cine from Blackmagic Design are getting these new cards approved for use with them, a good sign for a strong market and more options for cinematographers, solo videographers, and small crews using these cameras.The Atlas Ultra CFexpress 4.0 Type B Memory Card from OWC takes advantage of the PCIe bus to support high-bit rate raw video up to 8K, high-resolution raw and JPEG images, and continuous shutter bursts.
28/02/2025
The DJI Dock 3 is Basically a 'Drone in a Box' for Vehicle Mounting
Designed to feature high-performance DJI Matrice 4D/4TD drones, the new DJI Dock 3 is set to be the company’s first “drone in a box” solution that supports vehicle mounting.The DJI Dock 3 will be a powerful full tool with 24/7 remote operations for various environments and will easily meet the needs for public safety, emergency response, and infrastructure inspection.The DJI Dock 3 can operate and charge seamlessly in extreme temperatures up to 50°C (122°F) and as low as -30°C (-22°F) when pre-heated.
28/02/2025
How Digital Media Is Changing The Way We Tell Stories
Well, I got into this conversation recently with Steven Yee, the EP and Founder of Wood Island Media, a production company with over 10 years of experience, offering a wide range of digital media services in Los Angeles.No Film School: You’ve been at the forefront of the digital media revolution, starting with one of YouTube’s first premium channels, DanceOn.NFS: You’ve been dedicated to elevating minority voices and empowering young filmmakers through Wood Island Media’s grant program.
28/02/2025
Which DJI Enterprise Drone Has the Best Zoom?
In a recent video post that’s gone viral, a user has shared a comparison between three of DJI’s top-of-the-line Enterprise drones and their zoom capabilities.These DJI Enterprise drones—the Mavic 3T, the Matrice 4T, and the Matrice 30T—are all highly capable professional drones that are great options for all types of land, conservation, and construction industries for a reason.As an option designed for commercial and first responder use in harsh conditions, the Matrice 30T Enterprise Drone from DJI can withstand water, dirt, dust, wind, and extreme temperatures from -4° up to 122°F.
28/02/2025
Screenwriting Character Prompts to Jumpstart Your Ideation
So, I wanted to make some character prompts that can shake up your routine and get you back to writing your best work. I refined some prompts you can use to get these characters out of your head and onto the screen.I made this list of prompts to help you get started.
27/02/2025
Watch Quentin Tarantino Gush over 'There Will Be Blood' for 10 Minutes
I couldn't find the direct source for the quotes, but I wanted to share them here because I think it's so powerful to hear one of the greatest filmmakers of all time talking about a movie he loves that was made by someone else. There's a sense of camaraderie here that we should all emulate. There's a playfulness here that Tarantino admits brings out the best in himself and in the movies he's making.
27/02/2025
Fujifilm's X and GFX Series Cams Get a Ton of New Updates
But, perhaps more notably for right now at least, Fujifilm has just dropped a huge bundle of firmware updates set to hit a wide range of the company’s X-series and GFX-series cameras.The updates will bring some new features, functions, and improvements to Fuji cameras, including the X-T5, X100VI, X-H2, X-H2S, X-T50, X-M5, GFX100S, and GFX100.Here’s the full list of updates, along with links to download the latest firmware versions for each.
27/02/2025
What Are The Best Gene Hackman Movies of All Time?
Hackman won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for this role.Hackman won an Academy Award for Best Actor for this role.Summing Up the Best Gene Hackman MoviesThese are some of my favorite Hackman movies, but I know you probably have ones you love, as well.
27/02/2025
Here’s What the First Hands-On Reviews of the Canon PowerShot V1 Reveal
Not to knock these two aspects at all, but in fact, with recent advancements in camera technology, there are many examples of point-and-shoot and lower-end mirrorless cameras that are amazingly capable of photo and video capture and recording.The latest example of what might end up being one of the best—if not at least just the most popular—point-and-shoot cameras in this space is the recently announced Canon PowerShot V1.Let’s take a look at this exciting new Canon camera and see what the first hands-on reviews are saying about its hybrid photo and video capabilities.
27/02/2025
Paramount Might Dump DEI After Trump Initiatives
Well, under the new Trump administration, the dismantling of DEI is one of his priorities. Trump has instructed the U.S. Attorney General and heads of his agencies to “encourage the private sector to end illegal discrimination and preferences, including DEI.”This memo was obtained by Variety, which reports that the memo said the company will "no longer set or use aspirational numerical goals related to the race, ethnicity, sex or gender of hires.”
27/02/2025
Nikon Z6III and Z8 to Get New Shutter Angle Mode
Nikon Z6III Firmware Version 1.10Nikon Z8 Firmware Version 2.10Similar to the Z6III updates, the Z8 will get the following additions with firmware update version 2.10.
27/02/2025
Our 2025 Oscars Best Actor Prediction
Who's Nominated for the 2025 Best Actor Oscar?In the Best Actor race, we have five names of people who were in some of my favorite movies this year.Adrien Brody, The Brutalist Brody has won before, for The Pianist.
27/02/2025
How ‘The Substance’ Editor Trimmed the Fat of the Hit Body Horror Flick
In this episode of No Film School, GG Hawkins sits down with Jérôme Eltabet, the editor of the Oscar-nominated body horror film The Substance.Jérôme shares his journey from assistant director to editor, detailing his work with director Coralie Fargeat to bring The Substance to life.Listen to more episodes of the No Film School podcast right here:
27/02/2025
The Secret Weapons I Used to Get My Film 'Blow up My Life' Made
Back in October 2020, at the height of the pandemic, Ryan Dickie and I co-directed the feature film Blow Up My Life, a comedy-thriller about a reluctant opioid whistleblower on the run, starring Jason Selvig and Tony-Winner Kara Young.The film played in theaters in fall 2023 and is now available on AppleTV, Amazon, and Tubi.for our shooting budget of $90K.
26/02/2025
The Delicate Musical Dance That Captured the Essence of 'The Performance'
That's what composer Lucas Lechowski achieves with this work. His journey into composition led him to the world of theatre and film, where he has scored over 50 projects, spanning feature films, television series, documentaries, and theatre productions.I was excited to sit down with Lucas Lechowski and talk about his work on the new movie, The Performance.
26/02/2025
What is Internal Conflict? (With Examples)
There are two different kinds of conflict in storytelling: internal and external.I think internal conflict makes characters more relatable.Now that you understand internal conflict, it's time to put it into your writing.
26/02/2025
What is External Conflict? (With Examples)
There are two different kinds of conflict in storytelling: internal and external.I want to go over the definition, look at some examples, and extrapolate how it can be used in your writing. The Kinds of External Conflict
26/02/2025
What is a Slugline?
Right at the beginning of every scene is a thing called a "slugline".When you say the time of day, you don't need to be a clock.Bold Sluglines In my opinion, you should put all your sluglines in bold font.
26/02/2025
Blackmagic Desktop Video Adds Native Apple Silicon Support on Media Composer
This new update—version 14.5—is set to add native Apple Silicon support on Media Composer, plus some other new HDR playback support on DeckLink and UltraStudio models using the latest versions of Adobe After Effects.Update Media Composer plugin to support Apple Silicon natively.Add support for HDR playback from Adobe After Effect 25 Beta.
26/02/2025
Sony Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras Get New Ultrawide Prime
Sony has dropped a couple of new lenses today, including a nice and compact ultrawide prime with the new FE 16mm f/1.8 G.The Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 GThe Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G is available for preorder starting on February 27th at 9:00 am ET.
26/02/2025
Predict the Oscars and Win a Month of Black List Hosting and Evaluation
The Black List is doing an Oscar prediction pool hosted on ESPN.The winner of the pool gets a free month of hosting and a free professional evaluation of their screenplay.We reviewed The Black List's services in our post on paid screenplay coverage.
26/02/2025
Read and Download John August Screenplays
For aspiring screenwriters, seasoned professionals, and film enthusiasts alike, diving into his work is an invaluable learning experience. So, we put a collection of his work below for you to read and learn from.Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle (2000)Screenplay by John August and Ed Solomon Read the screenplay!
26/02/2025
DJI Osmo Mobile 7 vs Mobile SE: Which Reigns Supreme?
Let’s look at two of the top options currently being offered by DJI as we compare and contrast the DJI Osmo Mobile 7 against the DJI Osmo Mobile SE to see which might be the better option for all of your smartphone filmmaking projects.The DJI Osmo Mobile 7 is currently retailing at $89 while the DJI Osmo Mobile SE currently costs $69—a difference of a whopping $20.The DJI Osmo Mobile SE Smartphone Gimbal can accept loads up to 10.2 oz. Included with the gimbal are a grip tripod, power cable, and storage pouch for taking the gimbal on the go.
26/02/2025
Sony Unveils Its Furthest Reaching Lens to Date With This Insanely Long Super Telephoto
Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS LensSony further reports that the lens will feature some nice internal zoom for improved functionality as well as dual linear motors for smoother, quicker AF performance.The Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Lens will be available for preorder starting February 27th at 9:00 am ET.
26/02/2025
How Punk Rock Shaped 'Riff Raff' Director Dito Montiel's Filmmaking Style
The film, starring Bill Murray, Jennifer Coolidge, Ed Harris, Gabrielle Union, and Pete Davidson, is a story about how there's no such thing as the perfect life, how pasts always catch up to those they chase, and how family can (and almost always will) give you a reason to live and die.I chatted with the film's director, Dito Montiel, who made his mark with his autobiographical indie drama A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints, about his work on Riff Raff and quickly discovered the influence his hardcore punk rock past had on his approach to filmmaking.I got kicked out of high school.
26/02/2025
How 'Star Wars' Changed Cinematography
Today, I want to focus on cinematography.So, join me as we dive into how the behemoth of the Star Wars universe continues to alter our perception of cinematography and to challenge DPs who step in and out of the universe.The Cinematography of 'Star Wars'
26/02/2025
What is a Tragic Hero in Screenwriting (with Examples)
We'll define them, add some examples, and look at how you can find your own transformative arc for your screenplay.Get to know them and their hopes and dreams.Summing Up The Tragic Hero in Screenwriting Now that you know all about tragic heroes, it's time for you to try to write them yourself.
26/02/2025
Perfecting Balance Between Humor and Death in Editing of 'No Good Deed'
Liz Feldman previously created Dead to Me, another comedy circling around death, on which she and editor Nicole Brik first worked together and established shorthand that led to their incredible collaboration on No Good Deed on which Nicole edited the majority of episodes. Nicole Brik: Yes, I have worked with Liz on all 3 seasons of Dead to Me.I learned about No Good Deed when we were working on the third season of Dead to Me.
25/02/2025
7 Best Stephen King Movie Adaptations
King is one of the best-selling authors of all time, so many of his books have been adapted into film and TV. Today, I wanted to list my favorite Stephen King movie adaptations for you to check out. Summing Up The Best Stephen King Films
25/02/2025
Where to Watch The 2025 Oscar Nominated Movies
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are contenders to take home the golden statuette for actress in a leading role and actress in a supporting role, respectively.This film will stream on Hulu beginning March 17.Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowlon NetflixDirectors: Nick Park, Merlin CrossinghamAnother movie where a sequel could win for Best Animated Feature.
25/02/2025
Technicolor Will Shut Down Without New Investors
Technicolor is in danger of closing its doors.They're actively still working on movies like Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning and Lilo & Stitch. Due to inability to find new investors for the full Group, despite extensive efforts, Technicolor Group has filed for Court “recovery procedure” before the French Court of Justice to give a chance to enable to find solutions.
25/02/2025
Manfrotto Unveils New Tripod Systems With Expanded Precision and Versatility
To look at the last example here a bit more, may we present the new Manfrotto 055 and 190 ARCA-Swiss and fluid head systems as great options to consider to make your production life easier.The system should be quite versatile too with a maximum height of 71.5", and a minimum height of 3.9", and will feature a new stealth black, 4-section leg design, making it ideal for both advanced and enthusiast photographers and videographers alike.055XPRO 4-Section Carbon Fiber TripodXPRO Ball Head Included33.1 lb Payload CapacityArca-Compatible Quick Release System71.5" Maximum Working Height3.9" Minimum Working Range25.6" Folded LengthManfrotto 055XPRO 4-Section Photo AS Carbon Fiber Tripod KitThe 055XPRO 4-Section Photo AS Carbon Fiber Tripod Kit from Manfrotto includes an XPRO ball head and offers a payload capacity of up to 33.1 lb.
25/02/2025
New ZEISS High-End Otus ML Lens Series Kicks Off With 50mm and 85mm Options
ZEISS Otus ML Lens SeriesThe ZEISS Otus ML 50mm is available for pre-order and is expected to start shipping here soon.Also available in Canon RF, Nikon Z, and Sony E mounts, the ZEISS Otus ML 85mm f/1.4 is available for pre-order and is expected to start shipping here soon as well.
25/02/2025
Panasonic’s New Lumix S1R II is a Full-Frame Powerhouse with 8K 10-bit Video
With a 44.3MP full-frame sensor capable of 8K 10-bit video recording, it’s going to turn some heads too.The Panasonic Lumix S1R II Mirrorless CameraThe Lumix S1R II will feature 8K resolution, advanced color science, and RAW recording.
25/02/2025
Musicbed's Annual 30-Day Short-Film Competition, Musicbed Challenge, Is Officially Underway!
It's an annual 30-day short-film competition designed to inspire filmmakers and help them break through creative constraints by submitting an original Narrative, Spec Ad, or Documentary.The top-scoring submissions in each category (and the crowd-favorite People’s Choice) will win their share of over $100K in grants and gear, along with feedback from Musicbed’s panel of industry-leading judges.Voting for People's Choice runs from April 4 until April 11.
25/02/2025
Sean Baker Highlights Indie Film Struggles in His Spirit Awards Speech
Baker is a staunch advocate for indie film, and he used his biggest platform possible, his speech at the Independent Spirit Awards, to highlight some of the struggles indie film and filmmakers are facing. Sean Baker's Independent Spirit Awards Speech This is incredible.Indie film is struggling right now more than ever.
24/02/2025
Spike Lee Says These Two Movies Reveal the American Media's Underbelly
The auteur recently chatted with Ben Mankiewicz on the TCM show, Two For One, about Ace in the Hole and A Face in the Crowd, two films Lee believes truly reveal how American media and politics work behind the scenes.They did so while talking about two films I really love, A Face in the Crowd and Ace in the Hole, which show the underbelly of America.Spike believes that these films are still relevant today because they show how the media can be used to manipulate the public.
24/02/2025
Martin Scorsese on Why Classic Movies Are So Important To Him
In it, Scorsese tackled the topics of old movies, his early film experiences, and working with De Niro, among many other things. The Martin Scorsese Interview is All Encompassing Inside the chat, I really loved Scorsese championing classic films, and why they're so important for filmmakers to watch.
24/02/2025
This Is When All Sigma I Series Lenses Will Be Released
Sigma has just released a launch schedule for the company’s I Series lenses that will kick off here in April 2025.The renewed I Series lenses will get an additional color variation for L-mount lenses and will feature a slight name change as well.In addition to the existing black models which you might have seen already, Sigma has shared that brand new silver models will be added to the lineup for all nine I series L-Mount lenses.
24/02/2025
Our 2025 Oscars Best Director Prediction
But when it comes to the best director, it's a toss-up in my mind.But given the way the DGA voted, I think my money is on Sean Baker to take home the statue.Let me know what you think in the comments.
24/02/2025
Will the Canon PowerShot V1 Be the New King of Point-and-Shoot Cameras?
This compact digital camera, like its competition, has been designed for vloggers and content creators of all types and is set to deliver some of the best specs Canon has to offer for a camera of this size and price point.Set to feature a 1.4-type CMOS sensor and offer a 16-50mm equivalent zoom lens, and 10-bit 4K 30p video that utilizes the full sensor width, the PowerShot V1 is going to be popular with a specific genre of creators. The Canon PowerShot V1
24/02/2025
The 2025 SAG Winners Shake Up The Oscar Race
The 2025 SAG Awards streamed on Netflix last night and were a pretty fun watch.Not only did they clock in at a little over two hours, but they had a hilarious song, some unscripted mic moments, and an inspiring speech from Jane Fonda.The 2025 SAG Winners The winners are in bold.
24/02/2025
Sigma Announces World’s First 18.8x Mirrorless Zoom Lens
The Sigma 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary LensThe lens also features advanced optical stabilization, fast HLA autofocus, and impressive close-up capabilities that should help ensure sharp, detailed images across all focal lengths.Versatile 18.8x Zoom with Macro Capabilities
24/02/2025
Check Out The Lookbook for 'The Substance'
This week, executive producer Alexandra Loewy was on the Hollywood Gold podcast, where she talked about the making of the 2025 Oscar-nominated horror film, The Substance. Inside the pod, it was revealed that writer/director Coralie Fargeat spent two years writing an incredibly detailed script as well as an 80-page lookbook with striking visual references. You can read The Substance screenplay here.
24/02/2025
Check Out Sigma’s New Brand Identity
The new Sigma visual identity is meant to reflect the company’s unwavering commitment to supporting this pursuit through exceptional craftsmanship and creativity.Made in Aizu, JapanWith the launch of our new visual identity, Sigma is also introducing Art Projects, a new initiative in which Sigma will collaborate with artists to produce and share their work.
24/02/2025
The New Sigma BF Mirrorless Camera Features 6K Video and Only 3 Buttons
Featuring a 24.6MP full-frame sensor, the crux of the new Sigma BF is its emphasis on ease of use.Yet, with an L-mount, hybrid-AF body, and capabilities to record 6K video, it’s also quite capable.The BF will feature just three buttons: a dial, a shutter release, and a power button.
24/02/2025
Who Won the 2025 Indie Spirit Awards?
Some of the year's best movies were made as indies, and some of the hidden gems were nominated for Indie Spirit Awards.I love the Spirit Awards; it's a dream to go to them someday.The 2025 Indie Spirit Award WinnersBest FeatureAnora (WINNER)Producers: Sean Baker, Alex Coco, Samantha QuanI Saw the TV GlowProducers: Ali Herting, Luca Intili, Dave McCary, Emma Stone, Sarah WinshallNickel BoysProducers: Joslyn Barnes, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, David LevineSing SingProducers: Clint Bentley, Greg Kwedar, Monique WaltonThe SubstanceProducers: Tim Bevan, Coralie Fargeat, Eric FellnerBest First FeatureDìdi (WINNER)Director/Producer: Sean WangProducers: Valerie Bush, Carlos López Estrada, Josh PetersIn the SummersDirector: Alessandra Lacorazza SamudioProducers: Janek Ambros, Lynette Coll, Alexander Dinelaris, Cynthia Fernandez De La Cruz, Cristóbal Güell, Sergio Alberto Lira, Rob Quadrino, Jan Suter, Daniel Tantalean, Nando Vila, Slava Vladimirov, Stephanie YankwittJanet PlanetDirector/Producer: Annie BakerProducers: Andrew Goldman, Dan Janvey, Derrick TsengThe Piano LessonDirector: Malcolm WashingtonProducers: Todd Black, Denzel WashingtonProblemistaDirector/Producer: Julio TorresProducers: Ali Herting, Dave McCary, Emma StoneJohn Cassavetes AwardGiven to the best feature made for under $1,000,000Big BoysWriter/Director/Producer: Corey ShermanProducer: Allison TateGhostlightWriter/Director: Kelly O’SullivanDirector/Producer: Alex ThompsonProducers: Pierce Cravens, Ian Keiser, Chelsea Krant, Eddie Linker, Alex WilsonGirls Will Be Girls (WINNER)Writer/Director/Producer: Shuchi TalatiProducers: Richa Chadha, Claire ChassagneJazzyWriter/Director/Producer: Morrisa MaltzWriter/Producer: Lainey ShangreauxWriters: Andrew Hajek, Vanara TaingProducers: Miranda Bailey, Tommy Heitkamp, John Way, Natalie Whalen, Elliott WhittonThe People’s JokerWriter/Director: Vera DrewWriter: Bri LeRoseProducer: Joey LyonsBest DirectorAli Abbasi - The ApprenticeSean Baker (WINNER) - AnoraBrady Corbet -The BrutalistAlonso Ruizpalacios - La CocinaJane Schoenbrun - I Saw the TV GlowBest ScreenplayScott Beck, Bryan Woods - HereticJesse Eisenberg (WINNER) - A Real PainMegan Park - My Old AssAaron Schimberg - A Different ManJane Schoenbrun - I Saw the TV GlowBest First ScreenplayJoanna Arnow - The Feeling That the Time for Doing Something Has PassedAnnie Baker - Janet PlanetIndia Donaldson - Good OneJulio Torres - ProblemistaSean Wang (WINNER) - DìdiBest Lead PerformanceAmy Adams - NightbitchRyan Destiny - The Fire InsideColman Domingo - Sing SingKeith Kupferer - GhostlightMikey Madison (WINNER) - AnoraDemi Moore -The SubstanceHunter Schafer - CuckooJustice Smith - I Saw the TV GlowJune Squibb - ThelmaSebastian Stan - The ApprenticeBest Supporting PerformanceYura Borisov - AnoraJoan Chen - DìdiKieran Culkin (WINNER) - A Real PainDanielle Deadwyler - The Piano LessonCarol Kane - Between the TemplesKarren Karagulian - AnoraKani Kusruti - Girls Will Be GirlsBrigette Lundy-Paine - I Saw the TV GlowClarence “Divine Eye” Maclin - Sing SingAdam Pearson - A Different ManBest Breakthrough PerformanceIsaac Krasner - Big BoysKaty O’Brian - Love Lies BleedingMason Alexander Park - National AnthemRené Pérez Joglar - In the SummersMaisy Stella (WINNER) - My Old AssBest CinematographyDinh Duy Hung - Inside the Yellow Cocoon ShellJomo Fray (WINNER) - Nickel BoysMaria von Hausswolff - Janet PlanetJuan Pablo Ramírez - La CocinaRina Yang - The Fire InsideBest EditingLaura Colwell, Vanara Taing - JazzyOlivier Bugge Coutté, Olivia Neergaard-Holm - The ApprenticeAnne McCabe - NightbitchHansjörg Weissbrich (WINNER) - September 5Arielle Zakowski - DìdiRobert Altman AwardHis Three Daughters (WINNER)Director: Azazel JacobsCasting Director: Nicole ArbustoEnsemble Cast: Jovan Adepo, Jasmine Bracey, Carrie Coon, Jose Febus, Rudy Galvan, Natasha Lyonne, Elizabeth Olsen, Randy Ramos Jr., Jay O. SandersBest DocumentaryGaucho GauchoDirectors/Producers: Michael Dweck, Gregory KershawProducers: Christos Konstantakopoulos, Cameron O’Reilly, Matthew PerniciaroHummingbirdsDirectors: Silvia Del Carmen Castaños, Estefanía “Beba” ContrerasCo-Directors/Producers: Miguel Drake-McLaughlin, Diane Ng, Ana Rodriguez-Falco, Jillian SchlesingerProducers: Leslie Benavides, Rivkah Beth MedowNo Other Land (WINNER)Directors/Producers: Yuval Abraham, Basel Adra, Hamdan Ballal, Rachel SzorProducers: Fabien Greenberg, Bård Kjøge RønningPatrice: The MovieDirector: Ted PassonProducers: Kyla Harris, Innbo Shim, Emily SpivackSoundtrack to a Coup d’EtatDirector: Johan GrimonprezProducers: Rémi Grellety, Daan MiliusBest International FilmAll We Imagine as LightFrance, India, Netherlands, LuxembourgDirector: Payal KapadiaBlack DogChinaDirector: Guan HuFlow (WINNER)Latvia, France, BelgiumDirector: Gints ZilbalodisGreen BorderPoland, France, Czech Republic, BelgiumDirector: Agnieszka HollandHard TruthsUnited KingdomDirector: Mike LeighProducers AwardThe Producers Award, presented by Bulleit Frontier Whiskey, now in its 28th year, honors emerging producers who, despite highly limited resources, demonstrate the creativity, tenacity, and vision required to produce quality independent films.
23/02/2025
The Substance Ending Explained: More Than Just Goo
Maybe that's why the 2024 body horror film The Substance hit me too hard. The movie explores themes of aging, beauty standards, and the dark side of wanting a "better" version of yourself.The film features extensive use of practical effects and prosthetic makeup to create disturbing visuals that will stick with you long after it fades out.
22/02/2025
This 30-Minute Oner Short Played Sundance & Slamdance
In this episode of No Film School, GG Hawkins sits down with Erin Brown Thomas, the director of Chasers, a 30-minute single-take short that played both Sundance and Slamdance 2025.Erin shares how she navigated festival promotion, the complexities of grassroots outreach, and why personalized marketing is critical for indie filmmakers.Listen to more episodes of the No Film School podcast right here:
22/02/2025
Every James Bond Movie Ever, Ranked
It's Pierce Brosnan's debut as Bond.Summing Up That's my ranking of the James Bond movies.Let me know what you think in the comments.
22/02/2025
Aputure's Popular STORM and MC Pro Lights Get User-Requested Fixes
To that end, Aputure is doing well on its promise of excellence by releasing some notable firmware updates to several of its products.These firmware updates will add some new controls and rectify certain light behaviors.Let’s look at everything new set to come to the STORM 80c, 1000c, and 1200x, as well as the MC Pro lights with these latest firmware updates.
21/02/2025
Read and Download These UFO Movie Scripts
Between all the people testifying in front of Congress on them and all the declassified documents, I think it's time we talk about UFO movies and read some of the best scripts.From classic alien invasion tales to more nuanced explorations of the unknown, these scripts offer a unique perspective on our fascination with what might be lurking in the vast expanse of space. UFO Movie Script PDFs Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977): This classic film, written and directed by Steven Spielberg, tells the story of several people who experience UFO sightings and eventually come together to witness a massive alien spacecraft.
21/02/2025
DJI Mini 3 vs Mini 3 Pro: Which is the Better Drone for Aerial Videography?
If you are considering which drone is right for you, let’s help by going over some of the specs, prices, and pros and cons of two historically popular options.The DJI Mini 3 Drone also features true vertical shooting, which is a feature that lets you rotate the gimbal 90° to film vertical shots that can be immediately shared on social media platforms.Like the Mini 2 before it, the Mini 3 captures stunning videos in 4K HDR, uses OcuSync 2.0 for a transmission range of up to 6.2 miles, and includes a host of automated functions to make piloting easier.
21/02/2025
Follow This Checklist Before You Query With Your Script
That's why I created a checklist that I try to follow before I share my screenplay with anyone.Your script is everything.Even a dumb email you send to someone will be overlooked if the script is solid.
