Filmmakers Academy Podcast

Thanks for joining us for another episode of the Filmmakers Academy Podcast!
Take advantage of monthly virtual group coaching, networking events, as well as new content released weekly by becoming a member today.
Join today and get $50 off your first year by using the promo code FAPOD50. And join the #1 resource for cinematographers, film crews, and Do-It-All filmmakers!
Coupon Link: https://watch.filmmakersacademy.com/checkout/new?o=83067&d=FAPOD50
This episode is proudly lit exclusively by Nanlux-Nanlite Lights and sponsored by B&H and Hollyland.
In this episode of Finding the Frame, host Chris Haigh sits down with multiple Academy Award nominee Myron Kerstein, ACE, the lead editor behind blockbuster musicals like In the Heights, Tick, Tick... Boom!, and the global phenomena Wicked and Wicked: For Good.
Kerstein shares his fascinating evolution from architecture student and collage artist to one of Hollywood's most trusted editors. He explains how his background in design and "found object" art informs his "mad scientist" approach to the edit suite, where he views the timeline as a blueprint for human emotion.
The conversation explores Kerstein's early career working on rebellious 90s indie projects like Michael Moore’s TV Nation and Louis Theroux’s Weird Weekends, where he learned the power of letting a moment "hang" and the value of awkward silences.
Kerstein concludes with a powerful call to action for aspiring editors: Hustle and cut everything. He encourages young artists to develop their emotional muscle by identifying why certain images move them and stresses the importance of perseverance and networking in an industry that rewards those who dream big but work harder.
More from Filmmakers Academy and for do-it-all filmmakers:
-Cinematography: Virtual Location Scouting with the Insta360
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Thanks for joining us for another episode of the Filmmakers Academy Podcast!
Ready to take your filmmaking to the next level? As a member, you'll get access to monthly virtual group coaching, exclusive networking events, and fresh content released every week.
Join today and take advantage of our Holiday Promotional Offer, the lowest price on Annual Membership we've ever offered: https://learn.filmmakersacademy.com/holiday-promotion-2025-secondary/
This episode is proudly lit exclusively by Nanlux-Nanlite Lights and sponsored by B&H and Hollyland.
Two-time Academy Award nominee Dan Lausten, ASC, joins Finding the Frame to discuss his legendary 30-year partnership with Guillermo del Toro and their latest masterpiece, Frankenstein. From his humble beginnings as a still photographer in Denmark to lensing blockbusters like John Wick: Chapter 4 and The Shape of Water, Lausten details how he utilizes single-source lighting to create a painterly, "Rembrandt-esque" aesthetic. He shares how he and del Toro prioritize practical effects—using real fire, rain, and massive 1:20 scale miniatures—to achieve an organic texture that digital effects simply cannot replicate.
Lausten provides a technical deep dive into shooting with the Alexa 65, explaining how he keeps his light sources outside the set to maintain atmospheric consistency while using custom filters to soften digital sharpness. He highlights the symbolic use of light in Frankenstein, where warm amber tones represent love and the "sun," while cold blues represent the creature's isolation. Throughout the conversation, Lausten emphasizes the importance of a collaborative "family" atmosphere on set and encourages aspiring filmmakers to embrace their mistakes, urging them to "go out on the thin ice" where true learning and artistic breakthroughs happen.
More from Filmmakers Academy and for do-it-all filmmakers:
-Cinematography: Virtual Location Scouting with the Insta360
-Cinematography: The EL Zone System Exposure Guide
-Shane’s Gear Bag
-Shane Hurlbut’s Go-To Lighting Package
-The Modern...

