Filmmakers_Academy

Cinematography Tip of the Day we’re talking Kondor Blue Handheld and Studio Mode. For Shane’s camera setups, it’s all about being one with the camera. Using the Kondor Blue Hollywood Handle with the L bracket, he keeps the camera close for better control. Without the bracket, he improvises by flipping the pan handle up to stay connected with the camera instead of operating from a distance. The Hollywood Handle stands out with its multiple 1/4”-20 and 3/8” threads, perfect for suspending the camera and adding accessories. For handheld setups, Shane flips his spider grips upside down and relies on the Kondor Blue Pro Pivot Rosette Grip, which locks into place without needing to adjust screws. The mini lock also provides seamless cable management, keeping everything organized for the ACs and camera team. What do you think of Shane’s approach to his camera setup and these innovative tools from Kondor Blue? Let us know in the comments! #cinematography #cinematographer #cinematogtaphers #kondorblue #camop #cameraoperator #cameraop #cinematographytip #cinematographytips #filmmakersacademy #filmmaking #filmmaker #filmmakers #FilmCommunity #filmeducation #learnfilmmaking #filmequipment #1stac #cameraassistant #filmtok #filmmakersoftiktok #filmmakingtiktok @Kondor Blue

Cinematography Tip of the Day: On-set communication can make or break a production, and Shane Hurlbut, ASC, shares a game-changing solution that keeps his team connected during production. Using the Hollyland 4K Pyro system, Shane developed a DIY way to boost wireless range by extending antennas with custom aluminum tubing. These antennas reach 8-10 feet in the air, avoiding signal interference caused by obstacles like people and trees (which disrupt signals due to their water content). This system worked seamlessly with the Hollyland Solidcom C100 Pro wireless intercom, providing crystal-clear communication in the large location. In a production of this scale, where coordination across massive lighting setups and complex camera movements is crucial, this clarity was a game-changer. The Hollyland Lark Max wireless microphone system further elevated the production by capturing clean, reliable audio, while the 4K Pyro system ensured smooth wireless transmission across the set. From communication to wireless video feeds to audio recording, Hollyland’s tools were pivotal in making this masterclass possible. Hollyland Products Hollyland Pyro S 4K HDMI/SDI Wireless Video Transmitter Hollyland Solidcom C1 Pro 6 Set Hollyland Lark Max Limited-Time Offer: This Black Friday, save $120 on your annual Filmmakers Academy membership and get the Night Cinematography Masterclass for FREE! #filmmakersacademy #filmmakers #filmmakers #filmmaker #filmmaking #filmmakersacademy #cinematographers #cinematography #cinematographer #onset #filmmakingtips #behindthescenes #lightingnight #lighting #lightingbreakdown #lightingdesign #filmeducation #filmschool #hollyland #hollylandtech #wirelesstransmitter #wirelesscommunication #onset #filmtok #filmmakersoftiktok #filmmakingtips #cinematographytips

We’re in full gray moonlight mode for the final keyframe of our short film Quiet Hour in the Night Cinematography Masterclass—watch to see how the final scene comes together! The camera is set to 2900 Kelvin at 3200 ISO, with a base ISO of 3200. Shane and 1st AD Cliff Lanning worked with @ihavethedinero and his @legacy_grip team to tent the exterior, allowing us to capture this last shot before the light faded and we transitioned to the night exterior scene. Now, we’re balancing lighting ratios. Shane has a Q5 set at 3400 Kelvin in the corner, while the camera is dialed 500 degrees colder to create the desired gray tonality. For moon ambience, an Astera tube—softened with a thick pool noodle—is placed just outside the door. A branchaloris breaks up the Q5’s light, softening the shadows further. Brittany is on the camera, while Shane uses a Q5 with a Leko attachment firing upwards into the ceiling to create a subtle top light. With careful angling, Shane achieves a beautiful toppy effect, perfectly completing the scene. 🎥 This Black Friday, save $120 on your annual Filmmakers Academy membership and get this Night Cinematography Masterclass FREE! 📌 U.S. customers: Use PayPal Credit for 6 monthly installments on purchases over $99. This masterclass is the ultimate guide to mastering night exteriors, offering scalable techniques and workflows for productions of any size. Shane Hurlbut, ASC, breaks down tools and strategies for cinematic moonlight tones, large-scale setups, and precise lighting techniques. Learn budget-friendly approaches and gain adaptable knowledge for filmmakers at every level. ✨ Special Thanks: Craterr, Hollyland, Kondor Blue, Sony Cine, Irix Cine Lenses, Angelbird, Nanlux, CineMoves. 🎬 Supported by: Inovativ, Flanders Scientific, Tiffen, Herc Entertainment, Saniset Fleet, Keslow Camera, MBS Equipment, Premier Lighting, Northern Lighting, Legacy Grip, Division Rentals, Musicbed, and B&H. #cinematography #cinematographer #lighting #nightlighting #lightingnight #nightexterior #lightinginspiration #lightingideas #filmmaking #filmmaker #filmmakers #LightingSetup #behindthescenes #lightingbreakdown #lightingtips #filmeducation #learnfilmmaking #nightcinematography #FilmCommunity #filmmakersacademy #filmtok #filmmakersoftiktok #filmmakingtiktok

