The Making Of

In this episode of The Making Of , recorded live at the Screamfest Horror Film Festival in Hollywood in October 2026, host Michael Valinsky moderates an engaging conversation with cinematographers Lowell A. Meyer ( Other Mommy , Knock at the Cabin ) and James Kniest ( Annabelle , The Haunting of Bly Manor ). Presented by ShotDeck , The Art of Horror Cinematography explores the creative and technic...

In this episode, we welcome Daniel Garber ACE , editor of the new A24 film Primetime , directed by Lance Oppenheim and starring Robert Pattinson. In our conversation, Daniel shares his journey into filmmaking, his approach to storytelling through editing, and the making of Primetime . He also discusses his longtime collaboration with Oppenheim, the creative decisions behind shaping the film’s paci...

In this episode, we talk with director Kate Dolan about SOULM8TE , the latest addition to the M3GAN universe, produced by James Wan. Kate, whose previous work includes the acclaimed horror feature You Are Not My Mother , takes us inside the making of SOULM8TE , discussing her approach to directing and storytelling, and how she collaborated with her creative team to shape the film’s distinctive vis...

In this episode, we welcome four-time Emmy Award winner David X. Cohen , co-creator, executive producer and head writer of Futurama . David takes us inside the making of the iconic animated series, from its origins and his longtime collaboration with Matt Groening on The Simpsons , to the creative process behind Futurama and its new season. He also shares insights and advice for today’s writers an...

In this episode of The Making Of , we’re joined by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein , the writer-director team behind Vacation , Game Night , and Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves , to go behind the scenes of their latest film, Apple TV’s MAYDAY , starring Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh. John and Jonathan take us inside the making of MAYDAY , reflect on the creative partnership t...

In this episode, we sit down with filmmaker Carlson Young to discuss her latest feature, The Last Sunrise , and her evolution from actor to director. Carlson reflects on her early years in front of the camera, including Scream: The TV Series and Emily in Paris , and how those experiences shaped her instincts as a filmmaker. She also takes us inside the making of The Last Sunrise , her collaboratio...

In this episode, we welcome Sara DeWitt, SVP & GM of PBS KIDS and Education, for a wide-ranging conversation about her background and career, her leadership role at PBS KIDS, and the organization’s mission to educate and inspire children nationwide. We discuss current and back-to-school programming, supporting early literacy, and how PBS KIDS is navigating funding challenges while continuing its e...

In this episode, we welcome Sophie Darlington ASC , an award-winning cinematographer whose remarkable career has taken her around the world capturing wildlife and the natural world. In our conversation, she takes us behind the scenes of LION , sharing how she filmed the documentary over the course of four years in the wild, and what went into bringing the Jon Favreau–executive-produced project to...

In this episode, we welcome co-directors Christian Hurley and Ben Oliphint , and producer Matt Wassong —the filmmakers behind the horror feature A Most Atrocious Thing , made for just $8,000 and ultimately landing distribution on Roku and other platforms. In our conversation, the team shares the inspiration behind the film, writing it during the pandemic, shooting the feature on a shoestring budge...

In this episode, we welcome the creative team behind the 19-time Emmy-nominated Apple TV series Widow’s Bay —cinematographer Christian Sprenger ASC , editor Isaac Hagy ACE , and production sound mixer Kevin S. Parker . In our conversation, Christian, Isaac, and Kevin take us behind the scenes of the series, sharing how they helped create its distinctive blend of horror, comedy, mystery, and charac...

In this episode, we welcome Lowell A. Meyer , cinematographer of Other Mommy , Tuner , Knock at the Cabin , Thunder Road , and the Apple TV+ series Servant . In our conversation, Lowell shares his early inspirations, his journey to becoming a feature film cinematographer, and about the making of Tuner and Other Mommy . He also breaks down the tools and techniques used on Tuner , offering behind-th...

In this episode, we welcome Natasha Braier ASC, ADF , the cinematographer behind acclaimed films such as She Said, Honey Boy, The Neon Demon, Gloria Bell, and I Love Boosters . In our conversation, Natasha shares her journey from her roots in Argentina to building a career in Los Angeles, along with a behind-the-scenes look at the making of I Love Boosters , directed by Boots Riley. She also discu...

In this episode, we welcome cinematographer Nik Summerer ASC , best known for his work on the critically acclaimed series Dark , as well as 1899 and the feature film Color Book , now streaming on Netflix. In our conversation, Nik shares his journey into cinematography, reflecting on his influences and the path that led him behind the camera. We take a deep dive into the making of Color Book , expl...

In this episode, we welcome director Connie He and Google DeepMind’s Márcia Mayer to discuss the making of Dear Upstairs Neighbors , which premiered at the Tribeca Festival in June. Connie and Márcia, both Pixar alumni, embarked on a creative journey to explore how emerging technologies could help bring Connie’s story and artistic vision to life. In our conversation, they discuss their respective...

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...