21/02/2025
Upgrade Your ARRI ALEXA 35 Color Control With FilmConvert’s CineMatch and Nitrate
The company has just announced that CineMatch and the film simulation plug-in Nitrate are both set to add compatibility with the ARRI ALEXA 35.FilmConvert CineMatch and NitrateThe first tool to get this compatibility update is FilmConvert’s CineMatch.
21/02/2025
iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16: Which is Better for the Modern Smartphone Filmmaker?
Let’s compare and contrast the pros and cons of the iPhone 16E versus the iPhone 16 to see which might be better for the modern smartphone filmmaker.Both models will include the same USB-C port, and neither will have a headphone jack.The iPhone 16E does excel over its 16 counterpart with up to 26 hours of video playback with its battery life, up from the 21 hours that the iPhone 16 model can offer.
21/02/2025
How 'Watchmen: The Animated Series' Composer Tim Kelly Honors the Legacy of The Book
The composer on the project is Tim Kelly, who is known for his work across various genres.NO FILM SCHOOL: Tim, you’ve described your work on Watchmen as an opportunity to create something that honors the legacy of the comic while introducing fresh elements.this music would be a fresh take on Watchmen scoring in our production.
21/02/2025
What is Tweening in Animation?
That includes tweening, an editing technique that I just learned about today.This makes the animated motion look seamless because the in-between frames fill in the gaps.Including adding a few new categories of tweening to animation.
21/02/2025
Leica Redesigns a Classic Look With New Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 Lens
That’s the case with the new Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 Lens, which combines a timeless vintage appearance with an optical redesign.The Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 LensThe Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 Lens is available for pre-order, with orders expected to start shipping soon.
21/02/2025
What is a Rim Light in 3-Point Lighting?
But what is a rim light, and how do you use it effectively?What is a Rim Light?Now that you know what a rim light is, you can use it in your own work to highlight and give depth.
20/02/2025
Deconstructing The Ketchup Bottle Twist in 'Goodfellas'
Why does De Niro's character spin the ketchup bottle between his hands? Don't remember the scene? Well, I absolutely love the movie Goodfellas and think it's one of Martin Scorsese's best works.
20/02/2025
New Update Makes Popular Tamron Lens More Powerful for Sony Shooters
Let’s look at a firmware update ver. 5 coming to the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD for Sony E-mount and how it's enhancing AF performance and support for continuous shooting with the Sony a9 III.Tamron Lens Firmware UpdateTamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD Lens
20/02/2025
Read and Download Robert Eggers Screenplays
In his films The Witch, The Lighthouse, and The Northman, he has crafted a unique blend of historical detail, atmospheric horror, and compelling storytelling.Now, you can delve into the creative process behind these movies by reading and downloading Robert Eggers' screenplays.Explore the intricate language, vivid imagery, and meticulous research that bring his cinematic worlds to life.
20/02/2025
Light Up Big Scenes in All Weather With These Godox KNOWLED LED Light Panels
The Godox KNOWLED P1200R Hard PRO and the P600R Hard PRO KNOWLED are two full-color LED light panels that promise to bring big lighting with ease in any situation or weather.Godox KNOWLED P1200R Hard Pro RGB LED Light PanelBoth the P1200R Hard PRO and the smaller P600R Hard PRO LED light panels are available for pre-order now.
20/02/2025
ScreenCraft, The Script Lab, and WeScreenplay Are Shutting Down
Screenwriters who have been using sites like ScreenCraft, The ScriptLab, and WeScreenplay for paid coverage services will have to look elsewhere. These websites announced this past week that they were shutting down, with all of them being gone by March. These companies are part of Industry Arts, which owns Coverfly, Final Draft, Tracking Board, and Launch Pad.
20/02/2025
MGM Amazon Gains Total Control of the 'James Bond' Franchise
When Amazon bought MGM, there was a question of who would make the creative decisions moving forward.Producers Broccoli and Wilson are co-owners of the franchise, but under a new agreement with MGM Amazon, they have relinquished control to the studio. “With my 007 career spanning nearly 60 incredible years, I am stepping back from producing the James Bond films to focus on art and charitable projects.
20/02/2025
The DJI RS 4 Mini is Here With Upgraded Intelligence and Stabilization
This RS 4 Mini version looks to be quite compact lightweight, yet functional enough to support payloads of up to 4.4 lbs.The DJI RS 4 Mini Gimbal StabilizerAs a single-grip gimbal system, this new version uses the DJI RS stabilization algorithm for enhanced performance, which can now capture smooth video for up to 13 hours thanks to the built-in 3100mAh battery.
20/02/2025
The DJI RS 4 Mini is Here With Upgraded Intelligence and Stabilization
This RS 4 Mini version looks to be quite compact lightweight, yet functional enough to support payloads of up to 4.4 lbs.The DJI RS 4 Mini Gimbal StabilizerAs a single-grip gimbal system, this new version uses the DJI RS stabilization algorithm for enhanced performance, which can now capture smooth video for up to 13 hours thanks to the built-in 3100mAh battery.
20/02/2025
How a First-Time Director Captured Her Family’s Holocaust Story
My first principal photography shoot was a whopper.I’m not religious, but my birth grandmother, Lina, who was murdered at Auschwitz in 1943, was.We had our world premiere at The Heartland International Film Festival on October 8th, 2023, and our international premiere at the House of Tolerance Film Festival in Ljubljana Slovenia in 2024.
19/02/2025
11 Best Steven Spielberg Movies
Today, I'm going to rank my personal favorite Spielberg movies. Tom Hanks delivers a memorable performance as well.Summing Up The 11 Best Steven Spielberg MoviesThose are the Spielberg movies I love the most, but it was so hard putting them in any kind of order. and I think this order may change all the time.
19/02/2025
How Hollywood is Betting On Blockbusters to Save Cinemas
But in the last few years, cinemas all over have struggled.2025 has a lot riding on it for Hollywood and for cinema owners.In order to ensure this is a good year, Hollywood is betting on blockbusters.
19/02/2025
Amplifying Tension in Every Scene With 'A Hard Place' Director J. Horton
I was excited to sit down with him to talk about his latest feature, A Hard Place, which amps up the scares and the gore. A Hard Place was the second, and Apex Predator’s Club will be the final chapter.Beyond that, talk about the film on social media.
19/02/2025
What is Melodrama: Definition & Examples in Literature & Film
We'll go over the definition, examples, and characteristics.Melodrama Characteristics In order to identify if you're watching or reading a melodrama, you should be on the lookout for some of the key characteristics of the genre...Like many of our favorite kinds of movies and TV, melodrama came from literature.
19/02/2025
Why Did Apple Drop MagSafe From the New iPhone 16E?
There have been concerns about what the new iPhone 16E does not include.Most notably, the iPhone 16E is set to be the first iPhone since the iPhone 11 line to not include MagSafe technology.It’s worth noting, though, that while the iPhone 16E model doesn’t include MagSafe, the version still features standard Qi wireless charging up to 7.5W.
19/02/2025
DJI RS 3 Gimbal Stabilizer Combo is Now Only $399
DJI has just announced a pretty significant price cut to the RS 3 Gimbal Stabilizer Combo, which will see a discount of over $200.DJI RS 3 Gimbal Stabilizer ComboThe price of the DJI RS 3 Gimbal Stabilizer Combo was over $600 before, but it has now been slashed to just under $400.
19/02/2025
Insta360 Flow 2 Pro Expands Access to Android Phones with New AI Tracker Add-On
Insta360 has announced that the Flow 2 Pro will be expanding access to Android users with the company’s new AI Tracker add-on.The Insta360 Flow 2 Pro AI TrackerThe Insta360 Flow 2 Pro AI Tracker is available now either as a stand-alone add-on for the Flow 2 Pro for $39 or as part of a new AI Tracker Bundle for $179.
19/02/2025
New iPhone 16E Gets Smarter, Cheaper, and a Redesigned 48MP Fusion Camera
In fact, the top headlines for the new iPhone 16E have nothing to do with the camera or filmmaking specs at all.The new iPhone 16E is all about its Apple Intelligence, its latest-generation chip, and its price point.Being reported as Apple’s cheapest iPhone yet (or at least in quite some time at launch), the iPhone 16E is going to be available for preorder at $599 starting tomorrow, with shipments expected to start on February 28th.
19/02/2025
How HBO's 'The Pitt' Captures the Chaos of Working in the ER
The unique format of the show allows a fresh insight into the chaotic nature of working in emergency medicine.With 15 episodes the show is also the longest TV season ever made for streaming.In a conversation with us, Johanna shares how she lit the space with long 360-degree takes, why she tested over 100 shades of white for the walls, and the challenges of prepping all 15 episodes.
18/02/2025
Screenwriter vs. Scriptwriter: Is There a Difference?
So, today, I want to go over the minuscule differences between the two terms.A screenwriter is a person who writes the story and dialogue for a movie or TV show.and being a scriptwriter is great, too.
18/02/2025
What is a Microphone Pop Filter?
What is a microphone pop filter, and how does it work?Or, more easily, invest in a microphone pop filter to help with your audio recording sessions.Here are some helpful tutorials and guides for building your own DIY microphone pop filters:
18/02/2025
How to Write Sketch Comedy Like SNL
So, if you're a fan of these shows and aspire to write sketch comedy, it's a good idea to make sure your sketch comedy writing skills are up to snuff.Go Big Again, comedy is about going big into the laughs, so you want to start leaning into the weird here and go big with it. That was a pretty in-depth look at what it's like to write sketch comedy and how you can work on refining and shooting some of your ideas.
18/02/2025
Ethan Hawke Implores Hollywood to Avoid Generic Art
While promoting his new movie, Blue Moon, at the Berlin Film Festival, Ethan Hawke implored Hollywood to keep some personality in the movies they make. That personality and uniqueness can draw people to the theater more than just generic art. For offensive art to have a place in our conversation, it has to be cared about.”
18/02/2025
'Brutalist' Director Brady Corbet Reveals He Hasn't Made Any Money Off The Movie
It’s the first time that I had made any money in years.”Maron asked him to follow up on the comment, and Corbet explained that he hadn't made any money off the movie and had only made the amount he was paid to direct it, which he got three years prior. We had to just sort of live off of a paycheck from three years ago.”
18/02/2025
The 'Conclave' Umbrella Scene Explained: Pray for Rain
It's a scene involving intense collaboration with cinematographer Stéphane Fontaine that really sums up the idea of the movie and hits all the themes. It's called the umbrella scene. The decision to have a scene like this in the movie was made by Ed Berger based on his experience making All Quiet on the Western Front.
18/02/2025
3 Screenwriting Lessons From 'The Brutalist'
László Tóth, is complex and flawed.Don't be afraid to let the audience interpret and engage with the story.What are some screenwriting lessons you learned from the movie?
18/02/2025
Sync Recordings Directly to Blackmagic Cloud With The New ATEM Switchers Update
Let’s look at everything new coming to the full lineup of Blackmagic ATEM Switchers with this latest update.What’s new in ATEM 9.7For the models above, the highlights are support for live editing of recorded files with DaVinci Resolve, the option to sync recordings directly to Blackmagic Cloud, and some nice improvements and new features to boot.
18/02/2025
The World’s Smallest Phone-First SSD Offers 2TB Capacity and 10 Gbps Speeds
A new SSD created by Planck promises to be the world’s smallest Phone-first-designed SSD and is meant to appeal to content creators on the go.The Planck SSDFurthermore, the Planck SSD should be able to provide uninterrupted Apple ProRes 4K at 120 fps recording without dropped frames.
18/02/2025
The Wait is Over: Meet DJI’s New Smartphone Gimbals Osmo Mobile 7 and 7P
The DJI Osmo Mobile 7 and 7P are the latest in DJI handheld gimbal technology and have been tailored to help specifically with content creation and mobile filmmaking.The biggest highlights are a new tracking module, integrated audio support, phone charging, and improved battery life.DJI Osmo Mobile 7 Smartphone Gimbal
18/02/2025
How to Create a High-Concept Futuristic Look on an Indie Film Budget
While Renner shares the same high-concept look as other AI-centered films, it was made on an indie film budget and shot entirely in a car warehouse. A film set is sort of the strangest place a person can be.SE: I think that most of the futuristic look hinged upon the set design and the inset practical LED lighting.
17/02/2025
What Kinds of Characters Does Vince Gilligan Think We Should Write Now?
During the event, Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul creator Vince Gilligan received the WGA honorary Paddy Chayefsky Laurel For Television Writing Achievement, and in his speech, he took on the current climate in the world. I say we write more good guys.Maybe it's time for the era of the good guys?
17/02/2025
That's Not a UFO. It's DoPchoice's New Inflatable Light Modifier
DoPchoice has introduced a new inflatable round toplight modifier called the AIRGLOW FLOAT that should be an intriguing option for those looking to add some soft and controlled illumination without too much hassle.Let’s look at the DoPchoice AIRGLOW FLOAT and explore what it could offer for your lighting setups.The DoPchoice AIRGLOW FLOAT should be a great option for those looking for a specific, flexible, round, lightweight lighting solution and will come in three sizes, including 12ft, 8 ft, and 4ft to help cover a wide range of uses and production sizes.
17/02/2025
All The Best Sketches and Speeches From The SNL 50th Anniversary Show
Now, generations of stars and people have come to rely on the show not only as a launchpad for some of our most famous actors and comedians but as a refuge. On Sunday, SNL celebrated its 50th anniversary with a huge show, bringing back many of the cast members over the last 50 years and performing live sketches and music. SNL is truly a pillar in our culture, and it's hard to imagine a world without it.
17/02/2025
Maya Hawke Calls Out Casting Based on Social Media Followers
It feels like everything now is done with who follows who on Social Media.Hawke's star should be on the rise in Hollywood, but she says she still has to deal with social media and casting directors counting her followers. Right now, Hawke has 8.9 million Instagram followers.
17/02/2025
The Future of Film Festivals: Global Leaders Discuss AI, Tourism, and Innovation in Japan
On November 9, 2024, industry leaders from all over the globe gathered in Shimada, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, to discuss the evolution and future of film festivals."Film Festival Leaders from Around the World Gather for a Conference on Film Festivals of the Future" explored the relationship between cinema, technology, and tourism.The conference featured five expert panelists–festival directors from Indonesia, Brazil, New Zealand, Finland, and Japan–who discussed the important role film festivals play in today’s culture, technological innovation, as well as the promotion of global tourism.
17/02/2025
Who Won the 2025 BAFTA Awards?
The British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) took place this weekend at the Royal Festival Hall in London to celebrate the best in film from the past year.2025 BAFTA WinnersLEADING ACTOR Adrien Brody, “The Brutalist” (WINNER)Timothée Chalamet, “A Complete Unknown” Colman Domingo, “Sing Sing” Ralph Fiennes, “Conclave” Hugh Grant, “Heretic” Sebastian Stan, “The Apprentice” SUPPORTING ACTRESS Selena Gomez, “Emilia Pérez” Ariana Grande, “Wicked” Felicity Jones, “The Brutalist” Jamie Lee Curtis, “The Last Showgirl” Isabella Rossellini, “Conclave” Zoe Saldaña, “Emilia Pérez” (WINNER)SUPPORTING ACTOR Yura Borisov, “Anora” Kieran Culkin, “A Real Pain” (WINNER)Clarence Maclin, “Sing Sing” Edward Norton, “A Complete Unknown” Guy Pearce, “The Brutalist” Jeremy Strong, “The Apprentice” DIRECTOR “Anora” — Sean Baker “The Brutalist” — Brady Corbet (WINNER) “Conclave” — Edward Berger “Dune: Part Two” — Denis Villeneuve “Emilia Pérez” — Jacques Audiard “The Substance” — Coralie Fargeat ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY “Anora” — written by Sean Baker “The Brutalist” — written by Brady Corbet and Mona Fastvold “Kneecap” — written by Rich Peppiatt, story by Rich Peppiatt, Naoise Ó Cairealláin, Liam Óg Ó Hannaidh, JJ Ó Dochartaigh “A Real Pain” — written by Jesse Eisenberg (WINNER) “The Substance” — written by Coralie Fargeat ADAPTED SCREENPLAY “A Complete Unknown” — screenplay by James Mangold and Jay Cocks “Conclave” — screenplay by Peter Straughan (WINNER)“Emilia Pérez” — screenplay by Jacques Audiard “Nickel Boys” — screenplay by RaMell Ross and Joslyn Barnes “Sing Sing” — screenplay by Clint Bentley and Greg Kwedar, story by Clint Bentley, Greg Kwedar, Clarence ‘Divine Eye’ Maclin, John ‘Divine G’ Whitfield OUTSTANDING BRITISH FILM “Bird” — Andrea Arnold, Tessa Ross, Juliette Howell, Lee Groombridge “Blitz” — Steve McQueen, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Anita Overland “Conclave” — Edward Berger, Tessa Ross, Juliette Howell, Michael A. Jackman, Peter Straughan (WINNER) “Gladiator II” — Ridley Scott, Douglas Wick, Lucy Fisher, Michael Pruss, David Scarpa, Peter Craig “Hard Truths” — Mike Leigh, Georgina Lowe “Kneecap” — Rich Peppiatt, Trevor Birney, Jack Tarling, Naoise Ó Cairealláin, Liam Óg Ó Hannaidh, JJ Ó Dochartaigh “Lee” — Ellen Kuras, Kate Solomon, Kate Winslet, Liz Hannah, Marion Hume, John Collee, Lem Dobbs “Love Lies Bleeding” — Rose Glass, Andrea Cornwell, Oliver Kassman, Wereonika Tofilska “The Outrun” — Nora Fingscheidt, Sarah Brocklehurst, Dominic Norris, Jack Lowden, Saoirse Ronan, Amy Liptrot “Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl” — Nick Park, Merlin Crossingham, Richard Beek, Mark Burton OUTSTANDING DEBUT BY A BRITISH WRITER, DIRECTOR OR PRODUCER “Hoard” — Luna Carmoon (Director, writer) “Kneecap” — Rich Peppiatt (Director, Writer) (WINNER)“Monkey Man” — Dev Patel (Director) “Santosh” — Sandhya Suri (Director, writer), James Bowsher (Producer), Balthazar de Ganay (Producer), also produced by Alan McAlex, Mike Goodridge “Sister Midnight” — Karan Kandhari (Director, writer) FILM NOT IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE “All We Imagine as Light” — Payal Kapadia, Thomas Hakim “Emilia Pérez” — Jacques Audiard (WINNER)“I’m Still Here” (“Ainda Estou Aqui”) — Walter Salles “Kneecap” — Rich Peppiatt, Trevor Birney “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” — Mohammad Rasoulof, Amin Sadraei DOCUMENTARY “Black Box Diaries” — Shiori Ito, Hanna Aqvilin, Eric Nyari “Daughters” — Natalie Rae, Angela Patton “No Other Land” — Yuval Abraham, Basel Adra, Hamdan Ballal, Rachel Szor “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story” — Ian Bonhôte, Peter Ettedgui, Lizzie Gilliett, Robert Ford (WINNER)“Will & Harper” — Josh Greenbaum, Rafael Marmor, Christopher Leggett, Will Ferrell, Jessica Elbaum ANIMATED FILM “Flow” — Gints Siibalodis, Matīss Kaža “Inside Out 2” — Kelsey Mann, Mark Nielsen “Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl” — Nick Park, Merlin Crossingham, Richard Beek (WINNER) “The Wild Robot” — Chris Sanders, Jeff Hermann CHILDREN’S & FAMILY FILM “Flow” — Gints Siibalodis, Matīss Kaža “Kensuke’s Kingdom” — Kirk Hendry, Neil Boyle, Camilla Deakin “Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl” — Nick Park, Merlin Crossingham, Richard Beek (WINNER) “The Wild Robot” — Chris Sanders, Jeff Hermann CASTING “Anora” — Sean Baker, Samantha Quan (WINNER) “The Apprentice” — Stephanie Gorin, Carmen Cuba “A Complete Unknown” — Yesi Ramirez “Conclave” — Nina Gold, Martin Ware “Kneecap” — Carla Stronge CINEMATOGRAPHY “The Brutalist” — Lol Crawley (WINNER) “Conclave” — Stéphane Fontaine “Dune: Part Two” — Greig Fraser “Emilia Pérez” — Paul Guilhaume “Nosferatu” — Jarin Blaschke EDITING “Anora” — Sean Baker “Conclave” — Nick Emerson (WINNER)“Dune: Part Two” — Joe Walker “Emilia Pérez”– Juliette Welfling “Kneecap” — Julian Ulrichs, Chris Gill COSTUME DESIGN “Blitz” — Jacqueline Durran “A Complete Unknown” — Arianne Phillips “Conclave” — Lisy Christl “Nosferatu” — Linda Muir “Wicked” — Paul Tazewell (WINNER)MAKE UP & HAIR “Dune: Part Two” — Love Larson, Eva Von Bahr “Emilia Pérez” — Julia Floch Carbonel, Emmanuel Janvier, Jean-Christophe Spadaccini, Romain Marietti “Nosferatu” — David White, Traci Loader, Suzanne Stokes-Munton “The Substance” — Pierre-Olivier Persin, Stéphanie Guillon, Frédérique Arguello, Marilyne Scarselli (WINNER)“Wicked” — Frances Hannon, Laura Blount, Sarah Nuth ORIGINAL SCORE “The Brutalist” — Daniel Blumberg (WINNER) “Conclave” — Volker Bertelmann “Emilia Pérez” — Camille, Clément Ducol “Nosferatu” — Robin Carolan “The Wild Robot” — Kris Bowers PRODUCTION DESIGN “The Brutalist” — Judy Becker, Patricia Cuccia “Conclave” — Suzie Davies, Cynthia Sleiter “Dune: Part Two” — Patrice Vermette, Shane Vieau “Nosferatu” — Craig Lathrop “Wicked” — Nathan Crowley, Lee Sandales (WINNER)SOUND “Blitz” — John Casali, Paul Cotterell, James Harrison “Dune: Part Two” — Ron Bartlett, Doug Hemphill, Gareth John, Richard King (WINNER) “Gladiator II” — Stéphane Bucher, Matthew Collinge, Paul Massey Danny Sheehan “The Substance” — Valérie Deloof, Victor Fleurant, Victor Praud, Stéphane Thiébaut, Emmanuelle Villard “Wicked” — Robin Baynton, Simon Hayes, John Marquis, Andy Nelson, Nancy Nugent Title SPECIAL VISUAL EFFECTS “Better Man” — Luke Millar, David Clayton, Keith Herft, Peter Stubbs “Dune: Part Two” — Paul Lambert, Stephen James, Gerd Nefzer, Rhys Salcombe (WINNER) “Gladiator II” — Mark Bakowski, Neil Corbould, Nikki Penny, Pietro Ponti “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” — Erik Winquist, Rodney Burke, Paul Story, Stephen Unterfranz “Wicked” — Pablo Helman, Paul Corbould, Jonathan Fawkner, Anthony Smith BRITISH SHORT ANIMATION “Adiós” — José Prats, Natalia Kyriacou, Bernardo Angeletti “Mog’s Christmas” — Robin Shaw, Joanna Harrison, Camilla Deakin, Ruth Fielding “Wander to Wonder” — Nina Gantz, Stienette Bosklopper, Simon Cartwright, Maarten Swart (WINNER)BRITISH SHORT FILM “The Flowers Stand Silently, Witnessing” — Theo Panagopoulos, Marissa Keating “Marion” — Joe Weiland, Finn Constantine, Marija Djikic “Milk” — Miranda Stern, Ashionye Ogene “Rock, Paper, Scissors” — Franz Böhm, Ivan, Hayder Rothschild Hoozeer (WINNER) “Stomach Bug” — Matty Crawford, Karima Sammout-Kanellopoulou EE RISING STAR AWARD (voted for by the public) Marisa Abela Jharrel Jerome David Jonsson (WINNER)Mikey Madison Nabhaan RizwanLet me know what you think in the comments!
17/02/2025
Fujifilm X Cameras to Get New Tokina 11-18mm f/2.8 Ultrawide Zoom
In all seriousness, offering a 35mm equivalent focal length of 17-27mm, this new Tokina lens should be a nice option for those looking to get the best performance from their APS-C size cameras.The Tokina 11-18mm f/2.8 ATX-M LensThe Tokina 11-18mm f/2.8 ATX-M Lens is available for pre-order now, with shipments expected to ship in mid-March.
17/02/2025
3000 Feet of Wireless HD Video Transmission: Meet Hollyland's Cosmo C2
The newest wireless transmission system from Hollyland, the Cosmo C2, brings the company’s newly developed HEVO 2.0 technology to the table to help with all types of streaming, broadcasting, or simply monitoring multiple camera feeds.The Hollyland Cosmo C2 HDMI/SDI Wireless Video Transmission SystemThe Hollyland Cosmo C2 HDMI/SDI Wireless Video Transmission System is out and available now.
17/02/2025
Blackmagic Cintel Adds Improved Image Stabilization and Scanner Calibration
There’s also some improved image stabilization now for 16mm on clear base films, plus some general improvements for the handling of a wider range of reels or cores across all of your favorite film gauges.What's new in Blackmagic Cintel 6.1:Improved film handling for a wider range of reels or cores across all film gauges.
17/02/2025
The 11 Best Animated Superhero Movies
I've really enjoyed watching these animated superhero movies and wanted to walk you through my 11 best today.1. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (Trilogy)Cast: Shameik Moore, Jake Johnson, Hailee Steinfeld, Mahershala Ali, Brian Tyree Henry, Lily Tomlin, Nicolas CageDirectors: Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, Rodney RothmanWriters: Phil Lord, Rodney Rothman, Dave Callaham I know only parts 1 and 2 have been released, but they've been some of my favorite movies of the last decade because they push the envelope in terms of visuals and animation. Batman: The Dark Knight Returns 1&2Cast: Peter Weller, Ariel Winter, David Selby, Michael McKean Director: Jay Oliva Writers: Frank Miller (comic), Bob Goodman (screenplay)One of the greatest comics ever written was adapted into a gritty and apocalyptic world.
14/02/2025
What Are the Different Jobs in the Film Industry and TV?
The thing is, we often hear about writers, directors, and actors, but the film and television industry provides thousands of other jobs to people.Those may be jobs you never heard about or dreamt about, but they can provide great and long careers. So, today, I wanted to take you through some of the jobs in the film industry.