Armando stopped by Filmmakers Academy to ask Shane Hurlbut, ASC, what the Night Cinematography Masterclass is all about. Shane shared that directors often judge a DP’s reel by their night work—and if it doesn’t impress, they move on. Mastering night exteriors is what separates the good from the great. In this masterclass, Shane reveals how to manipulate moonlight, craft stunning gray tones, and fine-tune ratios for thrillers, horrors, and beyond. From blue to gray moonlight and hard to super-soft light, he breaks it all down. The course goes big with 120ft condors, Nanlux 2400B’s, and 80ft moon bounces, but Shane also scales it down. He demonstrates how to achieve the same cinematic magic on an indie budget by recreating Hollywood-style setups from the ground. This masterclass isn’t about the gear—it’s about the knowledge to elevate your craft. Click the link in our bio to learn more and take advantage of our Black Friday offer while it lasts! This Black Friday, save $120 on your annual Filmmakers Academy membership and get this Night Cinematography Masterclass FREE! • Annual Membership: $449.99 • Masterclass Only: $229.99 • Retail Price: $679.99 • Bundle Price: $329.99 📌 U.S. customers: Pay with 6 monthly installments using PayPal Credit for purchases over $99. Special Thanks to Craterr and sponsors Hollyland, Kondor Blue, Sony Cine, Irix Cine Lenses, Angelbird, Nanlux, and CineMoves for making this production possible. Supported by: Inovativ, Flanders Scientific, Tiffen, Herc Entertainment, Saniset Fleet, Keslow Camera, MBS Equipment, Premier Lighting, Northern Lighting, Legacy Grip, Division Rentals, Musicbed, and B&H. #cinematography #cinematographer #lighting #nightlighting #lightingnight #nightexterior #lightinginspiration #lightingideas #filmmaking #filmmaker #filmmakers #LightingSetup #behindthescenes #lightingbreakdown #lightingtips #filmeducation #learnfilmmaking #nightcinematography #FilmCommunity #filmmakersacademy #filmtok #filmmakersoftiktok #filmmakingtiktok @Armando Ferreira @Kondor Blue

