Content Production Amplified: Information and Inspiration for the Media You’re Creating

June 13, 2024

How Richard Linklater’s “Hit Man” Deconstructs Cinema’s Archetypal Gun for Hire

Filmmaker Richard Linklater discusses his new movie ‘Hit Man,’ influenced by film noir’s stark lighting, deep shadows and dramatic angles.

Adrian Pennington

June 12, 2024

How Do You Deliver Sports Personalization at an Olympic Scale? Yiannis Exarchos Is Warming Up for Paris.

Yiannis Exarchos, CEO of Olympic Broadcasting Services, describes the organization’s modular approach to content production and distribution.

Adrian Pennington

June 11, 2024

Digital Humans: How Hollywood Is Readying for Replicants

Executives from Soul Machines and Wild Capture debate the case for photoreal, full-body synthetic humans

Adrian Pennington

June 11, 2024

“Baby Reindeer” Feels Bad, But It Looks Amazing. Here’s How the Creative Team Made Such a Unique Viewing Experience.

“Baby Reindeer” combined the visions of its creator, directors, cinematographers, editor, and colorist for a remarkable result.

Adrian Pennington

June 10, 2024

Joan Is Awful (But Accurate): How Does “Black Mirror” Always Anticipate What’s Next for AI?

Creator Charlie Brooker says that most of the series conceits are examples of him “worrying out loud” about the state of the world.

Amplify Content Team

June 6, 2024

What Do You Need for a Successful Video Game Adaptation? (Maybe to Have Actually Played the Game)

Game consultant Tom van der Linden explains how video game adaptations require a deep understanding of the unique experience of gameplay.

Adrian Pennington

June 3, 2024

Murder, Mystery, Memory in Monochrome: B&W Cinematography for “Sugar,” “Ripley” and “Feud”

Black-and-white cinematography is a bold choice. Here’s the thinking about the visuals for “Ripley,” “Feud: Capote vs. the Swans” and “Sugar.”

Amplify Content Team

May 31, 2024

The Visual Elements for “Sugar” Make a Different Kind of Hollywood Mystery

Director Fernando Meirelles and DPs César Charlone and Richard Rutowksi discuss their unconventional approach to making AppleTV+ series “Sugar.”

Adrian Pennington

May 28, 2024

For “Challengers,” Luca Guadagnino Invented New Ways to Capture the Action (Oh, and the Tennis)

Luca Guadagnino differentiated "Challengers" from other tennis movies through a “kinetic experience” rather than “televisual stillness.”

Emily M. Reigart

May 20, 2024

Madonna’s a Material Girl Living (Performing) in a GenAI World

Madonna's Celebration Tour content director Sasha Kasiuha says generative AI was key to creating visuals for the performances.

Emily M. Reigart

May 18, 2024

ETC’s “Europa” Tests the Limits of On-Set Virtual Production

ETC@USC’s latest proof-of-concept film, “Europa,” explores the application of metadata and remote collaboration in on-set virtual production.

Jennifer Wolfe

May 17, 2024

From Video Game to Volume: ICVFX for ‟Fallout”

To create the world of “Fallout,” executive producers Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy turned to Magnopus for in-camera visual effects. 

Emily M. Reigart

May 16, 2024

“Fall Guy” Editor Elísabet Ronaldsdóttir Is in It for the Action (and Maybe a Little Bit for the Romance)

Finding the right tone for the film was tricky, says “The Fall Guy” editor Elísabet Ronaldsdóttir, because it was really two movies in one.

Adrian Pennington

May 15, 2024

Making a Whole New Sphere-ience

Capture Sphere Entertainment SVP Andrew Shulkind discusses the Big Sky ultra-high resolution camera system created for Sphere.

Adrian Pennington

May 15, 2024

Piloting the Virtual Production for “Masters of the Air”

EP Gary Goetzman, DP Jac Fitzgerald, VFX Supervisor Stephen Rosenbaum, and more detail the making of Apple TV+ series “Masters of the Air.”

Adrian Pennington

May 14, 2024

Creating the Sun-Drenched, Slim Aarons-Inspired, 1960s-Set Visual Feast of “Palm Royale”

The series revisits 1960s Palm Beach, with visuals inspired by photographer Slim Aarons and captured by cinematographer Todd McMullen.

Jennifer Wolfe

May 13, 2024

You Enjoy Myself (in 16K): Delivering the Immersive Audio and Video for Phish’s Sphere Concerts

Phish transforms Sphere into a groundbreaking immersive experience, redefining live entertainment and setting new industry benchmarks.

Jennifer Wolfe

May 9, 2024

What Live Productions Can Learn From “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour”

The Taylor Swift Eras film team discusses an evolving theatrical system at NAB Show, and what it takes to make a successful concert film.

Adrian Pennington

May 7, 2024

What Are the Superpowers in AI Post Software?

Post tool vendors believe AI will be most effective at speeding up some of the more tedious and time-consuming aspects of content creation.

Adrian Pennington

May 7, 2024

“True Detective: Night Country” Shows How Productions Can Be Sustainable

Exec producer Mari Jo Winkler-Ioffreda details the sustainable production practices for “True Detective: Night Country” at NAB Show 2024.

Adrian Pennington

May 6, 2024

Casey Neistat Wants a Cycle of Continuous Creation

“Virality fades. Fame fades. Attention fades,” Casey Neistat explains. “All that stuff goes away. But if you make something great, it lasts.”

Emily M. Reigart

May 4, 2024

Previs to Post: The AI Tools to Upgrade (and/or Automate) Your Workflow

From previs through post-production, NAB Amplify rounds up some of the most popular AI tools for professional content creators.

Adrian Pennington

May 1, 2024

Delivering Virtual Production Services for Projects of All Sizes

VŪ’s Megan Hill breaks down the virtual production options for a range of clients, projects, sectors, and budgets.

Jon Silberg

April 25, 2024

Creating the “Disconcerting” Color for “The Sympathizer”

Company 3 colorist Matt Osborne recounts “pushing certain colors in directions that aren't associated with modern filmmaking."

Jon Silberg

April 25, 2024

For “Cowgirls on the Moon,” the Workflow’s in the Cloud

AWS showcases its cloud production technologies at NAB Show 2024 with a high-concept sci-fi movie trailer for “Cowgirls on the Moon.”

Adrian Pennington

April 24, 2024

Editing in the Cloud Is Easy (As Long As You Have the Right Speed, Storage and Strategy)

As we have seen from the recent NAB Show, more and more vendors are offering cloud-based workflows. Here is primer to get you started.

Adrian Pennington

April 24, 2024

It’s All Happening in the Cloud, Baby: New Camera-to-Cloud, MAM and Cloud Storage Workflows

From Blackmagic, Frame.io, EditShare, Backblaze and more, see all the latest developments in cloud workflows to emerge from NAB Show 2024.

Adrian Pennington

April 24, 2024

“Civil War” and “The Creator:” Choose Your Own Adventure (and Camera)

Filmmaker Patrick Tomasso discusses how A-list directors and DPs are electing to shoot movies on less expensive, prosumer-style imagers.

Adrian Pennington

April 22, 2024

The (Subversive) Storytelling Style for Park Chan-wook’s “The Sympathizer”

HBO’s latest miniseries, “The Sympathizer,” delves into the Vietnam War through a lens rarely seen in U.S. media.

Jennifer Wolfe

April 22, 2024

Why and How Game Technology Is Changing Our Reality (Realities)

Epic Games is redefining reality with Unreal Engine, transforming industries and challenging our understanding of digital versus physical.

Jennifer Wolfe

April 19, 2024

It’s Only the Meaning of Life: Wim Wenders and “Perfect Days”

Wim Wenders’ “Perfect Days” is a film that is neither quite documentary nor quite fiction but a truthful encapsulation of his subject.

Adrian Pennington

April 19, 2024

Found in Translation: The Cultural Crossover of FX Series “Shogun”

“Shogun” showrunners Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo discuss their painstaking efforts to re-create feudal Japan for their FX adaptation.

Adrian Pennington

April 17, 2024

2024 NAB Show Product of the Year Awards Announced

Winners of 2024 Product of the Year Awards were announced at NAB Show during a ceremony at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Amplify Content Team

April 16, 2024

New Cameras at the 2024 NAB Show: From the Cine to the Mini

A number of significant new camera releases at the 2024 NAB Show demonstrate how technology innovation is fast and furious.

Adrian Pennington

April 16, 2024

“Civil War:” The Camerawork to Capture the Chaos

Alex Garland’s “Civil War” is less interested in assigning blame to the right or left than in asking why we might end up there again.

Adrian Pennington

April 15, 2024

Why These Movies Are Being Captured With Some Very (Very!) Unexpected Cameras

High-end productions like “Civil War” and “The Creator” are turning to prosumer and even consumer gear for cinematic-quality visuals.

Adrian Pennington

April 13, 2024

NAB Show Amplified: Sean Evans Has a Spicy IP Recipe

Sean Evans, co-creator and host of "Hot Ones," will divulge how he's Heating Up the Zeitgeist on the Main Stage of the 2024 NAB Show.

Emily M. Reigart

April 11, 2024

Decentralized Pictures: Rethinking the Film Business Model, From Script to Screen

Decentralized Pictures founder and CEO Leo Matchett says the blockchain has the potential to revolutionize the entertainment industry.

Adrian Pennington

April 10, 2024

How Documentary Filmmakers Can Best Leverage AI

Documentary producer Megan Chao says the emergence of AI has evolved at an accelerated pace, but the long-term impacts have yet to be seen.

Jennifer Wolfe

April 10, 2024

“Penelope:” Innovating Color Workflows in the Cloud

Light Iron developed and deployed an all-cloud workflow for dailies, VFX pulls, conform and color on Mel Eslyn’s TV series, “Penelope.”

Adrian Pennington

April 10, 2024

Caleb Ward: The Possibility and Probability of AI Filmmaking, Part 1

TL;DR Curious Refuge CEO Caleb Ward is a strong believer in generative AI’s potential to democratize creativity. He and his wife/COO Shelby founded the platform to offer education and community […]

Emily M. Reigart

April 10, 2024

The Method to the Madness in Guy Ritchie’s “The Gentlemen”

DP Callan Green on lensing Guy Ritchie’s action-comedy crime series, “The Gentlemen,” including how they captured that big boxing match.

Adrian Pennington

April 10, 2024

Shadow and Light: Cinematographer Robert Elswit’s New Noir for “Ripley”

Director Steven Zaillian and DP Robert Elswit discuss the meticulous black-and-white visuals for Netflix psychological thriller “Ripley.”

Adrian Pennington

April 8, 2024

VR Production Isn’t an Experiment… It’s a Business

At NAB Show, VR Production Workshop instructor Nick Harauz will guide attendees through a two-day on- and off-site hand-on workshop.

Jon Silberg

April 7, 2024

What’s Advancing the Adoption of Virtual Production?

Digital cinematography took a decade to become the norm. VP supe Andy Jarosz says virtual production, as it matures, will be the same.

Jon Silberg

April 7, 2024

Streams and Screens: IMAX Is Delivering Something New

IMAX is in the spotlight at NAB Show 2024 with “SMPTE’s Future of Cinema: The Art and Science of IMAX” panel discussion.

Jon Silberg

April 5, 2024

Co-Opting AI to Streamline Costs and Supercharge Creativity

Production tool Cuebric uses generative AI to generate photoreal environments in an instant and far more affordably than current methods.

Adrian Pennington

April 2, 2024

The Spice Splice: “Dune: Part 2” Editor Joe Walker, ACE on Worldbuilding and Workflows

While assembling “Dune: Part 2,” editor Joe Walker, ACE referenced both James Bond movies and animated Road Runner cartoons by Chuck Jones.

Adrian Pennington

April 2, 2024

The “True Detective” Editors Want You on the Case

Editors Mags Arnold, Brenna Rangott and Matt Chessé, ACE discuss the making of HBO’s hit anthology series, “True Detective: Night Country.”

Adrian Pennington

April 2, 2024

How “Avatar: The Last Airbender” Reshaped Its Grading and VFX Workflow

VFX supes Jabbar Raisani and Marion Spates and Company 3 colorist Siggy Ferstl to discuss “Avatar: The Last Airbender” at NAB Show 2024.

Cristina Clapp

April 2, 2024

Navigating the Future of Post-Production: AI, Efficiency, Economics, and the Science of Saying “No”

Post veteran Scott Simmons examines two of the biggest trends the industry currently faces: AI and shrinking budgets and tighter deadlines.

Jennifer Wolfe

April 1, 2024

Doors of Perception: How Consumers View the Possibilities for AR/MR

New research reveals that consumers are eager for more advanced augmented and mixed reality experiences (particularly if Apple is involved).

Adrian Pennington

March 31, 2024

Research: Peak TV Has… Peaked. So Here’s What’s Coming Next.

Post-Peak TV streamers will lean more heavily on international content, take fewer risks, and return to network TV format and scheduling.

Adrian Pennington

March 31, 2024

Creator Economy Amplified: The New Studio Frontier

The rapid evolution of production technologies is making advanced studio tools and techniques accessible to creators at all levels.

Jennifer Wolfe

March 26, 2024

London Calling: The Complex Production on “Criminal Record”

French DP Laurent Barès discusses the lure of a London shoot and the challenges of bringing a complex narrative to the small screen.

Adrian Pennington

March 24, 2024

How XR and AI Can Deliver True Transmedia Storytelling

Designer, strategist and worldbuilder Rachel Joy Victor employs “spatial economics” to explore how AI can revolutionize storytelling.

Adrian Pennington

March 21, 2024

NAB Show Amplified: Casey Neistat Is Not Afraid

“OG” YouTube creator and NAB Show presenter Casey Neistat discusses social media, spatial computing and success within the creator space.

Amplify Content Team

March 17, 2024

How “Nolly” Recaptures An Entertainer’s Brilliance/Resilience (and the Best of 1970s Broadcasting)

Cinematographer Sam Care and director Peter Hoar pay tribute to 1970s “Crossroads” star Noele Gordon, affectionately known as “Nolly.”

Julian Mitchell

March 16, 2024

Audible’s Jackie Levine: How Audio Entertainment Is Evolving, Expanding and Immersing

Jackie Levine, head of Television and Film at Audible, analyzes the recent “explosion” of audio in the entertainment world.

Amplify Content Team

March 13, 2024

Productions Need to Prep for a Volumetric Future, Says Lucas Wilson

Supersphere’s Lucas Wilson says video content is transitioning from 2D experiences on flat screens to immersive spatial experiences.

Adrian Pennington

March 6, 2024

How Sun Serves as the Color-Killer in “Dune: Part Two”

Cinematographer Grieg Fraser used infrared cameras to shoot the black-and-white sequence in director Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune: Part Two.”

Adrian Pennington

March 6, 2024

“Feud: Capote vs. The Swans” Goes “Behind the Scenes” of the Black and White Ball With an Imagined Documentary

Series director Gus Van Sant travels back to 1966 for Truman Capote’s High Society New York ball, recreated as a Maysles-style documentary.

Adrian Pennington

March 4, 2024

Tag, Search, Serve: What You Need to Know About Analytical AI

Look out for a new breed of AI tools for post-production that can tag, search and serve audio-visual assets with human-like intuition.

Adrian Pennington

March 3, 2024

Weird is Wonderful: The Adventure of Editing “Poor Things”

Editor Yorgos Mavropsaridis, ACE discusses his collaboration with director Yorgos Lanthimos on the multi-Oscar nominated “Poor Things.”

Adrian Pennington

March 2, 2024

Generative “Eno” Documentary Reshapes the Film for Every Viewing

“Eno,” about the career of famed musician and visual artist Brian Eno, is billed as the world’s first generative cinematic documentary.

Adrian Pennington

February 29, 2024

Unlimited Possibilities in the Creator Economy: 2024 NAB Show to Feature Casey Neistat

YouTube star and filmmaker Casey Neistat, celebrated for his “Do What You Can’t” philosophy, will take the Main Stage at NAB Show 2024.

Jennifer Wolfe

February 28, 2024

Spies Like Us: The Collaborative Post on “Mr. & Mrs. Smith”

“Mr. & Mrs. Smith” editor and co-producer Greg O’Bryant talks about crafting the new Amazon Prime’s TV series from the makers of “Atlanta.”

Adrian Pennington

February 27, 2024

How to (Comprehensively) Compare Cameras: HBO’s CAS at NAB Show

The HBO Camera Assessment Series is a feature-length movie design to demo cameras. NAB Show will screen the most recent assessment on April 15.

Cristina Clapp

February 27, 2024

Shadow of a Doubt: The Very Deliberate Editing for “Anatomy of a Fall”

Keeping the audience guessing without tilting bias was key for “Anatomy of a Fall” director Justine Triet and editor Laurent Sénéchal.

Adrian Pennington

February 23, 2024

What is Sora? Inside the New Generative AI Tool That Could Transform Video Production

OpenAI’s new text-to-video generative AI tool Sora could transform video production while also amplifying disinformation risks.

Amplify Content Team

February 22, 2024

AI Solutions for Climbing (Captioning) the Content Mountain

AI’s transcription capabilities are expected to expand over time, but currently AI transcription technology is not without its limitations.

Adrian Pennington

February 22, 2024

The Ambition to Make Movies More Accessible

Current closed captioning solutions for film screenings rely on captioning devices, which are often plagued with issues for users.

Adrian Pennington

February 20, 2024

Generative AI Could Impact Hollywood Like… Well, Like the Invention of the Camera

Attention is turning to how generative AI will be not just used in production but how it will transform every aspect of storytelling.

Adrian Pennington

February 16, 2024

“The Zone of Interest:” New Holocaust Film Powerfully Lays Bare the Mechanisms of Genocide

Writer and director Jonathan Glazer’s film “The Zone of Interest” uncovers the day-to-day banality of the horrors of the Holocaust.

Amplify Content Team

February 13, 2024

The Creator Economy: What’s Now and Next?

Dive into the trends shaping the creator economy in 2024 via insights from Jim Louderback.

Emily M. Reigart

February 9, 2024

The Visual Poetry in “All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt”

DP Jomo Fray and director Raven Jackson employ the language and techniques of poetry for her debut feature “All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt.”

Adrian Pennington

February 8, 2024

Studio Tours Amplified: Inside Coffeezilla’s “$10 Million” Virtual Production Setup

Stephen Findeisen, AKA Coffeezilla, revolutionizes YouTube content creation with his “$10 million dollar” virtual production studio.

Jennifer Wolfe

February 8, 2024

Was It All a Dream? Developing the Visuals for “All of Us Strangers”

DP Jamie Ramsay, gaffer Warren Ewing and colorist Joseph Bicknell formed the “holy trinity” for developing the look of “All of Strangers.”

Jon Silberg

February 7, 2024

Reading Between the Lines: Gen Z Really Loves Closed Captions

New survey results show that more than half of Gen Z and millennial media consumers prefer subtitles while watching television.

Adrian Pennington

February 7, 2024

Why Captions Are Now (Almost) Essential in Video Content Consumption

A new survey finds 50% of US consumers use captions and subtitles while viewing content most of the time, making them an essential tool.

Adrian Pennington

February 1, 2024

Cinematographer Cristina Dunlap’s Real/Surreal Approach for “American Fiction”

DP Cristina Dunlap discusses the making of debut feature director Cord Jefferson’s critically acclaimed satire “American Fiction.”