14/02/2025
The 11 Sexiest Movies of All Time
Today, I wanted to go over the 11 sexiest movies of all time and let you in on some titles I think pack all the heat. In the Mood For LoveDirector: Wong Kar-waiWriter: Wong Kar-waiCast: Maggie Cheung, Tony Leung Chiu-waiThis movie begins with broken hearts, but then it takes a romantic turn.10. Vicky Cristina BarcelonaDirector: Woody AllenWriter: Woody AllenCast: Javier Bardem, Penélope Cruz, Scarlett Johansson, Rebecca HallJust a funny and sexy comedy about a man who needs two women to tame him.
14/02/2025
Netflix COO Thinks 'Oppenheimer' Would Have Done Just As Well On The Streaming Service
This week, Belloni spoke with Netflix CCO Bela Bajaria, who talked about the streaming behemoth's future and the future of the industry as a whole. In this interview, Bajaria revealed that she thinks a lot of the movies that do well theatrically would do just as well on Netflix. I love going to the movies.
14/02/2025
15 Best Disaster Movies of All Time
They can kind of fit into any genre.You can have comedy, drama, and horror all wrapped up in a story about a disaster.Today, I want to go over some of the best disaster movies and give you a list of my favorites.
14/02/2025
What is Compositing? The Video Editing Technique Explained
There are all types of video editing approaches and techniques to explore.The art of compositing is one of the more advanced areas of video editing that can be used to create extraordinary results.If you’re interested in learning more about compositing as a video editing technique, let’s go over the basics of this approach and explore how you can use it for your projects.
14/02/2025
Our Oscar 2025 Best Picture Winner Prediction
The 97th Academy Awards ceremony will take place on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, and will be hosted by Conan O'Brien. But who will win it all? The Brutalist Will Win Best Picture
14/02/2025
The 11 Best Comic Book Movies of All Time
That's why I feel a special connection to the best comic book movies.They connect my youth to my adulthood, and they're fun to to watch.Summing Up The Best Comic Book Movies From the time I cracked my first comic book when I was a little kid, it's been a pleasure seeing those images come to life in major motion pictures.
14/02/2025
What the Heck is DJI's Secret 'Roll With It' Gimbal?
The Chinese company, known for its drones, gimbals, and now cameras, has announced a mysterious new product release set for next week.According to some sleuths and leakers online, it appears this just might be a new gimbal—potentially the RS 4 Mini.A Potential DJI RS 4 Mini
14/02/2025
Is DJI Teasing That an Osmo Mobile 7 Smartphone Gimbal is on the Way?
Along with a cryptic “Roll With It” product teaser for a new product set to be announced on February 20th, DJI has also unveiled another mystery as well.With just the tagline of “Focus On Every Move,” DJI is teasing that another new product will be announced on February 18th, 2025.DJI Focus On Every Move
14/02/2025
Todd Haynes Sounds Alarm on How Trump Could 'Destabilize' Cinema
Now, Haynes offers us a warning about filmmaking in general. Variety is reporting that during a press conference at the Berlin Film Festival, Haynes was asked his thoughts on Trump’s second term. Always with filmmaking, in particular, the financing question is complicated.”
13/02/2025
Happy 100th Anniversary, Leica I: Here's How to Celebrate
Leica is one of these brands with a history that dates back to the 1800s.Over the course of 2025, the company is planning to celebrate its 100-year history of the company’s iconic Leica I camera, in particular with events across the globe.To celebrate, Leica is hosting several “high-caliber” events in Dubai, Milan, New York, Shanghai, and Tokyo, culminating in an anniversary week in Wetzlar.
13/02/2025
How Blackmagic’s Proprietary RGBW Sensor is Changing Cinematography
With a 12K full-frame 36 x 24mm sensor and an advertised 16 stops of dynamic range, the URSA Cine 12K—along with the recently announced Base Model version—is already revolutionizing the high-end cinematography world with its advanced features, quality recording, and competitive pricing.But the real “black magic” at work here might simply be the URSA Cine’s RGBW sensor and the proprietary technology powering it.Let’s look at some helpful camera reviews and test footage features to explore just what’s happening under the hood of the URSA Cine 12K and why cinematographers and filmmakers might want to seriously consider this technology for their shorts and features.
13/02/2025
'The Menu' Ending Explained: Cheeseburger in Paradise
Today, I want to go over The Menu's ending, its plot, and some of the themes it raises. This is a movie about passion for work and how artists can come to resent the patrons who allow them to work.Let me know what you think in the comments.
13/02/2025
How to Let AI Log and Organize Footage For You
As we’ve covered before, Eddie AI is one of the new players in the AI video editing space.Self-dubbed as the “chatGPT for video editing” that launched in October last year to create rough cuts in a few seconds, it now has another major update aimed at helping editors organize and log B-roll footage too, with the ultimate goal of saving creators and video storytellers countless hours of work.Eddie AI then analyzes each clip using computer vision AI to extract key information.
13/02/2025
RED Officially Announces Nikon-Z Mount to V-RAPTOR [X] and KOMODO-X Camera Systems
The Nikon acquisitions of RED adds a new chapter today as RED Digital Cinema has officially announced that two of the company’s most powerful cameras—the V-RAPTOR [X] and KOMODO-X—will add native Nikon Z mount offerings to provide adjustable AF speeds, fluid iris controls, and customizable lens responses.“This marks the beginning of RED and Nikon's collaborative products and it is the exciting first step in a new Z Cinema Series.As a continuation of the company’s latest digital cinema advances, the V-RAPTOR [X] 8K VV Camera pairs the strengths of the RED DIGITAL CINEMA V-RAPTOR line with the global shutter of the KOMODO camera and a native Nikon Z mount offering adjustable AF speeds, fluid iris control, and customizable lens responses.
13/02/2025
Nikon Doubles Down on Video with First Power Zoom for FX Format Cameras
Let’s look at this new NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ Lens and explore how it’s been tailored to be a videographer’s workhorse option to partner with some of Nikon’s full-frame mirrorless cameras like the company’s flagship Z9, Z8, and Z6 III.NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ LensThis new lens also marks the company's first power zoom made for their FX-format sensors and is designed to be an ideal partner to go with the company’s flagship Z9 mirrorless camera.
13/02/2025
Why is YouTube TV About to Lose All Paramount Stations?
YouTube TV made $11.6 billion last year in revenue from around 8 million subscribers.YouTube TV is currently in a standoff with Paramount channels CBS, MTV, and Comedy Central over a carriage deal. If they cannot agree on a deal, the channels owned by Paramount will leave the service.
13/02/2025
Why This ‘Last Showgirl’ Producer Thinks Indie Cinema Still Has Legs
In this episode of No Film School, host GG Hawkins sits down with Robert Schwartzman, producer of The Last Showgirl and co-founder of Utopia, to discuss the evolving landscape of independent cinema.As a filmmaker, distributor, and problem solver, Robert shares insights on how indie filmmakers can take control of their distribution, why the industry is shifting toward self-releasing, and what’s next for Utopia.Listen to more episodes of the No Film School podcast right here:
13/02/2025
DJI Drone Ban: Will DJI's New Drones Be Available in the US?
As of today, though, DJI is able to operate in the United States and is still actively selling, updating, and making plans to release new drones throughout the year.If you’re curious about whether or not DJI’s new drones will be available in the US this year, here’s what we currently know.The Next Generation of DJI Drones
13/02/2025
Filmmaker Kevin Jin Kwan Kim Shares Personal Stories about the Immigrant Experience
Just ask Kevin Jin Kwan Kim.The Korean-Canadian director’s one-minute film,What Did They Say?, tells the story of a young Korean girl who grows up having to translate for her mother after the pair immigrated to North America.
13/02/2025
Seth Rogen Says Comedy Should Be Hard To Do
One of the most interesting things he talked about was how hard it is to do comedy today. “The complaint that comedy’s harder than it used to be is not a valid complaint,” Rogen said.See, comedy is about finding what the audience thinks is funny.
12/02/2025
Kevin Costner Wants More Women in Western Movies
His epic movie series, Horizon, just screened its second part in Santa Barbara, and I really hope we get to see it on the big screen soon.Costner has always been a vocal supporter of Westerns, and when he did his Q&A at the Santa Barbara Film Festival after showing his movie, he talked about why. Costner is an auteur, and I love living in his vision of the West.
12/02/2025
DJI Mavic 4 Pro Leaks Reveal Potential Specs and Launch Date
It’s all but a sure thing that it does exist and will be announced at some point soon.However, as to what exactly the specs, new features, and eventual release date and price point are still to be determined.The biggest rumored features include a 95-watt battery size, better zoom lenses, increased internal storage, improved low-light capabilities, and internal ND filters.
12/02/2025
The 6 Best Captain America Action Scenes
6. Chasing the Hydra Agent (Captain America: The First Avenger)The first Captain America movie launches us into Cap and his powers with this chase.Genuinely, it's one of the best fights in all of Marvel.These action scenes display the best of Cap kicking butt on the screen.
12/02/2025
Get Your Hands on the RED V-RAPTOR [X] and KOMODO-X at BSC EXPO 2025
For anyone interested in attending the British Society of Cinematographers international event for film and television production equipment and technology this year, RED Digital Cinema has shared news about its plans to showcase its revolutionary cinema cameras at this year’s event at Battersea Evolution in London.In particular, RED—which is still in the early stages, perhaps of its Nikon acquisition—has revealed its lineup of cameras that are set to be on display and available for any interested cinematographers to check out.Let’s look at what RED plans to showcase at this year’s BSC Expo and why you might want to try a few of these dynamic cinema cameras out yourself.
12/02/2025
Scarlett Johansson Condemns AI Deepfakes After Viral Kanye Video
But then a video went viral.It depicted celebrities including David Schwimmer, Steven Spielberg, Jerry Seinfeld, Adam Sandler, Scarlett Johansson, and Sacha Baron Cohen, giving Kanye the finger.Should X and Musk be responsible for what's posted on the site?
12/02/2025
Adobe’s Generative AI Video Model is Available Via a New Firefly Web App
Adobe, to the company’s credit, has made a strong push to bring about the industry’s first commercially safe generative AI video models to market, and—as of today—the new Firefly Video Model is now available in public beta.Along with the Firefly Video Model tech that we’ve seen previewed in the past, Adobe has also unveiled a new Firefly web application that will feature its own Generate Video (beta) feature, along with the Generative Extend (beta) featured in Premiere Pro already.The app integrates with Adobe Creative Cloud applications, including Photoshop, Premiere Pro, Express, and more, and, as mentioned earlier, is safe for commercial use.
12/02/2025
Sidus Link Pro To Give Users More Control Over Lighting Setups in New Update
With this latest beta update to Sidus Link Pro, users will get even more control, plus some pretty significant new features and improvements.Sidus Link Pro Beta Version 1.3This update features some nice improvements and bug fixes, which are outlined in the video below.
11/02/2025
Read and Download Wes Anderson Screenplays
They say you need to have your own voice on the page to get noticed.With news dropping about the release date of his latest film, The Phoenician Scheme, I wanted to give you the opportunity to read and download some of Anderson's most famous screenplays in order to see how he gets his ideas across.Let's dive into eight of Wes Anderson's screenplays.
11/02/2025
Protagonist Parity: Women and Men Had an Equal Share of the Top-Grossing 2024 Films
The Center for the Study of Women in Television and Film at San Diego State University released a study that said that out of the 100 top US domestic-grossing films in 2024, 42% had female protagonists, and 42% had male protagonists. The same study found that the percentage of female characters in speaking roles increased from 35% in 2023 to 37% in 2024.The more movies made at the box office, the better Hollywood is for everyone.
11/02/2025
The 11 Best Book to Movie Adaptations
Let's take a look at eleven of the best book-to-movie adaptations.This is one of the best movies of all time.The original Wizard of Oz movie takes a story with many sequels and just creates a core tale focusing on one central person's journey home.
11/02/2025
ARRI TRINITY 2 Camera Stabilizer Creator Wins Scientific and Engineering Academy Award
Schaller is set to receive a Scientific and Engineering Award from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences in recognition of his pioneering work in camera stabilization with the TRINITY 2.In 2015, Schaller developed the TRINITY system together with Dr. Roman Foltyn, a Doctor of Engineering.The TRINITY would become the world's first camera stabilization system to combine a mechanical and electronic stabilization system.
11/02/2025
Uncanny Beauty: Explore Liminal Spaces in Movies and TV
I learned a lot of these are called liminal spaces.So, I wanted to pull some examples from movies and TV shows of liminal spaces that you'll recognize and see how they use them for storytelling.David Lynch masterfully uses liminal spaces throughout this series.
11/02/2025
3 Things 'Bystanders' Director Learned from Tackling Her Rape-Revenge Horror Movie
When it comes to the horror film genre, it’s safe to say that Mary Beth McAndrews knows a thing or two.Mary Beth McAndrews:If you are focusing on that and equally concerned about that and your characters, as well as scary moments, I think your horror movie is in good shape.
11/02/2025
Blend Vintage Optics with Modern Design with Tokina’s New Vista-C Primes
Following up the popular lineups of Vista and Vista-P lenses, Tokina is back with a new Vista-C series, which promises to bring cinematographers the best of both worlds.Tokina Vista-C SeriesThe Tokina Vista-C prime lenses are available for purchase now on Tokina’s website here, with prices ranging from $10,599 to $12,999.
11/02/2025
Easily Handle 12K+ RAW Video with Anglebird’s New Memory Cards
The latest comes from Anglebird, which has just announced a new line of AV PRO SE CFexpress Type B Memory Cards that will be compatible with a wide range of cameras and be able to provide some of the incredibly fast speeds needed for high-resolution filmmaking and video production.The AV PRO SE CFexpress Type B Memory CardsAngelbird’s latest memory cards are also built for extreme conditions and will be able to protect against shock, vibration, and temperatures ranging from 10 to 162°F.
11/02/2025
The Ending of 'Blink Twice' Explained
It's a twisty movie about going to a billionaire's island and suddenly losing memories of who was there with you and what was happening.There are a lot of plot twists in this movie, and the ending was fairly shocking, so I thought we should explain that to you today. Inside Slater's office, they find photos of other women who visited the island in the past.
10/02/2025
DMX 101: Here’s How to Get Started With Aputure’s Sidus Link Pro
Aputure has released a Sidus Link Pro user guide series that covers everything you need to know about lighting control and DMX for your video projects.The series covers everything from how to get started up to the latest updates found in the new 1.3 version released last week.Sidus Link Pro is the expanded control system based on Aputure’s original Sidus Link app and it features professional fixture control systems with an intuitive user interface and communication over both Bluetooth and Wireless DMX protocols.
10/02/2025
Deciphering That Kendrick Lamar Halftime Show
Let's take a look at Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl halftime performance and try to uncover the hidden meanings and Easter eggs hidden inside it.Since the NFL owns the copyright on the video of Kendrick Lamar's halftime performance, we can't embed it here.Samuel L. Jackson as Uncle Sam (and Uncle Tom)
10/02/2025
This Insanely Tiny Viltrox 28mm Lens is Here for Your Fujifilm X Series Cameras
Viltrox has announced that the company’s 28mm lens is now available for Fujifilm X Series cameras, making it an ideal option for any Fuji X shooters looking for a tiny lens that still offers a respectably wide viewing perspective.This discreet AF 28mm f/4.5 XF Lens from Viltrox is ideal for street photography and videography.The Viltrox AF 28mm f/4.5 XF Lens for Fujifilm X Series cameras is available for pre-order with units expected to start shipping in the next few days.
10/02/2025
Check Out All The Movie Trailers That Debuted During the 2025 Super Bowl
Check out all of the 2025 Super Bowl movie trailers, running the gamut from family and smurfs to action and spies (and everything in between).All The Movie Trailers That Debuted During the 2025 Super BowlHow to Train Your Dragon
10/02/2025
Missed the Game? Watch the Best Super Bowl Commercials of 2025 Here
I was so absorbed and emotionally invested in this game that I missed most of the commercials.Ads during the Super Bowl cost around $8 million for thirty seconds.Summing Up The Best Super Bowl Commercials of 2025
10/02/2025
Price of Atomos Ninja Phone Accessory Sliced to $200
Atomos Ninja Phone Cuts Price by 50%Atomos has dropped the price of the Ninja Phone accessory by 50%, dropping the price from $400 to $200.The Atomos Ninja Phone accessory can easily clip onto your iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 Pro models, connect with a USB-C cord, and can be linked with an HDMI camera as well.
10/02/2025
OM SYSTEM Goes Vintage With New Travel-Friendly OM-3 Mirrorless Camera
With a design inspired by the iconic Olympus OM-1 SLR film camera that was popular back in the 1970s and 80s, this new OM-3 version keeps that retro feel but adds all of the usual digital specs and features that you’d expect for a small, yet capable, mirrorless camera for its price range.For video though, the OM-3 allows for 4K video recording at up to 60p, seamless mode switching, heat management for extended recording, and new OM-Cinema video profiles.The OM System OM-3 is available for pre-order now with units expected to start shipping here at the end of the month.
10/02/2025
How a Background in Sports TV Led Me to Editing Feature Films
The Leap to Scripted: Grace PointAll of that experience prepared me for Grace Point, my first scripted feature film as an editor.The film was shot in just 19 days on a $500,000 budget.
08/02/2025
How 'Chiefsaholic' DP Captured the True Crime of Rabid Fandom
That's the story behind one of my favorite docs of the year, ChiefsAholic: A Wolf in Chiefs Clothing, a feature-length documentary on Amazon Prime. NFS: One of the standout aspects of the cinematography in ChiefsAholic is the use of vintage Japanese anamorphic lenses.NFS: ChiefsAholic has already made a significant impact, landing in Amazon Prime's Top 10.
07/02/2025
What Are The 11 Best Sci-Fi Movies Nominated for Best Picture?
Over the history of the Academy Awards, science fiction has always been a genre that gets shortchanged.People go in with blockbuster expectations, but the genre often has a lot to say about society, humanity, and life in general.That's why I wanted to tell you about eleven of the best sci-fi movies that were actually nominated for Best Picture that you definitely have to check out.
07/02/2025
Do More with Your Headsets with the Hollyland Base Station
They've launched the new Solidcom SE lineup, a more compact kit that doesn't offer the flexibility of the C1 Pro but comes at a more affordable cost and with support for up to 8 headsets will perform well for many productions and teams.By putting this unit next to the mixer, you could run a signal into the base station and have it go into the headset.As your shows grow bigger, or if you want to skip traditional comes, the C1 Pro Base Station is truly a game-changing device for the way info flows on a set.
07/02/2025
What Are The 11 Best Football Movies of All Time?
Football is an incredibly popular American sport and kind of the perfect sport for adaptation.But what are the best football movies of all time? InvincibleDirector: Ericson Core Writer: Brad Gann Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Greg Kinnear, Elizabeth BanksGo Birds.
07/02/2025
Nikon Shooters Can Now Use REDCINE-X Pro to Process N-RAW Clips
The latest example of this is buried in the new beta update (version 64.0.13) for REDCINE-X PRO which announces that REDCINE-X PRO will now be able to support Nikon N-RAW clips.What is REDCINE-X Pro?REDCINE X-PRO Adds Nikon N-RAW Support
07/02/2025
All 6 'Jurassic Park' Movies Ranked
Since then, we've had a total of six Jurassic Park and World movies, with a new one coming out this summer. If you're catching up on the franchise, I wanted to tell you what you've been missing out on and which movies are the best.Here are the six Jurassic Park movies ranked.
06/02/2025
The 7 Best Drones of 2025 for Aerial Cinematography
Let’s look at some of the top options for the best drones of 2025 for aerial cinematography and drone videography.The DJI Mini 4 Pro's flight range is up to 12.4 miles (compared to the 7.5 miles of the Mini 3 Pro).The Fly More Combo includes an assortment of essential accessories, along with the RC 2 remote with a built-in 5.5" 1080p screen.
06/02/2025
Are You Built for Documentaries?
Making documentaries is a team sport in the truest sense, and it will tap into all of your multi-hyphenate capabilities, both artistically and personally.Therefore, a vérité film’s direction and voice will be significantly shaped in the edit, requiring an editing team that is up to the task.If you need the excitement of a typical film set - “Rolling!
06/02/2025
Navigating ‘The Madness’ with Composer Philip Klein
He most recently worked on Netflix’s thrilling series, The Madness starring Colman Domingo.Over the years, he has collaborated with renowned composers and orchestrators, contributing to acclaimed projects like Joker, The Mandalorian, and Turning Red.In this interview, Philip shares insights into his creative process for The Madness and discusses how he crafted the show's unique soundscape.
06/02/2025
A Solo Video Professional’s Quest to Make AI Actually Useful
The Assistant for Video EditorsOn top of creating YouTube tutorials and managing our community, I do a lot of work with the AI team on the storytelling and editing capabilities of Eddie.This version of Eddie is releasing today on Eddie for Mac and Windows.
06/02/2025
How ‘Companion’ Director Drew Hancock Built His Career on Reps & Luck
In this episode of No Film School, GG Hawkins sits down with writer-director Drew Hancock to discuss his journey to directing his feature debut, Companion.Drew shares how he built his career through persistence, taking creative risks, and, as he puts it, a fair amount of luck.He also reflects on finding success later in his career, how imposter syndrome nearly led him to quit, and the importance of self-awareness for filmmakers navigating the industry.
06/02/2025
Is the On-Set Download Solution We've All Been Waiting for Finally Here?
Into that hole in the market comes the Orico Data Matrix, which could possibly be the “single unit” download system we need.What is the Orico Data Matrix?Back up your card to the SSD, which will happen very quickly, then you can format the camera card while your SSD backup copies over to your HDD raid.
05/02/2025
How Rejection Turned into an LA Microbudget Movie Love Letter
Their film, Sour Party, is set to premiere in LA on Saturday, February 8, at Gardena Cinema.The film is about two broke, struggling 30-somethings who desperately need to come up with money for a baby shower gift.The film is reaching the end of its journey after three long years.
05/02/2025
Record the Moon in UHD 4K with the New Nikon COOLPIX P1100
This COOLPIX P1100 model is set to bring 125x optical zoom which will span across a 24-3000mm full-frame equivalent focal length.Let’s look at this new COOLPIX P1100, its 16MP CMOS sensor, and its photo and video recording capabilities.The Nikon COOLPIX P1100 is available for pre-order now with shipments expected to be delivered end of the month.
05/02/2025
The 25 Best Valentine's Day Movies
My ideal Valentine's Day is watching a movie with the person I love. So, what are the best Valentine's Day movies?I made a list of my 25 favorites, so if you and your special someone are stuck, I can help you pick out something fun to check out.
05/02/2025
Nikon’s First Ever 35mm f/1.2 Lens is Ready for Event and Documentary Work
This new 35mm f/1.2 S lens will offer some great subject isolation in a fully rendered environment and is set to be the latest option in a f/1.2 prime lens series offered by Nikon which also includes 50mm and 80mm focal length versions.Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S LensThis 35mm f/1.2 S lens also promises to be a key player for event and documentary photography as well as for lifestyle shoots and environmental portraits.
05/02/2025
What Movie Trailers Will Play During the 2025 Super Bowl?
But what trailers can we expect? According to Deadline, Disney, Paramount, and Universal are the only studios “willing to pony up $7.5 million-$8 million for a 30-second spot on Fox before an audience that last year reached 123.7 million viewers across live linear and streaming.”So, which movies do these studios believe will benefit the most from Super Bowl spots?
05/02/2025
What Is Falling Action?
Writing your screenplay's ending is hard.But what is the falling action?Summing Up Falling ActionHopefully, this enlightens you on how you can make the last pages of your screenplay count.
04/02/2025
Sundance 2025: Editing 'Sugar Babies' with Premiere Pro and Frame.io
Faced with limited minimum wage job options, Autumn devises an online sugar baby operation.This documentary is directed by Rachel Fleit (BAMA RUSH), known for her nuanced explorations of identity and belonging.Read more on the making of Sugar Babies below, premiering at Sundance on January 27th.
04/02/2025
The 'Final Destination' Movies Ranked
Now, a sixth movie — Final Destination: Bloodlines — is set to release later this year, so we thought it was time to rank the other five films in the franchise. The third movie has some of the most inventive kills across the franchise.this movie is actually a prequel.
04/02/2025
Light Your Tiny Tabletop Videos With These Miniature Matthews C-Stands
Let’s look at the new Matthews 5” Pocket C-Stand with 1/4-20 adapter and how it can be used to light your tabletop, miniature, or micro-videography projects.Matthews 5” Pocket C-StandWith a height adjustment from 6" to 18", this miniature stand is ideal for product photography, tabletop shoots, stop-motion animation, and beyond.
04/02/2025
Power Your Productions Anywhere With Anton/Bauer’s New Mobile Power Station
The Anton/Bauer EdenFurthermore, the Eden will be equipped with two AC outlets and four USB-C ports for flexible and continuous grid power.The Anton/Bauer Eden is out and available for pre-order now.
04/02/2025
Top 11 Character Archetypes in Comedy
One of the most diverse types of movies or shows you can write is comedy because it feels like almost any character can feel funny in the right situation and with the right actor playing them. Today, I want to go into eleven of the most common character archetypes within comedy and show you how writers employ them. They are grounded and serve as a foil to the eccentric characters.
03/02/2025
Off the Rails: Lens Cuff Does One Thing (but Does It So Well)
The lens cuff is another way to mount motors and accessories to your lens.The Lens Cuff is a ring that mounts to the body of your lens.The Lens Cuff will save you the weight of rails and dovetail plate and let you still run a motor.
03/02/2025
Piracy Strikes Sundance: Festival Pulls 'Twinless' and More from Streaming
Sundance has announced that two films have had to be pulled from the festival’s streaming site due to piracy.The films in question are James Sweeney’s standout heartfelt comedy Twinless and Isabel Castro’s documentary on Selena Quintanilla Selena y Los Dinos.We intend to keep the Sundance Film Festival platform fully available for all remaining films.
03/02/2025
Sundance 2025: Inside the Making of 'Third Act' with Victoria Chalk and Travis Hatfield
What emerges is an exploration of art, activism, grief, fatherhood, and legacy that paints an intimate, emotional picture of the Asian American experience.If you could share one tip about Premiere Pro or After Effects, what would it be?CHALK: Find the tools that work for you and your way of approaching things.