Our Night Cinematography Masterclass is finally here, and it’s the largest production we’ve ever undertaken. With over 70 crew members, including Shane Hurlbut, ASC’s entire grip, electric, and camera team from his latest film, this masterclass redefines what it means to educate filmmakers. This Black Friday, save $120 on your annual Filmmakers Academy membership and get this Night Cinematography Masterclass FREE! • Annual Membership: $449.99 • Masterclass Only: $229.99 • Retail Price: $679.99 • Bundle Price: $329.99 📌U.S. customers: Pay with 6 monthly installments using PayPal Credit for purchases over $99. This masterclass is the ultimate guide to mastering night exteriors, offering scalable techniques and workflows that are applicable to productions of any size. Shane Hurlbut, ASC, breaks down the tools and strategies behind stunning nighttime scenes, teaching you how to light with precision, craft cinematic moonlight tones, and execute large-scale setups for flawless exposure. From camera movement and lens choices to budget-friendly approaches, this masterclass provides practical, adaptable knowledge for filmmakers at every level. Special Thanks A huge thank-you to Craterr and sponsors Hollyland, Kondor Blue, Sony Cine, Irix Cine Lenses, Angelbird, Nanlux, and CineMoves for making this production possible. Supported by: Inovativ, Flanders Scientific, Tiffen, Herc Entertainment, Saniset Fleet, Keslow Camera, MBS Equipment, Premier Lighting, Northern Lighting, Legacy Grip, Division Rentals, Musicbed, and B&H. #cinematography #cinematographer #lighting #nightlighting #lightingnight #nightexterior #lightinginspiration #lightingideas #filmmaking #filmmaker #filmmakers #LightingSetup #behindthescenes #lightingbreakdown #lightingtips #filmeducation #learnfilmmaking #nightcinematography #FilmCommunity #filmmakersacademy #filmtok #filmmakersoftiktok #filmmakingtiktok

We’re at Company 3 putting the finishing touches on the color grade for Quiet Hour, the short film featured in our Night Cinematography Masterclass. A huge thank you to Sean Coleman for his incredible work, and to Company 3, Stefan Sonnenfeld, and Matt Moran for opening their doors and making this possible. This collaboration allows us to empower the next generation of filmmakers with the skills to master moonlight. And now, we’re thrilled to invite you to an exclusive live watch party and virtual workshop TOMORROW! 🗓 Date: November 26th ⏰ Time: 10:00 AM PT 📍 Duration: 2.5 hours (includes a live Q&A) During this one-of-a-kind event, Shane Hurlbut, ASC, along with Gaffer Thomas Sigurdsson and Key Grip Brendan Riel, will guide you through the masterclass. They’ll share their process and insights while answering your questions in real time. 📘 Your ticket also includes: • Storyboards • The full script • Shot lists • Lighting schematics • Blocking diagrams • Grip and camera lists • A complete course outline This masterclass isn’t just about learning the technical aspects—it’s about completely reimagining how moonlight can elevate your storytelling. Whether you’re an experienced professional or just beginning your cinematography journey, this workshop will transform your approach to lighting night scenes. The knowledge you learn can be applied to all budget levels. 🎟 Secure your spot now, you don’t want to miss this. [Link in bio] #cinematography #cinematographer #lighting #nightlighting #lightingnight #nightexterior #lightinginspiration #lightingideas #filmmaking #filmmaker #filmmakers #LightingSetup #behindthescenes #lightingbreakdown #lightingtips #filmeducation #learnfilmmaking #nightcinematography #FilmCommunity #filmmakersacademy

We’ve never done anything like this before. This is the most ambitious masterclass we’ve ever created, bringing together over 70 crew members, including Shane Hurlbut, ASC’s full grip, electric, and camera team from his latest film. With cutting-edge equipment like 45-ft Scorpios from CineMoves, Sony Buranos, and 120-ft condors, this production sets a new standard for mastering moonlight and night exteriors. 💡 Pre-Sale & Virtual Workshop Details 🗓 Date: November 26th ⏰ Time: 10:00 AM PT 📍 Duration: 2.5 hours (includes live Q&A) The workshop will feature a live virtual workshop where Shane Hurlbut, ASC, Gaffer Thomas Sigurdsson, and Key Grip Brendan Riel will guide you through the course and answer your questions in real time. 📘 Your ticket also includes a comprehensive PDF e-book packed with: • Storyboards • The script • Shot lists • Lighting schematics • Blocking diagrams • Grip and camera lists • A full course outline This masterclass is not just about the technical details—it’s about redefining how moonlight should look, feel, and enhance your storytelling. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an aspiring DP, this experience will transform the way you approach lighting and night cinematography. 🎟 Reserve your spot now for this one-of-a-kind event. [Link in bio] #cinematography #cinematographer #lighting #nightlighting #lightingnight #nightexterior #lightinginspiration #lightingideas #filmmaking #filmmaker #filmmakers #LightingSetup #behindthescenes #lightingbreakdown #lightingtips #filmeducation #learnfilmmaking #nightcinematography #FilmCommunity #filmmakersacademy #filmtok #filmmakersoftiktok #filmmakingtiktok