Adrian Pennington

January 28, 2024

This Is Actually a Very Self Aware AI-Generated Documentary

British filmmaker Alan Warburton’s short film “The Wizard of AI” explores the wonder and panic that artists face with generative AI.

Jennifer Wolfe

January 23, 2024

Is This New Era of Spatial Computing Really… New? Or Are We Just Remaking the Metaverse?

Spatial computing has been adopted by Apple to describe its latest “wearable,” Vision Pro. But there are those wondering if this isn't the metaverse by another name.

Adrian Pennington

January 23, 2024

“Presence:” Shooting Steven Soderbergh’s Ghost Story (From the Ghost’s POV)

Here’s how director Steven Soderbergh shot the supernatural “Presence” entirely from the ghost’s perspective.

Adrian Pennington

January 18, 2024

How “The Woman in the Wall” Merges Mystery, History and Memory

"The Woman in the Wall" centers on a woman grappling with the trauma of time in a Magdalene laundry, complicated by the deaths of two people connected to her incarceration there.

Emily M. Reigart

January 18, 2024

Darkness and Light (But Mostly Darkness): Production on “True Detective: Night Country”

Showrunner, writer and director Issa López discusses her approach to the new season of anthology series “True Detective: Night Country.”

Adrian Pennington

January 17, 2024

Hollywood and GenAI: I Think (Hope) This Is the Beginning of a Beautiful Friendship

Amid fears over the use of generative AI in Hollywood, artificial intelligence seems less likely to replace humans than to assist them.

Adrian Pennington

January 16, 2024

“The Boy and the Heron:” Studio Ghibli Storytelling Goes in a New (Digital) Direction

The film balances the darkness of change and war (always implied, never seen) with a fantastical world of vibrant creatures and characters.

Adrian Pennington

January 14, 2024

Past and Present Intersect in Steve McQueen’s “Occupied City”

Oscar-winning director Steve McQueen’s four-hour documentary feature, “Occupied City,” provides two simultaneous portraits of Amsterdam.

Adrian Pennington

January 3, 2024

“May December” and Its Many Mirrors: How the Cinematography Tilts and Shifts Perception

Director Todd Haynes uses stylized visuals to examine how little people understand about perception (and reality) in “May December.”

Jon Silberg

January 3, 2024

“The Zone of Interest:” Ways to Film the Unfilmable

Director Jonathan Glazer pursued an immersive naturalism in “The Zone of Interest” by removing the artifice and conventions of filmmaking.

Adrian Pennington

January 2, 2024

M&E Technologists Look Towards 2024

From AI to Zero Trust, our industry experts anticipate the biggest technology trends for the year.

Amplify Content Team

December 26, 2023

Is It Technology Dread or Imminent Apocalypse? (Both?) Asking Sam Esmail

The writer-director discusses his new “disaster” movie, “Leave the World Behind,” that explores our over-reliance on technology.

Adrian Pennington

December 18, 2023

How Erik Messerschmidt Post-Produced His Cinematography for “The Killer”

Cinematographer Erik Messerschmidt employed a blend of practical and digital techniques for David Fincher’s latest film, “The Killer.”

Julian Mitchell

December 15, 2023

Editor Shelly Westerman Solves the (Post Workflow) Mysteries for “Only Murders in the Building”

“Once you hear the words spoken, you hear the rhythms, you start to get an idea in your head, and you can begin visualizing an episode.” 

Jon Silberg

December 14, 2023

Translating “The Last of Us” From One Screen to Another

At NAB Show, “Last of Us” producer Craig Mazin discusses the “luck” involved in assembling the right team for the show’s production and post.

Amplify Content Team

December 14, 2023

Editing “All of Us Strangers:” Shifts Between Real and Imagined

Filmmakers Andrew Haigh and Jonathan Alberts discuss how they blended supernatural elements into the deeply personal “All of Us Strangers.”

Adrian Pennington

December 13, 2023

“Poor Things:” Making This Crazy Fantasy a Reality

Cinema auteur Yorgos Lanthimos’s “Poor Things,” combines cutting-edge virtual production methods with old-school filmmaking techniques.

Adrian Pennington

December 12, 2023

How “Napoleon” Editors Sam Restivo and Claire Simpson Conquered the Film’s Massive Amount of Multi-Camera Media

Editor Sam Restivo discusses the process of making Ridley Scott’s “Napoleon” alongside the director’s longtime editor Claire Simpson.

Adrian Pennington

December 11, 2023

How Martin Scorsese and Thelma Schoonmaker Reworked and Reframed “Killers of the Flower Moon”

Editor Thelma Schoonmaker, ACE considers the challenges of her 22nd collaboration with Martin Scorsese, “Killers of the Flower Moon.”

Adrian Pennington

December 11, 2023

Napoleon Director Ridley Scott is Calling on Historians To “Get a Life” — and He Has a Point

Historical accuracy isn’t a problem in Ridley Scott’s “Napoleon,” a historian argues, but a failure to ground the emperor’s motivations is.

Amplify Content Team

December 11, 2023

“Napoleon:” Ignore the Griping Over Historical Details, Ridley Scott’s Film Is a Meditation On the Madness of Power

As meditation on the madness of power, a cultural studies professor argues that Ridley Scott’s “Napoleon” needn’t be historically accurate.

Amplify Content Team

November 28, 2023

The Precision Editing Required for David Fincher’s Assassin in “The Killer”

David Fincher’s go-to editor Kirk Baxter helps achieve a new kind of subjective cinema with Michael Fassbender’s character in “The Killer.”

Adrian Pennington

November 25, 2023

Social Commentary But Make it Cinematic: Production for “In a State of Change”

Filmmakers Donal Boyd and Frank Nieuwenhuis sought to help people understand the impact of climate change on Iceland’s glaciers and on Icelanders.

Emily M. Reigart

November 20, 2023

“The Africas:” How Do You Capture “the Soul” of a Place?

The latest travel film by Grafton Create utilized the Sony FX6, “the obvious choice” for the low-light imagery they wanted.

Emily M. Reigart

November 20, 2023

Rewriting the Visual Rules for “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes”

The Hunger Games are back with director Francis Lawrence and cinematographer Jo Willems, this time as a prequel.

Adrian Pennington

November 20, 2023

“Saltburn” Is Debauched and Depraved But It Looks Like a Caravaggio Painting. So Let’s Start There.

Director Emerald Fennell’s film is part queasy satire, part gothic horror... and Linus Sandgren shoots it like a dream.

Adrian Pennington

November 20, 2023

Empire State of Mind: Creativity and Social Collaboration at NAB Show New York

Celebrating creativity, Dushawn (Dusan) Jovic was announced as the winner of the “Empire State of Mind” photo contest at NAB Show New York.

Jennifer Wolfe

November 19, 2023

Ah, Youth: How Oliver Curtis Captures That Exuberance for “The Buccaneers”

Curtis used no-cut "oners," swirling camera moves, a contrasted lighting pattern, and a large format sensor combined with portrait lenses.

Adrian Pennington

November 18, 2023

How AI Reunited The Beatles for “Now and Then”

The “new” Beatles song “Now and Then” utilized the same AI technology that director Peter Jackson employed for documentary “Get Back.”

Adrian Pennington

November 16, 2023

Virtual Production Isn’t Just a Technology, It’s Now a Way of Thinking

Virtual production experts illuminate how this rapidly-advancing field is reshaping collaboration and creative workflows.

Jennifer Wolfe

November 13, 2023

“Special Ops: Lioness” Director/Cinematographer Paul Cameron Aims for Action and Emotion

“Sometimes you need to be a bit bold and break the ‘Five Cs of Cinematography’” says Cameron, “and deconstruct them.”

Adrian Pennington

November 13, 2023

“A Murder at the End of the World” — This Show Has Everything: True Crime, Tech Paranoia and Truly Gorgeous Visuals

Cinematographer Charlotte Bruus Christensen approached the FX series “like a seven-hour movie.”

Adrian Pennington

November 12, 2023

How Juliana Broste Takes Her Video Studio to Go

Filmmaker and host Juliana “Traveling Jules” Broste offers tips for creating an effective and practical studio while traveling.

Emily M. Reigart

November 12, 2023

“The Holdovers:” Alexander Payne and Kevin Tent on the Director-Editor Collaboration (and They Should Know)

Longtime friends and collaborators, director-screenwriter-producer Alexander Payne and editor Kevin Tent, ACE reunite for their eighth film.

Adrian Pennington

November 12, 2023

How Creators Are Upgrading Their Workflows With AI

Elena Piech, creative producer at ZeroSpace, shows how AI can allow you to “do more of the creative decision making.”

Adrian Pennington

November 5, 2023

When It Comes to M&E Technology, Let’s Separate “Hot” and “Hype”

A report compiled by Caretta Research finds buyers increasingly selective about new developments, focusing instead on creating efficiencies.

Adrian Pennington

November 5, 2023

“Fair Play:” How to Throw Your Audience Off Balance

“Talking to Menno [Mans], my DP, we were constantly reminding each other, ‘Pressure cooker, pressure cooker,’” says director Chloe Domont

Adrian Pennington

November 5, 2023

“My Ken’s Job Is Camera:” Adrian Per’s Perspectives on Storytelling

Even in short-form video, explains filmmaker and content creator Adrian Per, “You still want to keep the basic principles of storytelling.”

Emily M. Reigart

October 29, 2023

“Saw X” Cinematographer Nick Matthews Seeks Beauty in Brutality

Cinematographer Nick Matthews brings a fresh perspective to the latest installment of "Saw," while honoring its “sacred iconography.”

Emily M. Reigart

October 29, 2023

How the Team From “The Killer” Sustains Its Style and Structure

“Bring the audience to a place they are not used to being, close to this assassin," explains DP Erik Messerschmidt

Adrian Pennington

October 28, 2023

As Broadcast and Cinema Workflows Converge, Everyone (Everyone!) Has Something to Learn

Surella CEO Mike Nichols compares broadcast and cinema workflows — how they differ (or the same) and how productions can benefit from each.

Adrian Pennington

October 27, 2023

Viva “Cassandro”! Cinematographer Matias Penachino Steps Into the Ring

“With Roger [Ross Williams] being a documentary maker and this being a biopic, it was clear that the film should resemble a portrait."

Julian Mitchell

October 26, 2023

Virtual Influencers: Meet the AI-Generated Figures and Your New Online “Friends”

In the future, digital influencers can captivate millions of adoring fans while offering unparalleled customization and 24/7 availability.

Amplify Content Team

October 26, 2023

Motion Capture Makes a Move Into Mainstream

New technologies aim to make high-end motion capture more accessible to productions of all sizes.

Adrian Pennington

October 25, 2023

“Werewolf by Night:” How to Make a Classic, Modern (MCU) Creature Feature

Marvel’s first special, composer Michael Giacchino’s directorial debut “Werewolf by Night,” is a black-and-white homage to horror classics.

Julian Mitchell

October 25, 2023

Mamma Mia, Here I Go Again (But With Volumetric Capture)

ILM creates “ABBAtars” for the members of the legendary Swedish band ABBA, taking them back to 1979 for a virtual concert tour.

Adrian Pennington

October 24, 2023

Pretty/Scary: Cinematographer Aaron Morton on “No One Will Save You”

“One phrase we had was that horror can be beautiful,” says cinematographer Aaron Morton. “We tried to make a beautiful film that was scary.”

Adrian Pennington

October 24, 2023

Nahnatcka Khan’s ”Totally Killer” Has Everything: Horror, Comedy, Time Travel, and True Crime

“It’s the idea of keeping the audience off balance,” says Khan. “Oh, is this a comedic scene or is this person actually going to get killed?” 

Emily M. Reigart

October 19, 2023

Connecting Motion Capture to Virtual Production

Many virtual production setups rely on motion tracking to locate the camera, even when motion capture isn’t being for animation.

Adrian Pennington

October 19, 2023

Martin Scorsese: “Killers of the Flower Moon” and American Mythology

“I grew up watching westerns,” says Scorsese. ”So for me to see [this film] on the screen — beautiful palomino horses — was heaven for me.”

Adrian Pennington

October 19, 2023

New Tools That Are Advancing Character Animation 

The Tomorrow Lab collaborated with First Person to create a short film for CableLabs that introduces the concept of AI assistants.

Adrian Pennington

October 17, 2023

Casey Neistat: Create First and the Money Will Follow

Casey Neistat is most famous as a YouTuber, but that wasn’t his goal... his career “wasn't an option” when he started creating videos. 

Emily M. Reigart

October 15, 2023

Live Events Have Become a Whole Cinematic Thing

For artists like Beyonce or Taylor Swift, the business of live entertainment has become much broader than simply selling out a tour.

Adrian Pennington

October 15, 2023

Taylor’s Version: How the “Eras Tour” Concert Film Could Change Cinema

Through “The Eras Tour,” Taylor Swift is “passing a $100M screen test,” according to Variety, and other critics agree the concert film is worth a watch.

Emily M. Reigart

October 6, 2023

Elvis Has Definitely Not Left the Building: Marco Brambilla’s AI-Generated “King Size”

A 16K AI-generated immersive artwork for the Sphere in Las Vegas celebrates the “king of rock’n’roll” with suitably exaggerated excess.

Adrian Pennington

October 2, 2023

“The Creator:” Making a Sci-Fi Epic Like an Independent Film

Gareth Edwards’ film was shot on a relatively small budget of $80 million, yet looks like a blockbuster that cost significantly more.

Adrian Pennington

October 1, 2023

How These YouTube Creators Directed the Breakout Horror Feature “Talk To Me”

YouTube creators Michael and Danny Philippou shot “Talk To Me” using all the DIY skills they had learned producing shorts for streaming.

Adrian Pennington

October 1, 2023

In-Flight Entertainment: Virtual Production in the Skies and in Front of the Screens for “Hijack”

With 75% of the action taking place in midair, production for Apple TV+ limited series “Hijack” made extensive use of virtual production.

Adrian Pennington

September 28, 2023

The World Is a Vampire: Ed Lachman and Pablo Larraín’s Monochrome Madness for “El Conde”

In ‟El Conde,” Chilean director Pablo Larraín turns the story of General Augusto Pinochet into a stomach-turning tragicomic melodrama-horror movie.

Adrian Pennington

September 27, 2023

Tech That’s a Catalyst for Creativity

A trio of industry pros discuss current technology trends pushing the boundaries of storytelling as a prelude to NAB Show New York.

Jennifer Wolfe

September 21, 2023

Crime Scenes: Editing “Only Murders in the Building”

"Once you hear the word spoken, you hear the rhythms, you start to get an idea in your head, and you can begin visualizing an episode."       

Jon Silberg

September 20, 2023

What Travel Can Teach You About Production

Mobile production makes you a better filmmaker. Rubidium Wu explains how.

Emily M. Reigart

September 19, 2023

Family Dynamics: Cinematographer Paul Daley Gets Into It for “The Righteous Gemstones”

DP Paul Daley breaks down his visual approach to Season 3 of “The Righteous Gemstones,” HBO's dark comedy series created by Danny McBride.

Jennifer Wolfe

September 19, 2023

Making Content as a Mobile Creator

“The tools are literally telling you as a creator, ‘You now have more power in your hand, go do something with it.’”

Emily M. Reigart

September 13, 2023

“Original:” It’s a Dance Battle with the Sony BURANO

Director Unjoo Moon partnered with cinematographer Dion Beebe, ACS ASC to test the capabilities of the new Sony BURANO camera.

Amplify Content Team

September 12, 2023

How “The Creator” Creator Gareth Edwards Is Thinking About AI

Director Gareth Edwards considers the debates around AI, reflected in his film “The Creator:” “Should we embrace it or should we destroy it?”

Adrian Pennington

September 11, 2023

Translating Anime to a Live-Action Adventure for “One Piece”

Editor Tessa Verfuss on the making of Netflix’s $144 million live-action adaptation of bestselling manga pirate adventure “One Piece.”

Adrian Pennington

September 11, 2023

Get It To Go: What to Pack for Production on a Glacier

Aidin Robbins and Eric Matt shot a documentary in the Alps and across glaciers. Learn how they managed both mountaineering and filmmaking.

Emily M. Reigart

September 11, 2023

The Everyday Benefits of Automation for Post

Post-production consultant Jeff Greenberg reviews AI-assisted post-production tools to revolutionize your video and music editing process.

Adrian Pennington

September 6, 2023

Domenick Satterberg: Shooting Sports as Cinema

Sports cinematographer Domenick Satterberg charts the history of NFL Films and reveals the camera techniques he uses to capture the action.

Adrian Pennington

September 1, 2023

Get Smart: NAB Amplify’s Video Learning Lab

Expand your knowledge and learn from industry leaders with free access to the Video Learning Lab on NAB Amplify, powered by FMC.

Amplify Content Team

August 29, 2023

Where Fantasy Meets Reality: Producing the Mount Doom Sequence for ‟The Rings of Power”

‟The Rings of Power” production team wanted to accurately re-create natural phenomena for the series, including the implosion of Mount Doom.

Emily M. Reigart

August 28, 2023

New “Ghostbusters” Short Tests the Limits of Real-Time Technologies

Directed by Jason Reitman, Sony’s new “Ghostbusters” short film is a proof-of-concept for real-time production and visual effects.

Jennifer Wolfe

August 28, 2023

Demystifying the Color Pipeline

A very complex color pipeline has evolved in production and post, with many formats and deliverables along the way.

Jon Silberg

August 23, 2023

Get It To Go: The Gear You Need for Remote Production

Douglas Spotted Eagle shares his expertise on what equipment has proven the most useful for remote and on-the-go productions.

Amplify Content Team

August 23, 2023

How the Camerawork on ‟Painkiller” Gets to the Heart of the Series

Netflix's "Painkiller" is not the first show to delve into the opioid crisis; it is likely not the last. Berg's take relies on a strong cast and nimble crew.

Emily M. Reigart

August 21, 2023

How Do You Fairly Compare Cameras? Well, Here’s HBO’s CAS

The HBO Camera Assessment Series is a feature-length movie that employs staged scenes to demonstrate the strengths—and weaknesses—of cameras.

Cristina Clapp

August 21, 2023

The “Telemarketers” Directors Started Out Making One Documentary… and Then It Went Sideways

If you think you know what you’re in for when you start to watch HBO’s docuseries “Telemarketers,” odds are you’ll only be half right. Maybe. 

Emily M. Reigart

August 16, 2023

Traveling Jules Tells All: How to Perfect Personal Storytelling

"Telling your own story, that's the best part," content creator Juliana Broste says. "You are in control of what elements are included, what elements are not, and how you want them to feel."

Emily M. Reigart

August 15, 2023

Jennifer Lame’s Pace and Process for Editing “Oppenheimer”

“Oppenheimer” editor Jennifer Lame, ACE speaks with “The Rough Cut” host Matt Feury about working with writer-director Christopher Nolan.

Adrian Pennington

August 14, 2023

Editor Joanna Naugle Says “Yes, Chef!” to Chaos (and Collaboration) for “The Bear”

If FX's The Bear reminds you of a Martin Scorsese film, you won’t be surprised editor Joanna Naugle is a devotee and used his movies as references for the show.

Emily M. Reigart

August 11, 2023

Paul Dugdale: Shooting Cinematic Live Performances

Live concert director Paul Dugdale explains his approach to capturing live performances, including how he captures a performer’s energy.

Adrian Pennington

August 9, 2023

AI Imaging Tools to Refine and Define (But Not Replace) Your Work

Fine art photographer Angela Andrieux demonstrates how to use AI tools to sharpen and up-res still photos or pull detail out of the shadows.

