Filmmakers Academy Podcast

FINDING THE FRAME  Episode 01 - Cinematographer Brendan Uegama, CSC April 8th, 2023 Hosted by Brendan Sweeney Introducing our new series “Finding the Frame” where we interview industry professionals about their career and latest projects. This episode we sat down with cinematographer Brendan Uegama, CSC about his latest HBO Max project “Moonshot” starring Cole Sprouse and Lana Condor. Watch the t...

INNER CIRCLE PODCAST  Episode 01 - Beauty in the Chaos April 25th, 2023 Hosted by Shane Hurlbut, ASC & Lydia Hurlbut In their debut episode since their hiatus, Shane and Lydia address one of the biggest challenges filmmakers face – a healthy work/life balance. The duo dives into such demands as time and travel that keep filmmakers away from their families, sharing personal anecdotes and ways...

What I’ve learned over the last 25+ years is to be “flexible” because each shoot is going to be different. I’ve had shoots that are easy and shoots that could not have been more complex. It’s taught me the importance of always being ready and to at least be prepared with the essentials on each shoot. Today, Lydia and I are going to talk about some of the things you’ll need to consider as you get f...

Throughout my career, I’ve been blessed with some of the best crews, mentors, and leaders in my day-to-day. Working in the film industry is no easy task, but when you surround yourself by people that want to elevate you, that’s when creation enters the unique stage of growth and evolution . Today, Lydia and I are here to talk about some of the rigors that we’ve faced over the last 30 years. Whethe...

Being a filmmaker can be demanding creatively, logistically, and personally. Throughout the years, Lydia and I have always tried to stay true to ourselves and our needs. It’s never easy staying on top of projects, our home life, staying in touch with friends and family, keeping up with movies, etc… What keeps us grounded, creative, and passionate is prioritizing the essentials (i.e. family, friend...

The end of each year is always a time to reflect on what you have accomplished, what has changed, and where you are hopefully going. For Lydia and myself, it’s been a crazy year with another feature in the books, an ever-changing schedule, and the unknown of what lies ahead. While it is never easy, it’s fun and worth the ride to be doing what I love. In this podcast, Lydia and I want to wrap up th...

What’s beautiful about this industry is that everyone has their own unique approach to handling creative situations and business choices. Over the course of my career, I’ve enjoyed the opportunity of learning from the greats that have paved the path for us today. Whether it be a cinematographer, director, producer, grip, etc… Everyone carries something you can learn and it’s important to soak in t...

Women in the film industry make up a big part of our most creative voices and storytellers. We have filmmakers like Jane Campion, Reed Morano, Patty Jenkins, Lynne Ramsay, Kathryn Bigelow, Sofia Coppola,  Kelly Reichart, Agnes Varda, Andres Arnold, and so many more. Right now, we are seeing the male-run industry flip on its head and more female filmmakers are getting the chance to create and...

Women in the film industry make up a big part of our most creative voices and storytellers. We have filmmakers like Jane Campion, Reed Morano, Patty Jenkins, Lynne Ramsay, Kathryn Bigelow, Sofia Coppola,  Kelly Reichart, Agnes Varda, Andres Arnold, and so many more. Right now, we are seeing the male-run industry flip on it’s head and more female filmmakers are getting the chance to create and...

Your reel in the film industry is the one constant you are always going to have to face. This is your identity, your style, your passion, and those that don’t know you need to be able to tell that by the end of it. Throughout you career your are going to make a lot of decisions that, for better or for worse,  will sculpt the outcome on how your shoots go, and your career, and how your life go...

When you begin your career as a filmmaker, you tend to only consider shots, the art behind the craft, and all of the creatives choices you are ready to make. Time and time again, it can be a rude awakening for those that enter into the industry and that don’t consider the business aspect of the process. YES – being creative is a big part of our game but that is maybe 40% of the job at the most. Ev...