Cinematography Tip of the Day: Media Management with Angelbird. Media management can make or break your production. When you’re shooting with cameras like the Sony Burano, did you know you can record directly to two 2TB cards simultaneously? By using both the A and B slots, you create an instant backup while filming. This feature is invaluable for indie filmmakers, where corrupted cards can mean disaster. With this setup, your footage is always secure, giving you the peace of mind to focus on your creative vision. Angelbird’s 2TB cards are a powerhouse for professional cinematography. Designed for large file photography and video production, they handle up to 12K+ RAW resolution with ease. With a sustained write speed of 1300 MB/s, these cards ensure drop-free quality, no matter the demands of your project. We’ve relied on them throughout our production, and they’ve delivered flawless performance every step of the way. Filmmakers Academy partners exclusively with brands whose products we genuinely use and trust. While Shane Hurlbut, ASC, may not always use these cards on high-budget productions, they are indispensable tools for indie projects and educational content creation. Sponsors like Angelbird make it possible to bring you accessible resources and world-class education, empowering filmmakers at every level around the globe. Secure your footage, streamline your workflow, and elevate your production quality with Angelbird. Are you taking advantage of dual-card recording yet? Share your media management tips in the comments—we’d love to hear how you’re keeping your projects running smoothly! #angelbird #cinematographers #cinematography #cinematographytip #cinematographytips #onset #behindthescenes #filmmaker #filmmaking #filmmakers #media #mediamanagement #2tb #sonycine #sony #sonyburano #filmmakersacademy #filmeducation #learnfilmmaking #filmmakersoftiktok #filmmakingtiktok #filmtok

2024 was a year of challenges, but it pushed us to achieve more than ever before. Despite the ups and downs, we delivered groundbreaking content and experiences that we’re so proud to share: We kicked off with Shane’s lesson on calibrating your Flanders monitor and Derek Edwards’ on-set series for camera assistants. Our Sony Burano Live Demo exceeded all expectations, setting a record as our most-watched content ever. Spotlight group coaching calls connected members with industry pros, resulting in on-set opportunities. We attended NAB, where Shane spoke to thousands, and sat down with Rudy Mancuso on the Inner Circle Podcast to discuss his and Shane’s collaboration on Música. We released the highly anticipated Filmotechnic Camera Car Masterclass, a DIY car rigging video with Brendan Riel, and Jordan Brady’s On-Set Commercial Directing course. At CineGear, we hosted our Caffeinated Collaborators event at the Nanlux booth, meeting hundreds of filmmakers. We dropped The Camera Crew Playbook Masterclass with Shane and Derek, Dave Cole’s advanced color grading course, Shane’s Walkie Talkie Protocols course, and ended the year with our largest production yet: the Night Cinematography Masterclass, featuring a 70-person crew bringing Hollywood-level education to filmmakers everywhere. This year, FA shadow members joined sets worldwide, and we closed with a live seminar on director-cinematographer workflows with Jordan Brady and Shane. And that’s just the beginning. We released many other podcasts, premium content, and resources that we couldn’t fit into this list, all designed to help filmmakers elevate their craft. None of this would’ve been possible without our incredible team: CEO Brendan Sweeney, co-founders Shane and Lydia Hurlbut, editorial pros Steven Napolitano and Katherine Horak, marketing leads Zack Eritz and Kyra Sweeney, operations manager Anne Gaither, and customer support star Alix Verheyen. To our members, mentors, partners, and supporters—thank you. You make it all possible. Here’s to 2025 and continuing to build this amazing community dedicated to helping filmmakers thrive. #filmtok #filmmakersoftiktok #filmmakingtiktok #filmmaking #filmmakers