Thanks for joining us for another episode of the Filmmakers Academy Podcast!
Ready to take your filmmaking to the next level? As a member, you'll get access to monthly virtual group coaching, exclusive networking events, and fresh content released every week.
Join today and take advantage of our Holiday Promotional Offer—the lowest price on Annual Membership we've ever offered: https://learn.filmmakersacademy.com/holiday-promotion-2025-secondary/
This episode is proudly lit exclusively by Nanlux-Nanlite Lights and sponsored by B&H and Hollyland.
In this episode of Finding the Frame, host Chris Haigh sits down with acclaimed cinematographer Steve Yedlin, ASC, the visionary behind director Rian Johnson's films for over 30 years, including Knives Out, The Last Jedi, and the new Benoit Blanc mystery, Wake Up, Dead Man.
Steve discusses his 30-year partnership with Rian Johnson and his technical approach to cinematography, moving from early visual effects fascination to developing custom digital color pipelines. He demystifies the film vs. digital debate, emphasizing that the ultimate look of a film is determined by the color pipeline rather than the camera brand, a philosophy he applied across projects like The Last Jedi to ensure consistency between film and digital formats. This foundation allows him to focus on the story's visual needs, leading to the distinct, highly stylized looks of the Benoit Blanc trilogy, culminating in the Gothic, high-contrast world of Wake Up, Dead Man.
For Wake Up, Dead Man, Yedlin details complex lighting techniques: using custom software for real-time dynamic lighting cues to simulate clouds and sun changes within scenes, and integrating monitors to project realistic fire and window reflections onto actors' faces and eyeglasses. A notable logistical solution involved using meticulously hand-painted stage backdrops that allowed him to light the sky and trees separately, offering unparalleled control over day/night transitions on the soundstage.
Yedlin also offers crucial advice to aspiring DPs: remain fiercely idiosyncratic and true to your vision rather than trying to be an "interchangeable cog." He concludes with a brief, skeptical take on the current state of AI, calling it a "fuzzy search engine" that primarily excels at mashing up existing content.
More from Filmmakers Academy and for do-it-all filmmakers:
-Cinematography: Virtual Location Scouting with the Insta360
-Cinematography: The EL Zone System Exposure Guide
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Thanks for joining us for another episode of the Filmmakers Academy Podcast!
Interested in Rob's Film/TV Director's Field Manual? Get it now on Amazon!
Take advantage of monthly virtual group coaching, networking events, as well as new content released weekly by becoming a member today.
Join today and get $50 off your first year by using the promo code FAPOD50. And join the #1 resource for cinematographers, film crews, and Do-It-All filmmakers!D50. And join the #1 resource for cinematographers, film crews, and Do-It-All filmmakers!
This episode is proudly lit exclusively by Nanlux-Nanlite Lights and sponsored by B&H and Hollyland.
Rob Spera is a director and a storyteller. From his acting roots with Sanford Meisner to his impressive film and television directing career, Spera's journey exemplifies a deliberate approach. In this episode of the Inner Circle Podcast, Shane and Lydia Hurlbut sit down with Spera to discuss his unique approach to filmmaking, which prioritizes a product-oriented five-year plan over merely waiting for the perfect script. Spera advocates for a mindset of continuous work, emphasizing that a filmmaker's artistic "pilot light" must be kept alive through daily practice, no matter how small. He shares a remarkable story of a student who landed a major mentor just by being honest in a cold call, underscoring the power of authenticity and persistence.
The conversation delves into Spera's directing philosophy, which is built on respect, kindness, and collaboration. He reveals his technique of using silent takes to force actors to focus on physical actions and emotional subtext rather than dialogue. Spera also discusses his belief that a director's core purpose, or "Fisher King wound," drives their artistic voice, and he shares a powerful personal anecdote to illustrate this point. The episode covers practical advice on handling difficult actors and crew members by addressing issues privately and empowering everyone on set to contribute. This includes a fascinating story from Shane about receiving a job offer directly from the late Bill Paxton, a gesture that profoundly shaped Shane's own commitment to human-to-human connection.
Ultimately, this episode is a compelling argument for a more human and intentional approach to filmmaking. Spera and the Hurlbuts discuss the importance of preparation and flexibility, using vivid examples from set where plans had to be thrown out the window to adapt to the unexpected. They conclude with a discussion of the importance of camaraderie, gratitude, and a positive mindset, highlighting how these elements are essential to creating a great final product.
More from Shane Hurlbut, ASC for cinematographers and do-it-all filmmakers:
-Cinematography:...

Thanks for joining us for another episode of the Filmmakers Academy Podcast!
Take advantage of monthly virtual group coaching, networking events, as well as new content released weekly by becoming a member today.
Join today and get $50 off your first year by using the promo code FAPOD50. And join the #1 resource for cinematographers, film crews, and Do-It-All filmmakers!
This episode is proudly lit exclusively by Nanlux-Nanlite Lights and sponsored by B&H and Hollyland.
In this episode of the Inner Circle Podcast, Shane and Lydia Hurlbut turn the microphone over to their members, answering a range of questions that touch on the heart of filmmaking. The episode begins with a deep dive into camera techniques for enhancing emotional storytelling, based on a member's question about a short film on grief and Alzheimer's. Shane and Lydia dissect the script's emotional beats, with Shane offering specific advice on how to visually convey loneliness, anxiety, and bittersweet nostalgia. They discuss using locked-off shots and a frame within a frame to depict isolation and recommend using a variety of tools, including swing and tilt lenses, to reflect a character's mental confusion and disorientation.
The conversation then shifts to Shane's personal camera preferences, where he clarifies that his choice between a RED and a Sony is always dictated by the project's specific needs. He explains that while RED cameras excel at energetic, colorful projects, the natural skin tones and color accuracy of Sony cameras are perfect for realistic dramas. This discussion leads to a broader conversation on balancing artistic vision with the practical realities of production, such as budget, shooting schedules, and the color grading process.
Finally, the episode provides invaluable career advice for those looking to break into the camera department. Shane details the benefits of starting at a rental house to gain a foundational understanding of gear and build relationships. He and Lydia conclude with a powerful discussion on leadership and stress management on set, emphasizing the importance of staying calm and methodical during technical failures. They highlight how anticipation, observation, and proactive communication can make all the difference, helping a filmmaker lead their team with confidence and create a more positive, collaborative environment.
If you haven’t already, listen to the first part of our Filmmaking Q&A where Lydia and Shane answer questions from members about night lighting, condor rigs, and lenses.
More from Shane Hurlbut, ASC for cinematographers and do-it-all filmmakers:
-Key Frame Film Theory & Storyboarding
-Build a Pro iPhone Rig with Tilta Khronos
-Lighting a Day Interior Film Scene (No Lights)
-Actor Blocking with Lighting Emotion
-DIY Cinematic Lighting: The “Coke Can Trick” vs Depron
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