As a cinematographer, I have always been influenced and inspired by light. To me, light makes my job fresh, new, and exciting. Not everything about lighting has to deal with the quality it emits and which fixture you are going to pick. To really be a wizard at lighting, you need to understand the light itself, how it runs, and ultimately its limitations when out in the field. Time and time again,...

As a cinematographer, I’ve always been fascinated by light! It’s extremely easy these days to get caught up by the ever-evolving tech out there and what’s hot. But at the end of the day, your bread and butter is always going to be the lights you choose to tell that story. Whether you go for strictly practicals or the big guns like 18K’s, you are making a choice for why you go down that route. Just...

When prepping for your next production there are a lot of things to consider. What gear you want to use to tell your story, how you want to collaborate with your director and/or cinematographer, and what shots your want to get the best coverage for the script. With technology and shooting styles changing constantly, it can be hard to keep up with what’s new, what’s in, and how to apply it to your...

A lot of young cinematographers start out fixated on equipment and the creativity of the filmmaking process. While that is a big portion of what we do, it isn’t the only thing we do. To make your sets run effectively and efficiently, you want to have pre-production in the bag. While pre-production might not be your favorite part of the process, it is undoubtedly the most important part to unleashi...

Great filmmaking is more than just the newest and coolest gear, it’s also about teamwork, working with all types of personalities, and leadership. This month Lydia and I sit down to answer your questions about how to deal with difficult people on set while maintaining professionalism, how to ensure your crew hold their work to a high standard, as well as what to learn first when you’re starting ou...

A camera can only take you so far as you make your way along your cinematic story. There’s a whole other element that is both native and dependent to a professional-looking image — lighting. Applying lights is the key to creating multiple dimensions. Good lighting will give your work that specific tone you’re looking for on the screen. You see, understanding the significance of cinematic lighting...

It’s tough breaking into the industry and knowing whether you are making the right decisions, or not. Should you dive-in straight as a DP or go up the ladder from the bottom? Are you scared to make the leap into a freelance lifestyle? It’s a lot to wrap your mind around when first starting out in the business. Lydia and I  discuss my path to becoming a DP and how having someone to lean on in...

This month’s podcast covers how to put your camera through the ringer and get the most out of it. Shane discusses how it’s one thing to own a camera, but it’s another to understand its full potential. Camera tests are key when it comes to knowing when and where to apply your camera, as well as when and where not to. Shane takes you step by step on how to understand the soul of your sensor. Follow...

This month’s podcast covers how to stay on the ball and figure out what works best for you to successfully manage your career and personal life. Lydia discusses what has worked for her and shares her tips to help you figure out your schedule, how to manage the storm, all while keeping calm and staying strong. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filmmakers_academy/ Follow us on YouTub...

This month’s podcast covers your questions on setting up your lighting. Shane discusses lighting backgrounds first, set ups and ratios as they pertain to moods, white balancing the night, lighting tips to create a darker mood, lighting for different skin tones, and smoke and hazers. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filmmakers_academy/ Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/...

This month’s podcast covers your questions on planning coverage and when to roll. Shane discusses rolling during rehearsals, coverage and storyboarding, color grading, aspect ratios, and more. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filmmakers_academy/ Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@filmmakers_academy Learn filmmaking from artists at the top of their game. Try Filmmakers...

This month’s podcast covers your questions on good work ethics shaping you as a leader. Lydia discusses challenges faced by Lydia and Shane, advice for those with families who want to pursue this line of work, the importance of energy and self care, and inspiration for the Inner Circle.

This month’s podcast covers your questions on getting into the business. Shane discusses building relationships with vendors, putting together a reel, the pros and cons of getting into the union, and eye correction.

This month’s podcast covers your questions on topics related to lenses, filters and cameras. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filmmakers_academy/ Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@filmmakers_academy Learn filmmaking from artists at the top of their game. Try Filmmakers Academy and become a member today: https://bit.ly/302orWv Check out our blog filled with career advi...