Cinematography Tip of the Day: Color Matching the Sony Burano & Venice 2. Achieving consistent color across multiple cameras is crucial, especially when using the Sony Burano and Venice 2 side by side. In this detailed cinematography tip, Shane Hurlbut, ASC, shares his simple but effective process for matching the color science of these two incredible cameras. The Sony Burano is a compact, lightweight camera perfect for handheld and gimbal work, but its color profile can lean slightly magenta compared to the Venice 2. Shane walks you through his step-by-step workflow to correct this subtle magenta shift using the camera’s menu settings. With just a quick adjustment to the white balance and magenta tint, you’ll achieve seamless color consistency, making your footage look stunning and cohesive across both cameras. Filmmakers Academy Annual Members in North America enjoy an exclusive discount on all Sony products through the B&H EDU Advantage program. If you’re an annual member, don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! Contact [email protected] to unlock your exclusive Sony discount, as well as access to thousands of additional evergreen savings tailored for our community. Don’t miss out on our biggest sale of the year! Experience the incredible capabilities of the Burano & Venice 2 in our Night Cinematography Masterclass. For a limited time, save $120 on an annual membership and unlock access to all our masterclasses, plus exclusive perks like the B&H EDU Advantage Program. Enjoy evergreen discounts on Sony products and thousands more. This is your chance to elevate your craft and save big! #filmmaker #filmmakers #filmmaking #filmeducation #filmmakersacademy #sony #sonycine #sonyburano #sonyvenice2 #gimbal #colorgrade #colorcorrecting #colorist #protip #cinematographytip #cinematographytips #filmtok #filmmakersoftiktok #filmmakingtiktok

On December 30th at 10 AM PST, join Shane Hurlbut, ASC, and Jordan Brady for a live seminar designed to enhance your understanding of the director-cinematographer relationship and elevate your commercial production skills. This exclusive event will cover every step of the process, from pre-production to post-production, with a focus on creating impactful collaborations. Shane and Jordan will also address a key question they’re asked frequently: What do directors look for in a cinematographer, and how does the director-DP relationship drive creative success? Gain insights into this vital partnership and learn strategies to build strong creative alignment. ✨ Key Topics Covered: * Mastering the Pitch: Techniques to win bids and secure projects through compelling presentations. * Collaboration in Action: How directors and cinematographers align visions to achieve exceptional results. * Pre-Production Excellence: Script analysis, shot list creation, and effective location scouting. * On-Set Problem-Solving: Strategies to manage teams and overcome real-time challenges. 📅 Event Details: 🗓 Date: Monday, December 30th ⏰ Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (PST) 💻 Delivery: On-Platform Only 🎟 Non-Member Price: $29.99 ⭐️ Member Price: INCLUDED with Premium Membership Close out the year with practical knowledge that can transform your approach to commercial filmmaking. Whether you’re an emerging filmmaker or a seasoned professional, this seminar will provide actionable insights to enhance your craft. 🔗 Register today to reserve your spot! #filmmaking #filmmaker #filmmakers #onset #cinematographer #cinematography #cinematographers #commercialdirector #commercial #director #directordp #live #filmmakersacademy #filmeducation #learnfilmmaking @Jordan Brady

Lighting large night exteriors requires precision, depth, and contrast—and in this clip from our Night Cinematography Masterclass, Shane Hurlbut, ASC, shares his expert approach. Joined by Gaffer Tom Sigurdsson and Key Grip Brendan Riel, Shane discusses how they light a 150-yard exterior scene using a 120ft Herc Condor, Nanlux 2400Bs, and rock n’ roll movers. Why does Shane prefer Nanlux 2400Bs over traditional tools like Maxi Brutes for night exteriors? It’s all about the flexibility and control that modern LEDs provide. With the 2400Bs, Shane achieves precise control over spot/flood settings, dimming, and color temperatures—mimicking the performance of a Maxi Brute 12-lite but with far greater efficiency. The result? An even wash of light across the entire set while maintaining full creative control. To enhance depth and contrast, the team plans to rig rock n’ roll movers at the base of the Condor. These lights add dynamic texture and allow for creative color contrasts, giving the scene more dimension and life. 📚 Key topics covered: • How to light large night exteriors with precision • Why Shane Hurlbut uses Nanlux 2400Bs over Maxi Brutes • Achieving depth and contrast in night lighting setups • How to rig a 120ft Condor for night cinematography • Using rock n’ roll movers for background dimension This clip offers a glimpse into Shane’s thought process, but the full Night Cinematography Masterclass goes deeper into the techniques and tools you need to elevate your night lighting skills. Want to see these techniques in action? Watch the full Night Cinematography Masterclass today and save $120 on our annual membership. Gain access to this course and the rest of our masterclass library to take your filmmaking career to the next level. 🎥 Click the link in bio to learn more and start your journey into night cinematography! #filmtok #filmmakersoftiktok #filmmakingtiktoks #filmmakingtiktok #cinematography #cinematographer #cinematographers #lighting #lightingtips #ledlights #nanlux

