The Making Of

In this episode, we welcome award-winning cinematographer Jeff Hester , whose work includes documentaries such as Postcard from Earth , Our Planet , Dolphins Up Close with Bertie Gregory , Planet Earth III , and Hammerhead Sharks Up Close for Nat Geo’s annual summer event, SHARKFEST. In our conversation, Jeff shares his journey into cinematography, how he developed his unique skill set, and the ma...

In this episode, we welcome Eben Bolter ASC, BSC , cinematographer of the new Apple TV series Cape Fear . Eben has also lensed acclaimed projects including The Life of Chuck , The Last of Us , and Slow Horses . In our conversation, he shares his journey into cinematography, the experiences that shaped his career, and his approach to developing the visual language of Cape Fear . He takes a deep div...

In this episode of The Making Of , we welcome legendary colorist and Company 3 founder/CEO Stefan Sonnenfeld . Stefan shares his journey into color grading, the evolution of his career, and the story behind building one of the industry's most respected post-production companies. He also discusses his work on Michael , the global blockbuster about Michael Jackson that has grossed nearly $1 billion...

In this episode, we welcome the Backrooms production team— Cinematographer Jeremy Cox , VFX Supervisor Edward J. Douglas , Editor Greg Ng , and Production Sound Mixer Jan Hetmer . Together, they take us behind the scenes of the groundbreaking indie horror phenomenon, sharing how they brought the film’s unsettling world to life through innovative cinematography, visual effects, editing, and sound d...

In this episode, we welcome cinematographer Jamie Ramsay BSC, SASC , whose latest work can be seen in the WWII thriller Pressure , now playing in theaters. Jamie's credits include Goodrich , All of Us Strangers , District 9 , Living , and See How They Run . In our conversation, Jamie reflects on his early years and filmmaking journey before taking us behind the scenes of Pressure . We explore the...

In this episode, we welcome Daniel Myrick , co-director of The Blair Witch Project , one of the most influential independent films of all time. Released in 1999, the groundbreaking horror phenomenon helped redefine the found-footage genre, became a cultural touchstone, and changed the landscape of indie filmmaking. In our conversation, Daniel reflects on the origins of the project, its innovative...

In this episode, we welcome cinematographer Pepe Avila del Pino . Pepe has shot projects including Ozark , House of the Dragon , and The Deuce , along with films such as The Kindergarten Teacher and Worth . In our conversation, we discuss the series Love Story , which explores the relationship between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, two of the most iconic and heavily photographed...

In this episode, we welcome Emmy-nominated director Andrew Bernstein . Known for his work on acclaimed series including Mad Men , Ozark , The Americans , The Diplomat , and Fear the Walking Dead , Andrew has built a remarkable career crafting visually dynamic and emotionally grounded stories across film and television. In our conversation, we discuss Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan: Ghost War , his collabo...

In this episode, we welcome cinematographer Armando Salas, ASC . Armando has shot acclaimed projects including Ozark , Griselda , Cocaine Cowboys , The Terminal List , Mr. Mercedes , Lanterns , and Normal . In our conversation, he shares his upbringing, path into cinematography, experiences working across various projects, and all about the making of Normal . He also offers invaluable advice for t...

In this episode, we welcome Lee Cronin . Lee is the writer and director of The Mummy , which follows his breakout work on The Hole in the Ground and Evil Dead Rise . In our conversation, Lee shares about reimagining The Mummy , writing the script, his directing process, and other creative workflows. He also discusses his approach to crafting horror, along with the lessons learned from his career m...

In this episode, we welcome director Paris Barclay and editor Scott D. Hanson . Paris is an Emmy Award–winning director whose work spans series such as The West Wing , Sons of Anarchy, In Treatment, and Monster , and Scott is an Emmy-nominated editor with projects including Dolemite is My Name , McMillions , and Born to Bowl . In our conversation, they share their journeys into the industry, how t...

In this episode of The Making Of , we’re joined by cinematographer James Whitaker, ASC . His work spans acclaimed projects including The Cooler , Thank You for Smoking , Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die , as well as series like Patriot , Hawkeye , and DTF St. Louis . In our conversation, James shares his origin story, how he developed his craft, and reflects on the making of his early features throu...

In this episode of The Making Of , we’re joined by Vanessa Bendetti , Kodak’s VP and Head of Motion Picture. She shares insights into her role at the iconic company, where she sits at the intersection of technology and storytelling, and we explore the continued resurgence of analog acquisition. We also discuss standout recent productions choosing to shoot on film, and film’s place in exhibition an...