03/02/2025
Sundance 2025: Editing 'Didn’t Die,' a Thriller about Podcasting in a Zombie Apocalypse
This low-budget thriller, written and directed by Meera Menon and edited by Geoff Boothby, pays homage to zombie pioneer George Romero to creatively capture the emotional toll of living through a civilizational crisis.Because the film was shot over a long period of time, Boothby started the edit with only 50% of the film shot.Read on for more from Boothby on the making of Didn’t Die, premiering at Sundance on January 28th.
03/02/2025
7 Movies That Won a Grammy For Their Soundtracks
That's why it's not hard to see why many songs and soundtracks have gone on to win Grammys after being in popular movies. Today, I want to share seven of my favorite movie soundtracks that have won Grammys with you and go over what makes the pictures and music so special. The music in this movie gave us a futuristic look at where society was going with social media.
03/02/2025
Lexar Introduces World’s First Stainless Steel Memory Cards
Lexar is going this route with the company’s new ARMOR GOLD and Silver UHS-II SDXC Memory Cards which are—according to Lexar—the world’s first memory cards that use stainless steel for some steel-clad protection of your data.Lexar ARMOR GOLD and Silver UHS-II SDXC Memory CardsBoth of these new cards are set to come in five sizes ranging from 64GB to 1TB and are set to offer exceptional reliability with anti-magnetic, anti-static, and X-ray protection.
03/02/2025
Sundance 2025: Crafting Alien Fever Dream 'Touch Me' with Premiere Pro, Frame.io and After Effects
The second feature film from writer and director Addison Heimann explores mental health, desire, and everything in between, packaged in a stylistic ode to ‘60s and ‘70s-style Japanese cinema.Editor Jess Weber worked diligently with Heimann from the beginning to ensure they were aligned on the tone of this frenzied fever dream.Weber leveraged Adobe’s video tools to craft the highly specific look and feel, including Premiere Pro Productions for maximum organization, the Essential Sound and Graphics Panels for layered effects, and After Effects for screen comping and masking.
01/02/2025
How Sundance Didn’t Die
In this episode of No Film School, GG Hawkins and Ryan Koo bring you a special live report from the 2025 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah.Joining the conversation are the creators behind Didn't Die, a unique take on the zombie apocalypse that blends horror, dark humor, and indie filmmaking ingenuity.Listen to more episodes of the No Film School podcast right here:
31/01/2025
The 10 Best 'Stranger Things' Characters
You need people on the screen that keep bringing the audience back for more.I want to dive into 10 of the best characters on Stranger Things, the Netflix hit that will soon return for its 5th season.Let me know what you think in the comments.
31/01/2025
Sundance 2025: 'Endless Cookie' Is an Animated Look at Two Half-Brothers’ Complicated Relationship
While traveling from the present in isolated Shamattawa, Canada to bustling 1980s Toronto, the film debates complex issues of race and identity while reflecting on the challenges that come with trying to make a documentary while raising nine kids and a bunch of dogs.Endless Cookie premieres January 25th at the Sundance Film Festival.COWPER: At a certain point in your career, either when you financially can afford to, or when you’ve had enough experience trying out a lot of different things within your craft, you have to make the decision about what kinds of projects you want to work on.
31/01/2025
Canon Ranks #1 in Top-Selling Cameras of 2024
In particular, it’s also interesting to see reports from Canon that the EOS R6 Mark II was the top-selling full-frame camera in the U.S. in 2024—taking home perhaps the biggest prize in all of digital camera manufacturing.The Popularity of the Canon R6 Mark IIWith a highly affordable price that has now dropped to below $ 2,500 USD, the Canon EOS R6 Mark II is a versatile mirrorless body for the multimedia creator.
31/01/2025
Sundance 2025: How Editor Anadi Athaley Brought 'Sabar Bonda' to Life with Premiere Pro
This debut feature from writer and director Rohan Parashuram Kanawade offers a personal and original depiction of queer life among the rural and lower castes of India, taking audiences on a journey with Anand, a 30-something city dweller compelled to spend a 10-day mourning period for his father in the countryside.Athaley relied on Premiere Pro’s intuitive and customizable tools to edit this touching narrative, leveraging its powerful masking tools to combine elements from different takes into a single shot and clean up dialogue with Enhance Speech.Read on for an inside look at editing Sabar Bonda, premiering at Sundance on January 26th.
31/01/2025
Check Out the 2025 Sundance Film Festival Winners
From thought-provoking documentaries to captivating narratives, this year's festival highlighted the future of filmmaking.Short Film Special Jury Award for DirectingAmazon MGM Studios Producers Award for Fiction: Joe Pirro for The Wedding BanquetThe 2025 Alfred P. Sloan Feature Film Prize: SALLY
31/01/2025
Surprise, Sidney! Matthew Lillard Returns in 'Scream 7'
Deadline is reporting that Matthew Lillard, who played Stu Macher in Scream, is returning to the franchise in Paramount's Scream 7. Lillard just released an Instagram video in which he scribbles a cryptic callback to one of his most famous lines in the original film: "My mom and dad are gonna be so mad at me."Scream 7 will be in theaters February 27, 2026.
31/01/2025
Sundance 2025: Erik Vogt-Nilsen on Editing “Plainclothes” with Premiere Pro
Editor Erik Vogt-Nilsen collaborated closely with Emmi to bring together this narrative that cleverly deploys lo-fi VHS footage and plays with chronology to keep the audience on its toes.Read on for an inside look at editing “Plainclothes,” premiering at the Sundance Film Festival on January 26th.Arielle is a mentor of mine and such an editing inspiration to me.
31/01/2025
The 18 Best Adapted Screenplays of All Time
Adapted from the novel by Margaret Mitchell.The Lord of the Rings TrilogyDirected by Peter Jackson.Summing Up The 18 Best Adapted Feature Screenplays of All TimeThese are some of my favorite adaptations, but I know there are lots of other ones out there for you to enjoy.
30/01/2025
11 Great Technicolor Movies Across History
I decided to make a list of my favorite technicolor movies for you to check out. Summing Up Technicolor Films Now that you have this list of technicolor films to watch, you better head to the library or the Criterion closest to see what you can find. I want to know your favorites.
30/01/2025
‘Back in Action’ Director Seth Gordon: Get Lost in One Detail at a Time
GG Hawkins and Jason Hellerman talk with Seth Gordon, the celebrated writer-director behind Back in Action, Horrible Bosses, and The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters. Seth shares the joys and challenges of creating large-scale films, balancing action and comedy, and his insights into leadership and creativity.This episode is packed with practical advice for emerging filmmakers and candid reflections on Seth’s career journey.
30/01/2025
Exclusive: How Short Film Series 'Cavewoman' is Evolving with Digital Formats
It's the latest story from award-winning filmmakers Christopher Rohrbeck and Bianca Dovarro.This series of Vertiscope™(9:16 format) short films reimagines the lost-world genre, with puppets, animations, retro costumes, and a booming voiceover from iconic Star Trek narrator Jonathan Frakes.Set in a prehistoric-inspired world, Cavewoman follows the ecological misadventures of a curious cave girl—the last human on Earth.
30/01/2025
Sundance 2025: How Editor Viridiana Lieberman Used Premiere Pro and Real-Life Footage to Craft “The Perfect Neighbor”
Told entirely through real-life footage – including police body cameras, dashboard cameras, Ring cameras, and more – the documentary transports viewers to the center of a seemingly minor neighborhood dispute that slowly becomes something much darker.Editor Viridiana Lieberman used Premiere Pro to experiment with a unique structure and manage the range of sources with different frame rates, sizes, colors, and more.The magic of Premiere Pro is how easy and seamless it is to work with so many different types of media.
30/01/2025
Free Blackmagic App Unlocks More Android Phones for Pro Filmmaking
Blackmagic has announced that the Blackmagic Camera App for Android 2.0 is set to add support for remote control and monitoring of multiple Android phones, plus more additional support for selected Android tablets and Samsung S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra phones.Blackmagic Camera App for Android 2.0Already designed to work with Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones, the Blackmagic Camera app is set to add even more Android phones, plus support for selected Android tablets and Samsung S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra phones.
30/01/2025
New Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K Body Version to Retail for Just Under $7K
The Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K LF BodyCinematographers will be able to shoot in 12K, 8K, or 4K at the full sensor size and will be able to choose the resolution for the job or the shot they want.When working in 8K 2.4:1 the camera can shoot up to 224 fps.
30/01/2025
Sundance 2025: Editor Benjamin Shearn On Using Premiere Pro and Frame.io to Bring 'By Design' to Life
Juliette Lewis stars in this epic fable that cleverly pokes fun at the social scripts people use to convince themselves their lives have purpose.Shearn relied on Premiere Pro, Productions, and Frame.io to bring Kramer’s surreal, spontaneous vision to life in an extremely tight timeframe, finishing a full cut just a month after filming wrapped to make the Sundance deadline.Read on for a behind-the-scenes look at editing By Design, premiering at Sundance on January 23rd.
30/01/2025
Sundance 2025: Behind the Scenes with the Editor of “BunnyLovr”
Directed by, written by, and starring Zhu and edited by Stephania Dulowski (Tendaberry), the film follows a drifting Chinese American cam girl, Rebecca, struggling to navigate an increasingly toxic relationship with one of her clients while rekindling her relationship with her dying estranged father.We sat down with Dulowski for an inside look at how she used Premiere Pro and Frame.io to craft a story that offers a nuanced, nonjudgmental approach to sex work, while also raising important questions about the commodification of intimacy and fragmentation of family.Neon Heart Productions, one of the production companies behind Bunnylovr, recommended me to edit the film after our collaboration on Tendaberry, which premiered at Sundance 2024 in the NEXT Category.
29/01/2025
How DeepSeek Might Shake Up the Generative AI Video Industry
The AI industry has been thrown into flux as the Chinese AI company DeepSeek has announced its game-changing ChatGPT rival DeepSeek-R1.Will DeepSeek Create an AI Video Model?What’s most likely going to happen is that DeepSeek or other Chinese AI companies will further disrupt the AI industry by releasing new AI technologies and possibly generative AI video models that will rival the best that we’ve seen so far.
29/01/2025
What is Hemingway’s Iceberg Theory?
It's a technique coined by American writer Ernest Hemingway that will be at the forefront of my thoughts when I sit down to write my next spec screenplay. It's also called "the theory of omission."Summing Up Hemingway's Iceberg Theory At the end of the day, this advice and theory work well for writers and filmmakers.
29/01/2025
The VFX Secrets Behind Lush Sundance Short 'Em & Selma Go Griffin Hunting'
That's the case for writer/director Alexander Thompson, who transports audiences to a fantastical place through his Sundance short, Em & Selma Go Griffin Hunting.The short follows a mother and daughter with radically different views on their magical world, a version of Depression-era California where griffins and wood nymphs inhabit the local woods.Alexander Thompson: In so many words, fantastical storytelling is a very excellent insurance policy against the ravages of time.
29/01/2025
When Does Tarantino Think Real Movies Ended?
Now, as he prepares to make his tenth and final film, Tarantino has gotten reflective on whether or not movies even exist anymore. Currently, he's writing a play, which he says, if it becomes a smash hit, could be adapted into his last movie. If we want to save these theatrical windows and bring movies back, we need more generals and fewer prophets.
29/01/2025
Z Cam E2 Mark II Camera Series Gets a Big Makeover
Z CAM E2-F6 Mark II Full-Frame 6K Cinema CameraThis E2-F6 Mark II model will be able to record 6K video at up to 60 fps and HD to 170 fps directly to a CFexpress Type B card.All of the cameras above are out and available for purchase now.
29/01/2025
Bringing Mexico’s Vibrant Culture to Life in Sundance Short Film 'Susana'
As co-founders of Thumper Films, they're currently working on a trilogy of shorts that examine this complex relationship.Their first film, Viaje de Negocios, premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival.We spoke with the filmmakers via email ahead of the festival to learn about their low-budget approach and their festival experiences.
28/01/2025
Protagonist vs. Antagonist: How to Pit Characters Against Each Other
The opposite of a protagonist is an antagonist.There should be some kind of imbalance between the protagonist and antagonist in your story at each moment, so we know why the characters are fighting.Explore the relationship between the protagonist and antagonist.
28/01/2025
Sundance 2025: How Editor Lev Lewis Crafted Cinematic Fever Dream “Dead Lover” on Premiere Pro
The film follows a lonely gravedigger (played by Glowicki) who finally meets her dream man, but their whirlwind affair is cut short when he tragically drowns at sea.Editor Lev Lewis worked closely with Glowicki to create the film’s colorful spectrum of creative influences – from disco to German Expressionism to sketch comedy to Bugs Bunny.Because the film was shot in only 16 days and almost entirely on a black soundstage with minimal backgrounds to differentiate scenes, Lewis relied on the fluidity of Premiere Pro to organize takes, streamline his workflow, and bring this genre-bending, “cinematic fever dream” to the big screen.
28/01/2025
19 Best Alien Movies of All Time
That's why I am obsessed with alien movies.Today, I want to make a list of what I think are the best alien movies and take you through them. Close Encounters of the Third KindMusic is one of those things we classify as only human, but what if it's something that unites the universe?
28/01/2025
Sundance 2025 Filmmakers Share What Cameras They Used (and Why)
The 2025 Sundance Film Festival is off to a rip-roaring start in Park City, Utah and we’re excited to share some firsthand insights into what cameras were used by filmmakers for their films this year. As we’ve done in years past, we surveyed all of the filmmakers at this year’s Sundance Film Festival to seek out trends and insights into what gear is being used to bring these brilliant films to fruition.The ARRI ALEXA 35 in particular took the top spot in our results which reflects trends from years past as well.
28/01/2025
A Future-Proof and Affordable ARRI ALEXA 35 Base Model is Here
However, a new trend is emerging: Brands like Sony, Blackmagic, and Canon are releasing more affordable and easier-to-access versions of some of their top cine cameras.And the day for ARRI to release a more affordable entry model for their ALEXA 35 is finally here.Both of these models will feature the same Super 35 sensor, industry-leading 17 stops of dynamic range, REVEAL Color Science, and ARRI image quality.
28/01/2025
The 80 Best SNL Skits of All Time
And no one does it better than Saturday Night Live.I've put together a massive list of the best SNL skits of all time, from classics like Mr. Robinson's Neighborhood and Matt Foley to bizarre gems like Dr. Beaman's Office and Massive Head Wound Harry.What are your favorite SNL sketches?
28/01/2025
What Is A Sitcom?
But what is a sitcom?These new innovations have kept sitcoms fresh and kept audiences engaged.So if you have an idea on how to spinoff a sitcom into something fun and interesting, there are people who want to hear it.
27/01/2025
SXSW Vets Teach Rookies How to Fest
In this episode of No Film School, GG Hawkins sits down with filmmakers Sarah Mokh, Stephen Cedars, Benji Kleiman, and Imran J. Khan to discuss navigating the South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival.With insights from seasoned festival veterans, this episode offers practical advice and candid reflections on how to make the most of a festival experience, whether you’re a first-timer or a returning filmmaker.In this episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins and guests discuss:The importance of preparation before attending a festival and knowing how to pitch yourself and your project.
27/01/2025
How This Filmmaker Turned Stock Animations into a Sundance-Worthy Short
That's certainly the case for Paradise Man (ii), a quirky short film that's playing in the animated shorts block at this year's Sundance Film Fest.The short is a reflective piece featuring the eponymous Man, who appears on screen and immediately starts waxing poetic about life and golf and love.The writer/director/producer of the short is Jordan Michael Blake, who was kind enough to chat with us ahead of the festival.
27/01/2025
Follow the 'Star Trek' Movies in Chronological Order
So today, I wanted to go over the chronological order of Star Trek movies, so we can see how they shaped generations. The 'Star Trek' Movies in Chronological Order'Star Trek V: The Final Frontier' (1989)Plot: A crazy Vulcan, Spock's half brother, threatens the stability of the galaxy.
24/01/2025
This Filmmaker Used Personal Experience to Make an Impactful Sundance Short
Sundance Film Festival is one of the best places in the film/TV industry to explore new points of view.For instance, the short film Unholy features a young woman who is chronically ill and using a feeding tube.Writer/director Daisy Friedman took inspiration from her own experience as a feeding tube user to tell a story about a young woman struggling to connect with family and faith in the face of her illness.
24/01/2025
11 Movies We Can't Wait to See at Sundance 2025
So, what movies should we be keeping an eye on out of Park City this year? Let's jump into 11 Movies we can't wait to see at Sundance 2025...Let me know what you think in the comments about these titles!
24/01/2025
Automatically Upload Proxy Files to Frame.io with These Canon Cameras
Adobe has shared that they’ve partnered with Canon to deliver some new integrations between Frame.io Camera to Cloud (C2C) and some select Canon cameras.Plus, with a recent firmware update, users of these cameras are now able to automatically upload proxy files directly from your Canon cameras to Frame.io.With just a Frame.io account, a Canon C80 or Canon C400, a network connection, and a simple six-digit pairing code, shooters will now be able to start uploading video files to the cloud within minutes of capture.
24/01/2025
Sundance 2025: Filmmaker Alireza Khatami Used Premiere Pro and After Effects to Bring Sundance Debut “The Things You Kill” to Life
As the writer, director, co-editor, and co-producer of the film, Alireza Khatami used Adobe’s suite of video editing tools to bring his creative vision to life: “Premiere Pro was our go-to for editing, thanks to its speed and stability, and After Effects was critical for the complex visual effects we needed.”“The Things You Kill” premieres at Sundance on January 24th.We sat down with Khatami to learn more about his workflow on this ambitious feature, seven years in the making.
24/01/2025
How These Filmmakers Took Their Production Adventure to a Global Scale
As the global content company launches its crew-focused anthem “Chasing the Same Sun”, we chatted with Hometeam founders Brandon Bloch, Lagan Sebert, Harrison Winter and their producing team about how they’ve been able to take their production adventures to a global scale.At its highest purpose, Hometeam empowers filmmakers to do their best work on a global scale by working with the best crews on a local level.With Chasing the Same Sun, we filmed in nine cities across six continents all without ever setting foot on a plane.
23/01/2025
Why Did The Best Picture Oscar Nominees Leave The Producer Spot Blank?
In the race for best picture, where the names of producers should be, there were the four words: “nominees to be determined.”Well, as you can see, some of the movies have their producers' spots listed.The academy has a very strict policy for that.
23/01/2025
Panasonic Announces Major Firmware Updates for Host of LUMIX Cameras
Speaking of which, Panasonic has announced a series of new firmware updates for its full-frame and micro four thirds LUMIX cameras.These firmware updates are set to add new features like enhanced AF detection modes, frame markers, and codec and zoom options.The big headlines for both the Panasonic LUMIX S5II and the updated Panasonic LUMIX S5IIX model have to do with compatibility with the LUMIX Lab smartphone app which adds more remote shooting controls and features, along with updates to the cameras’ phase hybrid autofocus systems and their hybrid zoom and crop zoom features.
23/01/2025
Canon’s Latest RF Zoom Lens is Its Smallest and Lightest Yet
The Canon RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STMThe Canon RF 16-28mm f/2.8 will provide 5.5 stops of correction automatically for cameras without IBIS and up to 8 stops when used in coordination with a compatible camera's built-in stabilization system.The Canon RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM is available for pre-order now with units expected to start shipping beginning February 2025.
23/01/2025
The 2025 Oscar Nominations: Who's In and Who Got Snubbed?
This year's race has been crazy, with Emilia Perez picking up 13 nominations, and it is the first time since 1997 that everyone in the Directing Award category is a first-time nominee. Conan O’Brien will host the 97th Academy Awards on Sunday, March 2, from the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood.The 2025 Oscar Nominations
23/01/2025
8 Films That Inspired Robert Eggers' 'Nosferatu'
Eggers shared a list of eight films with Film at Lincoln Center for its film series “Conjuring Nosferatu: Robert Eggers Presents," stating:"It’s a world of Gothic Romance, fairy tales, and folklore, made by filmmakers with a passion to transport the audience to another time, another place, and another way of thinking and believing."Let's take a look at the films that inspired Eggers' remake of Murnau's classic gothic horror film.Beauty and the Beast (1946)
23/01/2025
Read and Download 'The Night of the Hunter' Script
Its chilling depiction of religious fanaticism and predatory evil, as well as its dreamlike atmosphere and haunting visuals, make it one of the most important movies ever made. It tells the story of two young children fleeing from a murderous preacher with "LOVE" and "HATE" tattooed on his knuckles.James Agee’s screenplay is a plethora of lessons stretched across a gripping narrative.
22/01/2025
Netflix Celebrates Record-Breaking Sub Surge With...a Price Hike?
The standard monthly membership without ads will go from $15.49 to $17.99, and an account with ads will rise a dollar to $7.99. These are the first price rises since 2022.When it comes to their stock, they just hit a yearly high of $999 per share.
22/01/2025
Sony BURANO Gets Major Upgrades Including New Recording Formats
That day is here now, as Sony has just announced some major new features for the BURANO with a new version 2.0.Let’s look at what the Sony BURANO version 2.0 will feature, including new recording formats, monitoring and SDI output updates, and exposure tools.BURANO version 2.0 will feature a new 3.8K Full Frame crop that will be able to make use of nearly the entire sensor to record up to 120 fps.
22/01/2025
Premiere Pro Adds AI Clip Recognition with New Media Intelligence and Search Panel
The biggest headlines here might have to be the new features coming to Premiere Pro (beta) first though.Adobe Premiere Pro is getting faster with AI-powered Media Intelligence and a new search panel.Then, with the new Search panel, users will be able to use natural language to find visuals, spoken words, or content with embedded metadata like shoot date or camera type all at the same time.
22/01/2025
The 7 Best Movies About American Presidents
Let's take a look at seven of the best movies about American presidents.'Lincoln'Day-Lewis' spot-on (we think) portrayal of the 16th president makes this biopic feel almost like a cinéma vérité documentary.
22/01/2025
What is a Flat Character?
In general, flat characters are just useful bodies in the story you can use to advance the plot.But if someone tells you your main characters or villains are coming across as flat, then you have a problem.Why Do You Need a Flat Character?
21/01/2025
Meet the Most Affordable Lightweight Robotic Camera Arm Yet
The new Noxon Arm, the latest smooth motion solution for filmmakers from Noxon, promises to be a new take on the robotic arm that should be quite competitively priced for the level of technology that you’re getting.The Noxon ArmThe Noxon Arm is tailored for cinema cameras and can support up to 6kg, which should ensure quality across a wide range of projects and challenges.
21/01/2025
18 Civil Rights Movies to Watch on MLK Day
'Judas and the Black Messiah'You'd get One Night in Miami, Regina King's feature debut as director.'To Kill a Mockingbird'
21/01/2025
11 Best Martin Scorsese Movies, Ranked
And that's not just because he's delivered some all-time classics, but because he has dedicated his life to the art of film.Ranking Martin Scorsese's movies felt like an impossible task.Killers of the Flower MoonThough a recent film, it's a movie I think about all the time.
20/01/2025
Netflix Adds Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K LF to Approved Camera List
The Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K LF has already proven to be a very capable and popular cinema camera from Blackmagic Design.It more than meets all of the standards that Netflix required to be included on the list and will join the likes of several other Blackmagic cameras already on the list.The new URSA Cine 12K sports a gorgeous new cinematic 12K full-frame 36 x 24mm sensor with an advertised 12 stops of dynamic range and Blackmagic raw capture up to 12K 3:2 open gate.
20/01/2025
How Did 'The Brutalist' Utilize AI in Post Production?
Of course, we also learned that some of the other films many assumed would be nominated for Best Picture had also used AI in post-production.'The Brutalist' and AILook, a lot of Hollywood used AI this year.
20/01/2025
New DaVinci Resolve Update Adds Cache Clearing and Fusion Effects Fixes
Resolve has had many updates over the past year, each improving upon one of the more exciting, and improving NLEs for filmmakers and video editors.This latest 19.1.3 update adds some new improvements (namely cache clearing) as well as fixes to some Fusion effect previews and other small issues.DaVinci Resolve 19.1.3
20/01/2025
2025 ASC Awards Nominees: 'Dune', 'Wicked', & 'Nosferatu' Make the List
The American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) has announced the nominees for its 39th Annual Outstanding Achievement Awards. The awards will be presented on February 23, 2025, at The Beverly Hilton, and you can livestream at theasc.com.The awards are considered among the most prestigious in Hollywood and are often seen as a predictor of the Academy Award for Best Cinematography.
18/01/2025
Read and Download the Most Iconic David Lynch Scripts
Lynch was a singular voice whose work on screen came from some of the most inventive and engaging screenplays I have ever read.David Lynch Scripts There's so much to learn from the screenplay below.
18/01/2025
How to Not Sabotage Your Film’s Score
But did you consider the crucial step of transitioning from digital to human music performance in your budget or post-production plans?Don't Sabotage Your Film Score As orchestration and music preparation professionals, our careers transition from digital to human performances.A good orchestrator often aids in decisions about the best approach for distributing elements between limited live musicians and digital tracks.
17/01/2025
Laowa Teases Groundbreaking Zoom Probe Lens
Laowa has announced that the company is set to launch a groundbreaking new Zoom Probe Lens here in 2025 that is going to follow up on the success of the company's previous 24mm f/14 Probe, Periprobe, and 24mm T8 Pro2be lenses.The Laowa 15-35mm Zoom Probe LensAnd Laowa reports that it will be available for shipment in Q2 2025.
17/01/2025
Artlist Empowers Creation Without Limits With Creative Tools and Digital Assets
Artlist is the place to go for creators who want to empower creation without limits.Including hundreds of thousands of premium songs, SFX, footage, templates, LUTs, and plugins, Artlist’s creative asset collections aim to provide creators with a full solution to content creation.This AI voice-over feature is one of the first AI voice generators offered by a creative assets platform.
17/01/2025
TikTok vs YouTube: Which is Better for Filmmakers in 2025?
We'll look into the pros and cons of each platform and come up with a plan of action. TikTok vs. YouTube Let's look at the debate in some pros and cons list to really get to the bottom of the question and help you decide which platform is best for you.Essentially, TikTok is great for marketing and YouTube is great for distribution.
16/01/2025
How the Editors of 'Eno' Used Premiere Pro and After Effects to Cut the First Generative Film
In addition to showcasing Eno’s rich archive of hundreds of hours of never-before-seen footage and unreleased music, director Gary Hustwit and creative technologist Brendan Dawes developed bespoke generative software that sequences a human-coded mixture of scenes, music, and interviews to create a film that is never the same twice.As the first-ever “generative” film, Tippett and McDonald relied on Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects to manage Eno’s technical complexity.McDonald: We used Premiere Pro and After Effects for this film.