Adrian Pennington

August 7, 2023

Philip Grossman: Production in Impossible Places

Cinematographer/photographer Philip Grossman on how to reach, explore and capture imagery at some of the world’s most “impossible” places.

Adrian Pennington

August 7, 2023

Scott Robert Lim: How to Be a Hybrid Shooter

Internationally recognized photographer Scott Robert Lim reveals the techniques and tools for using 4K and 8K video to capture key moments.

Adrian Pennington

August 2, 2023

Whether You’re a Photographer or Cinematographer or Both, Here’s How to “Think Like a Filmmaker”

The transition from still photographer to cinematographer should be simple, right? That's what Jeff Berlin thought.

Jon Silberg

August 2, 2023

Building the “Barbie” Dream Edit

The editing team on “Barbie” and writer-director Greta Gerwig talk about their process for combining humor, emotion and anarchy.

Adrian Pennington

July 31, 2023

How Steven Soderbergh Brings It All Together for “Full Circle”

Director Steven Soderbergh discusses the production of and technologies used for Max’s limited series, “Full Circle.”

Adrian Pennington

July 31, 2023

“Sympathy for the Devil:” Nicolas Cage Makes Everything Better, Even LED Volumes

Much of the Nicolas Cage movie “Sympathy for the Devil” takes place inside a car, using scenes captured at the Vū virtual studio.

Jon Silberg

July 27, 2023

Understanding LED Stage Architecture

LED cinematographer Erik “Wolfie” Wolford presents a detailed demonstration of virtual production technology and techniques at ETC.

Jon Silberg

July 26, 2023

It Was Just a Beautiful Dream: Virtual Production for “Live Again”

Outsider’s Dom&Nic and Untold Studios employ virtual production and real-time VFX For the new Chemical Brothers single “Live Again.”

Adrian Pennington

July 25, 2023

The Studio Sustainability Standard Aims to Go Global

Twelve studios adopted the Studio Sustainability Standard in 2022, committing to measuring and reducing their environmental impacts.

Adrian Pennington

July 25, 2023

The Simulation Releases Fake “South Park” Episodes Using AI, But Not (Exactly) Why You’d Think

Amid Hollywood strikes, Fable Studio’s Showrunner AI sparks debate with the release of “South Park” episodes created entirely by AI.

Jennifer Wolfe

July 14, 2023

The Medium, the Movie, the Message: IMAX for “Oppenheimer”

To create what he considers a true cinematic experience, Christopher Nolan shot “Oppenheimer” in 65mm, 15-perf IMAX format. 

Jon Silberg

July 12, 2023

Virtual Production: Expectations vs. Reality

Virtual production supervisor Sam Nicholson, founder and CEO of Stargate Studios, shares his insights into OSVP at the 2023 NAB Show.

Adrian Pennington

July 12, 2023

Evaluating LED Panels for Virtual Production

Experts analyze LED panels for virtual production, highlighting the importance of color accuracy, contrast, and on-camera integration.

Jon Silberg

July 12, 2023

Collaborative Competition: The State of the Industry for Virtual Production

Top industry players discuss virtual production’s growth, collaborative competition, and importance of sharing knowledge.

Jon Silberg

July 11, 2023

“Kagami” Is a Mixed Reality Memento Mori

A mixed-reality theatrical performance by late composer Ryuichi Sakamoto, “Kagami” is described as both “ethereal and material.”

Adrian Pennington

July 11, 2023

Your Eyes vs. Frame Rates: What You Can (and Can’t) See

Frame rates have become a hotly contested issue, challenging the nearly century-old standard of 24fps for films or up to 60fps for TV.

Jon Silberg

July 4, 2023

The Cinematic Complexity of/for “Asteroid City”

DP Robert Yeoman faced harsh sunlight, windy exteriors, and the idiosyncratic vision of the director for Wes Anderson’s “Asteroid City”

Jon Silberg

June 29, 2023

Perpetual Motion: Getting That 21-Minute Take for “Extraction 2”

Intensifying the action, stuntman-turned-director Sam Hargrave delivers an extraordinary 21-minute “oner” for Netflix’s “Extraction 2”

Julian Mitchell

June 22, 2023

Sorry, AI: Intelligent Storytelling Still Requires Human Creativity

AI for production should be thought of and used as an assistant, according to technologist and “Fathead” producer Tom Thudiyanplackal.

Adrian Pennington

June 20, 2023

Twisted (Twin) Sisters: Double the Cinematography for “Dead Ringers”

Starring Rachel Weisz, Amazon Prime Video series “Dead Ringers” nods to the 1998 David Cronenberg movie but changes the fundamentals.

Julian Mitchell

June 20, 2023

Capturing the Chaos: Cinematography on the Next-Level Bonkers “Beef”

Cinematographer Larkin Seiple goes from restrained to “full Coen Brothers mayhem” for the Netflix series “Beef.”

Julian Mitchell

June 20, 2023

“Black Mirror:” Charlie Brooker Sees a Different Reflection

Gazing inward, Season 6 of media-tech satire “Black Mirror” contends that people prefer viewing content “in a state of mesmerized horror.”

Adrian Pennington

June 15, 2023

How the Cinematography of “Succession” Takes You Inside

Cinematographer Patrick Capone, ASC, director Mark Mylod and senior colorist Sam Daley consider what made the series look and feel like that.

Julian Mitchell

June 6, 2023

Screen Saver: The Economics of Virtual Production

A new report demonstrates that combining technologies into a new virtual production workflow offers significant creative and efficiency gains.

Adrian Pennington

June 6, 2023

Where Sony Is Taking Virtual Production Development (Next)

Sony expands its Digital Media Production Center at Pinewood Studios with a new virtual production unit using Sony Crystal LED technology.

Julian Mitchell

June 6, 2023

“Closing the Knowledge Gap”: Who Needs to Know What with Virtual Production

Find out what you do — and don’t — need to know about virtual production from a panel of key industry professionals at the 2023 NAB Show.

Jon Silberg

June 6, 2023

Color, Psychology, and the Age of Image Permafrost

Research from Nice Shoes delves into the relationship between color and narrative, exploring its applications for storytelling.

Adrian Pennington

June 1, 2023

Hollywood’s Climate Story: A New Script for Sustainability

Industry leaders and activists push for greener practices and climate-conscious narratives in film and TV production at the 2023 NAB Show.

Jennifer Wolfe

May 30, 2023

How Productions Can Meet the Industry’s Climate Goals

A panel of experts discuss strategies for achieving the PGA’s ambitious call to action to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by the year 2030.

Jennifer Wolfe

May 17, 2023

From Cloud-First to Virtual Production: Amazon Studios’ Next-Generation Approach

Key technology leaders at Amazon Studios share their insights into constructing the next-generation studio at the 2023 NAB Show.

Jennifer Wolfe

May 15, 2023

Navigating the Creator Economy: A Deep Dive with Industry Experts at the 2023 NAB Show

The 2023 NAB Show session, “The Independent Age in the Creator Economy,” offered expert insights into brand partnerships and more.

Jennifer Wolfe

May 15, 2023

Calling All Creators: Visual Storytelling Conference Launches Online June 17

Join a community of creators and learn how to tell your story for free at the Visual Storytelling Conference presented by Future Media.

Amplify Content Team

May 12, 2023

Take Your Skills to the Next Level with the Director of Photography Creative Conference, Online May 19

The DP Creative Conference is a hybrid training event for camera operators, digital imaging techs, and other camera and sound crew members.

Amplify Content Team

May 12, 2023

Go Beyond the Cloud with the Remote Production Conference, Online May 18

The Remote Production Conference is a free full-day online conference highlighting the tools and technologies enabling remote production.

Amplify Content Team

May 9, 2023

The Separate Set Ups for XR, MR, and Virtual Production

A new white paper from graphics technology vendor Brainstorm examines the pros and cons of various approaches to virtual production.

Jennifer Wolfe

May 9, 2023

Building Your Own Production Studio

A panel of experts share their insights into constructing the ultimate DIY creator studio setup.

Jennifer Wolfe

May 7, 2023

The First Wave of AI Software for Production and Post

We’re seeing workflows and products shaped by the potential of neural networks, while creatives are starting to take advantage of AI tools.

Emily M. Reigart

April 26, 2023

NAB Show Names 2023 Product of the Year Award Winners

NAB Show named the winners of its fifth annual Product of the Year Awards April 18 at the 2023 NAB Show in Las Vegas.

Amplify Content Team

April 8, 2023

NAB Show: Learn How the Cloud Workflow… Worked on ‟The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power”

"The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" VFX Producer and modern filmmaking consultant Jesse Kobayashi will share insights from that production.

Amplify Content Team

April 7, 2023

AI for the Entertainment Industry: What Could Happen vs. What’s Actually Happening

While much of the potential impact of AI on entertainment is still hypothetical, creative guilds are taking steps to protect their members.

Adrian Pennington

April 5, 2023

The Future of Production Amplified: Moving Middle Earth to the Cloud with “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power”

Producer Ron Ames on the cloud-based workflow for the first season of Amazon Prime Video’s “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.”

Amplify Content Team

April 4, 2023

When It’s All an Action Sequence: Editing “John Wick Chapter 4”

Director Chad Stahelski chose to work with editor Nathan Orloff on “John Wick 4” because he had no preconceptions about action films.

Adrian Pennington

April 4, 2023

SMPTE Hollywood Connects Cloud Workflows at NAB Show

SMPTE Hollywood is hosting two cloud workflow discussions in the Connect Experiential Zone at NAB Show 2023.

Amplify Content Team

April 4, 2023

Step Into the Ring: Kramer Morgenthau’s Cinematography for “Creed III”

Director and star Michael B. Jordan’s collaboration with DP Kramer Morgenthau on “Creed III,” aimed to reinvent how boxing scenes are shot.

Julian Mitchell

April 1, 2023

How “The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse” Won Hearts and Minds

The Oscar-winning animated short “The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse” employed a fully-remote workflow spanning 20 different counties.

Jennifer Wolfe

March 29, 2023

“Countdown to NAB Show” Live Stream

KitPlus TV and NAB Amplify are hosting a live stream that features more than 100 NAB Show exhibitors and participating partners

Amplify Content Team

March 28, 2023

Explore the Evolution of Video at NAB Show

"Television and streaming video, they're exponentially changing and evolving very, very quickly. But then they're also colliding towards each other," Tim Hanlon says, noting that these shifts are making "a lot of people uncomfortable."

Emily M. Reigart

March 28, 2023

Virtual Production Might Be Part of the Process, But At This Point, Everybody Needs Education

A new survey of Hollywood filmmakers reveals how the motion picture industry is responding to the growing trend of virtual production.

Adrian Pennington

March 28, 2023

Screens-Only Storytelling: How “Missing” Was Made

Film editors Austin Keeling and Arielle Zakowski explain how they assembled “Missing,” which was designed to be told entirely on screens.

Julian Mitchell

March 28, 2023

Resilience, Remote Collaboration, and Creativity on “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse”

The 2023 NAB Show will host a conversation with the creative team behind short film "The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse."

Amplify Content Team

March 23, 2023

Chris Rock Weaponizes Streaming With His Live, Multi-Camera “Selective Outrage” Special

One year after the infamous Oscars slap, Chris Rock’s comedy special “Selective Outrage” becomes the first live event to stream on Netflix.

Julian Mitchell

March 22, 2023

Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy: The Dreamed-Up World of “Daisy Jones & The Six”

An imaginary biopic about a made-up band, Amazon Prime’s new series “Daisy Jones & The Six” features a real soundtrack with Fleetwood Mac vibes.

Julian Mitchell

March 16, 2023

CineCentral’s Craft Clinics Bring Hands-On Training to NAB Show

NAB Show's inaugural CineCentral is a Central Hall "base camp" for the creative community, featuring both paid and free craft clinics.

Amplify Content Team

March 14, 2023

Blinding Lights: Creating Cinematic Beauty for The Weeknd’s Concert Special

The spectacular “The Weeknd: Live at SoFi Stadium” employed 25 Sony Venice cameras to capture live concert footage for the HBO Max special.

Julian Mitchell

March 14, 2023

The Future of Production Amplified: How Open Source Is Taking Hollywood by Storm

The ASWF’s David Morin explains why the development of a strong software engineering community is critical to the future of film production.

Amplify Content Team

March 13, 2023

Codecs 101: A Post-Production Primer

A new paper from Shift Media details the codecs most commonly used today and how they’re applied to perform different jobs.

Adrian Pennington

March 13, 2023

Life Advice for Working Remotely with Large Media Assets

Across M&E, executives report that their teams are continuing to “shore up” remote workflows to better prepare for whatever lies ahead.

Jennifer Wolfe

March 9, 2023

The Academy Spotlights This Year’s Oscar Nominees for Best Editing

The Motion Picture Academy celebrates the talented editors behind the five films nominated for Best Film Editing at the 95th Oscars.

Jennifer Wolfe

March 9, 2023

The Academy Spotlights This Year’s Oscar Nominees for Best Cinematography

The Academy's Nominee Spotlight celebrates the cinematographers behind the five films nominated for Best Cinematography at the 95th Oscars.

Jennifer Wolfe

March 8, 2023

The Future of Production Amplified: ETC@USC Takes Virtual Production into the Cloud with “Fathead”

ETC@USC’s Erik Weaver discusses the making of “Fathead,” a new proof-of-concept for virtual production and cloud-based workflows.

Amplify Content Team

March 7, 2023

What Makes Remote Workflows… Work

Remote workflows are increasingly being adopted for film and TV production but still present challenges to the post-production process.

Adrian Pennington

February 28, 2023

The Future of Production Amplified: Delivering Broadcast-Quality Graphics to Creators Everywhere

Singular.Live’s Mike Ward discusses how smart graphics, or “Intelligent Overlays,” are helping to drive the future of live production.

Amplify Content Team

February 21, 2023

The Future of Production Amplified: Bringing Finishing to the Cloud

Katrina King, global strategy leader for content production at AWS, on the impact of cloud production on the future of film & TV production.

Amplify Content Team

February 19, 2023

That’s How You Do It: Sam Pollard on Making “Bill Russell: Legend”

The Netflix documentary combines interviews with archival footage and excerpts from Russell’s memoirs to tell the basketball legend’s story.

Jessika Walsten

February 19, 2023

“Fathead:” Virtual Production (Almost) Completely in the Cloud

Multi-studio production experiment “Fathead” aims to push the boundaries of in-camera VFX and on-set virtual production.

Adrian Pennington

February 15, 2023

The ‘70s-Inspired Visuals of Benjamin Caron’s “Sharper”

For his debut feature “Sharper,” director Benjamin Caron wanted cinematographer Charlotte Bruus Christensen to be the “Princess of Darkness.”

Julian Mitchell

February 15, 2023

The Future of Production Amplified: Bringing Digital Humans into the Spotlight

Digital Domain’s chief technology officer Hanno Basse discusses how the development of digital humans is transforming film & TV production.

Amplify Content Team

February 14, 2023

More for Creative Pros: NAB Show and FMC Expand Educational Programs

New this year are the Visual Storytelling Conference, the Remote Production Conference, and the Director of Photography Creative Conference.

Amplify Content Team

February 8, 2023

The Future of Production Amplified: Pushing the Limits of Virtual Production

A.J. Wedding from Orbital Virtual Studios discusses how virtual production is transforming film & television production.

Amplify Content Team

February 7, 2023

Creating the Lo-Fi, VHS-Vibe Visuals for “Skinamarink”

Writer-director-editor Kyle Edward Ball delivers a lo-fi detuned aesthetic to his micro-budget indie horror feature “Skinamarink.”

Julian Mitchell

February 7, 2023

“Kendrick Lamar Live in Paris” Brings Cinematic Production to a Streamed Event

Kendrick Lamar’s “The Big Steppers: Live from Paris” employed multiple digital cinema cameras to deliver a livestreamed outdoor broadcast.

Adrian Pennington

February 7, 2023

Why Live Production Has to Up Its Sustainability Game

The live production sector is more sluggish than most amid tightening carbon reduction policies to achieve corporate sustainability goals.

Adrian Pennington

February 1, 2023

The Future of Production Amplified: How Real-Time Graphics Are Changing the Face of Film and Television Production

Epic Games industry manager Miles Perkins discusses how real-time graphics are revolutionizing production for film and television.

Amplify Content Team

January 30, 2023

“Poker Face:” The Sunday Mystery Movie But It’s Streaming

“The Last Jedi” and “Glass Onion” director Rian Johnson on his new Peacock “howcatchem” series, “Poker Face,” starring Natasha Lyonne.

Adrian Pennington

January 29, 2023

“Troll:” Norway’s Motion Blur Makes a Modern (Ancient) Kaiju

Employing an all-Norwegian crew and VFX vendors, Norway’s “Troll” has toppled “RRR” to become Netflix’s best performing non-English film.

Julian Mitchell

January 29, 2023

“M3GAN:” James Wan, Gerard Johnstone, and Jason Blum Know What You Want

Director Gerard Johnstone’s hit movie “M3GAN” has busted the $100 million barrier in global ticket sales on a $12 million production budget.

Julian Mitchell

January 24, 2023

Virtual Production: A Primer

Virtual production techniques and technologies are rapidly shaping the future of filmmaking. Here’s what you need to know.

Jennifer Wolfe

January 23, 2023

Iñárritu, del Toro, and Cuarón: Life, Death and Everything Before and After

“The three amigos:” A conversation with filmmakers Guillermo del Toro, Alejandro González Iñárritu and Alfonso Cuarón

Adrian Pennington

January 22, 2023

Filming Under Fire: “Retrograde” and the Realities of War

Oscar-nominated documentary filmmaker Matthew Heineman’s “Retrograde” captures the final months of the 20-year US war in Afghanistan.

Jennifer Wolfe

January 19, 2023

The Bonkers Format for Peacock Series “Paul T. Goldman”

Peacock docuseries “Paul T. Goldman” from director Jason Woliner straddles an uneasy line between real life, true crime and satire.

Adrian Pennington

January 17, 2023

Virtual Production Is Going Great, But… We Have Some Talent and Tech Challenges

A new report from Altman Solon finds virtual production is on the rise, but costs and finding experienced talent remain industry challenges.

Adrian Pennington

January 12, 2023

“Copenhagen Cowboy:” Neon, Neo-Noir, and Nefarious

In director Nicolas Winding Refn’s acid western neon-noir “Copenhagen Cowboy,” the superheroes are ultra-stylish, neon-saturated and female.

Adrian Pennington

January 11, 2023

“It’s Like Doing Four Movies in Two Years:” Editing and Post on “Andor”

“Andor” creator and showrunner Tony Gilroy and editor John Gilroy recount the complexities of bringing the Star Wars episodic to the screen.

Julian Mitchell

January 11, 2023

“Aftersun:” How Do You Remake Memories?

“Aftersun,” the debut feature from Scottish filmmaker Charlotte Wells, has been lauded by Sight and Sound magazine as the top film of 2022.

Adrian Pennington

January 9, 2023

Putting Together the Post Puzzle of “Glass Onion”

Editor Bob Ducsay, ASC on the layers of structure and sleight-of-hand behind writer-director Rian Johnson’s “Knives Out: Glass Onion.”

Julian Mitchell

December 27, 2022

“The English:” It’s a Classic Western, Just Made With Today’s Technology

Cinematographer Arnau Valls Colomer pays homage to the classic American Western in the BBC-Amazon Prime co-production, “The English.”