In this episode, we’re joined by Christina Alexandra Voros, director and cinematographer of The Madison , the new series from Taylor Sheridan. Voros has directed across Sheridan’s expanding television slate, including Yellowstone , Lawmen: Bass Reeves , 1883 , and Big Sky , and is currently working on the upcoming series Dutton Ranch and Frisco King . In our conversation, she reflects on her early...

In this episode, we welcome Chris Gore , founder and publisher of Film Threat . Chris shares the story behind building the defining indie film publication, plus his take on the state of independent cinema today. He also provides insights for up-and-coming filmmakers, breaks down many of his personal favorite movies, and much more. “The Making Of ” is presented by AJA: MeyerPro bridges long-distanc...

In this episode, we welcome Shachar Langlev , cinematographer of the Sundance hit film, Run Amok , starring Patrick Wilson, Molly Ringwald, and Margaret Cho. In our chat, Shachar shares his origin story and about the making of this indie film. He also dives deep into the visual storytelling, on his collaboration with director NB Mager, and about all the tools and techniques used to capture this st...

In this episode, we welcome Mark Fischbach , aka Markiplier — writer, director, editor, and star of Iron Lung . In our conversation, Mark shares his origin story and all about the making of his debut feature film, which has grossed $50 million at the box office. He also dives into the collaboration with his cinematographer and team, his visual approach, and detailed insights into his production an...

In this episode, we welcome Amy Landecker , actor, writer and director of the new feature, For Worse . Amy is known for critically-acclaimed roles in projects such as A Serious Man , Dan in Real Life , Doctor Strange , I Love My Dad , “Transparent,” “Sneaky Pete,” “The Handmaid’s Tale,” and “Your Honor”. In our conversation, she shares on the inspiration and the making of her directorial debut, Fo...

In this episode, we welcome legendary sound mixer and CAS President Peter Kurland, CAS . Peter is a BAFTA-winning, Grammy-winning, 4x Oscar-nominated, and 3x CAS Award-winning Sound Mixer who’s worked on films such as Blood Simple , Hoosiers , Raising Arizona , Barton Fink , Fargo , Men in Black , The Big Lebowski , O Brother Where Are Thou , The Man Who Wasn’t There , Walk The Line , No Country f...

In this episode, we welcome Soledad O’Brien , Geeta Gandbhir , and Christalyn Hampton , the team behind the Oscar-nominated documentary short, The Devil Is Busy . Soledad serves as Executive Producer, with Geeta and Christalyn co-directing the film. The Devil Is Busy follows a day in the life of Tracii, the head of security at a women’s healthcare clinic in Atlanta, who works tirelessly to protect...

In this episode, we welcome Adolpho Veloso, ABC, AIP . Adolpho is the Oscar-nominated cinematographer of Train Dreams , which has been nominated for 4 Academy Awards. In our chat, he shares his origin story, how he learned his craft, and all about the making of this period drama. Adolpho also provides insights into both the creative and technical aspects of his cinematography, as well as recommend...

In this episode, we welcome Oscar-nominated writer/director Joachim Trier and Oscar-nominated editor Olivier Bugge Coutté , the longtime collaborators behind Sentimental Value . The film has earned nine Academy Award nominations, including recognition for both of their work. Trier and Coutté have also collaborated on films such as The Worst Person in the World , Reprise , Oslo, August 31st , Loude...

In this episode, we welcome Matt Finlin, director of “Matter of Time,” a documentary dedicated to an important cause. Matt has collaborated extensively with Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder and EB Research Partnership, using film to amplify awareness around Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) and accelerate efforts to find a cure. In our chat, he shares about creating this doc, his production workflows, and...

In this episode, we welcome Bart Layton , writer and director of CRIME 101, a dramatic crime thriller starring Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Barry Keoghan, Halle Berry, Monica Barbaro, Nick Nolte, and Jennifer Jason Lee. In our chat, he shares on crafting one of the best LA-based heist thrillers in years, about writing the screenplay, assembling an all-star cast, and collaborations with his team....

In this episode, we welcome Zach Kuperstein , cinematographer of films such as Barbarian , Woman of the Hour , Don’t Move , The Eyes of My Mother , and Buddy , that just premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. In our chat, Zach shares on his early days, filmmaking education, career path, and about the making of Barbarian and Woman of the Hour . He also talks about his approach for shooting each f...