16/01/2025
Rest in Eccentric Peace, David Lynch
A painter turned filmmaker, Lynch was an exceptionally artistic oddball whose work helped bridge the commercial and experimental filmmaking gap in many ways.From his early animated works inspired by his talents as a painter in "Six Men Getting Sick" and "The Alphabet" to his final short, the Netflix-produced "What Did Jack Do?", each short carries its own charm and fleshes out his body of works with his classic surrealist charm.But, if David Lynch taught me anything, it's that when the dark and evil things out of our control start to take hold, the best way to move forward is to hold on to the beautiful things we can control.
16/01/2025
The 2025 WGA Awards Nominations Revealed
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has announced the nominees for its Writers Guild Awards, celebrating outstanding achievements in film, television, radio, audio, and promotional writing.This year's nominees represent a diverse range of storytelling, from big-budget blockbusters to intimate independent films, sharp satirical comedies to thought-provoking dramas, and groundbreaking documentaries to innovative children's programming.The WGA Awards Nominations 2025
16/01/2025
Leica Announces a Speedy New SL3-S With Unlimited Open Gate 6K Video
Featuring a 24MP full-frame sensor, the Leica SL3-S will be able to provide unlimited 6K Open Gate internal recording while utilizing the full size of the sensor in its native 3:2 aspect ratio.The Leica SL3-S boasts a 24 MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor which features an ISO range of 50 to 200,000 and allows 48 and 96MP in handheld Multishot mode.The Leica SL3-S has just been announced and is available for pre-order now with an expected availability starting January 20th, 2025.
16/01/2025
These 21 Movies Had The Best Cinematography of All Time
So, I scoured the internet to make a list of movies I could learn from.Once I went down that rabbit hole, I found myself actually making a list of the best cinematography of all time.I love Ridley Scott's work here.
15/01/2025
How Filmmakers Are Coming Together Amidst the LA Fires
They share personal experiences of evacuation and the emotional toll of the crisis, emphasizing the importance of community support and resilience. The conversation highlights the need for filmmakers to prioritize their safety and mental health while navigating the uncertain future of the industry. They also explore the power of storytelling as a means of processing trauma and fostering empathy in challenging times.
15/01/2025
BAFTA 2025 Nominations: 'Conclave' is Praised and 'Challengers' Fumbles
The three leading films are Conclave (12 nominations), Emelia Pérez (11), and The Brutalist (9), shortly followed by Anora, Dune: Part Two, and Wicked (7).The biggest surprise here might be that Conclave is in the lead, papally towering over the competition.Considering it only took away Best Screenplay at the Golden Globes, we'll see if its nominations bear any weight to victory.
15/01/2025
Expand Your Shutter Speed Options With These Sony Alpha Firmware Updates
here soon, we do get a sneak peek at some major firmware updates that are on the way for some of Sony’s flagship line of cameras.Sony has announced that firmware updates for the Alpha 1 II, Alpha 1, and Alpha 9 III will be available starting later this month and will bring a range of improvements including the expansion of shutter speed options for said cameras.Again, Sony has shared that all three of these new firmware updates — Alpha 1 II (Ver. 2.00), Alpha 1 (Ver. 3.00), and Alpha 9 III (Ver. 3.00) — are all set to be available here sometime in January 2025.
15/01/2025
Expand Your Shutter Speed Options With These Sony Alpha Firmware Updates
here soon, we do get a sneak peek at some major firmware updates that are on the way for some of Sony’s flagship line of cameras.Sony has announced that firmware updates for the Alpha 1 II, Alpha 1, and Alpha 9 III will be available starting later this month and will bring a range of improvements including the expansion of shutter speed options for said cameras.Again, Sony has shared that all three of these new firmware updates — Alpha 1 II (Ver. 2.00), Alpha 1 (Ver. 3.00), and Alpha 9 III (Ver. 3.00) — are all set to be available here sometime in January 2025.
15/01/2025
What is Shallow Depth of Field? Definition & Examples
Today, we want to go over one that gets used a lot: shallow depth of field. We'll review the definition, look at some examples, and talk about why filmmakers have been using shallow depth of field more and more in Hollywood. What is Shallow Depth of Field?
15/01/2025
Watch David Ehrlich's 25 Best Films of 2024 Video Countdown Now
Another year, another eloquently edited video countdown of the year's best films from Indiewire's Chief Film Critic, David Ehrlich.No matter what kind of year you had in 2024, there's no denying it was an amazing year for movies.Did your favorite movies make the final cut?
14/01/2025
The DJI Flip Camera Drone Aims to Bring Vlogging to the Skies
Aimed at beginners and novice aerial videographers, this sub-249g drone can be operated with or without a controller and has a variety of auto-flying modes.It also features a pretty decent camera for a sub-$500 price point that can record 4K video at up to 100fps and shoot 10-bit clips with D-Log M.The DJI Flip Vlog Camera Drone
14/01/2025
This Film Stock Is Why '70s and '80s Movies Look So Good
I went to YouTube to figure out why that was, and I ran into this incredibly helpful video from In Depth Cine, which taught me all about the world of Kodak 100T 5247, the film stock that dominated Hollywood for nearly two decades and left an enduring mark on the aesthetic of cinema. So, join me as I explore the unique characteristics of this film, its impact on legendary movies, and how it continues to influence filmmakers today.Kodak 100T 5247 is the Film Stock of a Generation
14/01/2025
What is Technicolor?
Today, we're going to define the Technicolor process, talk about its history, and look at a few examples across cinema. The term "Technicolor" actually refers to a bunch of motion picture processes developed by the Technicolor Motion Picture Corporation throughout the early 20th century.Let us know your favorite technicolor movie in the comments!
14/01/2025
Our 2025 Oscar Predictions: Who's Taking Home Best Picture?
My favorite ceremony is the Oscars.Today, I want to go over some of the Academy Awards and make my predictions for who will win the Oscar.2025 Oscar Predictions
13/01/2025
The Ending of 'Conclave' Explained: Who is the New Pope?
We'll explain the Conclave ending, go over its plot, and discuss its meaning. The Plot of 'Conclave'The conclave becomes a battleground for the future of the Church, with four cardinals emerging as the leading contenders.
13/01/2025
How Leaving LA Led to a 40 Theater Release With a First Script
Writer-director Eddie Mensore shares the journey of creating Hazard, an indie drama about the opioid crisis in Appalachia, and how leaving LA led to the film's 40-theater release. Later, Marc Saltarelli discusses the acclaimed LGBTQ+ documentary Studio One Forever, exploring its historical significance and enduring legacy.In this episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins, Eddie Mensore, and Marc Saltarelli discuss:How Eddie’s move away from LA revitalized his career and allowed him to focus on meaningful indie filmsThe challenges and triumphs of making Hazard, a deeply personal story about the opioid crisisMarc’s experience documenting LGBTQ+ history through Studio One Forever and the film’s resonance in today’s political climateAdvice for filmmakers navigating the industry outside of traditional Hollywood structuresResources:Hazard Official WebsiteHazard Theatrical ReleaseStudio One Forever Official TrailerSubscribe to the No Film School Podcast on:Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogleGet your question answered on the podcast by emailing [email protected].
13/01/2025
How Premiere Pro and Frame.io Helped 'Black Box Diaries' Filmmakers Tell Shiori Ito’s Powerful Story
Directed by Ito herself and edited by Ema Ryan Yamazaki, the film follows Ito through her very personal journey and campaign to hold her assailant accountable.She not only becomes the face of Japan’s #MeToo movement but also launches a landmark case in Japan, exposing the country’s desperately outdated judicial and societal systems.We caught up with Yamazaki to get a behind-the-scenes look at the four-year process of crafting Black Box Diaries.
13/01/2025
DJI 04 Air Unit Series Will Allow You to Add FPV Capabilities to Your Non-FPV Drones
The 04 Air Unit series is set to include a DJI 04 Air Unit and a DJI Air Unit Pro, which—when working with DJI Goggles—will unlock real-time video streaming from many miles away.The DJI 04 Air Unit SeriesThe DJI 04 Air Unit Pro
13/01/2025
9 Most Brutal Westerns Ever Made
When I made our list of the best westerns ever made, I spent a few weeks in heaven watching all sorts of different versions of these films, but a few stuck with me.They were some of the most brutal movies I had ever seen, and I love recommending them to people. He was a little crazy, incredibly bold, and made one of the greatest westerns of all time in The Wild Bunch.
13/01/2025
How a TikTok Ban Could Effect Filmmakers
The Supreme Court heard arguments today on whether or not it would uphold the current law banning the enormously popular social media app in the United States unless ByteDance sells it by January 19th.If you're wondering how our silly little videos are facing the cold hand of the law, the argument being made is that TikTok's Chinese ownership poses security concerns due to US citizen data collection and potential influence from the Chinese government.Well, the fear amongst lawmakers is that since ByteDance is a Chinese company, they are more susceptible to interference and influence from the Chinese government which may want to access and gather user personal data.
10/01/2025
Television Academy Announces Rules Changes for 77th and 78th Emmy Competitions
Recently, the Emmys changed the rules for some of their categories for what can compete and how. Television Academy Announces Rules Changes for 77th and 78th Emmy CompetitionsThese changes will go into effect over the next two Emmy awards.
10/01/2025
HDMI 2.2 Has Been Announced and Will Support Resolutions Up to 16K
HDMI 2.2 is set to deliver 96Gbps of bandwidth and will be capable of supporting up to 16K resolution.The focus of the HDMI 2.2 announcement has been on future needs for supporting HDR video and virtual reality, mixed reality, and augmented reality content.However, the HDMI Forum has shared that the HDMI 2.2 technology will be shared to TV and cable manufacturers here in the first half of 2025.
10/01/2025
9 Best Modern Black & White Movies
But it's not just old movies that are made in black and white, lots of directors choose the color palate to better signify the themes of their films. Today, I wanted to go over some great modern black-and-white movies and talk about what makes them so special. Let's dive into the movies.
10/01/2025
'Juror #2' Ending Explained: Does Justice Prevail?
So, today, we will discuss the ending of Juror #2.A young woman named Kendall Carter is found dead, and her boyfriend, James Sythe, is accused of her murder.I want to hear your interpretations of the film and what you have to think.
10/01/2025
Hollyland Debuts Teeny-Tiny Wireless Mic System That Weighs Less Than 7 Grams
Designed to record up to two people for mobile journalism or on-the-run content creation, the new Lark M2S combo wireless microphone system is exceptionally small, weighs just 7 grams (0.25 ounces), and is easily conceivable.The Hollyland Lark M2S Wireless Mic SystemIdeal for mobile journalists, documentarians, or any video pros looking for the smallest gear possible, the Hollyland Lark M2S wireless microphone combo system includes two ultracompact transmitters with built-in omnidirectional microphones.
09/01/2025
'The Brutalist' Director Brady Corbet on Why 70mm Matters
The director of the film, Brady Corbet, is urging everyone to see the movie that way.He spoke to TIFF Originals about why he thinks it matters. Corbet's passion for film is evident throughout the interview, and he expresses his belief that large format film is the future of cinema.
09/01/2025
Cinema Audio Society Reveals Nominations for 61st Annual CAS Awards
The Cinema Audio Society has revealed nominations for Outstanding Achievements in Sound Mixing.The 61st CAS Awards will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at the Beverly Hilton.Tickets are now available at cinemaaudiosociety.org.
09/01/2025
The 2025 DGA Award Nominations Announced
The winners in all categories will be announced at the 77th Annual DGA Awards on Saturday, February 8, 2025.The 2025 DGA Award NominationsOutstanding Directorial Achievement in Dramatic SeriesThe nominees for the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Dramatic Series for 2024 are (in alphabetical order):Alex GravesThe Diplomat, “Dreadnought”(Netflix)Hiromi KamataShōgun, “Ladies of the Willow World”(FX)Issa LópezTrue Detective: Night Country, “Part 6”(HBO)Unit Production Manager: Mari Jo WinklerFirst Assistant Director: Richard GraysmarkFrederick E.O. Toye Shōgun, “Crimson Sky”(FX)Jonathan Van TullekenShōgun, “Anjin”(FX)Outstanding Directorial Achievement inComedy SeriesThe nominees for the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Comedy Series for 2024 are (in alphabetical order): Lucia AnielloHacks, “Bulletproof”(Max)Unit Production Manager: Chris R. RobinsonFirst Assistant Director: Jeff RosenbergSecond Assistant Director: Erin Stern LinaresSecond Second Assistant Director: Alaina Neumann RafdalAdditional Second Assistant Director: Chalis RomeroAyo EdebiriThe Bear, “Napkins”(FX)Unit Production Managers: Carrie Holt de Lama, Tyson BidnerFirst Assistant Director: Duccio FabbriSecond Assistant Director: Olivia Dame, Larissa MalarekSecond Second Assistant Director: Sofía BlancoLocation Manager: Maria C. RoxasDuccio FabbriThe Bear, “Doors”(FX)Unit Production Managers: Carrie Holt de Lama, Tyson BidnerFirst Assistant Director: Larissa MalarekSecond Assistant Director: Olivia DameSecond Second Assistant Director: Sofía BlancoLocation Manager: Maria C. Roxas Jeff SchafferCurb Your Enthusiasm, “No Lessons Learned”(HBO)Unit Production Manager: Mary ChurchFirst Assistant Director: Adam FeilSecond Assistant Director: Jessica Faires McGinnSecond Second Assistant Director: Timothy MuirChristopher StorerThe Bear, “Tomorrow”(FX)Unit Production Managers: Carrie Holt de Lama, Tyson BidnerFirst Assistant Director: Duccio FabbriSecond Assistant Director: Olivia DameSecond Second Assistant Director: Sofía BlancoLocation Manager: Maria C. RoxasOutstanding Directorial Achievement inMovies for Television and Limited SeriesThe nominees for the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Movies for Television and Limited Series for 2024 are (in alphabetical order):Kevin BrayThe Penguin, “Top Hat”(HBO)Unit Production Managers: Dana Robin, Bill CarraroFirst Assistant Director: Jude GorjancSecond Assistant Director: Brad RobinsonSecond Second Assistant Director: Matt MerksamerAdditional Second Assistant Director: Maritza GomezAssistant Unit Production Manager: Mike BuonannoLocation Manager: Keith AdamsAlfonso CuarónDisclaimer(Apple TV +)Unit Production Manager: Donald SabourinFirst Assistant Director: Chris CarrerasJennifer GetzingerThe Penguin, “A Great or Little Thing”(HBO)Unit Production Managers: Dana Robin, Bill CarraroFirst Assistant Director: H.H. CooperSecond Assistant Director: Eric CalatayudSecond Second Assistant Director: Matt MerksamerAdditional Second Assistant Director: Maritza GomezAssistant Unit Production Manager: Mike BuonannoLocation Manager: Keith AdamsHelen ShaverThe Penguin, “Cent'anni”(HBO)Unit Production Managers: Dana Robin, Bill CarraroFirst Assistant Director: H.H. CooperSecond Assistant Director: Eric CalatayudSecond Second Assistant Director: Matt MerksamerAdditional Second Assistant Director: Maritza GomezAssistant Unit Production Manager: Mike BuonannoLocation Manager: Keith AdamsSteven ZaillianRipley(Netflix)Unit Production Managers: Clayton Townsend, Joe Guest (New York)First Assistant Director: Peter ThorellSecond Assistant Directors: Justin Bischoff (New York), Nick Notte (New York)Second Second Assistant Director: Melissa Morphet (New York)Location Manager: Paul Eskenazi (New York)Outstanding Directorial Achievement inVariety/Talk/News/Sports – Regularly Scheduled ProgrammingThe nominees for the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Variety/Talk/News/Sports – Regularly Scheduled Programming for 2024 are (in alphabetical order):Paul G. CaseyReal Time with Bill Maher, “Jiminy Glick, Andrew Cuomo, Adam Kinzinger”(HBO)Associate Director: Stacy TalbotStage Managers: Brian Anderson, Patrick WhitneyJim HoskinsonThe Late Show with Stephen Colbert, “Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez & Mavis Staples w/ Jeff Tweedy”(CBS)Associate Directors: Yvonne De Mare, Karen YaegerStage Managers: Mark McKenna, Jeff LeibDavid Paul MeyerThe Daily Show, “Indecision 2024: The Democratic National Convention - Plot Twist!”
09/01/2025
Check Out The SAG Award Nominations 2025
The ceremony will stream on Netflix on Sunday, February 23, with Kristen Bell as host.Check out the list of nominees below. The SAG Award Nominations 2025
09/01/2025
DJI’s New Compact Flagship Enterprise Drones Take Flight
The latest news from the civil drone and creative camera company comes in the form of the company’s new compact flagship enterprise drone series.The DJI Matrice 4 Series will feature a new Matrice 4T and Matrice 4E, new intelligent multi-sensor compact drones which will feature advanced capabilities such as smart detection and laser range finder measurements.The DJI Matrice 4 Series
08/01/2025
Dive Into 10 Screenwriting Tips From Robert Eggers
Now, How To Screenplay has compiled a list of ten of his screenwriting tips so that we can learn from his process. 10 Screenwriting Tips From Robert Eggers To Get Your First Feature Produced, Make a Proof of Concept We love a good proof of concept here at No Film School.
08/01/2025
Insta360 Partners With YouTuber Peter McKinnon for Creator-Ready X4 Pro Bundle
The latest example of this easy entry into the world of film and video comes with a new content creation bundle brought together by Insta360 and YouTuber Peter McKinnon.The Insta360 X4 360-degree 8K CameraThe Peter McKinnon Edition Insta360 X4 bundle is out and available now.
07/01/2025
How To Edit A Documentary With a Personal Impact
That's why I was keen to check out Zurawski v Texas and speak with its editor, Austin Reedy.I had worked with Maisie and Abbie before on a film called At The Ready and was excited when they asked me to help tell this story––it felt immediate and essential.Reedy: Maisie and Abbie always wanted the film to feel as authentic as possible.
06/01/2025
A New Future of Autofocus Anamorphic Lenses is On the Way
SIRUI 40mm T1.8 1.33X S35 AF Anamorphic LensThe lens is set to be 614g super compact and offer equivalent to 42mm focal length as a T1.8 lens featuring constant 1.33x squeeze ratio, as well as offer some blue/neutral flare and distinctive bokeh, which should give DPs both cinematic look image and the autofocus design to make anamorphic creating much more efficient.Reviews of the SIRUI 40mm T1.8 1.33x S35 Lens
06/01/2025
Who Won the 2025 Golden Globes?
The 82nd Golden Globe Awards, hosted by Nikki Glaser, just ended, and the entire night was kind of a blur of speeches, hilarious sketches, and a few upsets. Emilia Pérez led the nominations with a staggering ten nods, but did it sweep the awards?The 2025 Golden Globe Winners
06/01/2025
Everything Steven Soderbergh Watched in 2024
From the latest releases to obscure classics, Soderbergh's viewing habits offer a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a master storyteller.Steven Soderbergh Watch List 2024NOW, SITTING TARGET02/18 STAR WARS: RETURN OF THE JEDI, THE TRIAL (’63)02/19 STAR WARS: ATTACK OF THE CLONES, CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM02/23 MLLION DOLLAR MERMAID, THE DYNASTY (2)02/26 Long Island Compromise, Taffy Brodesser-Akner02/28 THE GREATEST LOVE STORY NEVER TOLD03/01 THE DYNASTY, CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM03/02 THE DYNASTY03/03 Lowdown Road, Scott Von Doviak03/04 Charlesgate Confidential, Scott Von Doviak03/05 The List, Yomi Adegoke03/06 ALL ABOUT EVE03/07 ANDOR, CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM, THE GENTLEMEN03/08 THE DYNASTY (2)03/09 Piglet, Lottie Hazell, CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM03/11 AMERICAN CONSPIRACY: THE OCTOPUS MURDERS, THREE DAYS OF THE CONDOR03/14 AMERICAN CONSPIRACY: THE OCTOPUS MURDERS (3)03/15 THE DYNASTY (2)03/16 Neon in Daylight, Hermoine Hoby03/17 CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM, THE GENTLEMEN03/18 THE GENTLEMEN (3)03/19 3 Shades of Blue, James Kaplan, THE GENTLEMEN (2), THE RIVALS OF AMZIAH03/20 WHEN YOU FINISH SAVING THE WORLD03/22 THE PIKE COUNTY MURDERS (3)03/23 AMERICAN MANHUNT: THE BOSTON MARATHON BOMBING (2), BRANNIGAN03/25 CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM03/30 SPY OPS (2), MIAMI OPEN WOMEN’S FINAL03/31 The Twenty Year Death, Ariel S. Winter, LOVE, BROOKLYN, MIAMI OPEN MEN’S FINAL04/03 JAWS, AMERICAN MANHUNT: THE BOSTON MARATHON BOMBING04/04 CHINATOWN04/05 SCOOP, THE FILE ON THELMA JORDON04/06 BULLSEYES AND BEER: WHEN DARTS HIT BRITAIN, BORN TO BE BAD, MAD MAX04/07 DUNE: PART TWO04/08 CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM, The Club, Leo Damrosch04/09 NEAL BRENNAN: GOOD CRAZY04/10 WHAT JENNIFER DID04/11 Grief is for People, Sloane Crosley04/12 OBSESSION (’49)04/13 The Cocktail Waitress, James M. Cain, CATCH-22, SHELL04/17 THE QUILLER MEMORANDAM04/18 Close to Death, Anthony Horowitz04/19 PIECES (’97)04/20 WELCOME TO COLLINWOOD04/21 RED EYE (3), James, Percival Everett04/22 THE JINX PART TWO, RED EYE (3)04/23 The Making of the Movie Jaws, Edith Blake, THE REAL VANISHING ACT—MISSING MILLIONAIRESS04/25 Dr. No, Percival Everett, THE MAGUS, KISS THE BLOOD OFF MY HANDS04/27 ALIEN04/29 THE JINX PART TWO05/01 Jaws, Peter Benchley05/03 THE MAKING OF JAWS05/04 MADRID OPEN WOMEN’S FINAL, HACKS05/06 MADRID OPEN MEN’S FINAL, HACKS, THE JINX PART TWO05/07 Begin principal photography on BLACK BAG05/12 THE HOLLYWOOD CON QUEEN (3)05/16 HACKS05/17 HACKS05/18 HACKS, THE FOOTBALLER FRAUDSTER05/19 HACKS, LA CHIMERA05/20 THE JINX PART TWO05/22 NIKKI GLASER: SOMEDAY YOU’LL DIE05/23 HACKS05/24 HACKS05/25 CIVIL WAR05/26 JAWS: THE INSIDE STORY, THE INNOCENT (’22), IN COLD BLOOD05/27 Worry, Alexandra Tanner, THE JINX PART TWO, GOOD FORTUNE06/01 THE THICK OF IT, HACKS06/03 THE THICK OF IT (3)06/04 REN FAIRE06/06 REN FAIRE06/07 REN FAIRE06/10 DEADLY WATERS WITH CAPTAIN LEE06/12 Exhibit, R.O. Kwon06/13 HIT MAN06/16 Negative Space, Gillian Linden, Annie Bot, Sierra Greer06/19 JAWS06/20 Queen and Country, Alan Judd06/23 Parade, Rachel Cusk, The English Understand Wool, Helen DeWitt, BLACK BAG, PERFECT WIFE06/24 PERFECT WIFE (2), Caledonian Road, Andrew O’Hagan06/25 Tennis Lessons, Susannah Dickey06/26 FURIOSA: A MAD MAX SAGA06/27 The New Me, Halle Butler06/28 THE FRIEND07/02 Common Decency, Susannah Dickey07/04 INTIMIDATION07/07 “Opening Theory” Sally Rooney07/13 SPRINT (6)07/14 WIMBLEDON MENS FINAL, JAWS07/15 BLACK BAG07/18 Kairos, Jenny Erpenbeck, HOMICIDE: LOS ANGELES, HOMICIDE: NEW YORK07/19 Banal Nightmares, Halle Butler, HOMICIDE: LOS ANGELES07/20 The Winner, Teddy Wayne07/21 The Coin, Yasmin Zaher07/22 HOMICIDE: NEW YORK, IN A VIOLENT NATURE07/23 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF DESTRUCTION07/24 A NIGHT AT THE OPERA*07/25 HOMICIDE: LOS ANGELES (2), FUGITIVE: MYSTERY OF THE CRYPTO QUEEN (3)07/26 Funny Story, Emily Henry, Liars, Sarah Manguso, 2024 OLYMPIC OPENING CEREMONY07/27 300 Arguments, Sarah Manguso, 2024 OLYMPIC GAMES07/28 OLYMPIA PART ONE, ABOUT DRY GRASSES, 2024 OLYMPIC GAMES07/29 OLYMPIA, PART TWO, HOMICIDE: NEW YORK, 2024 OLYMPIC GAMES07/30 2024 OLYMPIC GAMES07/31 2024 OLYMPIC GAMES08/01 Autocracy, Inc., Anne Applebaum, BALDWIN’S N****R, 2024 OLYMPIC GAMES08/02 2024 OLYMPIC GAMES, UNSOLVED MYSTERIES08/03 VISIONS OF EIGHT, 2024 OLYMPIC GAMES, UNSOLVED MSYTERIES08/04 2024 OLYMPIC GAMES, UNSOLVED MYSTERIES08/05 2024 OLYMPIC GAMES, Catalina, Karla Cornejo Villavicencio08/06 2024 OLYMPIC GAMES08/07 2024 OLYMPIC GAMES, Bear, Julia Phillips08/08 2024 OLYMPIC GAMES, THE KEEP08/09 2024 OLYMPIC GAMES, UNSOLVED MYSTERIES08/10 2024 OLYMPIC GAMES, The Audacity, Ryan Chapman, COWBOY CARTEL (2)08/11 2024 OLYMPIC GAMES08/12 HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZBAKAHN08/13 COWBOY CARTEL, Bonding, Mariel Franklin08/14 JAWS08/17 ANDOR (3)08/18 ANDOR (3), THE BODY NEXT DOOR (3)08/20 GODS OF TENNIS08/21 GODS OF TENNIS08/22 BLACK BAG08/23 LONGLEGS08/25 THE MURDER OF LYN DAWSON (2), THE BIG CLOCK (’48)08/26 THE MURDER OF LYN DAWSON (2), TOP SECRET!