Julian Mitchell

December 23, 2022

How the Horror in “Nanny” is Surreal and Real

Nikyatu Jusu’s debut feature “Nanny” is a tale of displacement, following an undocumented immigrant’s quest to realize the American Dream.

Jennifer Wolfe

December 20, 2022

It’s Just the End of the World: Noah Baumbach’s “White Noise”

Noah Baumbach’s film adaptation of Don DeLillo’s “White Noise” is a treatise on the role of the media, and a spectacular disaster movie.

Adrian Pennington

December 19, 2022

How MovieLabs, SMPTE and EBU Are Mapping Out Cloud Workflows

The EBU, MovieLabs and SMPTE have released a new guide for building interoperable workflows and metadata sets for use in the cloud.

Adrian Pennington

December 19, 2022

Middle Earth and Media Management: Cloud Production for “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power”

Containing nearly 10,000 VFX shots, post-production on the first season of “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” was enabled by AWS.

Adrian Pennington

December 18, 2022

Into the Darkness: Designing the (Ahem) (Visceral) Visuals of “Barbarian”

Cinematographer Zach Kuperstein and colorist Sam Daley on production and post for sleeper horror hit “Barbarian” from writer-director Zach Cregger.

Adrian Pennington

December 17, 2022

AI as An Art Form: Just Think of It as Creativity 2.0

With companies like Microsoft integrating AI tools such as DALL-E 2 into their products, “Creativity As A Service” has finally arrived.

Adrian Pennington

December 14, 2022

Going Global: New Expectations for Non-English Programming

Global hits like “Money Heist” and “Squid Game” sent demand for non-English language content to record highs, according to Parrot Analytics.

Adrian Pennington

December 14, 2022

What to Know About Localizing Content

A guide from automated dubbing system Papercup outlines the best practices for developing a strategy for localization of content.

Adrian Pennington

December 14, 2022

British TV Content: Audiences and Platforms Are Very Invested, Just in Different Ways

Global sales of British TV programs skyrocket, hitting record levels according to a new report from UK production alliance Pact.

Adrian Pennington

December 14, 2022

The Role of AI in Translation, Globalization and Localization

Automated dubbing is the practice of quickly translating audio from one language to another. It can also include subtitling, often offered as a cheaper alternative or as part of a package.

Brett Moss

December 14, 2022

The Importance of Captioning and Translation

Captioning is the key to making your content as accessible as possible to as large an audience as possible.

Bill Bennett

December 13, 2022

Neo-Neorealism: How the “White Lotus” Adventures Mirrored “L’Avventura”

“White Lotus” creator Mike White and cinematographer Xavier Grobet took visual cues from Italian cinema for the series.

Emily M. Reigart

December 12, 2022

“Holy Spider:” The Persian Film Noir Iran Doesn’t Want You to See

Director Ali Abbasi’s film noir “Holy Spider” is especially resonant for audiences amid the Iranian anti-misogyny protest movement.

Adrian Pennington

December 7, 2022

“EO:” How an Animal’s POV Shows Audiences Everything About Humanity

Told from a donkey’s POV, Jerzy Skolimowski’s brash and freewheeling new film “EO” won the jury prize at Cannes and is Poland’s Oscar entry.

Adrian Pennington

December 5, 2022

A Remote Production Primer

IP-enabled workflows for remote video production will allow broadcasters to cut costs and innovate new ways to create and consume content.

Adrian Pennington

December 1, 2022

When Your Story is a Film But Also a Crazy Dream: Alejandro González Iñárritu’s “Bardo”

Alejandro González Iñárritu’s “Bardo” is a personal odyssey through the mind of the Mexican auteur and, by extension, Mexican history.

Adrian Pennington

December 1, 2022

Director Alek Keshishian and Selena Gomez Get Real in “My Mind & Me”

In the Apple TV+ documentary “Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me” we see the toll fame has often taken on the star’s mental health.

Adrian Pennington

November 30, 2022

“RRR:” S.S. Rajamouli Knows How to Shoot an Action Sequence for Any Audience

Director S.S. Rajamouli’s breakout Tollywood hit “Rise Roar Revolt” is the first and only Telugu-language film to smash the US box office.

Adrian Pennington

November 30, 2022

“1899:” Making a Mystery in Multiple Languages 

Netflix original “1899” is one series for which the dubbing function is likely to provide as much confusion as clarity.

Emily M. Reigart

November 30, 2022

Learning the Basics of Video Translation

As streamers expand operations, the demand for language services is expected to reach nearly $100 billion globally by the end of the decade.

Adrian Pennington

November 29, 2022

You Might Actually Find a Muse in the Machine (or Midjourney)

Artists are embracing AI as a “co-creator,” developing their own “imagecraft” by refining the “art of prompting.”

Adrian Pennington

November 26, 2022

“Kill Bill: Volume 3”? Now We Have an AI That Can Mimic Iconic Film Directors

Researchers trained an open-source procedural cinematography toolset Cine-AI to mimic human film auteurs like Quentin Tarantino and Guy Ritchie.

Adrian Pennington

November 25, 2022

AR, MR, VR, and XR: Working on the Virtuality Continuum

User experience design for VR, AR and MR will be essential for successfully navigating and enjoying the blurred reality-meets-metaverse.

Adrian Pennington

November 23, 2022

How (and Why) We Need to Build a Creator Middle Class

A Meta-sponsored report offers a comprehensive view of the creative economy and the opportunity to forge a sustainable Creator Middle Class.

Adrian Pennington

November 17, 2022

Behind the Scenes (and Screens) of Netflix’s “1899”

The creators of “1899” understand that virtual production requires designing the story, as well as the set, with rigor and detail.

Emily M. Reigart

November 15, 2022

How Real-Time Technology Is Changing the Game

Real-time technology is providing a competitive advantage for M&E content creators, according to a new survey commissioned by Epic Games.

Adrian Pennington

November 15, 2022

Colorist Tim Masick Brings an “Untouched” Look to Tár… One Shot at a Time

Company 3’s Masick explains that “Tár” writer/director director Todd Field “wanted the images to look authentic and untouched.”

Amplify Content Team

November 1, 2022

Never Mind the LEDs: Alternative Virtual Production Processes

From virtual visualization and virtual location scouting to greenscreen sets, there’s a lot more to virtual production than LED walls.

Michael Burns

November 1, 2022

“The Banshees of Inisherin:” Martin McDonagh Tells a Wonderful/Terrible Tale

Writer-director Martin McDonagh fuses his trademark dark humor with something altogether more profound in “The Banshees of Inisherin.”

Adrian Pennington

November 1, 2022

A Brief Voyage Through the History of Virtual Production

The use of LED walls and LED volumes — a major component of virtual production — can be traced directly back to the front- and rear-projection techniques common throughout much of the 20th century.

Jennifer Wolfe

October 31, 2022

Can AI Imagery and Video Actually Be Good for the Creator Economy?

Ushering in a new era of creators, generative AI text-to-image and text-to-video apps are lowering the barriers for new content creators.

Adrian Pennington

October 28, 2022

Convergence, Change, and the Current Landscape of Media Technology

Amid inflation, supply chain woes and rising energy costs, Media & Entertainment companies must be able to adapt to digital convergence.

Adrian Pennington

October 24, 2022

Family Pictures: James Gray’s “Armageddon Time”

Writer-director James Gray’s coming-of-age film, “Armageddon Time,” is a memory play, depicting a mournful chapter from his youth.

Adrian Pennington

October 22, 2022

How Creators (Professional and Otherwise) Are Making Money in the Creator Economy

More than half of non-professional creators are now monetizing their work within the creator economy, according to a new survey from Adobe.

Adrian Pennington

October 21, 2022

Control and Chaos: How Todd Field Tells the Story of “Tár”

Writer-producer-director Todd Field’s first film in 16 years, “Tár” explores the cult of personality, power imbalances and cancel culture.

Jennifer Wolfe

October 17, 2022

The One-Human, One-Machine Movie Studio: How AI Could Change Hollywood

Hollywood must embrace AI in order to cut production costs and boost creativity or wind up like Kodak, Nokia, Yahoo, Xerox and Blockbuster.

Adrian Pennington

October 17, 2022

“Decision To Leave:” Park Chan-wook’s Love Story/Detective Story

Film auteur Park Chan-wook is riding the wave of the explosion of Korean culture in the US with his latest feature, “Decision to Leave.”

Julian Mitchell

October 15, 2022

Storytelling on Demand: It Has to Happen for the Creator Economy

Forging partnerships with creators allows brands to connect with their audiences with an “always-on” model of content production.

Adrian Pennington

October 12, 2022

How AR Can Become Our New, Next Reality

Augmented reality, expected to become a $97.76 billion industry by 2028, will radically change our day-to-day lives.

Adrian Pennington

October 7, 2022

She Stoops to Conquer: Gina Prince-Bythewood Goes to War in “The Woman King”

In a departure from her previous films, Gina Prince-Bythewood’s epic action-adventure “The Woman King” wrestles with historical complexity.

Michael Burns

October 5, 2022

Tonight on the (Fake) News: Is Your Anchor About to Go AI?

Recent advances in text-to-speech and text-to-video tools allow news stories to be presented by artificially intelligent news readers.

Adrian Pennington

October 3, 2022

The AI Tools Making Post More Productive

From color grading in the cloud to asset management and motion grading, artificial intelligence is increasingly powering post workflows.

Adrian Pennington

October 1, 2022

Questions About Real-Time Production? We Got You.

Inside Epic Games’ “Broadcast and Live Events Field Guide,” designed for harnessing real-time graphics game engines in live production.

Adrian Pennington

September 27, 2022

“Moonage Daydream:” Making This Psychedelic and Very Cinematic Moment

How Brett Morgen’s “Moonage Daydream” became a less of a documentary and more of an experience.

Julian Mitchell

September 23, 2022

The Revolution Will Be Televised: Making the Immersive, Explosive “Athena”

Drawing on the tradition of Greek tragedy, Romain Gavras’s new feature for Netflix, “Athena,” is an explosive epic in more ways than one.

Michael Burns

September 18, 2022

Almost 25% of Us Are Content Creators. Here’s Why That’s Awesome (and How It’s Actionable).

The creator economy has grown to 303 million creators globally, with an additional 165 million people added within just the last two years.

Adrian Pennington

September 9, 2022

ICG Honors New Talents at 2022 Emerging Cinematographer Awards

The International Cinematographers Guild names 10 honorees for the 2022 Annual Emerging Cinematographer Awards to be held on October 2.

Amplify Content Team

September 6, 2022

“Bad Travelling:” Blur and David Fincher Rewrite the Rules for Animation

Grotesque and dark visuals were just the start for director David Fincher’s first foray into animation for “Love Death & Robots: Volume 3.”

Julian Mitchell

September 1, 2022

Video Games and VFX Make a Very Cute Couple

Real-time game engines may have transformed virtual production, but the current challenge is to have those visuals fully ray-traced.

Jennifer Wolfe

September 1, 2022

Watch This: “The Crow” Beautifully Employs Text-to-Video Generation

Digital artist Glenn Marshall’s AI short “The Crow” foretells a future where entire feature films are produced by text-to-video systems.

Adrian Pennington

September 1, 2022

When Your Kubrick AI Isn’t HAL… It’s Actually An AI Kubrick

AI is already so proficient at copying an artist’s work that it won’t be long before filmmakers need to protect themselves from plagiarism.

Adrian Pennington

September 1, 2022

How “Star Trek: Discovery” Went Boldly Into Virtual Production

VFX house Pixomondo turns to Epic Games’ Unreal Engine for virtual production for the fourth season of “Star Trek: Discovery.”

Adrian Pennington

September 1, 2022

Inside the (Literally) Action-Packed Virtual Production for Sky Studios’ “The Rising”

Sky Studios’ supernatural crime thriller “The Rising” employed ARRI Stage London’s automation and playback systems for virtual production.

Amplify Content Team

September 1, 2022

LED Wall Enlightenment: What You Need to Know About ICVFX

A new white paper from Sony and Epic Games examines the impact of LED wall technology on workflow and final picture performance.

Amplify Content Team

September 1, 2022

Take a (Virtual) Tour of CJ ENM’s Virtual Production Stage

Korea’s CJ ENM becomes the first production facility to install The Wall, Samsung’s Micro LED technology-driven virtual production solution.

Julian Mitchell

September 1, 2022

12 Weeks of Innovation. Experience the Best of Vizrt.

https://youtu.be/VagnXf5-FFM See how Vizrt can help you tell more stories, better told. Vizrt®, a leading provider of innovative visual storytelling tools for media content creators in broadcast, enterprise, and new media, is unlocking the […]

Melanie Crandall

September 1, 2022

Love, Thunder, LED Volume: ILM StageCraft Advances Virtual Production on Marvel’s “Thor”

Marvel leapfrogs greenscreen technology, employing ILM StageCraft’s The Volume to power virtual production on “Thor: Love and Thunder.”

Julian Mitchell

August 22, 2022

Filmmaking Community: How “The Territory” Put Its Subjects Behind the Camera

“The Territory” follows the Indigenous Amazon community the Uru-eu-wau-wau as they protect their land from aggressive deforestation efforts.

Adrian Pennington

August 16, 2022

Making “The Sandman” a Dream and a Reality

Long considered unfilmable, the Netflix adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s acclaimed graphic novel “The Sandman” returns to the story’s origins.

Adrian Pennington

August 14, 2022

“Bullet Train:” Virtual Production, New IP, All the Punching

Director David Leitch’s “Bullet Train” is an assassin movie with comedy, action, and an existential question at the center of it all.

Adrian Pennington

August 14, 2022

“Bodies Bodies Bodies:” Gen Z Is Killing It (No, For Real)

Halina Reijn’s “Bodies Bodies Bodies” is a slasher-comedy-satire with undercurrents of social commentary on the narcissism of Gen Z.

Adrian Pennington

August 12, 2022

“Bullet Train” Editor Elísabet Ronaldsdóttir Speeds Through the Action

“Bullet Train” editor Elísabet Ronaldsdóttir, ACE draws on her experience cutting dance choreography films to help elevate action movies.

Julian Mitchell

August 9, 2022

What Did I Just See? The Cinematography of “Nope”

Jordan Peele taps Swiss cinematographer Hoyte Van Hoytema to build a custom IMAX camera rig to capture the wide-open landscapes of “Nope.”

Julian Mitchell

August 7, 2022

Remembrance of Paintboxes Past: Why We Like to Revisit the Early Days of Digital Production

Time and innovation marches on but we still can’t forget the old hardware systems that helped make us into the digital society we are today.

Adrian Pennington

August 1, 2022

Ci Media Cloud: Beyond Collaboration

https://youtu.be/U2KEmjZ5_qg Ci: A Platform Where Teams Can Work on Media Content Sony built the Ci Media Cloud platform to help customers unify and streamline siloed media workflows. Ci (“see”) empowers […]

David Rosen

July 30, 2022

We Know About Streaming and Consumers, But Let’s Talk About Streaming and Creators

The growth of online video and connected devices has had a profound effect on the way content creators operate.

Adrian Pennington

July 22, 2022

“Nope:” Jordan Peele, Social Commentary and Cinema Spectacle

Writer and director Jordan Peele’s new film “Nope” blends genres, combining sci-fi and horror with comedy, drama and his trademark satire.

Michael Burns

July 21, 2022

True (True) Crime: Making Dennis Lehane’s “Black Bird”

Adapted by novelist and screenwriter Dennis Lehane, the six-part Apple TV+ series “Black Bird” features Ray Liotta in his final TV role.

Adrian Pennington

July 14, 2022

Tiny Is Beautiful: The Magic of Making “Marcel the Shell With Shoes On”

It took more than a decade for the hybrid stop-motion/live-action “Marcel the Shell” to move from his DIY origins to a full-length feature.

Adrian Pennington

June 29, 2022

“The Old Man:” Measured, Methodical and Jeff Bridges Punches Everybody

Jeff Bridges abides as he battles dual diseases to make a comeback in FX original series “The Old Man,” based on the book by Thomas Perry.

Adrian Pennington

June 29, 2022

“Ms. Marvel” (Literally) Brings Some Girl Power to the MCU

Directing duo Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah saw “Ms. Marvel” as a show that should be filled with color, life, and celebration of culture.

Julian Mitchell

June 29, 2022

“Dark Winds:” Developing a New (Overdue) Detective Genre

AMC’s “Dark Winds,” executive produced by Robert Redford and George R. R. Martin, is part of a mini-boom of Native American content.

Julian Mitchell

June 28, 2022

“We Met in Virtual Reality:” A Very Different Kind of VR Filmmaking

Seeking to create a new form of immersive global filmmaking, filmmaker Joe Hunting shot his documentary feature inside Social VR.

Julian Mitchell

June 15, 2022

“Irma Vep:” A Series About Making a Movie (That’s Also a Remake) (and, Yes, It’s Meta)

Olivier Assayas’s second crack at “Irma Vep” shows that while the movie industry has changed radically, filmmaker types have not.

Julian Mitchell

June 12, 2022

Myths, Mists, Monsters: Director of Photography David Raedeker on “The Essex Serpent”

Cinematographer David Raedeker, BSC details production in the Essex marshes for Apple TV+ six-part romantic drama, “The Essex Serpent.”

Adrian Pennington

June 8, 2022

Hey Sam! What’s a Pop-up Production?

What is a pop-up production? When did the M&E industry start using the term and the techniques it represents, and why? NAB CTO and EVP Sam Matheny and Marco Rota, […]

Emily M. Reigart

May 30, 2022

“Shining Girls:” A Story/Series With a Shifting Narrative

Apple TV+’s “Shining Girls” flips the switch on trauma with a main character’s shifting perceptions of reality.

Adrian Pennington

May 22, 2022

The Fundamental Truths and Phantasmagoric Horror of “Men”

Writer-director Alex Garland’s third film, “Men,” is an unconventional horror story about masculinity and its manifestations.

Adrian Pennington

May 21, 2022

“Shining Vale:” Because Middle Age Really Is Kind of a Horror Show

Blending horror with comedy, the new Starz series “Shining Vale” contains nods to horror classics like “The Shining” and “Rosemary’s Baby.”

Julian Mitchell

May 10, 2022

“Gaslit:” In Praise of Difficult Women

The new Starz series “Gaslit” focuses on whistleblower Martha Mitchell, the wife of Richard Nixon’s attorney general, John Mitchell.

Adrian Pennington

May 10, 2022

Law and Disorder: David Simon’s Complex Crime Drama “We Own This City”

HBO’s brutal new crime drama, “We Own This City,” examines the rise and fall of Baltimore’s Gun Trace Task Force, or the GTTF.

Adrian Pennington

May 9, 2022

Facebook Pulled the Plug on Its Podcasting. Does That Actually Mean Anything?

Is it a sign of the podcasting apocalypse (#podcastalypse?) or just a smart business consolidation in the face of an overcrowded audio market (that could be reeling itself back in […]

Brett Moss

May 3, 2022

Slow Burn, “Slow Horses,” So Good

Director James Hawkes’s series for Apple TV+, “Slow Horses,” spins a dysfunctional spy tale that differs from the world of John le Carré.

Julian Mitchell

May 3, 2022

The Wonderful Ways “Russian Doll” Asks, “How Do We Start Living?”

In season two of “Russian Doll,” Natasha Lyonne attempts to answer the question, “Now that I’ve stopped dying, how do I start living?”