In this episode of Finding the Frame, Chris Haigh welcomes the "Vigilante Team" – Jamee Ranta (producer & FA mentor), Wesley "Wuz Good" Armstrong (director), and Alain Fleury (producer, editor) – about their short film "Vigilante," which follows four friends with superpowers who protect their neglected neighborhood.  The discussion delves into the evolution of filmmaking, comparing past decades to the present. The Vigilante team discusses the impact of factors like the rise of digital filmmaking, the dominance of streaming platforms, and the influence of social media on the creative process. They explore how these factors have affected storytelling, risk-taking, and the overall filmmaking experience. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by filmmakers in the current landscape, such as the pressure to cater to algorithms, the emphasis on short-term gratification, and the constant need to adapt to changing demands. They also talk about the importance of collaboration, teamwork, and trusting the perspectives of others in the filmmaking process. They emphasize the need to prioritize storytelling and finding creative solutions within the constraints of the current industry. The episode concludes with a discussion about the role of social media in the careers of filmmakers. While acknowledging the potential benefits of social media platforms for building an audience and showcasing talent, the Vigilante team also discusses the challenges of maintaining creativity and artistic integrity in an environment that often prioritizes short-term attention and instant gratification. Be sure to watch the full podcast on YouTube or listen to the Filmmakers Academy podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify, and many other podcasting platforms. #findingtheframe #filmmakersacademy #filmmakers #filmmaker #filmmaking #producer #director #editor #vigilante #shortfilm #behindthescnes #FilmIndustry #filmtok #filmmakersofttiktok #filmmakingtiktok #filmmakingpodcast #filmpodcast @Wuz Good

In this video, Shane shares his thoughts on the new Irix 65mm lens, highlighting its fast aperture, beautiful flaring ability, uniform design across the lineup, and how its gear placements make it easy to set up for 1st ACs. Have you tried this lens yet? The new Irix 65mm lens offers impressive features for filmmakers: •Available in 8 mounts: Seamlessly compatible with most industry standards •Ultra HD 8K Ready Optics: Captures stunning, high-resolution images •Military-Grade Weather Sealing: Certified for freezing rain, icing, and humidity •11 Rounded Aperture Blades: Extraordinary image quality across the frame •Minimal Focus Breathing: Ensures consistent framing throughout focus pulls •Low Distortion: Maintains true-to-life imagery •86mm Front Filter Thread: Standard size for simplified filter attachment •Compatible with Irix Edge Magnetic Filters: Allows quick and effortless filter changes •Gimbal-Friendly Design: Lightweight and balanced for smooth compatibility •Works with Irix Matte Box IQ: Expands creative control over lighting and reflections Filmmakers Academy partners exclusively with brands whose products we genuinely use and trust. While Shane Hurlbut, ASC, may not typically use these lenses on high-budget productions, they are essential tools for some of our members on indie projects and for our own educational content creation. Sponsors like Irix are vital to the success of these masterclasses, enabling us to provide accessible resources and world-class education to filmmakers of all levels, across the globe. #cinematographer #cinematography #cinematographytips #filmmakersacademy #irix #irixusa #irixlens #irixlenses #lens #masterclass #cinematographer #filmmaking #filmmaker #filmmakers #filmtok #filmmakersoftiktok #filmmakingtiktoks #filmmakingtiktok @Sony @Kondor Blue