03/01/2025
John August Wants to Make Your (Screenwriting) Life Easier
In this episode of No Film School, GG Hawkins and Jason Hellerman chat with John August, an acclaimed screenwriter, podcaster, and software developer.Known for films like Big Fish and Aladdin, as well as co-hosting Scriptnotes with Craig Mazin, John August discusses his career, the evolution of screenwriting tools, and how he's simplifying life for writers with his app, Highland.In this episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins, Jason Hellerman, and John August discuss:John’s journey from journalism major to one of Hollywood’s most recognized screenwritersHow working across different mediums—from novels to musicals—has shaped his storytellingThe philosophy behind creating Highland, a screenwriting app designed to keep writers in the flowPractical advice for writers starting out in today’s industryResources:John August on IMDbHighland AppScriptnotes PodcastSubscribe to the No Film School Podcast on:Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogleGet your question answered on the podcast by emailing [email protected].
03/01/2025
DJI Drones Avoid Congress Ban, But Still Face Commerce Department Concerns
However, as is the case with most things in the government, it also now sounds like DJI could face similar threats of a ban through different forces.The Countering CCP Drones ActDJI filed a lawsuit against the United States Department of Defense in October 2024 to fight this as well.
03/01/2025
Golden Globes vs. Oscars: 5 Surprising Differences You Might Not Know
Two major ceremonies define the season: The Golden Globes and The Academy Awards.The Golden Globes covers both TV and film.Summing Up Golden Globes vs. OscarsAt the end of the day, this is a fun season that should be celebrated.
03/01/2025
How Extensive Makeup Research Unlocked Character
Written and directed by Tyler Perry, it's the story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, an all-black and all-female battalion, in World War II.NFS: Six Triple Eight is based on the true story of the US Army's only all-Black, all-women battalion after World War II.Facial hair looks for men, women's makeup, and nail styles.
03/01/2025
Is This SmallRig x Potato Jet Tripod One of the Best Options for Traveling Videographers?
This latest collaboration from SmallRig is with Potato Jet (aka Gene Nagata) for their co-branded TRIBEX Hydraulic Carbon Fiber Tripod Kit.The SmallRig x Potato Jet TRIBEX Hydraulic Carbon Fiber Tripod KitThis SmallRig x Potato Jet tripod is constructed with durable carbon fiber and, along with the fluid head, has an adjustable height range of 10.6 to 66.1".
02/01/2025
When Did You Imagine Your First Story?
However, I am here to tell you that it is possible to bring your visions to life no matter what your age is or the amount of resources you have.I am 15 years old, and I'm The director, writer, and producer of Attribute of the Strong.My film, Attribute of the Strong, is about a homeless man who wins the lottery and then seeks to take revenge on a man who wronged him.
02/01/2025
What's New on Public Domain Day 2025?
You can view an extensive list via Duke Law, but we'll recap the biggest titles in it below. Public Domain 2025Books and PlaysWilliam Faulkner, The Sound and the FuryErnest Hemingway, A Farewell to ArmsVirginia Woolf, A Room of One's OwnDashiell Hammett, Red Harvest and The Maltese Falcon (as serialized in Black Mask magazine)John Steinbeck, Cup of Gold (Steinbeck's first novel)Richard Hughes, A High Wind in JamaicaOliver La Farge, Laughing Boy: A Navajo Love StoryPatrick Hamilton, RopeArthur Wesley Wheen, the first English translation of All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria RemarqueAgatha Christie, Seven Dials MysteryRobert Graves, Good-bye to All ThatE. B. White and James Thurber, Is Sex Necessary?
01/01/2025
How Did Sound Capture The Essence of Gabriel García Márquez’s 'One Hundred Years of Solitude'
That's why I was so excited by the new Netflix film One Hundred Years of Solitude.La Tina’s collaborative work on One Hundred Years of Solitude brought together the talents of Andrés, Alejandro, and Manuel to create an immersive and dynamic soundscape that captured the essence of Gabriel García Márquez’s world. NFS: Manuel, your work with Colombia's biodiversity was integral to shaping the film's sound.
01/01/2025
How Costume Design Immersed Audience in Magical Realism of 'Pedro Páramo'
Costume design plays a crucial part in setting the tone of the film, and No Film School had a chance to sit down with Anna Terrazas, the costume designer on the film.For the film, Anna worked with local artisans to design and hand-make over 1000 pieces of clothing, from blouses, shirts, and hats to sandals and underwear, to ensure everything characters wore was period-appropriate. I am really grateful that I got to be a part of Rodrigo Prieto’s interpretation of the story.
01/01/2025
How 'Children of the Church Steps' Uses Sound to Find Authenticity in Tragedy
Two people who know just how important it is are the sound designers behind Netflix's Children of the Church Steps, Tomás Alem and Bernardo Uzeda.Lucky for you, we had the opportunity to interview Alem and Uzeda on their process.Netflix’s Children of the Church Steps is inspired by an incredibly well-known tragedy in Brazil’s history, the Candelária Massacre.
01/01/2025
What's the Story Behind the Tinsel and Nuance in Anora's Hair?
To pull that off, you need an all-star hair and makeup team to nail the details.Enter Justine Sierakowski, the artist responsible for crafting the many looks for our titular heroine, Anora (Mikey Madison), as well as the rest of the supporting cast.Below, we chat with Justine about how she pulled off the intricate details of Ani's story via hair styling, as well as some fun insights into some of the more specific choices throughout Anora's beautifully heart-wrenching story.
31/12/2024
'Sullivan's Crossing' Composers Ari Posner and Joel Schwartz Take Us Through Crafting a Multi Seasonal Score
Composers Ari Posner and Joel Schwartz understand that, and rise to the challenge over and over on the CW's Sullivan's Crossing, the juicy and thrilling show starring Chad Michael Murray and Morgan Kohan, which welcomes fans into a world of deception and heartbreak in rural Nova Scotia.Ari and Joel’s score for Sullivan’s Crossing required a very minimalist and organic approach.Showrunner Roma Roth’s keyword for the composing duo was “melancholic.”
31/12/2024
'Dune: Prophecy' Editors Amelia Allwarden and Anna Hauger Explain How Editing Is All in Your Character's Head
Enter melia Allwarden and Anna Hauger. Anna, who is also an associate producer on the show, edited episode 2, Amelia edited episode 4, and they worked together on the finale, episode 6. AH: I really enjoyed working on the Agony sequence in episode 2.
31/12/2024
A Real Long Shot from the Movie 'Deepfake'
But for our micro-budget indie Deepfake, it was Kilimanjaro.As it turned out, Fujinon had just released their new Duvo PL-mount cine box lens designed to cover full-frame sensors and bridge the gap between the cinema world and live events.Fujinon’s demo unit was coming to New York, and there was exactly a one-day window for us to get the shot, right at the very end of production.
30/12/2024
You Can Now Charge Your DJI Batteries With Your Car
DJI has unveiled a new Power 1kW Super Fast Car Charger for its giant portable batteries.This new car charger will be able to charge DJI’s lineup of power stations at up to 1000W from your car’s alternator.The charger can also connect your Power 1000 power station to your car's battery for two-way charging and car battery stabilization.
30/12/2024
No Crew, No Problem: Defy All Odds for Your First Feature
My first attempt, a 90-minute coming-of-age crime drama called Barcley, was a scrappy, zero-dollar production.By graduation, I had ten award-winning feature films, an Emmy-nominated limited series, and twenty shorts under my belt.I’m in post-production on my latest feature, Cardboard Island, a science fiction adventure that has consumed years of my life.
30/12/2024
Take These Lessons From Billy Wilder to Guide Your Filmmaking Journey
Wilder is an incredible writer and director who seems to master every genre.Thinking Like Billy Wilder In this new video, they tackle Billy Wilder and break down his career as a writer and a director.
30/12/2024
James Mangold Unwraps the Craft of "A Complete Unknown"
In this episode of No Film School, GG Hawkins and Jason Hellerman sit down with acclaimed director James Mangold to dive into the making of his latest film, A Complete Unknown.Known for iconic works like Logan and Ford v Ferrari, Mangold shares deep insights into his creative process, the importance of preparation, and how he navigates the complexities of storytelling.This holiday special offers invaluable lessons for filmmakers at every level.
27/12/2024
How The ‘Los Frikis’ Directors Injected Dark Humor, History, and HIV into Their Film
In this episode of No Film School, Jason Hellerman interviews Tyler Nielsen and Michael Schwartz, the dynamic directing duo behind the bold and provocative film Los Frikis.Known for their previous success with Peanut Butter Falcon, Tyler and Michael take listeners on a journey into the making of their latest project—a darkly comedic and deeply human tale about the Los Frikis generation in 1990s Cuba.The film explores themes of rebellion, freedom, and survival, centering on punks who willfully injected HIV to escape oppression.
27/12/2024
Cinematic Lighting Continues to Get More Versatile With Latest Godox LEDs
The latest LEDs from Godox’s KNOWLED line bring several helpful modes such as CCT, HSI, X-Y, and FX.Godox KNOWLED MS60R LED LightsThe KNOWLED MS60Bi model is quite similar yet offers a bi-color capability that enables both daylight and tungsten CCT.
27/12/2024
Blackmagic Camera on iOS Finally Adds Support for Controlling PYXIS 6K Cameras
Blackmagic Camera 2.2 for iOSWith this update Blackmagic Camera for iOS users will be able to remotely control their PYXIS cameras with all types of controls including focus, white balance, frame rate, and shutter angle.Download the Blackmagic Camera 2.2 Update
26/12/2024
How the 'Silo' DP Used Classic Sci-Fi to Inspire Its Look
I had the chance to explore the dark, subterranean, eerie world of the new Silo 17, where Juliette arrives in episode one.Episode one takes us on a journey of discovery as Juliette descends through the Silo, searching for signs of life.We put the camera at the bottom of the famous underwater tank at Pinewood Studios, and our stunt double dropped from a cable above, matching the falling movements from the Silo set, and as we only needed the last few feet of the drop, it worked beautifully with the overhead shot previously discussed.
25/12/2024
Breaking Down the Cinematography Style of Erik Messerschmidt
And I've found that one of the most versatile DPs out there is Erik Messerschmidt.He's worked on four Fincher movies, comedy and drama TV, and features with Michael Mann, the list seems endless.We'll delve into his background, influences, and the gear he uses to achieve his images.
25/12/2024
'Scrap' Actress-Writer-Director Vivian Kerr On Doing It All
Vivian Kerr is the writer/director and star of the independent feature Scrap, which follows single mom Beth as she moves into her car and struggles to hide her homelessness from her estranged brother Ben. The film has screened at several independent film festivals across the country, including the Coronado Island Film Festival, where it won the award for Best Narrative Feature.Vivian Kerr: It’s been such a long journey to bring Scrap to this point.
24/12/2024
Dissecting Closing Shots In Movies
Today, I want to look at some of the best closing shots of all time and see what you can learn from them as filmmakers. I find that a lot of these shots capture the theme of the movie.What other closing movie shots are in the video?
24/12/2024
Godox Takes on the DJI Mic Mini With New Cube-C Wireless Microphone System
The new Godox Cube-C (a follow-up to the company’s popular Cube-S which was released just back in August) takes aim at the recently released DJI Mic Mini.Introducing the Godox Cube-CThe Godox Cube-C wireless microphone is now available for pre-order.
23/12/2024
How the 'Blitz' Sound Department Created an Immersive Experience
One of the most intense experiences I've had this year was watching the Steve McQueen movie Blitz on Apple TV+. Blitz's sound department was run by James Harrison, who also worked on Ridley Scott movies like The Last Duel and Napoleon.The biggest surprise, though, was Saoirse Ronan’s singing.
23/12/2024
9 Best Quentin Tarantino Movies, Ranked
But before he's all said and done, we wanted to take an internal poll to rank his movies to what we consider to be his lesser to his best.A disclaimer: Tarantino movies are all pretty good, and some are stone-cold classics.'Once Upon a Time...
23/12/2024
Read and Download the 'I Saw the TV Glow' Screenplay
Thanks to Deadline’s Read the Screenplay series, you can now read and download Schoenbrun's beautiful screenplay for free from your home, favorite coffee shop, are anywhere else with WiFi that you love downloading your favorite PDFs from.I Saw the TV Glow is a special, unique movie that's loaded to the brim with deep metaphors and striking visuals, some of which are horrific.Read and Download 'I Saw The TV Glow' Now
21/12/2024
What New Cameras Can We Expect in 2025?
The biggest news from Sony in 2024 was perhaps the unveiling of the Sony Burano.2025 Camera Speculations: For 2025, we expect Fujifilm to try to double down its success in 2024 and release several new cameras.We expect to see new DJI drones, gimbals, and other technologies in 2025.
20/12/2024
Dive into the Editing Secrets of 'Challengers'
One of this year's best films, Challengers follows three fledgling tennis champions.No Film School: Sports films can present unique editing challenges.Marco Costa: It’s true that there’s a lot of tennis in Challengers, but we approached the film as if it weren’t a sports movie.
20/12/2024
How 'Laid' Uses Lens Swaps to Dictate Genre and Tone for a Killer Rom-Com
After a seemingly infinite series of misses, Ruby (Stephanie Hsu) sees life slipping through her fingers until she realizes each of her exes is dying in the exact order she slept with them.No Film School had a chance to sit down with the series' lead cinematographer, Judd Overton, who established the show's tone as a perfectly balanced rom-com and death. In our conversation, Overton shares insights into his creative process, his creative partnership with director Nahnatchka Khan, his collaboration with the stunts department, and more.
20/12/2024
NFS Podcast: The Invisible Work of Producers and Sundance 2025 Slate
They are joined by Emmy-nominated producer Carolina Groppa, who shares insights from her remarkable career.The episode also highlights key films from the newly announced Sundance 2025 slate, offering reflections on the festival’s evolving influence.Carolina produced the 2017 Emmy-nominated feature documentary Autism is Love, which explores how adults with autism find and navigate romantic relationships.
20/12/2024
Inside The Epic, Intimate Visual World of 'Dune: Prophecy'
Cinematography plays a big part in setting the tone of the show, and No Film School had a chance to sit down with Pierre Gill, CSC, the lead cinematographer on the series. As the lead cinematographer, he was tasked with establishing the look of the show.In our conversation, Gill shares insights into his creative process, creating distinctive looks for various planets, portraying power dynamics, and more.
19/12/2024
Slamdance Announces Lineup for 2025 Festival in Los Angeles
And with that comes another fun announcement just in time for the holidays: Slamdance's lineup for their 31st annual festival in Los Angeles for the first time.Slamdance was kind enough to share all 146 films with us today from upwards of 20 different countries.The fest will take place Screenings and events will run February 20-26, 2025 at the Director’s Guild of America (DGA) and Quixote in West Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA and will also be available online on the Slamdance Channel from February 24 to March 7, 2025Considering Slamdance is such a filmmaker-first festival, we love to promote it on No Film School as much as we can.
19/12/2024
Best Winter Holiday Deals for Filmmakers in 2024
Previs Pro uses cutting-edge AR and LiDAR technology, letting you place virtual elements into real-world locations.Get 30% off Final Draft with the code NOFILMSCHOOL24 at checkout.For a limited time, when you purchase an INOVATIV Workstation Cart, you’ll receive a $500 gift card to use toward your next online purchase.
19/12/2024
'Superman' Trailer Bleeds With Hope for the Future of Comic Book Movies
Or does James Gunn's Superman have the potential to be an amazing comic book movie?Let's break down why the Superman trailer is bleeding with hope for the future of comic book storytelling on the big screen.He's not only going to take one of DC's big three Trinity characters and tell a full-throttle comic book story, he's going to start an entire new era of comic book storytelling where we don't have to worry about cameos and origin stories.
19/12/2024
The Nikon Z9 Gets Another Major Firmware Update Boost to its Video Features
Still, Nikon is still on the grind just releasing a new firmware update to the Z9 which expands the camera’s video capabilities pretty significantly.Nikon Z9 Firmware Update 5.10The Nikon Z9 firmware update 5.10 is out and available to download for free here.
19/12/2024
What is "Nose Room" in Photography? The Definition and Examples
Today, I want to go over a term I just learned called "Nose Room".If you're interested in learning what nose room is all about in both video and still photography, join me as we go over the definition, look at some nose room examples, and unpack just why cinematographers and photographers use this setup. How do you shoot good nose room?
18/12/2024
Gabriele Calvi Makes a Case for Fresh, Clean Fun
His animated music video, “Mom, How Fresh I Am,” made oral hygiene cool for Italy’s youth and helped his client, Silvercare, give its communications a “fresh” touch.Image source: Gabriele Calvi.Calvi designed every element for “Mom, How Fresh I Am” using Illustrator.
18/12/2024
Blackmagic Improves Open EXR Metadata Specs With DaVinci Resolve Update 19.1.2
Another new update to Blackmagic’s popular video editing platform is here to add notable improvements for your video editing workflows.For DaVinci Resolve 19.1.2, we have taken efforts to keep the project libraries compatible with DaVinci Resolve 18.6.6.Finally, Blackmagic also recommends that users download and install the latest Blackmagic Design Desktop Video software for monitoring with their Blackmagic Design video hardware.
18/12/2024
How Do You Capture the Essence of Bob Dylan on Camera?
This year, he’s likely to get even more awards recognition for his latest collaboration with Mangold on the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown, which stars Timothée Chalamet as the folk singer.We spoke with Papamichael ahead of the film’s Dec. 25 release to learn more about his collaboration with Mangold and get a peek into his process.Walk the Line.
18/12/2024
How Did 'Wicked' Capture the Audio For Its Musical Numbers Live?
We were lucky enough to sit down with Simon to talk about his work on the film.Given that both Ariana and Cynthia are accustomed to full-range, cabled IEM systems for their live performances, Arthur Fenn (1st Assistant Sound) and I quickly agreed that the small hidden earwigs wouldn’t cut it.NFS: What was it like working with actors Cynthia Erivo and Jonathan Bailey in this particular number?
18/12/2024
How to Decide Which Movie You Should Make on a Tiny Budget
That’s why I’ve always been partial to building ideas out of available resources.It’s a lesson stolen straight from Robert Rodriguez, whose book Rebel Without a Crew should be required reading for any budding filmmaker.And if you shoot incognito with a smartphone to really avoid the need for permits, like Sean Baker did with Tangerine, you could even shoot your movie in a location you don’t have access to.
17/12/2024
NFS Podcast: Lie Your Way to the Top, FYC, Festival Purgatory, and The Indies
In this episode of No Film School, host GG Hawkins and tech editor Jordan Aldridge are joined by two guests: filmmaker Leah Saint Marie and award-winning director Lizzy Born.The discussion delves into the challenges of navigating the indie film world, the stress of festival notification season, and creative approaches to career-building in a competitive industry.Both guests share personal stories, practical advice, and insights on how to push boundaries in filmmaking.
17/12/2024
The Top 10 Most Searched Movies on Google in 2024—And Why
So, whether you're a fan of Superhero blockbusters, slasher movies, or animated sequels, it's likely you typed in one or all of these movies in your search bar this year.Read below for the top 10 movies worth a Google in 2024.We had a blast with this hilarious return to form from Tim Burton.
17/12/2024
Panasonic Debuts Affordable New LUMIX G97 With These Slick Upgrades
An upgrade of the previous G95 model, the new LUMIX G97 will now feature USB-C power and data connectivity along with some respectable video specs.What’s unique about this new LUMIX G97 model is the USB-C power and some improved data connectivity, including Bluetooth 5.0 for faster and more reliability.The G97 will also support external recording via micro-HDMI with 4:2:2 sampling and 8-bit color depth.
17/12/2024
What is a Match on Action Cut: Definition & Editing Technique
When they match or have similar shapes or colors in common, we call those cuts a 'match on action' cut or a 'match cut.' Today, we're going to define that term, look at some examples, and explain why filmmakers use them. Now that you understand what a match cut is, it's time to put them into your work.
17/12/2024
Why is it So Tricky to Adapt Superman to the Big Screen?
So why is this so hard to get this level of characterization in feature films? What makes us believe in a character like this is that he's supposed to be the best of us.But I have hope for the future of the character of Superman.
17/12/2024
Read and Download the Screenplay for A24's 'Heretic'
While there are many different texts out there to cozy up with—whether that's The Bible, The Court of Thorns and Roses series, or Watchman, we don't judge—the text in particular we're sharing today is none other than Scott Beck and Bryan Wood's script for A24's theological thriller Heretic. Want to impress your parents with your best manipulatively maniacal Hugh Grant impression?The Heretic script is perfect.
16/12/2024
What Short Films Made it Into the 2025 Sundance Film Festival?
This crop of films will be screened as part of eight curated Short Film Programs presented by Vimeo.The programs will include fiction, nonfiction, and animated titles from the U.S. and globally, showcasing a rich diversity of short-form storytelling.The Sundance Film Festival will take place in person from January 23 to February 2, 2025, in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah.
16/12/2024
Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive Camera Gets Price and Release Date
As we covered when first announced at WWDC 2024, Blackmagic Design’s URSA Cine Immersive camera is set to be the world’s first camera system designed to specifically record immersive video to display on Apple’s Vision Pro.Blackmagic reports that deliveries will start in late Q1 2025.The URSA Cine Immersive will be available from Blackmagic Design resellers later next year.
16/12/2024
15 Iconic Movie Props That Redefined Cinema
What are the most iconic and important props of all time?Let's dive into the list and see what props are the most iconic of all time. Let me know what you think are the best props of all time in the comments!
16/12/2024
Now You Can Learn AI Filmmaking at NYU—What This Means for Film Schools
The latest news is that the NYU Tisch School of the Arts, which offers one of the most prestigious film and television programs in the country, is partnering with Runway to incorporate the company’s AI video tools into their Masters of Professional Studies in Virtual Production program as part of a new course offered during the 2025 spring semester.Special Topics in Virtual ProductionIf you’d like to be a part of this AI revolution and explore how to use AI video in your filmmaking career, the NYU Tisch School of the Arts, Masters of Professional Studies in Virtual Production is now accepting applications for Fall 2025.
16/12/2024
Corsets, Crushed Buttons, and Vampire Fashion in Robert Eggers' 'Nosferatu'
The film is a reimagining of the classic Nosferatu story, which itself is a reimagining of Dracula.Ahead of the film’s Dec. 25 release, we spoke to Muir about the film.For aspiring costume designers, Muir offers advice that speaks to the technical and interpersonal aspects of the role.
16/12/2024
The Shocking 'Yellowstone' Ending Explained
the Dutton family and their ranch have been the center of drama.The show was conceived by Taylor Sheridan, who quickly became one of television's auteurs, writing all the episodes and directing a number of them as well.Let me know what you thought of Yellowstone and the finale in the comments.
16/12/2024
Mark Duplass Shares His Thoughts on Sundance Acceptance
Be proud of your project no matter what.Sundance—or any film festival, for that matter—is not the end all be all of your film or filmmaking career.Just as Duplass mentions, sometimes getting into a bunch of smaller festivals is even more satisfying and fulfilling than getting into one with a bigger name.
14/12/2024
Is 'The Little Mermaid' a Perfect Metaphor for AI?
We've been poking around at this topic all year, and filmmaker Mercedes Arturo has entered the discourse with her latest short film, "Back Home".We had the pleasure of speaking with Mercedes, a multidisciplinary artist whose work spans film, theater, and visual arts. Selected for the prestigious Rising Voices Programme in 2024, Mercedes created Back Home, a thought-provoking short film that delves into the future of artists in an AI-driven world, and is now in contention for the Oscar shortlist.She discusses the film's exploration of AI's impact on the arts and the importance of collaboration in her work.
13/12/2024
Here's Why Danny Boyle Shot '28 Years Later' on an iPhone 15
The iPhone 15, which is what Boyle and his team reportedly used for the long-awaited follow-up to the original 28 Days Later in 2002 and its 2007 sequel 28 Weeks Later, in particular, has proven to be a major step forward for Apple and was very much promoted as a filmmaking-capable camera.So let’s explore how Danny Boyle and his team were able to shoot 28 Years Later on an iPhone.What was 28 Years Later Shot on?
13/12/2024
Paul Schrader’s Three-Pronged Pitch for Landing Film Investors
It kicked off with 2013’s The Canyons, which was a slightly different experiment in film financing.Schrader’s latest, Oh, Canada, was shot in only 17 days and reunited him with Richard Gere 44 years after American Giglio kicked both of their careers into full swing.American Giglio was Schrader’s third feature as director and was shot in around 45 days.
13/12/2024
Is 'The Lion King' the Greatest Animated Movie of All Time?
Is The Lion King the greatest animated movie of all time?Because for me, the best animated movie of all time is Toy Story. Toy Story is the Best Animated Movie of All Time
13/12/2024
Here's Why You Need to Revisit 'Interstellar' in 70mm IMAX
With Interstellar's IMAX release, it's a great time to shed some tears in a public setting in one of the most prestigious film formats around.In that regard, Interstellar was made for 70mm IMAX.In light of climate change and growing social unrest, Interstellar reminds us that love and hope are our saving grace.
12/12/2024
Effortlessly Add Voiceovers to Your Videos with Motion Array’s AI Voice Generator
Let’s take a look at Motion Array’s new AI feature, which enables video creators to effortlessly convert text into speech and add voiceovers to their videos.Motion Array AI Voice GeneratorHere are some of the key features of this new AI Voice Generator from Motion Array:Filters to quickly find the perfect voice for any type of video.
12/12/2024
Not Just Drones: Will the DJI Ban Apply to Cameras Too?
Back in September the Counter CCP Drones Act passed the House and is moving closer to fruition.However, as this effective “DJI Drone Ban” draws closer, there are a lot of questions surrounding what this Counter CCP Drones Act will actually enforce when it comes to Chinese companies like DJI and their myriad of drone, gimbal, and camera offerings.The Latest on the DJI Drone Ban
12/12/2024
How Makeup Changes Everything in 'A Different Man'
That's where makeup artists Sarah Graalman and Melanie Licata step in.Sarah Graalman: My three creative loves have always been makeup, theater, and film.We are incredibly excited for a movie we shot this spring called History of Sound, starring Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor.
12/12/2024
21 Best Family Movies of All Time
So, today, I wanted to pick out what I think are the 21 best family movies of all time.They are sure-fire crowd pleasers you can watch and make everyone in the room happy.'Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory'The original movie has music that sticks in your head and can bring people together by different generations talking about when they first saw it.