Adrian Pennington

May 1, 2022

“Moon Knight:” How to Make Superhero Storytelling A New (Ancient) Thing

Director Mohamed Diab’s debut series for Marvel, “Moon Knight,” pushes boundaries and brings the flavor of Egypt into the MCU.

Julian Mitchell

April 19, 2022

“The Northman:” Vengeance Is Exhausting and Muddy

With “The Northman,” director Robert Eggers battles with himself to deliver the definitive Viking movie.

Adrian Pennington

April 18, 2022

NAB Cine Consortium Leads Cine Live Discussions at 2022 NAB Show

Open to all NAB Show badge holders, Cine Live sessions kick off daily April 24-27 in the new Create Inspiration Theater in Central Hall.

April 17, 2022

The Good, the Bad and the “Ennio”

Giussepe Tornatore’s documentary about Ennio Morricone shows how the legendary composer elevated music composition for film into an artform.

Adrian Pennington

April 17, 2022

“A Very British Scandal” Is Still Pretty Scandalous (60 Years Later)

BBC series about the tempestuous marriage and brutal divorce of the Duke and Duchess of Argyll was shot by cinematographer Si Bell.

Julian Mitchell

April 17, 2022

How “Pachinko” Connects the Past and Present

Showrunner Soo Hugh’s adaptation of Min Jin Lee’s “Pachinko” for Apple TV+ masterfully weaves the intricate tapestry of a Korean family.

Julian Mitchell

April 14, 2022

Navigate the 2022 NAB Show With Our Experts

Dive deeper with a guided tour of NAB Show this year.

April 14, 2022

Hey, Sam! What’s Happening in Cloud Production?

Cloud production is one of the buzziest terms in the world of media. But what are we really talking about when we use that term? What makes cloud production different […]

April 12, 2022

“Navalny:” When Your Documentary Ends Up as a Spy Thriller

Daniel Roher’s Oscar-winning documentary follows Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny’s quest to identify who poisoned him in 2020.

Julian Mitchell

April 11, 2022

How the “Winning Time” Team Got Those Gorgeous ‘70s and ‘80s Visual Vibes

To fine-tune the look of “Winning Time,” Company 3 Hollywood senior colorist Walter Volpatto evokes the feel of older imaging technology.

Jon Silberg

April 7, 2022

Go Behind the Scenes of Your Favorite Films and Shows at the 2022 NAB Show

2022 NAB Show to feature panel discussions with content creators from “Everything Everywhere All At Once,” “Nightmare Alley,” and more.

April 3, 2022

The Twisted Roots of “Bad Vegan”

Four-part Netflix docuseries “Bad Vegan” explores a stranger-than-fiction story about fraud, a Jonestown-esque cult leader, and immortality.

Adrian Pennington

April 3, 2022

Once Upon a Time in Encino: Making “Licorice Pizza”

Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest film is an homage to his childhood home, the San Fernando Valley.

Michael Burns

March 27, 2022

Complete Chaos Theory: Building the (Messy) Multiverse of “Everything Everywhere All At Once”

Creative duo Daniels take you on an adventure through the multiverse in A24’s multiple Oscar-winning “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”

Jennifer Wolfe

March 22, 2022

A New Script for Inclusion

Emilia Jones as Ruby Rossi in director Siân Heder’s “CODA.” Cr: Apple TV+ Hollywood has begun writing a new script focused on inclusion, and among those leading the push for […]

Dave Titmus

March 22, 2022

How “Atlanta” Is “Everywhere and Nowhere”

Donald and Stephen Glover bring season 3 of “Atlanta” to FX and Hulu in what critics call “a true American masterpiece.”

Adrian Pennington

March 22, 2022

What’s Advancing the Adoption of Virtual Production?

To avoid sound stage bottlenecks, film and TV productions are increasingly opting to employ virtual production techniques and technologies.

Adrian Pennington

March 21, 2022

Virtual Production But Sort of Real Pirates (?): Making “Our Flag Means Death”

“Our Flag Means Death” employed a massive 30 by 160-foot LED wall for virtual production of the HBO Max pirate series set on the high seas.

Julian Mitchell

March 20, 2022

The Cinematic Delights of “The Afterparty”

Chris Miller and Phil Lord’s new series “The Afterparty” employs seven different looks to evoke everything from rom-coms to “John Wick.”

Adrian Pennington

March 15, 2022

Pop Will Eat Itself: The Ultimate Manufactured Warhol

Producer Ryan Murphy’s Netflix docuseries “The Andy Warhol Diaries” uses artificial intelligence to help recreate the iconic artist’s voice.

Adrian Pennington

March 15, 2022

“The Dropout” Is a Slow-Motion Car Crash (and We Can’t Look Away)

Hulu’s “The Dropout” isn’t the first docuseries to examine Theranos, but showrunner Elizabeth Meriwether brings it to a more human level.

Adrian Pennington

March 15, 2022

“The Batman:” What It Takes to Make a Modern Masterpiece

Director Matt Reeves and cinematographer Greig Fraser create the catalyst for Warner Bros.’ new “Bat-verse” with “The Batman.”

Julian Mitchell

March 9, 2022

“Winning Time” Is a Wild Ride: Here’s How To Remake History

Adam McKay new docudrama for HBO, “Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty,” shows how the Lakers changed the way basketball is played.

Julian Mitchell

March 6, 2022

Life Is a Mess But That’s the Point: Making “The Worst Person in the World”

Joachim Trier’s “The Worst Person in the World” follows an almost-30 woman who still hasn’t figured out what she wants to do with her life.

Julian Mitchell

March 2, 2022

Let’s Not Discount the Pretty Genius Production of “Jackass”

Can the case be made that the entire “Jackass” series, including “Jackass Forever,” deserves serious recognition as documentary art?

Adrian Pennington

March 1, 2022

“Belle:” Making a Movie For and With the Metaverse

Mamoru Hosoda’s animated feature follows a lonely teen who becomes a global singing star with her alter ego in the online world of “U.”

Adrian Pennington

February 28, 2022

Class Is Definitely Not In Session: The Horror Delights of “All of Us Are Dead”

Helmed by creator and director Lee Jae-kyoo, the new horror series “All of Us Are Dead” is Netflix’s latest South Korean hit.

Michael Burns

February 27, 2022

“Kimi:” It’s Not Tech Paranoia If They’re Legit Out to Get You

Steven Soderbergh’s “bottle film” is a surveillance thriller for an age when everyone knows they’re constantly being spied upon.

Julian Mitchell

February 27, 2022

Building the Insane (But Strangely Familiar) World of “Severance”

Adam Scott stars in the new Apple TV+ series “Severance,” which mixes sci-fi and social satire to upend an obsession with work-life balance.

Adrian Pennington

February 24, 2022

Entering “The Gilded Age”

Dubbed the “American Downton Abbey,” the new HBO series is set in a pivotal time in US history spanning 30 years of massive economic growth.

Julian Mitchell

February 17, 2022

Five Predictions for the Creator Economy in 2022 | Source: Fast Company

Fueled by the pandemic, the creator economy has continued to take off since 2020. Now, even brands and celebrities are getting in the game.

Jennifer Wolfe

February 17, 2022

Intelligent Content Creation Inspires, Accelerates, Energizes — and Cuts Costs

Intelligent content—A.I., machine learning, automation, data analytics—can/will make life easier for media and entertainment creatives.

Emma Millions

February 15, 2022

Watch This: How Intelligent Content Advances Creativity

NAB Amplify interviews content creation experts about the current state and future of intelligent content. Interviews with Ben Syverson of IDEO, Anton Marini and Rahul Somani of Special Circumstances, Jonathan Glazier, and multidisciplinary artist Lea Mice.

Emma Millions

February 15, 2022

You Knew It Was Going to Be Hard to Make “jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy”… But It Was Worth It

Coodie Simmons and creative partner Chike Ozah document their friendship with Kanye “Ye” West spanning more than 20 years

Julian Mitchell

February 13, 2022

Grayscale: Are Too Many TV Shows and Movies Desaturated?

Despite a number of recent eye-popping productions, film critic Emily VanDerWerff decries Hollywood’s penchant for using desaturated color.

Adrian Pennington

February 13, 2022

Don’t Expect the Metaverse to Happen Overnight

The metaverse won’t shake clunky headgear, walled gardens or tech cul-de-sacs until at least 2042, according to Unity’s Timoni West.

Adrian Pennington

February 8, 2022

Tips for Maximizing the Thrill and Minimizing the Chill of Remotes | Source: The Broadcast Bridge

When audiences across the world sit down to watch the Beijing Winter Olympics, they’ll do so from the warmth and comfort of the lounge. At the other end of the […]

Brett Moss

February 7, 2022

Spotify Bet on Podcasts to Ensure Profitability. Was It a Smart Move?

The majority of the conversation related to the latest round of Joe Rogan controversy has been centered, rightly, on the audio streamer's ethical role in the gatekeeping and moderation of […]

Emily M. Reigart

February 6, 2022

The Long Take Can Be a Magical Thing

While there is no set formula for the “oner,” the use of long takes can be exhilarating but only when they support the narrative.

Adrian Pennington

February 6, 2022

The Soulful Sci-Fi of “After Yang”

Based on a 2016 short story by Alexander Weinstein, Kogonada’s “After Yang” explores a new take on sci-fi’s eternal Turing question.

Adrian Pennington

February 1, 2022

Firing Up the Feature-Length, Single-Take “Boiling Point”

DP Matthew Lewis shot director Philip Barantini’s 90-minute feature on the Sony VENICE in only four takes over the course of two nights.

Adrian Pennington

January 30, 2022

What You Can Learn From the Visuals in “The Matrix Resurrections”

Cinematographers Daniele Massaccesi and John Toll on director Lana Wachowski’s evolution toward capturing in-camera lighting and effects.

Julian Mitchell

January 30, 2022

What AI Could Mean for the Creative Process…. and What It Will Mean

Hollywood has both tremendous appetite for and skepticism about using machine intelligence, especially in the production process.

Adrian Pennington

January 30, 2022

The Mind’s Construction: “The Tragedy of Macbeth” Is Its Own Cinematic Universe

Director Joel Coen and DP Bruno Delbonnel blend theater and cinema for their Denzel Washington-starring adaptation of the Shakespeare play.

Julian Mitchell

January 30, 2022

What “Yellowjackets” Did To/With Its Viewers

Showtime’s episodic drama “Yellowjackets” goes from being a low-key phenomenon to a cultural force.

Adrian Pennington

January 30, 2022

Every Creator Should Study Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch” (So Here’s a 717 Gigapixel Version)

Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum has a digital copy of Rembrandt's “The Night Watch,” which it says is “the largest and most detailed photograph of any artwork.”

Brett Moss

January 30, 2022

“Station Eleven” or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Apocalypse

The HBO Max dramatic series “Station Eleven” confounds viewer expectations, flipping many of the conventions of the post-apocalyptic world.

Adrian Pennington

January 30, 2022

NAB Show and FMC Are Bringing Post|Production World to Las Vegas This April

NAB Show partners with Future Media Conferences to bring in-person training sessions from industry experts to Las Vegas this April 21–27.

January 30, 2022

Affordable Displays Can Take HDR Mainstream

Amid growing market penetration, colorist and Frame.io product marketing manager Jason Druss examines affordable HDR display options.

Adrian Pennington

January 26, 2022

“Don’t Look Up:” It’s the End of the World As We Know It

Hank Corwin, ACE performs a balancing act between humor and pathos in his third collaboration with writer and director Adam McKay.

Julian Mitchell

January 23, 2022

Live 8K Broadcasts Are 100% Possible Today

New report from the 8K Association finds that multiple encoders and decoders capable of 8K live are available as commercial products.

Adrian Pennington

January 18, 2022

Learn Cinematic Techniques from Industry Pros at NAB Show 2022

NAB Show and the ASC partner with the newly-formed Cine Consortium on educational workshop series taught by prominent cinematographers.

January 18, 2022

All the Ways AR Is Changing Content Creation

As augmented reality reaches the mainstream, It is expected that 110 million people in the US will be using some form of AR monthly by 2023.

Adrian Pennington

January 18, 2022

The Tech Trends That’ll Catch Fire in 2022

ABI Research shares its high-tech predictions in a new report: “70 Technology Trends That Will — and Will Not — Shape 2022.”

Brett Moss

January 14, 2022

Intelligent Content Kickstarts Your Creativity and Challenges You to Be Better at Your Job

The media and entertainment industry cannot afford to be constrained by conventional ideas, and intelligent content will help creators break out of the box.

Emma Millions

January 14, 2022

How Social Platforms Are Attempting to Co-Opt the Creator Economy

From Facebook to TikTok, established social media platforms are spending big money to arrest an exodus of independent video creators.

Adrian Pennington

January 10, 2022

Where Are We With Broadcaster Adoption of UHD?

Most channels in Europe and the US are still broadcast in SD and HD formats, but UHD offers clear business benefits for broadcasters now.

Adrian Pennington

January 2, 2022

Where Are We With AI and ML in M&E?

In 2021 media companies demonstrated solid examples of how machine learning and AI can deliver reduced costs and faster workflows.

Adrian Pennington

December 29, 2021

“Alter Ego:” The Promise (and Production) of Live Virtual Performance

Powered in near-real time by Unreal Engine, FOX’s new talent show “Alter Ego” features real singers disguised with digital Avatars.

Julian Mitchell

December 23, 2021

When Truth Is Way Stranger Than Fiction: How “Landscapers” Escapes Into Fantasy

New HBO limited series shot by Erik Alexander Wilson, BSC is based on a true crime story originating from England in the 1990s.

Julian Mitchell

December 22, 2021

Director Jeymes Samuel: 5 Films That Inspired ‘The Harder They Fall’ | Source: A.frame

“The Harder They Fall” director Jeymes Samuel delves into the five films that helped inspire his Western-themed directorial debut.

Abby Spessard

December 22, 2021

“C’mon C’mon:” Getting Emotional With Mike Mills

Writer/director Mike Mills discusses the making of his black-and-white comedy-drama starring Joaquin Phoenix and Woody Norman.

Julian Mitchell

December 21, 2021

“Voir” and the Video Essay as an Art Form

YouTubers Taylor Ramos and Tony Zhou acquire money, access and more for their scaled-up filmmaking appreciation series for Netflix.

Adrian Pennington

December 17, 2021

Sounding the Depths of BBC/Peacock Submarine Drama “Vigil”

Director of photography Matt Gray, BSC shoots the riveting BBC series in 4K HDR using a pair of ARRI Alexa LF cameras.

Cristina Clapp

December 16, 2021

Can We Have Real Ethics in Virtual Worlds? | Source: NY Times

"I think what happens in virtual worlds can, in principle, be very significant. You can build a meaningful life in a virtual world. We can get into deep social and […]

Emily M. Reigart

December 16, 2021

The Silence and Sound of Apichatpong Weerasethakul’s “Memoria”

Director Apichatpong Weerasethakul’s latest film artfully explores a rare kind of parasomnia known as “Exploding Head Syndrome.”

Julian Mitchell

December 13, 2021

What the Metaverse Could Mean for Content Creators

Metaverse content will demand the same skills as traditional filmmaking, including writing, cinematography and editing.

Adrian Pennington

December 7, 2021

Dashboard Confessional: The Feelings in Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s “Drive My Car”

Japanese auteur Ryusuke Hamaguchi discusses his award-winning film adaptation of a short story by celebrated writer Murakami Haruki.

Julian Mitchell

December 6, 2021

When Is New Tech “Ahead of Its Time” — and When Is It Just Doomed? | Source: OneZero

Clive Thompson, author of “Coders” and “Smarter Than You Think,” explores why some technologies or inventions take off, and some don’t.

Brett Moss

December 5, 2021

Amarcord: Paolo Sorrentino Remembers in “The Hand of God”

Cinematographer Daria D’Antonio employs the RED Monstro with ARRI Signature primes for director Paolo Sorrentino’s love letter to Naples.

Adrian Pennington

December 5, 2021

“The Souvenir Part II:” Portrait of the Artist As a Young Woman

Writer and director Joanna Hogg ditches the script for her fifth feature film, giving the actors the space and freedom to develop dialogue.

Julian Mitchell

November 30, 2021

Molto Bene: ”Venezia,” Shot With Sony’s VENICE 2

Cinematographer Rob Hardy, BSC, ASC, recently used the new Sony VENICE 2 digital cinema camera for something of a trial by fire.

Cristina Clapp

November 30, 2021

Savage Beauty: Jane Campion Understands “The Power of the Dog”

Cinematographer Ari Wegner employs the large-format ARRI Alexa Mini LF paired with vintage lenses for her collaboration with Jane Campion.

Adrian Pennington

November 28, 2021

“Life in Color:” Seeing Natural History in a New Light

New nature documentary from David Attenborough examines how light and color can help uncover previously hidden animal interactions.

Julian Mitchell

November 28, 2021

The Camera in “Succession” Is a Player in the Game

HBO’s “Succession” takes cues from Dogme95, cinema verité, and other styles that use documentary techniques to create fictional stories.

Adrian Pennington

November 23, 2021

It WAS a Long and Winding Road: Producing Peter Jackson’s Epic Documentary “The Beatles: Get Back”

With 60+ hours of restored footage, three-part Disney+ docuseries provides an intimate counter-narrative to the final days of the Beatles.

Jennifer Wolfe

November 21, 2021

“The Wheel of Time” and the Reality of Fantasy

Amazon’s big-budget response to HBO’s hit series “Game of Thrones” is one of the most popular and enduring fantasy series of all time.

Julian Mitchell

November 17, 2021

“Eternals” and Director Chloé Zhao’s Independent Spirit

“Nomadland” director Chloé Zhao is just the latest indie filmmaker tapped to helm a new entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Adrian Pennington

November 16, 2021

“Cowboy Bebop,” Where It’s Retro, Futuristic, Film Noir, Spaghetti Western, Anime, and Live Action … All at Once

Showrunner André Nemec describes the multicultural worldbuilding of Netflix’s live-action adaptation of beloved anime series “Cowboy Bebop.”

Jennifer Wolfe

November 15, 2021

The Cloud-Centric Post for Netflix’s “Stowaway”

Co-writer and editor Ryan Morrison relies on Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects and Photoshop for remote editing for Netflix’s “Stowaway.”

Cristina Clapp

November 15, 2021

Has the US Hit Peak Podcasting?

As the undisputed front-runner within the global podcasting ecosystem, the US has finally reached peak saturation according to new research.

Adrian Pennington

November 15, 2021

(Literally) Finding the Rhythm for “tick, tick… Boom!”

Editors Andrew Weisblum, ACE and Myron Kerstein, ACE discuss their collaboration with Lin-Manuel Miranda for his directorial debut feature.

Adrian Pennington

November 14, 2021

“The Harder They Fall” Edit Mixes/Remixes Imagery, Dialogue, Music, and Sound Effects

Editor Tom Eagles details his collaboration with director Jeymes Sammuel for a fresh take on the classic Western.

Julian Mitchell

November 7, 2021

When Your Timeline is Somewhere Around 35,000 Years: Editing “Dune”

Editor Joe Walker details his collaboration with director Denis Villeneuve to find simplicity and economy in the Frank Herbert adaptation.

Julian Mitchell

November 7, 2021

How Black and White Brought Poetry to Rebecca Hall’s “Passing”

For her debut feature, director Rebecca Hall and DP Eduard Grau employ black-and-white, low-res photography with a focus on the characters.

Julian Mitchell

November 7, 2021

“Macbeth,” “The French Dispatch” and “C’mon C’mon:” Black and White Is Also a Color

Cinematographers for “Belfast,” “Passing” and “The Tragedy of Macbeth” weigh in on the use of black and white as an aesthetic choice.

Adrian Pennington

November 1, 2021

“Bergman Island:” Scenes (and Dreams) (and Screens) from a Marriage

Cinematographer Denis Lenoir wrestles with film formats during production of director Mia Hansen-Løve’s “Bergman Island.”

Julian Mitchell

October 31, 2021

The World-Building Visuals of “Foundation”

The unique visuals created for the Apple TV+ sci-fi series were inspired by Polynesian tribes, Apple design and quantum mathematics.

Adrian Pennington

October 31, 2021

Virtual Production: What You Need to Know Before You Step Onto the Set

With virtual production using LED volumes becoming the norm, Frame.io breaks down the 10 essential elements to consider for your project.

Adrian Pennington

October 31, 2021

So You Say You’re Planning a 16K Live Stream…

Intel announces plans to experiment with multiple streams of High Frame Rate High Dynamic Range 8K and even 16K at the Paris Olympics.

Adrian Pennington

October 31, 2021

“Wife of a Spy:” International Thriller and 8K Proof of Concept Production

Director Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s first period film, “Wife of a Spy,” was shot with Sharp 8K cameras equipped with Zeiss Master Prime lenses.

Julian Mitchell

October 26, 2021

Feeling a Certain Way? There’s an Aspect Ratio for That

The Academy Ratio makes a comeback as a new tool to visually signify what it’s like to live under constant suffocating societal pressures.

Adrian Pennington

October 26, 2021

Speak, Memories: Making Kenneth Branagh’s “Belfast”

Cinematographer Haris Zambarloukos mixes color and black-and-white for Kenneth Branagh’s semi-autobiographical coming-of-age story.

Adrian Pennington

October 24, 2021

How “The French Dispatch” Became the Most Wes Anderson Film to Have Ever Wes Anderson-ed

“In Paris, any time I walk down a street I don’t know well, it’s like going to the movies,” says the director.

Emily M. Reigart

October 24, 2021

A Life Aquatic: Diving Into the Story of Jacques-Yves Cousteau

Oscar-nominated filmmaker Liz Garbus gained access to 500 hours of archival video and audio footage for her documentary “Becoming Cousteau.”

Adrian Pennington

October 24, 2021

The New Old West: Mihai Malaimare’s Reinventions for “The Harder They Fall”

The look for Jeymes Samuel’s directorial debut was inspired by the saturated primary colors of “Congo Tales” by photographer Pieter Henket.

Adrian Pennington

October 24, 2021

Hulu’s “Dopesick:” Danny Strong’s Tragic Timeline of the Opioid Crisis

Exploring the US’s ongoing opioid crisis, Danny Strong adapts author Beth Macy’s “Dopesick” for a nine-episode limited series at Hulu.

Julian Mitchell

October 24, 2021

Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune” Is A Lot. Here’s How He Did It.

A love letter to the big screen in the mold of “Lawrence of Arabia,” Villeneuve’s Frank Herbert adaptation cuts the sci-fi epic into two parts.

Adrian Pennington

October 24, 2021

Cinematographer Greig Fraser’s Visions/Visuals for “Dune”

Cinematographer Greig Fraser employs the ARRI Alexa LF large-format digital camera for his collaboration with Denis Villeneuve on “Dune.”

Julian Mitchell

October 19, 2021

I’ll Be Your Mirror: Reflection and Refraction in “The Velvet Underground”

Todd Haynes’ first documentary feature breaks new ground using archival stills from the era and footage of the band shot by Andy Warhol.

Adrian Pennington

October 19, 2021

What’s Making Our Media Renaissance?

As tools for creators like Unity and Unreal Engine proliferate, creators are forming a new class of digitally-native entrepreneurs.

Adrian Pennington

October 19, 2021

The Factors Driving Technology Change Across M&E

With remote workflows now the norm, the Media & Entertainment industry is at least five years ahead of the curve in terms of sustainability.

Adrian Pennington

October 19, 2021

How to Find the Right Accessibility Partner

Every television executive and producer wants their show to be the newest buzz-worthy (and binge-worthy) program and the hot topic of discussion around the water cooler. But in order for […]

Dave Titmus

October 19, 2021

“The Rescue:” When Your Documentary’s Facing Impossible Odds (Too)

Filmmaking duo Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin secured 87 hours of GoPro footage from the Thai Navy SEALs for their documentary.

Adrian Pennington

October 17, 2021

Witch’s Brew: Horror + Arthouse + Production Value + Social Commentary

Social commentary isn’t new for the genre, but “elevated horror” uses an arthouse style to discuss social issues with creativity and flair.

Adrian Pennington

October 17, 2021

The Density and Darkness of Paul Schrader’s “The Card Counter”

Cinematographer Alexander Dynan employs the ARRI Alexa LF for his most recent collaboration with writer/director Paul Schrader.

Julian Mitchell

October 17, 2021

“Dune:” Is it Possible to Film the Unfilmable?

Will "Dune" be judged on its merits or will it be panned by “Dune” purists and 21st century audiences? Those concerns are acknowledged by Denis Villenueve.

Emily M. Reigart

October 17, 2021

“The Village Detective:” Reconstructing a (Literally) Resurfaced 50-Year-Old Russian Film

The durability of film over digital formats is shown with the discovery of four 35mm film reels from a beloved Soviet-era comedy.

Julian Mitchell

October 17, 2021

“Ted Lasso” But Coach Nate Is A Psychotic Killer

A film student creates a slickly made parody, “What If Ted Lasso Was A Horror,” using scenes from the fan-favorite Apple TV+ series.

Adrian Pennington

October 17, 2021

“Venom: Let There Be Carnage,” Just Your Basic Monster-Man Meet-Cute Rom Com

Tom Hardy partners with audio engineer Patrick Anderson to pre-record Venom’s lines for the actor to play against during production.

Julian Mitchell

October 17, 2021

“No Time To Die:” It’s Bond and Also Beyond Bond

Director of photography Linus Sandgren employs the Panaflex Millennium XL2 for his collaboration with director Cary Fukunaga on Bond 25.

Julian Mitchell

October 15, 2021

Remote Magic: Global Post Services for “The Mysterious Benedict Society”

Company 3 handles dailies, color grading and sound mixing for the Disney+ original series at its Vancouver, Toronto and Los Angeles studios.

Cristina Clapp

October 13, 2021

Live in Five: Blackmagic Design’s New Studio Cameras

Targeting the live production market, Blackmagic Design’s re-engineered Studio 4K cameras have the same features as large studio cameras.

Adrian Pennington

October 13, 2021

Vizrt Evolves (and Extends) Its IP-Based Sports Graphics Tools

Vizrt’s real-time virtual enhancement software for sports to include the augmented reality (AR) graphics software from Viz Arena 5.

Adrian Pennington

October 13, 2021

Old-School Cool: ARRI Rental’s ALFA and Moviecam Lens Series

ARRI’s new large-format lens series, ALFA and Moviecam, deliver a brand-new anamorphic look and vintage glass with a cinematic backstory.

Julian Mitchell

October 12, 2021

What’s in the Box? Panasonic’s LUMIX DC-BS1H is Full Frame and 6K Capable

According to Panasonic, this camera "combines the cinema-quality video performance of the LUMIX S1H with an easy-to-deploy box-style profile."

Emily M. Reigart

October 11, 2021

Autodesk’s Vision for Open Standards-Based Cloud Production

Autodesk teams with the Academy Software Foundation to integrate open standards into its products such as USD support in Maya and 3ds Max.

Adrian Pennington

October 11, 2021

Valdimir Jóhannsson’s “Lamb:” When Nature Gets… Supernatural

Noomi Rapce in “Lamb”Images courtesy of A24. Well, A24 may have done it again. It’s been six years since I have seriously considered watching anything that resembles a horror movie.  […]

Emily M. Reigart

October 10, 2021

Karen Cinorre’s “Mayday” is Part Dream, Part Nightmare, All Awesome Female Energy

Serving as both producer and DP, cinematographer Sam Levy captures the visuals for “Mayday” using a range of ARRI digital cinema cameras.

Julian Mitchell

October 10, 2021

Edgar Wright and the Dark Seduction of “Last Night in Soho”

Filmmaker Edgar Wright captures Soho during the height of lockdown for his “twisted love letter” to the London media district.

Julian Mitchell

October 10, 2021

When You Bring Your Struggles to the Script and the Screen: Mike Flanagan on “Midnight Mass”

Known for adaptations like “The Haunting of Hill House,” writer-director Mike Flanagan mines his personal life for his new Netflix series.

Adrian Pennington

October 10, 2021

The (Unavoidable) Universal Appeal of “Squid Game” Is By Design

Netflix wins big with the highly entertaining South Korean TV phenomenon now available to a global audience in 31 languages.

Adrian Pennington

October 7, 2021

The 2021 NAB Show Virtual Events Calendar

While we can't be together in person this year, our exhibitors are still hosting events and launching products you'll want to know about. The following schedule of events represents press […]

Emily M. Reigart

October 6, 2021

Now in Its 75th Year, the 2021 Broadcast Engineering & IT Conference Goes Online

The BEIT Conference is a renowned program designed for broadcast engineers and technicians, media technology managers, contract engineers, broadcast equipment manufacturers, distributors, engineering consultants and R&D engineers.

Skip Pizzi

October 6, 2021

How “The Many Saints of Newark” Connects Past and Present

Cinematographer Kramer Morgenthau looks to classic Hollywood films like “The Godfather” for HBO’s cinematic follow-up to “The Sopranos.”

Adrian Pennington

October 5, 2021

Will the Metaverse Get Musicians Closer To Fans?

Some of the world’s biggest musicians are jumping into the Metaverse, but the creator economy doesn’t necessarily connect fans with artists.

Adrian Pennington

October 3, 2021

“Language Lessons” Proves (Again) that a Good Story Doesn’t Need Great Tech (Although a Little Creative Problem Solving Never Hurt)

DP Jeremy Mackie uses Logitech cameras with filter holders, a diopter, and diffusion filters for the Zoom-based movie “Language Lessons.”

Julian Mitchell

September 28, 2021

What’s the Real Future of the NFT Crypto Art Market?

What's the current status of the NFT art market? What's the significance for nonfungible token-making creatives and savvy NFT collectors?

Emily M. Reigart

September 26, 2021

“1899” and How Netflix Is Viewing Virtual Production

“1899” is revealed to be the first production at Netflix’s Dark Bay, a new Volume stage built at Studio Babelsberg in Berlin.

Adrian Pennington

September 26, 2021

“The Same Storm:” Peter Hedges Reinvents the Screens-Only Drama

The Oscar-nominated filmmaker examines life in the Zoom era in a new film with an ensemble A-list cast featuring the venerable Elaine May.

Jennifer Wolfe

September 26, 2021

(Visual) Language Lessons: MovieLabs Moves Toward Cloud Interoperability with New Initiative

New Visual Language for Media Creation initiative is backed by DreamWorks, Marvel, Paramount, Sony, Universal, Disney and Warner Bros.

Adrian Pennington

September 22, 2021

Director James Wan is All in for the Scares With “Malignant”

Director, producer and co-writer James Wan takes a palette-cleansing break from PG-13 films with an R-rated homage to B-movie horror titles.

Julian Mitchell

September 21, 2021

Hyperconvergence: The Secret Weapon for Hybrid Workflows

The adoption of hybrid cloud strategies allows creative media companies to maintain business continuity while embracing transformation.

Cristina Clapp

September 19, 2021

Comedic Timing: Editing “Hacks”

“Hacks” editor Jessica Brunetto balances drama and comedy in the HBO Max series starring Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder.

Julian Mitchell

September 19, 2021

Say It Five Times: Director Nia DaCosta Makes Her Own Mythology With “Candyman”

The first #1 film by a Black woman, “Candyman” is just the beginning for DaCosta, who is now working on “The Marvels” for Marvel Studios.

Jennifer Wolfe

September 19, 2021

VR In the Movies Is a Real Nightmare

From this year’s “Free Guy” to films of the 80s and 90s like “Tron,” “Total Recall” and “The Matrix,” virtual reality can be terrifying.

Adrian Pennington

September 12, 2021

Does Vertical Short-Form Video Translate Into 9:16 Cinema? Let’s Discuss.

Long-form vertical videos present challenges to producers and cinematographers to deliver cinema-quality content in short-form formats.

Adrian Pennington

September 9, 2021

Beyond Full Frame But With “Zero F***ks:” Film Production with Panasonic’s S1H

Cinematographer Olivier Boonjing employs two Panasonic LUMIX S1H cameras for Julie Lecoustre and Emmanuel Marre’s “Zero F**ks Given.”

Julian Mitchell

September 7, 2021

Writing (and Animating) a Love Letter: Billie Eilish’s Concert Film, “Happier Than Ever”

Director Robert Rodriguez teams with Oscar-winning animator Patrick Osborne for Eilish’s “Happier Than Ever: A Love Letter to Los Angeles.”

Julian Mitchell

September 7, 2021

“The White Lotus:” Scenes from the Class Struggle

Director of photography Ben Kutchins employs color, framing and exposure to create a distinctive look for the HBO satire.

Julian Mitchell

September 1, 2021

Sound and Silence: Siân Heder on Directing “CODA”

Shot by Mexican cinematographer Paula Huidobro on the Sony VENICE camera, “CODA” follows the coming-of-age of a child of deaf adults.

Jennifer Wolfe

August 31, 2021

The Near-Future, “Analog Noir” Look for “Reminiscence”

Cinematographer Paul Cameron employs the Sony VENICE camera to capture live projection sequences for director Lisa Joy’s “Reminiscence.”

Julian Mitchell

August 31, 2021

The Fearless Future of Live Sports Production

There’s nothing to fear in moving beyond “the old way.” The technology is here today for a successful reinvention of live sports production.

Cassidy Phillips

August 30, 2021

“Nine Perfect Strangers:” Director Jonathan Levine Goes Deep

Director Jonathan Levine takes the helm of Hulu’s hit limited thriller series shot in Australia during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Jennifer Wolfe

August 29, 2021

“The Sparks Brothers:” A Musical Odyssey Turned Pop Art Documentary

Director Edgar Wright’s debut feature documentary captures the artistic ingenuity and eclecticism of the band’s career.

Adrian Pennington

August 24, 2021

Why and How the Metaverse Will Supplant the Internet

The emergence of the Metaverse will exceed the creative destruction brought about by the Internet and will empower the Creator Economy, writes Rodric David.

Emily M. Reigart

August 24, 2021

Neill Blomkamp Experiments With Volumetric Capture for “Demonic”

Vancouver’s Volumetric Capture Systems employs the Unity game engine for simulated dream sequences in Blomkamp’s new horror feature.

Adrian Pennington

August 24, 2021

“Only Murders in the Building:” How to Make a (Very Amusing) Modern Mystery

Director of photography Chris Teague employs the Sony VENICE for Hulu’s new ten-episode, half-hour series mixing murder, mystery and comedy.

Jennifer Wolfe

August 22, 2021

“Beyond the Infinite Two Minutes:” It’s All Just a Little Bit of History Repeating

As you might guess, the future in this film is very, very near: two minutes hence, in fact, is enough to potentially cause significant life changes for the friend group we follow.

Emily M. Reigart

August 22, 2021

Infinite Variations on a Theme

Universal Everything releases generative streaming video art installation “Infinity,” which may have wider application in games or film.

Adrian Pennington

August 22, 2021

VR May Not Be the Future of Entertainment, But It’s the Future of Something

Is the Metaverse just a reflection of megalomaniac ambition, or will all our experiences soon be touched by the virtual?

Adrian Pennington

August 22, 2021

Is VR The New MTV? Ask Lady Gaga

The CEEK VR app powers a 360-degree virtual reality experience going behind the scenes of the video for Lady Gaga’s “911” single.

Adrian Pennington

August 22, 2021

Because Weird is Wonderful: Making “Annette”

Cinematographer Caroline Champetier employs the Sony VENICE camera and Zeiss Supreme Prime lenses for her latest collaboration with Carax.

Jennifer Wolfe

August 17, 2021

How Game Engines Can Take Virtual Production Mainstream

Virtual production technologies such as ILM’s StageCraft system leverage Epic Games’ Unreal Engine to display CG environments in real time.

Amplify Content Team

August 17, 2021

Is the Creator Economy Really a Democratic Utopia Realized?

The creator economy “gold rush” is partially driven by technology advances like streaming, AI, blockchain, XR, 5G and advanced analytics.

Adrian Pennington

August 17, 2021

“Field of Dreams” Broadcast: They Built It… And, Yes, They Did Come

FOX Sports delivers a cinematic look for “MLB at Field of Dreams,” the most-watched regular season baseball game in 16 years.

Fergal Ringrose

August 17, 2021

openGear Week, September 13-17

openGear®️ is a registered trademark of Ross Video Ltd.  Register to watch each session on demand, beginning the week of September 13: DashBoard — September 13, 2-2:30 p.m. ETRoss Video […]

Emily M. Reigart

August 15, 2021

Editing “Ted Lasso:” Yes, It’s Exactly Like a Soccer Match

ACE editors A.J. Catoline and Melissa McCoy on editing “Ted Lasso” — it’s all about teamwork and passing the ball.

Adrian Pennington

August 15, 2021

Video Game Technology’s Impact on Filmmaking Has Only Just Started

Frame.io blogger Bryant Frazer examines the impact of the video game industry on storytelling with the development of new technologies.

Adrian Pennington

August 15, 2021

How Remote Editing Helped Make “Mare of Easttown”

Lead editor Amy E. Duddleston, ACE details how pandemic-forced delays impacted production and post-production for the hit HBO series.

Adrian Pennington

August 15, 2021

“The Green Knight:” Magical Storytelling from a Motel Room

Writer, director and editor David Lowery adapts a 700-year-old poem for A24’s “The Green Knight.”

Cristina Clapp

August 12, 2021

Depth in The Darkness: Telling “Lisey’s Story”

Shot by DP Darius Khondji on the ALEXA 65, Chilean filmmaker Pablo Larraíns adapts Stephen King’s psychological horror for the screen.

Adrian Pennington

August 11, 2021

2021 NAB Show Preview

Get excited about what you'll see on the show floor this year and start making plans to see new products up close. This exclusive preview of the 2021 NAB Show […]

Emily M. Reigart

August 10, 2021

Global Broadcast Equipment Market To Top $15 Billion In a Decade

Broadcast equipment sales are expected to top $6.2 billion globally this year according to new analysis from Persistence Market Research.

Adrian Pennington

August 10, 2021

Preserving History in Volumetric VR

UFA and the Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute present the world’s first volumetric contemporary witness interview of the Holocaust.

Adrian Pennington

August 10, 2021

The Visual Styles for “Watch the Sound with Mark Ronson”

Alongside an all-star guest lineup, DJ and music producer Mark Ronson’s new series for Apple TV+ shows how specific sounds are made.

Adrian Pennington

August 9, 2021

Smackdown: Rising Live Production Costs Vs. a Fragmenting Audience

Grass Valley’s Tim Shoulders outlines key technology trends and the impact of the global pandemic on live production and broadcast revenues.

Fergal Ringrose

August 9, 2021

“Filmmaking 1.0 to Filmmaking 5.0” — Virtual Production Technology Is Ready

Real-time game engine renderers have become integral to virtual production, replacing chroma-keying with green screens for LED backdrops.