12/12/2024
Sundance Announces Its 2025 Lineup—With a Few Surprises
Sundance 2025 is upon us, and it's our joyful pleasure to share with you the first 96 projects announced by the Sundance Institute to be screened in Park Slope from January 23 to February 2, 2025. If you can't make the festival in person, Sundance also offers tickets for virtual tickets online starting January 30th.To address the specific preservation risks posed to independent film, Sundance Institute partnered with UCLA Film & Television Archive in 1997 to form the Sundance Institute Collection at UCLA and preserve independent films supported by Sundance Institute.
11/12/2024
Meet Your Pro Shooting Demands With Godox's Latest Cinematic-Grade Parallel Beam Lights
Let’s look at these latest additions to the Godox Cinematic-Grade Parallel Beam Lighting System and explore how they’re set to be more powerful and complete for all of your video shooting needs than ever before.Whether you are shooting in a studio or on location, the Godox parallel beam system will meet your demands of professional shooting!Compared with Beamlight Max90, the B60, and Max60 are lighter, weighing only 10 kg, making them lightweight enough for one person to carry and easy to set up.
11/12/2024
On-the-Run Audio for Video Gets Easier and More Affordable With New RØDE Microphones
RØDE has been a consistent brand in the audio-for-video space over the years and is back with a new generation of their popular Wireless GO Microphone System, this time with new pro features, a more affordable price, and plenty of bright colors.Let’s check out this new Gen-3 version of the RØDE Wireless GO.Introducing the Gen-3 RØDE Wireless GO Microphone System
11/12/2024
11 Famous Directors Who Write Their Own Screenplays
Today, I wanted to go into some of my favorite writer-directors and take a look at some of their best films. So, without further ado, let's dive into these 11 directors who write their screenplays.Nancy MeyersI've always had a soft spot for Nancy Meyers.
11/12/2024
How 'Anora' Used Makeup to Craft a Modern, Gritty Cinderella
Some of the best I've seen was in Sean Baker's 2024 Palme d'Or Award-winning film Anora.Thrilling, hugely entertaining, and genuine, Anora is like a gritty Cinderella story. Set in 2018, the movie follows the wild odyssey of its titular protagonist, a young Russian American sex worker who is swept out of her everyday life as an erotic dancer by the impetuous, free-spending son of a Russian oligarch.
11/12/2024
Understanding Film Gauge: From 8mm to 70mm
Below, you will find a quick brief of film gauges, as well as a breakdown of the most common formats—8mm, 16mm, 35mm, and 65mm.Let's explore why different movies use different film gauges in the Fandor video below. Below, let's briefly explore some of the different ways we can use different gauges of film, and with some examples of how they have been and can be used.
11/12/2024
Slamdance Announces Winners for the First-Ever Indies Awards
The Slamdance Group also made moves last night with their first annual awards ceremony celebrating independent film, the Indies Awards.Many of the buzziest independent films in narrative and documentary went home big this year, with projects like Atikamekw Suns, All We Carry, and The People's Joker walking away with newly minted Indies trophies. Check out the winners below!
10/12/2024
See What's on the 2024 Black List
It was back in 2013 when my screenplay, Shovel Buddies, got on the list.The 2024 Black ListThis is the incredible true story of a women’s public health crisis, a gunslinging plaintiff lawyer, and the biggest lawsuit in American history.
10/12/2024
Programmers & Filmmakers on the State of Shorts
In this episode of No Film School, hosts GG Hawkins and Jason Hellerman are joined by filmmakers and programmers Erin Brown Thomas, Jillian Corsie, and Rafael Leyva to discuss the current state of short films. They dive into the challenges, creativity, and evolving landscape of the medium, exploring how short films serve as a crucial platform for experimentation and storytelling.In this episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins and Jason Hellerman discuss:The current climate for short films in the industry, including programming and distribution challengesHow filmmakers like Erin, Jillian, and Rafael are innovating within the short film formatThe role of short films as both creative playgrounds and stepping stones for larger projectsProgramming insights from festivals like Salute Your Shorts and SlamdancePersonal experiences creating impactful shorts, including Tooth and The Foster RanchResources:Tooth Short FilmErin Brown Thomas on Instagram: @erinbrownthomas_filmmakerErin on TikTok: @erinbrownthomas_filmJillian Corsie on Instagram: @jcorsieSalute Your Shorts on TikTok: @salute_your_shortsThe Foster Ranch Trailer: The Foster RanchRafael Leyva's Website: RLEYVADP.COMVersatile Assassins FilmsSubscribe to the No Film School Podcast on:Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogleGet your question answered on the podcast by emailing [email protected].
08/12/2024
'Smile 2' Ending Explained
The Rules of the Smile Monster, The EntityJumping off from the events of Smile, Smile 2 opens in an expertly crafted one-shot cold open that could work as a standalone short film.Lewis Creepy Smile kills himself, passing The Entity to Skye.
07/12/2024
How You Edit Comedy and Trans Visibility in 'Will & Harper'
One of which is the exceptional Sundance-premiering documentary, Will & Harper.The premise of Will & Harper is pretty straightforward: Will Ferrell goes on a road trip with his longtime SNL best buddy Harper Steele shortly after she reveals to him that she's transitioning.Monique Zavistovski's Editing Origins
06/12/2024
Ranking Worst to Best Paramount Movies in 2024
So, what were the worst to best Paramount movies to come out this year? 'Dear Santa'Rotten Tomatoes Score: 41% 'Bob Marley: One Love'This biopic failed to connect with a wide audience.
06/12/2024
Blackmagic Camera for iOS 2.1.1 Update Addresses Colorspace and White Balance Issues
Released for both iOS and Android devices now, the Blackmagic Camera app has received several updates for each as the smartphone filmmaking app has improved in terms of useability and capability.Blackmagic Camera for iOS 2.1.1 UpdateThe most notable would be a fix to an issue with colorspace tagging when recording with LUTs enabled.
06/12/2024
Blackmagic Camera for iOS 2.1.1 Update Addresses Colorspace and White Balance Issues
Released for both iOS and Android devices now, the Blackmagic Camera app has received several updates for each as the smartphone filmmaking app has improved in terms of useability and capability.Blackmagic Camera for iOS 2.1.1 UpdateThe most notable would be a fix to an issue with colorspace tagging when recording with LUTs enabled.
06/12/2024
How the Rich History of Cooke Optics is Shaping the Future of Film and Video
The result: the S8/i series for Full Frame production, a spherical lens precisely tuned for digital sensors with all the character of the Cooke Look released in 2022.The T2.4 range features six focal lengths, a choice of user-changeable mounts, and is of small, lightweight yet robust construction.The Cooke SP3 full-frame prime lens series is based on the Cooke Speed Panchro, one of the most influential lenses in film history, with a new design optimized optically and mechanically for mirrorless cameras.
06/12/2024
Are Online Film Schools Worth It?
When choosing an online film school, consider factors such as the program's curriculum, faculty, reputation, and cost. New York Film Academy Online: NYFA offers a variety of online programs in filmmaking, producing, screenwriting, and other creative fields.Most of these online film schools just feel like places wanting to charge you for information you can get for free.
06/12/2024
Preview Some of the First Footage Shot on the ARRI ALEXA 265
Here’s a collection showcasing some of the first footage shot on the ALEXA 265 and some insights shared from the lucky DPs featured on ARRI’s channel.ARRI ALEXA 265 First LookFeaturing a trio of cinematographers who specialize in some stylistically different filmmaking approaches, ARRI has released three preview videos showcasing the ALEXA 265’s 65mm possibilities.
05/12/2024
Revolutionize 65mm Cinematography With the Light and Compact ARRI ALEXA 265
In the middle of the busy holiday season, ARRI has made a surprise announcement of a new small and lightweight ALEXA 265 camera which is set to revolutionize 65mm cinematography.Roughly one-third the size and weight of the ALEXA 65, this light and compact model is set to feature a revised 65mm sensor which will bring higher dynamic range and sensitivity.The entire camera form is only 4mm longer and 11mm wider than the ALEXA 35, which allows it to achieve a lightweight that is one-third that of the ALEXA 65.
05/12/2024
11 Classic Claymation Christmas Movies to Watch in 2024
Among the ones I love are the Rankin and Bass claymation movies that are so delightfully singular.In honor of the art of animated clay, I wanted to make a list of 11 I think are the best ever. Who Are Rankin and Bass?
05/12/2024
Samantha Scaffidi Talks the Unlikely Success of 'Terrifier 3'
At the center of these movies is actress Samantha Scaffidi, who plays Victoria Heyes.Her work in these splatter films is revelatory, and I was so excited to sit down with her to talk about making it in Hollywood and being one of the faces of the franchise.Samantha Scaffidi: It’s surreal.
05/12/2024
What is Post-Production?
Ideally you have a dedicated, knowledgeable team that will take care of all of this technical fare for you without you needing to be entirely in the know.However, the more you know as a producer, director, or anyone sticking with and seeing the project through the post-production process, the better equipped you'll be to communicate with your post team, allocate the appropriate amount of time and money for post, and keep everyone sane along the way.Once the media is handed off, the assistant editor typically will start syncing and organizing stringouts per their editor's preferences.
04/12/2024
Read and Download 'The Substance' Screenplay
The movie is a satirical body horror film that explores themes of beauty, and aging.It was written and directed by Coralie Fargeat, who shot up to being a director whose work you have to see in theaters.'The Substance' Screenplay
04/12/2024
Who's Nominated for the 2025 Indie Spirit Awards?
2024 was a really fun year for indies, with breakout hits like I Saw the TV Glow, which seemed to go viral on TikTok, and big horror like The Substance, which dominated conversations. Take a look at who's up for what award below! The 2025 Indie Spirit Awards Nominations
04/12/2024
Generate “High-Quality” 1080p Resolution Video with Google’s AI Model Veo
And with Google Veo, we appear to have a quite sophisticated AI video model that is capable of generating what the company dubs as “high-quality” videos at up to 1080p resolution across a range of different visual and cinematic styles.Google Veo AI Video ModelExamples of Google Veo AI Video
04/12/2024
A Massive List of Winter Grants, Labs, and Fellowships
Deadline: December 9CAAM FellowshipThis program from The Center for Asian American Media pairs documentary filmmakers telling Asian American stories with accomplished professionals for a six-month mentorship.Fellows will receive a $3,000 grant, one-on-one sessions with a Sundance Institute alumni mentor, and a 12-month membership to Adobe Creative Cloud.From Sundance: “The Sundance Ignite x Adobe Fellowship began in 2015 and now has an alumni network of more than 100 artists.
04/12/2024
The Top 23 'Star Wars' Characters of All Time
One of the best movie series to do this is Star Wars, which uses its characters not only in the plot, but to give us more facts about the world and to make everything feel real. So, come with me as we explore the top 23 Star Wars characters of all time. He's a character who was supposed to be there for comedic effect and to sell toys.
04/12/2024
How Director David Gordon Green Reverse-Engineered ‘Nutcrackers’ Plus Major Movie Monologues
In this episode of No Film School, hosts GG Hawkins and Jason Hellerman explore the craft of cinematic monologues and discuss how these powerful moments can elevate films. They also sit down with director David Gordon Green, whose latest holiday family film, Nutcrackers, debuts on Hulu.In this episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins and Jason Hellerman discuss:The craft of writing and performing memorable movie monologuesIconic monologues from The Godfather, Network, Cabin in the Woods, Scent of a Woman, and moreDavid Gordon Green’s process of reverse-engineering Nutcrackers around its young, untrained starsWhy David values improvisation and naturalism in his filmmakingAdvice for indie filmmakers about creating economically viable films while staying true to their creative visionResources:The 25 Best Movie MonologuesWatch Nutcrackers on HuluDavid Gordon Green’s IMDb: David Gordon GreenSubscribe to the No Film School Podcast on:Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogleGet your question answered on the podcast by emailing [email protected].
04/12/2024
Editing a Quest for Justice and Healing in “Black Box Diaries”
But that’s exactly what happened to Shiori Itō, the subject and director of MTV’s new documentary, Black Box Diaries, due for release in October.For five years, the young Japanese journalist documented her quest for justice after she was drugged and raped by Noriyuki Yamaguchi, a prominent TV journalist and friend of Shinzô Abe, the then-prime minister of Japan.Her 2017 memoir, Black Box, prompted a reckoning over gender-based violence in Japan.
03/12/2024
Get in the Game This Basketball Season With 'Starting 5'
We met, and he took a chance on me to lead the editing for a documentary series about the rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine called Supervillain (dir. Karam Gill).When we finished those projects, Peter Scalletar called and asked me to come lead the edit on “Starting 5” for Netflix.Mahaffie: The first thing that drew me to working on Starting 5 was working with Peter Scalletar again.
03/12/2024
Read and Download the Wicked Musical Script PDF
But did you know the musical was also adapted from Gregory Maguire's novelWicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West even before then?Not to mention the novel is a spinoff from the original The Wizard of Oz, which is also an adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s 1900 novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Anyway, if you're interested in reading the musical screenplay, check out the PDF below.
03/12/2024
Blackmagic Camera 9.1.3 Update to Fix Iris Lapsing with the URSA Cine 12K
That’s why Blackmagic has released Blackmagic Camera 9.1.3 to fix some small iris display compatibility issues with some PL lenses for the URSA Cine 12K LF.What’s new in Blackmagic Camera 9.1.3Here are some of the minimum system requirements for this update.
03/12/2024
How 'The People's Joker' Got Away With A Heartfelt Batman Parody
Vera Drew's (dare I say) comic book masterpiece is everything a good comic book movie has the potential to be.It uses the larger-than-life mythos built over years of comic book storytelling to explore something very personal and human in a way that a traditional grounded story never could.This is the first feature film I made.
03/12/2024
Our View On The Top CSU Film Schools for Screenwriting
With the constant uncertainty of "where is best" lingering in the air for film-oriented academia, I wanted to make a list of the California State Universities (CSU) schools so that people applying for these kinds of programs could make sure they had these spots on their lists. Visiting campuses, reviewing student work, and aligning the program with your career aspirations are crucial steps in making the best decision for your screenwriting future.Did you go to a different school in the CSU system that was awesome?
03/12/2024
Best Cyber Monday Deals for Camera 2024
While we're only scratching the surface of all the deals available on Cyber Monday, we tried our dangdest to create an easy-to-navigate list of some of the best deals around for filmmakers scouring for cameras we could assemble.From DJI to Canon to Sony, there's lots of good stuff out there that's especially affordable.Best DJI Cyber Monday Deals
02/12/2024
Blackmagic Desktop Video 14.3 Adds New Camera Extensions in Final Cut Pro
The big news here is that Blackmagic Desktop Video 14.3 is going to implement camera extensions in Final Cut Pro.What's new in Desktop Video 14.3Implement Camera Extensions in Final Cut Pro.
02/12/2024
The 7 Best New Christmas Movies Of 2024
I tried to make a list of the best new Christmas movies of 2024 we've seen. It's fun for the whole family.What are some of your favorite Christmas movies you've caught this year?
02/12/2024
How Hair and Makeup Transform Lily Gladstone in 'Fancy Dance'
Hair and makeup always plays a crucial part in transforming the actors into their characters and the film as a whole, and No Film School had a chance to sit down with Sharon Tabb, the hair and makeup department head on the film.For the film Sharon used her vast experience to created a wide range of looks from natural for the Lily Gladstone as well as more glamorous looks for the powwow scenes.In our conversation, Tabb shares insights into a no makeup make up look that might fool everyone, her experience across Native American storytelling, and her tips on getting started.
02/12/2024
Producer vs. Executive Producer: What's the Difference?
What Does an Executive Producer Do?In contrast, an executive producer is often more involved in the business and financial aspects of a project.The job of a producer is crucial on every set.
02/12/2024
How 'Thanksgiving' Uses Black Friday as the Perfect Slasher Set-Up
What started as a goofy parody sizzle trailer for Grindhouse was adapted into a feature last year and is arguably one of the most fun, best written slasher movies we've gotten in a long time.But it was silly with a wink, using the simple set-up of "slasher villain in a generic John Carver mask" to an elevated blast.Part of why it works so well is in it's opening scene portraying a Black Friday riot inciting the motive for its masked killer.
29/11/2024
Celebrate Your Culture Through Art With the Writer-Director of 'Moana 2'
Luckily, Dana Ledoux Miller, the first Pasifika woman to co-write and direct a Disney animated feature, was up to the task. Miller brings a unique and powerful perspective to the film, drawing on her deep reverence for her Samoan heritage and her experiences growing up in Hawaii. Our Interview With 'Moana 2' Filmmaker Dana Ledoux Miller
29/11/2024
Save on Blackmagic Cloud Storage With Major Price Reduction for Services
Blackmagic Design has a pretty significant price reduction for storage on Blackmagic Cloud as the price has been cut by half and will now be just $15 (USD) per TB.Blackmagic reports that this reduction has been made possible by new improvements in its data center backend and should allow more people to access Blackmagic Cloud storage for media sync.Blackmagic Design reports that this new price reduction began this week, so all customers already using Blackmagic Cloud storage will see their bills immediately cut by half going forward.
29/11/2024
Increase Your Power Capacity With DJI’s Latest Power Expansion Battery
It is designed as a modular extension option to the DJI Power 1000 portable charging solution, and this Power Expansion Battery 2000 should greatly increase your power capacity and potential.Introducing the DJI Power Expansion Battery 2000With its modular form too up to five units of the DJI Power Expansion Battery 2000 can be connected to DJI Power 1000 via cables which should offer increased power up to 11 kWh, which can consistently supply power at 2400 watts.
29/11/2024
What Does a Producer Do?
What does a producer do?There are five major stages to the life of a film, a producer is the key factor in all five.Once you start to have your whole team in place, a producer will work with an AD department to build a shooting schedule.
29/11/2024
Affordably Shoot Ultrawide with Tamron’s First-Ever Canon RF Mount Lens
So it’s exciting to see that Tamron has just announced its first Canon RF mount lens with a new compact, lightweight, and fast-aperture ultra-wide-angle zoom.Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD LensAs mentioned at the start, this new Tamron will be an affordable option for Canon RF shooters and is available to pre-order with units expected to start shipping in mid-December.
27/11/2024
Screenplay Examples: From Action to Westerns and Everything Between
If you want to unlock film genres and all the beats of a story, reading your favorite movie scripts is a great place to start.Today, I want to get into screenplay examples from many different genres and give you the opportunity to read and download them for your own edification. Murder on the Orient Express (2017) - an Agatha Christie adaptation.
27/11/2024
Stuff Your Face With Show&Tell's November Comedy Spectacular
Show&Tell's November 2024 Shows and TellsRuthie Joins a Death CultFollow Show&Tell on Instagram to stay up to date with their upcoming shows (and tells).
26/11/2024
Unlock Wireless Drone Recording With the New DJI Mic Mini
Introducing the DJI Mic MiniThe Mic Mini can also record clear and reliable audio from an extended distance of 1312' via a miniature clip-on omnidirectional mic/transmitter and can—as a tiny receiver—easily be mounted on your camera or plugged directly into the Lighting/USB port of a smartphone or laptop using the USB-C port or a separately available mobile phone adapter.The DJI Mic Mini is out and available to order now.
26/11/2024
Composer Christoph Zirngibl Talks Scoring for Emotional Tone
One of the people most adept at understanding this is composer Christoph Zirngibl, whose work on Apple+'s Where's Wanda exemplifies this platitude. Christoph Zirngibl: Growing up in a musical family was like being part of a lively jam session.Since then, I have had the privilege of working on over 80 scores for prime-time movies, feature and independent films, as well as TV series across various genres.
26/11/2024
29 Best Thanksgiving Movies in 2024
A time for some yummy food, some family time, and, most importantly, a perfect time to watch a bunch of movies.While a "Thanksgiving" movie might be harder to qualify than a "Christmas" or "Halloween" movie, there are lots of movies that take place around Thanksgiving or have a pertinent Thanksgiving scene that make them a perfect side to any main course Thanksgiving dish.Check out our list below, and enjoy the holiday with some of the best movies Turkey Day has to offer.
26/11/2024
Give Your Footage That Extra Hazy Look With FilmConvert’s Latest Diffusion Plugin
One of the better tools for post-pros to add depth and richness to their footage is with FilmConvert’s color grading tools.The new Hazy diffusion tool is set to soften the bright areas of your images and will be able to help smooth any uneven skin tones.Hazy by FilmConvert is out and available now.
25/11/2024
Get Our Career-Changing Cinematography Course 50% Off for Black Friday
Over the past fourteen years, No Film School has published thousands of free articles, videos, and podcasts about how to make better movies.How to Make Money as a Cinematographer is a step-by-step guide on how to level up your career as a video shooter — no matter your current skill level.Across 75 chapters and 8 hours of video, Professor/DP Charles Haine shares the lessons he’s learned from over 20 years in the film industry.
25/11/2024
WWII Recap and 'Best Man's Ghostwriter' Creator Matthew Starr
In this episode of No Film School, host GG Hawkins sits down with Jason Hellerman and special guest Matthew Starr, the creator of the Audible original series The Best Man's Ghostwriter.They delve into the creative process behind the audio series, which is described as an American version of Love Actually for audio, starring Glenn Powell and Nicholas Braun.In this episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins, Jason Hellerman, and Matthew Starr discuss:Matthew Starr's journey creating The Best Man’s Ghostwriter, from its early concept to Audible productionAdapting personal experiences into a scripted audio seriesChallenges and advantages of creating an episodic narrative in the audio formatA discussion on their favorite World War II movies, including The Longest Day, Band of Brothers, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Jojo RabbitHow WWII movies have shaped film culture and continue to resonate with audiencesMemorable Quotes:“Narrative audio is such a vibrant medium—it's about figuring out how to make it fun and engaging to listen to.”
25/11/2024
Revolutionizing Video Creation: How AI is Empowering Creators
The Adobe video team recently presented their approach to AI at Adobe MAX, highlighting the features they innovated to supplement your creative motivations and address your post-production pain points.The team also compares the difference between Assistive AI and Generative AI and how to ensure that all AI features keep you in the creative zone.Integrating AI into video production tools isn’t just about saving time—it’s about expanding creative horizons.
25/11/2024
EditRave 2024: Global Summit for the Future of Editing
EditRave, a virtual summit celebrating video editing craft and hosted by film editor Sven Pape of the YouTube channel ThisGuyEdits, is bringing together some of the most innovative voices in post-production for an unprecedented online experience.From Hollywood veterans to AI pioneers, the digital festival showcases the evolving landscape of video editing through daily content and interactive sessions that put you in the editor's chair.Enter the future with Shamir Allibhai, CEO of new AI storytelling partner, Eddie AI.
25/11/2024
Best Black Friday Deals for Filmmakers in 2024
Be sure to act fast, though, as these deals are here for your Black Friday window only, so be sure to scoop them up before the season ends.This Black Friday and Cyber Monday, pay just once for lifetime access to award-winning, high-quality, hassle-free music at 85% off.The Z6III is available now for an SRP of $2499.95, but lookout for Black Friday instant savings.
25/11/2024
Composer David Bertok Takes on AI and Hollywood With His Originality
Meet composer David Bertok.He's worked on award-winning feature films like Peace by Chocolate, Daughter of the Sun, and Botero.We had the pleasure of sitting down with David to discuss his process as well as why the human element of live music is so beautiful.
25/11/2024
How to Shoot Inside a Moving Trunk
What starts as a simple lunch between exes turns into a fight for their lives when Emma and Dale are kidnapped by two masked men and locked in the trunk of a '86 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme.STEP 3:Find a picture car for the hero vehicle to match the trunk.With these eight easy steps, you too can shoot inside a moving trunk!
25/11/2024
Get The 'Wicked' Ending Explained
The movie is split into two parts, with the second coming out next year. So today, I want to go over the ending for part one and explain it to you. At the end of Wicked Part One, Elphaba is tricked into casting a spell that gives the Wizard's monkey guards wings.
22/11/2024
Get The 'Gladiator II' Ending Explained
Well, that's what happened in my mind anyway as Ridley Scott's Gladiator II ended.Lucius is sold into slavery to Denzel Washington's Macrinus, a social climber who has his eyes on being in control of Rome. But General Marcus Acacius has his own plot with the senate.
22/11/2024
The 'Gladiator II' Ending Explained: Swords and Symbolism
Well, that's what happened in my mind anyway as Ridley Scott's Gladiator II ended.Macrinus uses Lucius's rage to make him into a famous gladiator, while simultaneously figuring out that he's the lost so of Lucilla, who is now married to Marcus Acacius. In the poignant ending to the movie, Lucius returns to the Coliseum, the site of so much bloodshed and sacrifice and the death of both his mother and father.
22/11/2024
Sony Releases its First GM Zoom With a Constant f/2 Maximum Aperture
Introducing the Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GMThe Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM is available for pre-order now and should start shipping in mid-December.This lens is Sony's first GM zoom with a constant f/2 maximum aperture and spans a useful wide-angle to portrait-length range.
22/11/2024
What is Analog Horror?
But how would you define Analog Horror, and what are some examples of the genre? Analog Horror uses the technology of older media, like VHS tapes, CRT TVs, and radio broadcasts, to create a sense of dread and unease in the viewers.Here are some key characteristics of the analog horror genre: Found footage: Many analog horror works mimic the style of found footage movies. Distorted visuals and audio: The use of glitches, static, and other digital imperfections add to the powerless nature. Symbolism: Analog horror often relies on hidden messages within frames and symbolism to create a sense of mystery and dread. Limited special effects: The limitations of older technology are often used to enhance the horror, creating a sense of realism.
22/11/2024
Blackmagic Camera for Android 1.5 Adds Live Syncing to Blackmagic Cloud
To keep up, Blackmagic has released a new updated version of their Android app which is set to add live syncing of media to Blackmagic Cloud and directly into the bin of all DaVinci Resolve workstations, along with some other support and upgrades.Blackmagic Camera for Android 1.5Here are all of the updates set to come to Blackmagic Camera for Android version 1.5: Support for Live Sync to DaVinci Resolve using Blackmagic Cloud.
21/11/2024
'Nobody Wants This' Editor Maura Corey Explains Cutting For Comedic Timing
That's where Maura Corey comes in. Maura received three Emmy nominations for her work at The Oscars and one Eddy nomination for her work on the documentary series Beyond Scared Straight and has had the pleasure to edit projects for Warner Brothers, ABC, and Netflix.We sat down with her to discuss her work on the hilarious Netflix sensational hit, Nobody Wants This.
21/11/2024
Make Sure You Can Answer These Questions About Your Screenplay
Take some time to journal about the origins of the various threads of your idea.Want to submit your feature-length screenplay to the Moonshot Feature Accelerator?Applications are now open through Dec. 8, 2024!