Adrian Pennington

August 9, 2021

“The Infinite:” Producing Full-Body, Multisensory and Interactive VR

Felix & Paul Studios’ new virtual reality location-based traveling exhibit “The Infinite” promises to take visitors on a trip into space.

Adrian Pennington

August 8, 2021

Humans Aren’t the Only Ones Who Like to Vibe in VR

A study exploring the effects of virtual reality on brain activity may have revealed a new way to treat Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Emily M. Reigart

August 8, 2021

“Viva Las Vengeance:” Zombies, VR and Taco Trucks (Obviously)

Pure Imagination Studios, Fever and The Stone Quarry team up for the “Viva Las Vengeance” VR experience at LA’s Westfield Century City mall.

Adrian Pennington

August 8, 2021

What’s the Societal Impact of VR?

Virtual Reality has been shown to help improve mental health, but addiction to immersive virtual environments could be a growing problem.

Adrian Pennington

August 8, 2021

VR and Brain Waves: How Little We Know

UCLA research scientist Mayank Mehta releases findings that Virtual Reality can enhance human cognitive ability.

Adrian Pennington

August 8, 2021

Pipilotti Rist’s Video Art Is Immersive, Innovative and (Probably) Uncomfortably Intimate

Much of her camera angles focus on capturing unusual views, a literal representation of one of her artistic goals.

Emily M. Reigart

August 8, 2021

“Zola” Director Janicza Bravo Has One Crazy Story to Tell

Writer and director Janicza Bravo and co-writer Jeremy O. Harris adapt A’Ziah King infamous Twitter thread about a wild weekend in Florida.

Jennifer Wolfe

August 4, 2021

Reimagining the Immersive Live Experience for VR

Double Eye Studio uses Virtual Reality technology to reimagine immersive theater with VR director Kiira Benzing’s “Finding Pandora X.”

Adrian Pennington

August 4, 2021

How An Olympic Event Was Teleported Live

Japanese telecommunications company NTT demonstrates Kirari, a holographic substitute for live sports events, at the Tokyo Olympics.

Adrian Pennington

August 4, 2021

“Black Widow” Cinematography: How to Keep the Focus on the Film’s Characters

With a focus on the human condition, director of photography Gabriel Beristain details the cinematography of Marvel’s “Black Widow.”

Cristina Clapp

August 4, 2021

The AR/VR Market Will Be Worth $766 Billion by 2025… Possibly

Predictions for the global Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality market range from a low end of $58 billion to $766 Billion by 2025.

Adrian Pennington

August 4, 2021

M. Night Shyamalan’s “Old:” Hit the Reset Button

M. Night Shyamalan and cinematographer Mike Gioulakis brave both the Covid pandemic and hurricane season for the director’s latest feature.

Cristina Clapp

August 3, 2021

Mischief Making: The Visuals for “Loki”

Cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw details production of Marvel’s series, “Loki,” starring Tom Hiddleston and directed by Kate Herron.

Adrian Pennington

August 3, 2021

“The Suicide Squad:” How James Gunn Completed His Mission

Director James Gunn taps into magical realism for his triumphant return to the big (and small) screen.

Cristina Clapp

August 3, 2021

Immersive Content: Everything You Need to Know (Almost)

Live immersive VR has found an audience — one that continues to grow and engage with this genre of content in new and innovative ways.

Emily M. Reigart

August 2, 2021

Are Voice Actors About To be Replaced by Machines?

Backlash to the recreation of Anthony Bourdain’s voice for his “Roadrunner” documentary raises concerns about using AI for voice-over work.

Adrian Pennington

August 2, 2021

Crossing the Line: How the “Roadrunner” Documentary Created an Ethics Firestorm

Oscar-winning filmmaker Morgan Neville under fire with his latest documentary feature for using AI to recreate Anthony Bourdain’s voice.

Jennifer Wolfe

August 2, 2021

VR’s Field of Dreams Fail

Virtual Reality is widely thought to be the gateway to the Metaverse for the masses but it might be time for a reappraisal.

Adrian Pennington

August 1, 2021

Distributed Production Is the New Norm. Now About Those Lingering Questions…

Edit on Demand, Avid’s first SaaS offering for turn-key editorial, distributes cloud-hosted content from on-premises studio environments.

Adrian Pennington

July 29, 2021

IMS Transforms In-Venue Indy 500 Race Day for Returning Crowd

IMS Productions teams with Ross on new Unified Venue Control Solution for the Indy 500 using 47 different displays including 30 LED boards.

Fergal Ringrose

July 28, 2021

How Ed Sheeran Headlined Multiple Virtual Music Festivals

Electric Light Studio films an exclusive 10-track performance for virtual music festival iHeartRadio KIIS FM Wango Tango and Pandora LIVE.

Fergal Ringrose

July 28, 2021

Tour the Telemundo Deportes VR Set for Tokyo 2020 Coverage

Telemundo Deportes showcases its first multi-camera virtual reality set serving as one of the studio homes of Telemundo’s Olympics coverage.

Fergal Ringrose

July 27, 2021

Sports TV in 4D? Check it Out at the Tokyo 2020 Games

At the 2020 Olympic Games, 4DREPLAY’s 360-degree footage supports commentary and referees across 11 stadiums and 50 sporting events.

Fergal Ringrose

July 27, 2021

Immersive Video: Here’s a Good Place to Start

Immersive video is designed to make viewers feel like they are inside the video; VR experiences often allow users to interact with or direct the simulation.

Adrian Pennington

July 23, 2021

Discovery’s Cube Imports Immersive Video to Tokyo 2020

A new extended reality Cube studio is the centerpiece of Discovery’s coverage of Tokyo 2020. showcasing new software and motion graphics.

Fergal Ringrose

July 23, 2021

“The Pursuit of Love:” Stories of These Blithe Spirits

Shot by director of photography Zac Nicholson, BSC, “The Pursuit of Love” is a romantic comedy-drama set between the two World Wars.

Julian Mitchell

July 23, 2021

The (Pandemic) Post Pipeline for “Cruella”

“Cruella” editor Tatiana S. Riegel details the post production process for the Disney live action remake during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cristina Clapp

July 22, 2021

All the Ways the Olympics Are (and Aren’t) Immersive

From VR and AR Glasses to a 12K Video Wall, rights holders like NBC and Discovery want to immerse viewers in wall-to-wall Olympic action.

Adrian Pennington

July 22, 2021

Things We Said Today: Making “McCartney 3, 2, 1”

Hulu documentary series directed by Zachary Heinzerling pairs producer Rick Rubin with the legendary Beatle, Sir Paul McCartney.

Julian Mitchell

July 16, 2021

VFX for “F9:” Fueling the “Fast & Furious” Post Pipeline

The Fast & Furious franchise reaches its “Moonraker” phase, strapping a Pontiac Fiero to a rocket engine to destroy a satellite in space.

Adrian Pennington

July 15, 2021

Prepping Cloud-Resident Production and JPEG-XS Transport for NBC’s Olympics Broadcast

NBC Olympics selects TAG Video Systems to provide OTT monitoring and multiviewing for its production of the Games of the XXXII Olympiad.

Fergal Ringrose

July 15, 2021

How Cate Shortland Made the Fierce, Ultra-Feminist “Black Widow”

Director Cate Shortland moves from art house cinema to the Marvel Cinematic Universe with one of the most surprising super hero films yet.

Jennifer Wolfe

July 14, 2021

Tokyo 2020: Nobody’s There But the World is Watching

The Tokyo Olympics are eliminating a key component of live sports broadcasts under Japan’s state of emergency, but the show must go on.

Fergal Ringrose

July 13, 2021

Can Creative Olympics Coverage Distract From Those Empty Seats?

After a year of disruption to sporting events around the world, the decision to bar all spectators from Olympic venues undoubtedly casts a pall over the event’s televised experience – but preparations have been made to mediate the lack of crowd atmosphere, color, and noise.

Adrian Pennington

July 13, 2021

Does Netflix’s 4K-Only Rule Limit the Creativity of Its Originals?

Ari Mattes argues that Netflix Originals look “weird” because they don’t resemble what we conventionally think of as film.

Adrian Pennington

July 13, 2021

Restored and Reborn: “Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)”

Acclaimed filmmaking debut from musician and music historian Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson restores forgotten Black American history.

Jennifer Wolfe

July 12, 2021

“No Sudden Move:” The Lush Look of Steven Soderbergh’s Neo-Noir

“No Sudden Move” is a summer romp of a film, but look closer and you’ll see some effects you weren’t expecting.

Julian Mitchell

July 12, 2021

Why HBO’s Documentary “LFG” is Actually a BFD

“LFG is everything a documentary should be: there’s a clear story and fight at hand, the subjects are charismatic and prepared (and again, so, so cool), and there is a blatant lesson to be learned. “

Emily M. Reigart

July 7, 2021

Wimbledon 2021 Serves Up New AI and Cloud-Powered Experiences

AELTC’s Alexandra Willis welcomes back Wimbledon with innovative digital fan experiences from longtime technology partner IBM.

Fergal Ringrose

July 6, 2021

How Are Video Professionals Responding to Remote Workflows? Here’s a Report.

As working-from-home become the new norm, video production teams across countless industries have had to adopt new approaches.

Adrian Pennington

July 6, 2021

Take a Tour of ARRI’s Dark Bay Mixed Reality Studio

German camera manufacturer ARRI launches ARRI Solutions Group, offering of holistic solutions for the global film and television industry.

Fergal Ringrose

July 6, 2021

Aspect Ratio Rethink: When and Why to Shoot 4:3

Evoking earlier periods in cinema, many modern filmmakers are choosing to return to the boxier 4:3 aspect ratio enshrined by The Academy.

Adrian Pennington

July 6, 2021

“A Quiet Place Part II:” Building on the Story Through Sight and Sound

Director of photography Polly Morgan employs the Panavision Panaflex Millennium XL2 to capture those all-important close-ups.

Cristina Clapp

July 3, 2021

FIBA Olympic Basketball Qualifying Captured via Mediapro Alto

Mediapro Canada’s 53-foot expand mobile unit Alto will produce the international signal for domestic and international rights holders.

Fergal Ringrose

July 2, 2021

Taking Political Thriller “Oslo” from Stage to Screen to Stream

Director Bartlett Sher’s political drama portrays the events in the Israel/Palestine conflict leading up to the Oslo Accords in 1993.

Jennifer Wolfe

June 29, 2021

The Future is Medium Format

Yaroslav Altunin at CineD argues that new camera technology allows for so-called medium format cinematography to be produced on a budget.

Adrian Pennington

June 29, 2021

Is There More To a Digital Image Than Meets the Eye?

Macro effects called epiphenomena that we don’t see directly in images inform our perception and give us extra information about the image.

Adrian Pennington

June 22, 2021

After Tonight: The Joy of Making Steve McQueen’s “Lovers Rock”

Antiguan cinematographer Shabier Kirchner employed five different formats and lighting packages for Steve McQueen’s “Small Axe” anthology.

Jennifer Wolfe

June 22, 2021

“Spiral:” Developing and Designing a Soundscape for Scares

Company 3 sound mixer Mark “Z” Zsifkovits employs Dolby Atmos sound stage for Lionsgate’s latest installment of “The Book of Saw” franchise.

Cristina Clapp

June 15, 2021

Euro 2020 and What It Signals for Live Sports Production

The Stadio Olimpico in Rome hosted the first match of the tournament between Italy and Russia. Image shows the Henri Delauney Cup at the venue. Photo credit: Getty Images ESPN […]

Fergal Ringrose

June 15, 2021

Making the Beautiful Creep-Out That’s “Behind Her Eyes”

Cinematographer Felix Wiedemann uses the ARRI Alexa LF to create a naturalistic look for Netflix’s hit psychological thriller series.

Jennifer Wolfe

June 15, 2021

“A Quiet Place Part II:” Turns Out Silence is the Scariest Sound of All

Supervising sound team Erik Aadahl and Ethan van de Ryn return for director John Krasinski’s sequel.

Adrian Pennington

June 15, 2021

12K Did Not Come to Play

New use cases for Blackmagic Design’s URSA Mini Pro 12K digital camera demonstrate the compelling advantages of 12K capture.

Adrian Pennington

June 14, 2021

Finally! NBC Olympics Gears Up for Its Coverage of the Tokyo Games

NBCUniversal is planning to present 7,000 hours of coverage of the Tokyo Olympics this summer, compared to 170 hours in 1996.

Fergal Ringrose

June 14, 2021

I Am a Camera: “Inside,” Bo Burnham’s “Selfie” Netflix Special

Comedian Bo Burnham wrote, directed, shot, edited and produced “Inside,” his latest comedy special for Netflix, using the Lumix S1H.

Adrian Pennington

June 14, 2021

“Hundreds of Stories:” The Cinematography That Weaves Them Together for “In The Heights”

DP Alice Brooks employs the Panavision DXL2 to shoot the film adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s multi-Tony Award-winning stage musical.

Jennifer Wolfe

June 9, 2021

Time to Announce (and Celebrate) the NAB Technology Award Winners

Join NAB Amplify for a special online session, “The Future of Media and the NAB Technology Awards,” on Thursday, June 17 at 2 p.m. ET.

John Clark

June 8, 2021

Sense of Place: The Color and VFX for “Mare of Easttown”

Company 3 and sister company PowerHouse VFX help keep the HBO series grounded with a naturalistic look and film-style approach to the imagery.

Cristina Clapp

June 8, 2021

Live Production with IP-Driven NDI: This is How You Do It

Vizrt’s Network Device Interface allows anyone to use real time, ultra low latency video on existing IP video networks.

Fergal Ringrose

June 8, 2021

High Dynamic Range is Ready to Go Live

“The Future of Live HDR Production” panel delves into the benefits and challenges of delivering an enhanced consumer experience.

Fergal Ringrose

June 7, 2021

The Metaverse: Where Did It Come From and Where Is It Going?

No one knows exactly what The Metaverse is, but tech companies are pouring billions of dollars into it.

Adrian Pennington

June 7, 2021

Entering the Worlds(s) of Holographic TV

The NHK Science & Technology Research Lab moves beyond 8K to focus on immersive content production and display technologies.

Adrian Pennington

June 7, 2021

Five Ways the Pandemic Has Changed Hollywood Forever

As movie theaters and live events resume operation, here are five ways the entertainment industry has changed.

Adrian Pennington

June 7, 2021

“Profile” and the Possibilities of Screens-Only Storytelling

Kazakh-Russian filmmaker Timur Bekmambetov pushes his innovative Screenlife format with the release of “Profile” by Focus Features.

Adrian Pennington

June 7, 2021

What Happened in Vegas?? How Zack Snyder Raised an “Army of the Dead”

Zack Snyder’s ambitious, over-the-top zombie heist mashup employed customized RED Monstro cameras outfitted with vintage Canon Dream lenses.

Jennifer Wolfe

June 3, 2021

The Shoot-Out Before the Shoot-Out: Nonstop Action Cinematography for “Nobody”

Cinematographer Pawel Pogorzelski, ASC employs the RED Helium for Universal’s stylish action-thriller starring Bob Odenkirk.

Adrian Pennington

June 3, 2021

How “Mare of Easttown” is a Whole Mood

Creator and writer Brad Ingelsby and executive producer and series director Craig Zobel detail production for HBO’s “Mare of Easttown.”

Jennifer Wolfe

June 1, 2021

Eurovision Song Contest: This Has Got to Be the World’s Most Complex TV Production

Hosted by The Netherlands, ESC 2021 was the largest in-person entertainment event to take place in Europe since the start of the pandemic.

Fergal Ringrose

May 31, 2021

Broadcast News Was Critical in a Year of Constant Change

Annual newsroom survey from the Radio Television Digital News Association reports that a record 1,116 TV stations aired local news in 2020.

John Clark

May 25, 2021

How the Hybrid Concert Experience Happens

Todd Rundgren’s innovative adaptation of a 10-week road tour was localized in Chicago but virtualized across 25 different major US cities.

Fergal Ringrose

May 25, 2021

Fake FBI Documentary Producers Are Threatening Truth to Power

For over a decade the FBI has impersonated documentary filmmakers, but the extent of this abuse of the First Amendment is still unknown.

Adrian Pennington

May 25, 2021

Beautiful Nightmare: The Cinematography of “Them”

Cinematographers Checco Varese and Xavier Grobet create the unsettling ambience of racist paranoia in suburban Los Angeles for Amazon.

Adrian Pennington

May 24, 2021

Let’s Talk About the Future of Newsrooms

Like employees in other parts of M&E, journalists neither want to fully come back to the newsroom nor want to fully stay at home.

Adrian Pennington

May 24, 2021

“The Underground Railroad:” What It Took for Barry Jenkins to Bring It to Your Screen(s)

New 10-part series on Amazon Prime Video is based on Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning 2016 novel, “The Underground Railroad.”

Jennifer Wolfe

May 19, 2021

UEFA Euro 2020: 12 Facilities, Hundreds of Feeds, Two Billion Viewers, No Big Deal

Multinational facilities company Gravity Media to manage 12 European venues connected to an International Broadcast Center in Amsterdam.

Fergal Ringrose

May 18, 2021

Producing Mixed Reality for and With Live Media

Mixed reality solution for live media production delivers on-screen graphics and images for China’s CCTV and Spain’s VideoReport Canarias.

Fergal Ringrose

May 17, 2021

NextGen TV and the Consumer: The Future Has Arrived

Find out how consumers are responding to NextGen TV, also known as ATSC 3.0, with new research from Magid.

Cristina Clapp

May 17, 2021

So Here We Are in a Golden Age of Documentaries

The golden age of drama has shifted to a golden era for documentaries, with factual stories in higher demand across every platform.

Adrian Pennington

May 17, 2021

It’s Really Bad: The Origins of the Opioid Crisis in “Crime of the Century”

HBO’s new two-part documentary explores the origins, extent, and fallout of one of the most devastating public health tragedies of our time.

Jennifer Wolfe

May 11, 2021

How Pixar Uses Hyper-Colors to Hack Your Brain | Source: Wired

Adam Rogers delves into lighting for CG-animated films in his forthcoming book, “Full Spectrum: How the Science of Color Made Us Modern.”

Jennifer Wolfe

May 11, 2021

Natural Wonder: “Life in Color with David Attenborough”

Netflix docuseries employs new camera technologies for filming ultraviolet and polarized light to explore how animals use color in the wild.

Jennifer Wolfe

May 11, 2021

How the National Theatre Reworked (and Then Recorded) Its “Romeo & Juliet”

The UK’s National Theatre presents Shakespeare’s masterpiece in a cinematic journey that embraces the architecture of the theatrical space.

Fergal Ringrose

May 11, 2021

Live Production Scores at the 2021 NFL Draft

Ranking as the second-highest day on record, Round 1 of the 2021 NFL Draft drew an estimated average audience of 12.6 million viewers.

Fergal Ringrose

May 5, 2021

When Your International Competition Goes Virtual (Complete With Real-Time Judging)

Integrated Sports Systems employs Dejero’s EnGo mobile transmitters and WayPoint receiver for remote live video competition and judging.

Fergal Ringrose

May 4, 2021

Research IDs the Five Key Models of Live Remote Production

The UK’s Digital Production Partnership published its first “Going Live & Remote” report, defining five models for producing live content.

Fergal Ringrose

May 4, 2021

Raising the Curtain: The Royal Shakespeare Company’s “Live” Streaming Productions

“A first for us, we transformed our stage into what was essentially a TV studio.”