21/11/2024
MFA vs. BFA: Which Screenwriting Degree is Right for You?
Should you pursue your BFA or MFA in screenwriting?So, why get an MFA in Screenwriting?I got my BFA in film and TV from Penn State, but I chose to keep studying and get my MFA in screenwriting at Boston University.
21/11/2024
Four New Sigma DC DG Primes are Here to Boost Your Canon RF APS-C Cameras
The latest new lenses for RF APS-C cameras comes from Sigma with four new additions to the company’s Contemporary line. Sigma has introduced new DC DN Contemporary lenses including 16mm f/1.4 DC DN, 23mm f/1.4 DC DN, 30mm f/1.4 DC DN, and 56mm f/1.4 DC DN focal lengths—which are set to combine with Sigma’s 10-18mm 2.8 DC DN Contemporary and 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary lenses which were released earlier this year to give Canon creators more—and better, perhaps—options than ever before.Sigma Adds Four Canon RF APS-C Lenses
20/11/2024
The 25 Best Movie Monologues
The best movie monologues have everything working for them, with this collaboration working on every front. But what are the best movie monologues in my opinion?The Best Movie Monologues
20/11/2024
Make It To Air in Style With the Iconic Music Editing of 'Saturday Night'
We might take that for granted nowadays, which is why I was a big fan of the choice to frame the production nightmare leading up to the premiere episode of SNL in Jason Reitman's ode, Saturday Night. Something particularly cool is that Jon Batiste recorded the score live on set during production—a feat that is both insanely impressive and certainly challenging (i.e. vibe).Enter Music Editor Chris Newlin.
20/11/2024
How 'Heretic's Sound Team Plays with Fear and Silence
Today, we're looking at Beck and Woods' Heretic, a psychological thriller starring Hugh Grant that follows two young religious women entangled in a dangerous game within a stranger's house.As a sound designer, it's good for each movie to have a vocabulary.Definitely try to broaden, even if you're a horror fan and you just want to do horror, if you just try to listen to horror, you're not really going to get out of the box for your sound.
20/11/2024
Cinematographer Sheldon Chau Talks Shooting Internationally
We had the pleasure of sitting down with Cinematographer Sheldon Chau, whose work has taken him everywhere you can imagine.The most recent project he DP'd, Pooja, Sir, took him to Nepal, which came with its own series of hurdles and rewarding experiences.One of the more extraordinary challenges we faced just before I left for Nepal in late summer 2022 was when Deepak’s wife and lead actress of the film, Asha Magrati, was diagnosed with three rare types of cancer.
19/11/2024
The New Flagship Sony a1 II is Here to Redefine Camera Versatility for Creators
This updated version retains many of the same features as the original a1 and makes many improvements—including some new AI features and AF and IBIS technologies.Overall, the new Sony a1 II is set to be one of the company’s most versatile cameras ever, setting the pace for other mirrorless options to excel in both photography and videography.In particular, the a1 II will feature an upgraded BIONZ XR processing, an AI processing unit, and a more powerful 8.5-stop IBIS—along with the still-impressive 50MP stacked BSI CMOS sensor from its predecessor.
19/11/2024
Diegetic Versus Non-Diegetic Sound in Movies
There are two kinds of ways you hear sound in movies: Diegetic and Non-Diegetic. Today, we're going to go over Diegetic versus Non-Diegetic and learn when you use what and why each of those terms means. Non-diegetic sound is sound that only the audience can hear and not the characters in the story.
19/11/2024
Every Documentary Filmmaker Needs to Know This Statistic
In October 2024, I published The Documentary Filmmaker’s Workbook.It’s intended for filmmakers to write in it and take with them wherever the filmmaking journey leads.The Workbook contains writing prompts so filmmakers can link introduced ideas directly to their own project.
19/11/2024
'Heretic' Ending Explained
But, hey, it can also be a very fulfilling belief system and a wonderful moral compass when practiced with kindness and inclusion.Heretic, at it's core, is thematically more interested in theology and faith than any specific religion directly, and Hugh Grant's Mr. Reed certainly pontificates this ad nauseam with cheeky sardonic arrogance.The Young Pope: This show is so wild and I wish more people talked about it!
19/11/2024
Cooke Optics to Go Large Format with New Panchro 65/i Lens Series
To get in on the excitement Cooke Optics has announced its entry into larger format cinema with the new Panchro 65/i lens series specifically engineered for 65mm imager cameras.Cooke Optics Panchro 65/i Lens SeriesCooke Optics has not yet shared pricing and availability for the lenses just yet, but we expect we’ll be getting more info here in early 2025.
18/11/2024
Aaron Erol Ozlevi Talks Directing 'Exile' With a Multicultural Lens
Born in Turkey to a Spanish-speaking household, Aaron brings a distinctive perspective to his work, enriched by his diverse cultural heritage.In this in-depth conversation, we explore Aaron's award-winning film, Exile, which has captivated audiences and critics worldwide.Aaron Erol Ozlevi: The biggest challenge in portraying the cultural and historical context of the Istanbul pogrom was ensuring authenticity.
18/11/2024
A Hands-On Interview Review of the Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K
To give a glimpse into the real-world experiences of those who might benefit the most from using the URSA Cine 12K for their various projects, we chatted with working videographer Tanner Fowler about his first reactions to using the Cine 12K for his run-and-gun sports videography work.It's the Ursa Cine 12K.”Tanner Fowler: Yeah, I think this camera would be fantastic for documentary film work and running gun-style work as well as narrative work.
18/11/2024
11 Character Archetypes in Film Noir Movies
If you watch enough noirs, you start to see many of the same characters over and over again. Today, I want to go over the film noir character archetypes with you all and look at how they can inspire your writing. She's an alluring and seductive woman who uses her beauty and charm to manipulate men for her own gain.
18/11/2024
Editing India’s Official Entry for the 2025 Oscars with Adobe Premiere Pro: Spotlight on “Laapataa Ladies”
We spoke to the film’s editor, Jabeen Merchant, about how she used Adobe Premiere Pro to edit the movie — currently streaming on Netflix — and organize the many hours of footage that was shot for it.I’ve now used it to edit a number of feature films, fictional series, and documentaries.“ Laapataa Ladies” is aimed at women and made by women.
16/11/2024
Louper v2.0 Launches With Groundbreaking Tools to Transform Creative Collaboration
This groundbreaking update introduces a suite of powerful features designed to revolutionize post-production workflows, foster seamless collaboration, and expand Louper’s utility across video, audio, and image-based projects—all within a single, unified platform.Louper v2.0 is the first platform to fully integrate real-time and asynchronous collaboration tools in one place, offering an unprecedented level of flexibility and functionality that is unmatched in the market.Louper is a venture-backed collaboration platform designed for media and entertainment professionals.
15/11/2024
Editing Duplass Episodic Penelope & Film Industry Outside of NY & LA Feat. Celia Beasley
In this episode, GG Hawkins sits down with editor Celia Beasley to discuss her role in shaping Penelope, the new episodic series by the Duplass Brothers, now on Netflix. They explore the unique process of editing an episodic series that was shot like an indie film and edited entirely in the cloud.Celia shares her experiences of working outside major film hubs and the impact of community on her career.
15/11/2024
Editing Duplass Episodic Penelope & Film Industry Outside of NY & LA Feat. Celia Beasley
In this episode, GG Hawkins sits down with editor Celia Beasley to discuss her role in shaping Penelope, the new episodic series by the Duplass Brothers, now on Netflix. They explore the unique process of editing an episodic series that was shot like an indie film and edited entirely in the cloud.Celia shares her experiences of working outside major film hubs and the impact of community on her career.
15/11/2024
The Top 25 World War II Movies of All Time
Today, I wanted to go over the 25 best WWII movies, and give you a list of stuff you should check out. Dissecting World War II MoviesLike anyone nearing 40, I love a good World War II movie.
15/11/2024
"Covid Confessions": One filmmaker’s journey to capture a global crisis
In the end, Alec featured more than 335+ workers across 40 industries in a multi-part documentary series called " Covid Confessions", which he has been releasing free to watch on YouTube.We sat down with Alec to find out about his workflow filming and editing the hundreds of hours of footage for " Covid Confessions".In the end, I filmed 330 people across 40 industries between 2020 and 2021.
15/11/2024
Capture Log-Encoded HEVC Video With the Upgraded Final Cut Camera 1.1
Apple Final Cut Camera 1.1Capture high-quality 4K footage at up to 120 fps with iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max.Final Cut Camera 1.1 is available today as a free standalone app on the Apple App Store.
14/11/2024
Upgrade Your Hands-on Editing Workflow With Final Cut Pro for iPad 2.1
Apple has announced a new update to Final Cut Pro for iPad which is set to bring Enhanced Light and Color improvements to how the iPad-based editor handles color, color balance, contrast, and brightness in your videos and still images.Final Cut Pro for iPad 2.1This new Enhanced Light and Color feature is optimized for SDR, HDR, RAW, and Log-encoded media and should give a major boost to working with color grading and correction for your projects done on the go.
14/11/2024
What is Kishotenketsu?
It's widely recognized as "writing without conflict".The Four Acts Inside Kishōtenketsu Kishōtenketsu has four parts that get used to outline a story.
14/11/2024
Begin a New Chapter in Mac Video Editing With Final Cut Pro 11
Apple has unveiled Final Cut Pro 11 which sees the NLE get many supercharged intelligent new features and tools including a Magnetic Mask, a transcribe-to-captions feature, and several timesaving updates.Apple Final Cut Pro 11Here are the rest of the new AI-enhanced features set to come to Final Cut Pro 11:
14/11/2024
PROOF Film Fest Offers a Future For Your Short Films
That's where PROOF Film Fest is here to help.Developed with festival director Imani Davis alongside the American Cinematheque, PROOF offers a shorts fest with the intention of bigger, loftier goals.Only on its second year its a very fun and cool fest with lots to offer.
14/11/2024
The “ChatGPT for Video Editing” Tool Eddie AI Releases Automatic Multi-Cam Editing Feature
Following up on its chat-based video editing main function, Eddie AI has added a multi-camera editing feature that promises to help video editors quickly rough cut their multi-cam projects into more manageable (and editable) portions.The new feature has been demonstrated at Apple’s Final Cut Pro Summit in Cupertino, California, and showcased its latest prompt-to-edit capabilities.Eddie AI Multi-Cam Editing
14/11/2024
MFA in Screenwriting: Is it worth it?
One popular route you're probably considering is film school, or pursuing a screenwriting degree.My name is Jason Hellerman, and I received my Masters in Screenwriting from Boston University in 2012.In this post, I’ll take you through the pros and cons of a screenwriting degree program, and help you suss out whether or not a degree is worth the time and effort.
13/11/2024
What Are Some of the Most Cliché Lines of Dialogue?
We're writing a scene, and we get stuck, so we don't write the best line of dialogue to get out of it.Today, I wanted to make a list of some cliche lines of dialogue that can cause readers to bump on you're script. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but these examples should give you a good idea of the types of overused lines and dialogue that are often found in movies and TV shows.
13/11/2024
Composer Jens Bjornkjaer on His Journey in Film and TV Music
He's a Danish composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist living in Los Angeles.He has scored films for Ai Weiwei and Lars Von Trier, composed for the Royal Danish Theatre and in 2021 he was nominated for a Danish Oscar for the score for the documentary 7 Years Of Lukas Graham.I was excited to chat with him about his newest film, Tell Them You Love Me.
13/11/2024
A Worldbuilding Template for Filmmakers
Today, I want to look at why worldbuilding is a screenwriter's most powerful tool and why you should try our template.In stories like The Chronicles of Narnia, Lord of the Rings, and Star Trek, you have to build new worlds from scratch.Try to establish a timeline in any world you're building.
12/11/2024
Fujifilm’s Upcoming GFX Eterna is Set to be the Company’s First Cinema Camera
Fujifilm has just announced that they are planning to release a new GFX Eterna—a large format GFX cinema camera with a 102megapixel CMOS II HS image sensor.The Fujifilm GFX EternaComing up on the company’s 90-year anniversary, this new GFX Eterna will build on Fujifilm’s Eterna series motion picture color negative film technology and utilize its cinema zoom lenses from its Premista series and ZK Cabria series.
12/11/2024
Unpack Scriptation 5.0's New Features For All Facets of Filmmaking
Scriptation 5.0 The first is called Read, and it basically allows you to assign an AI voice to your screenplay to read it aloud to you.You can also use the Rehearse tool if you're an actor, to have AI read one set of the lines, and then you can work to memorize and do your lines with the computer as your scene partner.
12/11/2024
Tips for Creating an Imperfect and Raw Style From the Filmmakers of ‘Young King’
One of the standout films at this year’s Austin Film Festival, Griffin and the team behind Young King were able to bring a documentary, true-life quality to a film that is presented in a very personal and sincere way.Bryant T. Griffin: Young King was inspired by true events.Selena Leoni: I’m a longtime alum of the Austin Film Festival, having had four of my short films selected there in both 2021 and 2023, so having Young King at the Austin Film Festival this year was truly a dream come true.
12/11/2024
Tips for Creating an Imperfect and Raw Style From the Filmmakers of ‘Young King’
Bryant T. Griffin: Young King was inspired by true events.Griffin: The Austin Film Festival has been amazing!Vittoria Campaner: The Austin Film Festival has been an incredible experience, especially for its strong support of independent films and the sense of community it fosters.
12/11/2024
Why is Sony Discontinuing its Flagship Airpeak S1 Professional Drone?
Yet, despite Sony’s strong support of their flagship professional drone, the company has reportedly decided to discontinue the Airpeak S1 and cut their losses on this pricey, yet at times capable, aerial drone.Sony Discontinues Airpeak S1The decision reportedly comes to “recent changes in the business environment,” and that “sales of the Airpeak S1 and related products, except for some accessories, will end at the end of March 2025.”
11/11/2024
Edgar Wright Provides 10 Tips for Getting Your Movie Made
The video below is packed with 10 tips from Edgar Wright.He will cover everything from overcoming imposter syndrome to making your first feature film on a budget.10 Filmmaking Tips From Edgar Wright
11/11/2024
Make Your Movie For an Audience of One
Mine and Kimball’s previous collaboration was a 25-minute short film called Andronicus.There’s a strange phenomenon that I’m sure you’ve experienced where you’re recommended a post on a social media platform like TikTok or Instagram that fits perfectly to your tastes.We found one such group of kindred spirits in the incredible folks at Rough House Pictures, the Charleston-based company behind such wild creations as The Righteous Gemstones.
11/11/2024
How Non-Actors Make a Story More Real in ‘The Ego Death of Queen Cecilia’
Telling the story of a washed-up YouTube star who blackmails a rival in an attempt to reclaim her fame, ‘The Ego Death of Queen Cecilia’ is a fascinating look at what the future of filmmaking and content creation could become—and it was shot on a microbudget with some very insightful indie filmmaking techniques.Check out our interview with writer and director Chris Beier below.Chris Beier: The cinematic inspiration was the top floor of an empty parking garage.
11/11/2024
How Non-Actors Make a Story More Real in ‘The Ego Death of Queen Cecilia’
Telling the story of a washed-up YouTube star who blackmails a rival in an attempt to reclaim her fame, ‘The Ego Death of Queen Cecilia’ is a fascinating look at what the future of filmmaking and content creation could become—and it was shot on a microbudget with some very insightful indie filmmaking techniques.Check out our interview with writer and director Chris Beier below.Chris Beier: The cinematic inspiration was the top floor of an empty parking garage.
11/11/2024
'The Old Man' Season 2 Director Shares Insights Into Episode 5
As season 2 of The Old Man unfolds, No Film School sat down with Ben Semanoff, the director on episode 5.Ben previously directed episodes on season 2 of Yellowjackets and was Emmy-nominated for his work on Ozark.Focus on being the best you can be at the job you’re doing at the moment.
08/11/2024
See What Firmware Updates Are Planned For Your Sony Cinema Cameras
So, to help you plan accordingly, here is Sony’s full roadmap for its Cinema LIne including what feature upgrades are set to come and when these new firmware updates should be released.Beginning next year and set to go through 2026, these Sony Cinema Line firmware updates are set to offer some significant (and some minor) improvements to the range of cinema cameras in Sony’s lineup.The new BURANO Version 2.0 will be available in March 2025.
08/11/2024
Microbudget Filmmakers Are Not Okay (But Thanks for Asking)
They share their journeys of creating feature films under tight budgets and high personal stakes.Each filmmaker provides insight into the emotional, physical, and financial tolls of producing indie films while managing personal challenges.From crafting stories inspired by personal traumas to relying on a supportive community to rally resources, the episode reveals what it truly takes to complete a microbudget film.
08/11/2024
Elevate Your Color Grading Skills in Adobe Premiere Pro with Karl Soule
Join video, film, and television workflow expert Karl Soule for an immersive session on mastering color in Adobe Premiere Pro, which was recently presented at Adobe MAX.What You’ll LearnKarl Soule will guide you through essential strategies to improve both the aesthetic and technical quality of your sequences.Karl Soule brings years of industry expertise, and his practical tips will help you make the most of Premiere Pro’s powerful color tools.
07/11/2024
Step Into the World of Content Creation With the Beginner-Friendly Nikon Z50 II
The latest new hybrid content creator focused camera is the new Nikon Z50 II, a mirrorless camera with a high-performance 20.9 megapixel DX CMOS sensor that is capable of UHD 4K video at 60p.UHD 4K Video RecordingThe new Nikon Z50 II is available to pre-order today with units expected to start shipping later this month.
07/11/2024
Co-DP of 'City of Dreams' Trevor Roach Talks Commitment to Craft
This film took six years from principal photography to theatrical release, where in that time, I was promoted from 2nd Unit DP to Co-Director of Photography. My involvement in the film began in late 2018, when the cinematographer for the project, Alejandro Chávez, A.M.C., asked me to come on board to be his 2nd Unit DP and ‘B’ camera on the main unit.Mo had practically pre-shot the entire film on his iPhone, which became a pivotal blueprint for how the film was shot.
07/11/2024
Save Big on SIGMA Cine Primes for Your Next Film or Video Project
Now through November 30th this year filmmakers, DPs, and shooters of all types can save 20% off all SIGMA Cine prime lenses and up to 32% off build-your-own bundles.Which SIGMA Cine Prime Lenses are Right for You?Interested filmmakers and DPs will be able to save between 20 and 32% on all prime lenses & kits through November 30th.
07/11/2024
A Guide to Special Formatting Circumstances in Screenplays
While the standard script format covers most writing scenarios, some special circumstances require unique formatting considerations.Used to show a series of related actions within a scene.All you want to do is make your story clear to the audience and get them to imagine the movie.
07/11/2024
Insights into Indie Dramedy Filmmaking With the Team Behind ‘Lady Parts’
This year’s Austin Film Festival was no different.One of the films we featured from this year’s AFF was Lady Parts, a dramedy film about vaginal health care which comes from executive producer and screenwriter Bonnie Gross’ very real-life experiences. After years of doctors not believing my pain, I found a specialist in New York that correctly diagnosed my vulvar vestibulitis and vaginismus.
07/11/2024
Composer Jonathan Scott Friedman on How Music Adds to the Laughs in 'Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead'
When I was a kid, I grew up with the cult classic, Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead.We had the pleasure of sitting down with the composer, Jonathan Scott Friedman, and talking about how music can add to the laughs in these kinds of movies. "Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead" is a reimagining of a cult classic.
06/11/2024
FPV Fly Your Drones on a Budget with DJI’s Affordable New Goggles N3
To make this FPV drone experience more affordable and accessible to everyone DJI has just announced that they’re going to release a new Goggles N3 version which will offer the same experience at a budget—but with some notable reductions in features.Introducing DJI’s New Goggles N3The DJI Goggles N3 have just been announced but will be available for pre-order with an expected ship date of late November.
06/11/2024
Dissociate From Election Anxiety With These 10 Punk Movies
I've assembled a list of my 10 favorites if you'd like to join.'The Decline of Western Civilization' TrilogyAs previously mentioned, Sheeris' Decline of Western Civilization trilogy is a pitch-perfect exploration of the punk scene as it evolved over the decades.
06/11/2024
Sometimes, You Have To Put On Your Thinking Cap, Literally
Writers can use it as a mental cue to shift into a creative mindset, ready to brainstorm, develop ideas, or solve plot problems.Overcoming Blocks: When facing writer's block, this phrase can be a prompt to actively seek solutions rather than remaining stuck.Problem-Solving: Whether it's figuring out a character's motivation, resolving a plot hole, or refining a sentence, the phrase can remind writers to apply critical thinking skills to their work.
05/11/2024
Upgrade Your Canon C400 Rig With a Range of New Bright Tangerine Accessories
Featuring the ability to record 6K Cinema RAW at 60p along with a solid mix of built-in features like a 3.5” full touchscreen LCD and several modular ports, the C400 is already quite versatile.The accessories offered by Bright Tangerine include a Top Plate and Top Plate Filler, along with a range of extra accessories that can be added to the C400 or other cinema cameras.The Bright Tangerine Top Plate is set to retail for $125 and the Top Plate Filler will be an add-on for $49.
05/11/2024
Fund Your Short Film With the 2024 Pandora Short Film Grant
The Pandora Short Film Grant is our new 501(c)(3) nonprofit film grant, sponsored by Panavision and Kodak.The Winner receives $12,000 to aid in the production of their short narrative film. The Pandora Short Film Grant is sponsored by Panavision and KodakIf that ain’t enough, the Winner and three Finalists enter into our mentorship program to help get your film made.
05/11/2024
VFX Supervisor Aaron Wright Dishes On the Time Travel Secrets of 'My Old Ass'
That being said, one of the movies that I connected with its charming charisma this year was My Old Ass.It took a lot of work for this indie to come together, and one of the unsung heroes of the film is Aaron Wright, the VFX supervisor who put a lot of care and attention into the reliability of the movie behind the scenes. NFS: How did you enhance the scar on Aubrey Plaza's stomach for the night scene?
05/11/2024
You Can Now Use Runway’s AI Editor to Add a Range of Precise Camera Controls
Yet, despite the launch of AI video models from the likes of Runway, Pika Labs, and OpenAI (kinda), things in the AI video world have cooled off a bit.The latest announcement that we have to share comes from Runway about their new precise camera control feature and the various camera moves it can allow AI creators to use in their video editing tool.Runway Precise Camera Control Feature
04/11/2024
How Indie Body Horror Comedy 'Booger' Director, Editor & Lead Meld Minds
Director Mary Dauterman, editor Kyle Moriarty, and lead actor Grace Glowicki share the creative and logistical challenges they faced bringing this unique film to life.From crafting a cat-human transformation story inspired by loss to the collaborative spirit on set, they reveal how to keep indie film projects grounded in vision, even on a tight budget.Mary Dauterman is a director and writer making her feature debut with Booger, a horror-comedy that blends humor and body horror to explore themes of grief.
04/11/2024
The Results of the AI vs. Human Screenwriting Challenge
Overall, social media did its job: get the pages in front of the public.And with No Film School's readers essentially split on which pages are AI/human vs human only, I'm guessing most producers in Hollywood will opt for speed - especially for the first draft."Why cheat the world from what you have to say?
04/11/2024
Tips for Cinematically Achieving a 90s Look
Many movies in the 90’s were shot on vibrant film stocks that emphasized contrast and saturation.When DP Powell Robinson signed on to the Hulu horror film, Mr. Crocket, one of the main directions the film’s director, Brandon Espy, told him was that he wanted the film to feel like a gritty 90’s drama.Powell Robinson: The production company behind Mr. Crocket actually produced the last film I shot for Hulu as well, Appendage.
01/11/2024
How to Sound Design the Afterlife (And Evil Babies)
This is a task that veteran sound designer Jimmy Boyle took the reigns on for Tim Burton's fun-as-heck followup to his '90s classic in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Based on his credits (including everything from James Bond to The Northman), Jimmy hands down knows how to build an auditory world.Below, we chat with Jimmy about all things sound design—from his process and technique to how he builds his folly SFX library.
01/11/2024
How to Get Your Film Into Big Film Festivals
Know your characterNight to be Gone stars a non-actor, Omer Cissé, a Black African refugee playing himself in a dramatization of his own life story.For programmers, his identity as a Black refugee was the most important part of his character.The film's "ironic distance" from the character would ensure that Omer would not be viewed as "all Black refugees."
01/11/2024
Why Filmmakers Should Watch Nitrate Film Projections (and How They Can)
K.J. Relth-Miller, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures' Director of Film Programs, was kind enough to speak with us ahead of the museum's upcoming screening of 1932 film Blonde Venus in 35mm nitrate. Blonde Venus screens Nov. 2, 2024.We hope to maintain at least a semi-frequent cadence of nitrate projection just so that because it is so special for audiences and being one of only five theaters in the country that can project nitrate, we really want to make sure that that's something we continue to offer for audiences.
01/11/2024
Explore Storytelling in VR and 3D With Canon’s New RF-S 7.8mm F4 STM DUAL Lens
This new lens is set to be compatible with APS-C EOS mirrorless cameras like the EOS R7 and will feature an autofocus-enabled 60-degree field of view ideal to mirror human vision and produce photos and videos that will be able to be viewed on popular headsets like the Apple Vision Pro and the Meta Quest 3.The Canon RF-S 7.8mm f/4 STM Dual VR LensThe Canon RF-S7.8mm F4 STM DUAL lens is scheduled to be available in November 2024, here are its full specs and purchase options:
01/11/2024
Russo Brothers Hire AI Expert to Help With Creative Decisions
The Russo brothers, filmmakers behind Avengers: Endgame, Cherry, The Grey Man, and the upcoming The Electric State have announced that their production company, AGBO, has hired an AI consultant to help with creativity within the company. As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Dr. Dominic Hughes, an AI expert with a PHD from Oxford, “will partner with AGBO’s in-house storytelling and innovation teams to guide the development and deployment of AI technologies to enrich the creative process,” according to a statement from the company. AGBO chief creative officer Angela Russo-Otstot said the company was “determined to ensure that new technologies are developed by the creative community.
31/10/2024
How Cinematographer Leung Ming-Kai Brought Emotion to the Indie Drama 'All Shall Be Well'
His latest project, All Shall Be Well, is a heartfelt drama with deep, emotional shots that help contribute to the film's tone and staying power.“Poetry in everyday life” was something director Ray Yeung said to me when we started shooting Twilight’s Kiss.7. The film won the Teddy Award for the Best LGBTQ+ Film at the Berlin International Film Festival.