Fergal Ringrose

April 30, 2021

TV Industry Wants More WFH Flexibility Post-Pandemic

New surveys show that employees widely favor a hybrid model of working post-pandemic, ideally spending 2-3 days in the office each week.

Adrian Pennington

April 29, 2021

Academy Awards Broadcast: A Night at the Movies in a Changed World

The 93rd Academy Awards drew 9.85 million viewers and a 1.9 rating among adults 18-49, a steep drop from last year’s 23.64 million viewers.

Fergal Ringrose

April 28, 2021

Take It Outside: First Look at NBC’s Summer Olympics Broadcast

Host Mike Tirico will anchor this summer’s NBC Olympics primetime show from a fifth-floor deck with a panoramic view of the Tokyo skyline.

Fergal Ringrose

April 28, 2021

A Cut Above: The Editors for “Zack Snyder’s Justice League” | NAB Show Premiere Rewind

NAB Premiere session produced in partnership with the American Cinema Editors guild details post-production for HBO Max’s “The Snyder Cut.”

Jennifer Wolfe

April 27, 2021

Extreme E – Racing for a Cause | NAB Show Premiere Rewind

Extreme E chief marketing officer Ali Russell talks with NAB Amplify live production community director Fergal Ringrose for NAB Show Premiere 2021.

Fergal Ringrose

April 27, 2021

How Signature Revamped Its Studios to Connect Virtual Presenters

Chicago-based Signature Production Group adopted a new approach for connecting remote presenters into virtual events.

Fergal Ringrose

April 26, 2021

AI on BBC’s “Winterwatch:” Can You Automate a Wildlife Documentary?

The BBC Natural History Unit, BBC Research & Development and the Watches team tap AI techniques for intelligent video production tools.

Fergal Ringrose

April 20, 2021

Game Changing: How Esports Producers Have Adapted and Evolved During the Pandemic

ESL Gaming’s Simon Eicher, BLAST’s Nicolas Estrup and Faceit’s Andrew Lane on cloud-based workflows, virtualization and remote production.

Fergal Ringrose

April 20, 2021

“WeWork” Director Jed Rothstein on Telling a Modern Icarus Fable | Source: Collider

Hulu’s new feature documentary examines the rise and fall of a “disruptive” $47 billion unicorn led by hippie-messianic figure Adam Neumann.

Jennifer Wolfe

April 20, 2021

Oh Oh 8K… Do We Really Need More Than 4K? | Source: CineD

A remake of a James Bond promo video for the film “Skyfall” sends 007 off on a mission to save the world from 8K video.

Jennifer Wolfe

April 20, 2021

POD Power: NEP Adapts Air Freight Containers for Live and (Very) Mobile Production

NEP Germany partnered with Broadcast Solutions to develop a mobile broadcast pod for Servus TV Formula 1 coverage in Austria.

Fergal Ringrose

April 19, 2021

Filmmaker Finds An Unlikely Underwater Friend in “My Octopus Teacher” | Source: NPR

Filmmaker and naturalist Craig Foster spent years free-diving and filming in the sea kelp forest off of the coast of Cape Town, South Africa.

Jennifer Wolfe

April 13, 2021

The Pandemic Has Democratized Production in Ways We Don’t Even Realize

“It’s caused us all to change and it’s for the better, and it’s going to allow us to look very different in three or five years from now.”

Fergal Ringrose

April 12, 2021

“Fix it in Prep:” The New Mantra for COVID-Safe Virtual Production

“Virtual production brings together the best of traditional film with the best of video games with graphics and VFX to be able to do a lot more than on a traditional film set."

Adrian Pennington

April 12, 2021

“Hemingway:” How Do You Make That Writing Cinematic?

“One of the great challenges of this project was finding ways — visually, cinematically — to show how Hemingway honed his craft and how he used words to such extraordinary effect.”

Jennifer Wolfe

April 7, 2021

“Concrete Cowboy” Walks the Line Between Documentary and Narrative Filmmaking

Ricky Staub employs a documentary approach for “Concrete Cowboy,” celebrating Black cowboy culture in South Philadelphia.

Jennifer Wolfe

April 7, 2021

The Snyder Cut Versus Justice League: How Editing Can Change Everything | Source: Fstoppers

Thomas Flight delves into the editing choices in the two films, exploring their impact and overall feel.

Jennifer Wolfe

April 6, 2021

Uncovering Undersea Mysteries in “My Octopus Teacher” | Source: Adobe

Co-director and co-editor Pippa Ehrlich details the toolsets and workflow for assembling the multi-award-winning documentary feature.

Jennifer Wolfe

April 5, 2021

Camera to Cloud: What It’s Going to Take to Get Us There

An HPA Tech Retreat Supersession shows the work still needed for end-to-end cloud production

Adrian Pennington

April 5, 2021

Why M&E Must Reach the “Singularity” to Survive

Companies must become technology-driven organizations as they continuously explore new ways to disrupt with end-to-end entertainment experiences.

Adrian Pennington

April 4, 2021

“The Human Voice:” Pedro Almodóvar’s Perfect Pandemic Art

The Spanish director’s new short film starring Tilda Swinton channels the desperation of the COVID era.

Jennifer Wolfe

April 1, 2021

Shooting “Godzilla vs. Kong” as an Immersive 800 MPH Brawl | Source: Film School Rejects

Director Adam Wingard keeps the focus on the monsters in “Godzilla vs. Kong,” grounding impossible camera moves in shifting points of view.

Jennifer Wolfe

March 30, 2021

Face Off: “Welcome to Chechnya” Brings AI to Civil Rights Fight

“There’s now this tool for filmmakers to tell their stories in ways that haven’t been done before.”

Adrian Pennington

March 30, 2021

Learn About Ultra HD Opportunities and Challenges in 2021

Learn what the Ultra HD Forum is and what it does, and then get up to speed with what's happening in the global Ultra HD industry.

Cristina Clapp

March 29, 2021

Research: Video Production’s Carbon Footprint and the Way Forward

Part of an initiative by the cloud video editing and publishing platform Blackbird and consultancy Green Element, this report describes the environmental impact of TV production in frightening terms.

Jon Silberg

March 29, 2021

Is End-to-End Cloud Production Possible? Seems Like Yes

Seven filmmakers around the world tested creative, connected, remote, collaborative and cloud-based workflows.

Adrian Pennington

March 29, 2021

The Origin Story of “Zack Snyder’s Justice League” and What It Means for Moviemaking

Polarizing fans and critics alike, the long awaited four-hour director’s cut lands on HBO Max with a looping, roller coaster-like backstory.

Jennifer Wolfe

March 28, 2021

Global Production (Challenges and Solutions) on “The Serpent”

Making the new BBC/Netflix series on notorious “Hippie Trail” serial killer Charles Sobrahj

Julian Mitchell

March 26, 2021

Speak, Memory: Editing “Minari”

“I think the reason that I love this process so much is that I’m the first person that gets to see a scene as it’s being created.”

Jennifer Wolfe

March 23, 2021

Take a Tour of NBCU News Group’s New D.C. Studios

To get a view of the technologies behind the new facility, we spoke with Jay Hurt, Vice President of Engineering and Operations for NBC News Washington Bureau.

Fergal Ringrose

March 21, 2021

The Cameras Taking Viewers Closer to the Action in Empty Stadiums

LaLiga and Mediapro have incorporated a new pitch-side camera into their broadcasts, providing viewers with an image quality similar to that of a film or a video game

Fergal Ringrose

March 21, 2021

“Line of Duty:” Starting and Stopping and Starting (But Finally Finishing) Production

Director of Photography Tim Palmer describes how the hit BBC police drama “Line of Duty” returned to production under Covid safety measures.

Julian Mitchell

March 20, 2021

The Super Visuals of “WandaVision”

“The approach in essence was to study and absorb the references of each [time] period, to distill their technical and aesthetic choices and then to selectively apply these within our own stylistic sensibility.”

Jennifer Wolfe

March 19, 2021

How “Sound of Metal” Merges Sound Design, Effects and Editing

“The merging of disciplines had to be constant and never-ending. It was truly next-level, not just because of the bells and whistles we were able to come up with, but in the techniques we used.”

Jennifer Wolfe

March 16, 2021

Reimagining Live Sports Production — Capture, Cloud, Everything

“Once we stop looking at moving current production technologies and workflows to the cloud and instead ask how we reinvent live production it totally transforms how we cover events.”

Adrian Pennington

March 16, 2021

Forty Minutes With the Team from “The Forty-Year-Old Version”

Writer, director, producer and star Radha Blank reunites with her creative collaborators to discuss the film’s production and post.

Bryant Frazer

March 15, 2021

How the “Promising Young Woman” Editor Balanced Rom-Com, Thriller and Horror | Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Film editor Frédéric Thoraval discusses the roller-coaster tonal shifts of his collaboration with writer-director Emerald Fennell.

Jennifer Wolfe

March 15, 2021

How Mesh Networks Are Making a Splash With the America’s Cup

As yachts from Italy and the holders, New Zealand, compete for the 36th America’s Cup, it is very much a high-tech event, with a broadcast infrastructure to reflect that.

Fergal Ringrose

March 15, 2021

“Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry:” When/How Documentarians Get Up Close and Personal

Director of Photography Jenna Rosher captured a year in the life of the pop star’s meteoric rise from social media cult to global celebrity.

Adrian Pennington

March 12, 2021

Compression Advances to Transmit 8K UHD Video Over the Air

Spanish engineering company SAPEC recently demonstrated that 8K transmission over DVB-T2 is possible.

Fergal Ringrose

March 12, 2021

How a Small Crew on “The Truffle Hunters” Captured Sound and Light | Source: Variety

Filmmakers Michael Dweck and Gregory Kershaw use the ARRI Alexa Mini and Angénieux lenses for their documentary on the elusive Alba truffle.

Jennifer Wolfe

March 11, 2021

Reimagining Software-Defined Workflows | Source: SMPTE

A new white paper from MovieLabs establishes new guidelines for software-defined workflows for more efficient Cloud-based production.

Jennifer Wolfe

March 10, 2021

How Newton Thomas Sigel, ASC Crafted Six Distinct Looks for Apple TV+ Drama “Cherry”

Cinematographer Newton Thomas Sigel employed the Sony Venice for his collaboration with directors Anthony and Joe Russo for Apple TV+.

Jennifer Wolfe

March 9, 2021

The Changing (and Forever Changed) Media Tech Landscape

What did the industry experience in 2020? What can we expect in 2021?

Fergal Ringrose

March 9, 2021

A Roadmap for Resolution Independence

More pixels, better pixels. There is no slowing the need for higher and higher quality imaging.

Adrian Pennington

March 7, 2021

Reviewing the Workflow: World-First Remote Approach for Nordic World Ski 2021

“I think the most difficult question of these times is, how can we achieve a production quality we want to give to our rights holders and how can we manage not to have COVID impact the quality we deliver?"

Fergal Ringrose

March 7, 2021

“A Little Late with Lilly Singh:” Safely Capturing the Talk Show | Source: Panasonic Visual Systems

Ditching the traditional television studio, the daily talk show is produced at a house in Los Angeles following production protocols and safety guidelines.

Fergal Ringrose

March 4, 2021

The Look and Feel (and Feeling) of “Nomadland”

“It’s gorgeous to be sure, but gorgeous with purpose – Joshua James Richards’ naturalistic photography emphasizes the beauty of the American landscape, but also the beauty of the people who populate it.”

Robert J. Takata

March 3, 2021

Life on Mars: Audio and Video from Perseverance | Source: NASA

New video from NASA’s Mars 2020 Perseverance rover chronicles the final minutes of its entry, descent, and landing on the red planet.

Fergal Ringrose

March 1, 2021

Demo Days: News & Sports Production March 15 – March 26

Forget the online product demos that you’ve been watching over the past months. These are Amped up interactive events that make you as much about the experience as the presenter.

Cristina Clapp

February 26, 2021

How Sky Sports Works Now and How It Pivoted Production During Lockdown

To meet the challenge of live sports production under COVID-19, Sky Sports deployed robust cloud-based workflows and remote editing kits.

Fergal Ringrose

February 23, 2021

Crime and Punishment: Benjamin Kračun on “Promising Young Woman” | Source: British Cinematographer

DP Benjamin Kračun uses ARRI Alexa Minis paired with Panavision G-series anamorphic lenses to capture the film’s candy-drenched aesthetic.

Jennifer Wolfe

February 23, 2021

The Hollywood Tech Tricks Getting Film Crews Back on Set | Source: Wired

New technologies powering Hollywood films include Frame.io’s Camera to Cloud service and ILM’s virtual location scouting and backgrounds.

Jennifer Wolfe

February 23, 2021

Super Bowl LV: 3D Set Pieces, Cinematic Cameras and a Lombardi Hologram | Source: PRG

PRG contributed lighting, rigging, LED, video, networking, camera, projection, broadcast equipment, truss and gear rental to Super Bowl LV.

Fergal Ringrose

February 19, 2021

Home is Where I Want to Be: Ekwa Msangi’s Debut Feature “Farewell Amor”

Cinematographer Bruce Francis Cole captured the film’s intimate visuals with the ARRI Alexa Mini and Panavision Primo and Cooke Panchro lenses.

Jennifer Wolfe

February 19, 2021

Nostradamus Report Foresees a Transformed Landscape | Source: Variety

The ongoing research project finds the pandemic has accelerated critical changes in media and entertainment.

Jennifer Wolfe

February 18, 2021

“MLK/FBI:” How Sam Pollard’s Documentary Assembled Memos, Media and Memories

Based on newly discovered and declassified files, the documentary explores the government’s history of targeting Black activists.

Jennifer Wolfe

February 15, 2021

Out of the Past: How Sound Designer Ren Klyce Embedded the Moviegoing Experience in “Mank”

Crafting the ambience of a theatrical screening, “Mank” sound designer Ren Klyce evokes the moviegoing experience for streaming audiences.

Bryant Frazer

February 8, 2021

How AI and ML Are Revolutionizing Content Creation and Distribution

This discussion highlights real-world applications of AI by content producers and distributors.

Will Vormelker

February 8, 2021

Live Event Production and Viewer Engagement

Learn strategic and tactical approaches to get audiences to watch and engage with your content.

Will Vormelker

February 8, 2021

“Safety:” Teamwork and Workflows

How the film accelerated the collaboration between production and post

Bryant Frazer

February 7, 2021

Episodic Content Continues to Grow and Virtual Production Meets the Demand | Source: Sohonet

Virtual production is one sector which actually has been helped by pandemic restrictions. Crews can work more safely on a virtual stage and the costs of location shooting are saved. The technology is expensive up front, but as producers become used to the changes to workflow, cost and production time should come down.

Robert J. Takata

February 7, 2021

Setting the Standards and Systems for Remote Access and Back to Work

As the impact of COVID-19 on the global production community settlers into a “new normal," we’ve seen an exponential increase in adoption of technologies that exist in a more fluid, instant and “always on” infrastructure.

Will Vormelker

February 1, 2021

Literally the Next Frontier: Virtual Reality Production in Space

Felix & Paul Studios bring VR production into orbit for their pioneering four-part immersive series “Space Explorers: The ISS Experience.”

Jennifer Wolfe

January 25, 2021

Covering the Coverage: How the Biden-Harris Inauguration was Broadcast

With 39.87 million viewers tuning in, live coverage of the inauguration ceremony used Snapchat and AR lenses to boost audience engagement.

Fergal Ringrose

January 25, 2021

What’s Next? Virtual Production, Secure Cloud Workflows and Remote Finishing

“Like everyone else in the entertainment industry, we have found ourselves in a new age of innovation and urgency to solve for our greatest challenges,” says DFT COO Nancy Jundi.

Cristina Clapp

January 24, 2021

Float Like a Butterfly: The Camerawork for “One Night in Miami…”

Cinematographer Tami Reiker employed the ARRI Alexa 65 large-format camera for Regina King’s directorial feature debut.

Jennifer Wolfe

January 24, 2021

The Sports Tech Trends That Have Emerged During the Pandemic

Artificial intelligence, esports, venue management and remote production were all key trends driving the sports industry forward in 2020.

Fergal Ringrose

January 24, 2021

How COVID-19 Has Changed On-Set Technology

“I think as 2020 has proven, anyone’s five-year plan can change in an instant! The key thing is to keep an open and agile approach to innovation and development.”

Julian Mitchell

January 21, 2021

CES 2021: 10 Takeaways for Media and Technology Professionals

Here's what happened at the show and why it will matter to you.

Adrian Pennington

January 18, 2021

How Film Production Has Changed Due to the Pandemic | Source: No Film School

In order to keep shooting, film production has pivoted to adapt to the real world issues of a global pandemic.

Robert J. Takata

January 15, 2021

When the Only Constant is Change: TV Production During COVID-19

"Line of Duty" cinematographer Tim Palmer explains how shooting was possible within new COVID rules and how compliance actually gave him and his crew more confidence the more they shot.

Julian Mitchell

January 12, 2021

The Challenge of Producing Live Emmy Award Programming During a Pandemic

How do you produce a traditional Emmy Award ceremony when no one can attend the event in a concert hall?

Jonathan Toomey

January 4, 2021

“Death to 2020:” “Black Mirror” Creators on Production During and About the Pandemic | Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Annabel Jones and Charlie Brooker detail the challenges of producing their end-of-year special for Netflix.

Jennifer Wolfe

January 4, 2021

It’s Time to Make Our Broadcast Technology Predictions for 2021

We wanted to know what technologists in our industry are excited about and expect (or hope) to see in 2021.

Cristina Clapp

January 4, 2021

Using Open Cloud Infrastructure for Live Production | Source: SMPTE

As cloud services become more ubiquitous and less expensive, broadcasters are becoming eager to utilize the cloud, especially in live streaming media production.

Robert J. Takata

January 3, 2021

Composition Techniques Seen in “The Queen’s Gambit” | Source: PetaPixel

Martin Kaninsky examines the composition techniques utilized by DP Steven Meizler.

Robert J. Takata

December 27, 2020

“American Utopia:” How Ellen Kuras, ASC Captured David Byrne’s Perpetual Motion | Source: SonyCine

AbelCine’s Megan Donnelly talks with Ellen Kuras, ASC about cinematography for “David Byrne’s American Utopia.”

Jennifer Wolfe

December 21, 2020

8K Cinematography: The What and the Why

Cinematographers are increasingly selecting to shoot at 8K resolutions for the creative freedom it gives to episodic drama and feature film.

Adrian Pennington

December 20, 2020

What It Took to Make “Mank”

Combining old-school techniques with 21st-century technology, 1930s Hollywood is recreated in loving detail for David Fincher’s “Mank.”

Bryant Frazer

December 20, 2020

Post in a Pandemic: How the Team From “What We Do in the Shadows” Evolved | SonyCine

Colorist Ethan Schwartz details the remote post-production workflow created for the second season of FX’s “What We Do in the Shadows.”

Jennifer Wolfe

December 20, 2020

How “She Dies Tomorrow” Lived

Called “one of the most prescient films of the decade,” She Dies Tomorrow¸ from Neon and writer/director Amy Seimetz, centers on a woman who believes she is about to die from a mysterious illness that is also highly contagious.

Jonathan Toomey

December 20, 2020

“The Midnight Sky:” Viewing the Possibilities for Virtual Production

George Clooney in “The Midnight Sky,” image courtesy of Netflix “It’s a big movie and a small one,” admits The Midnight Sky cinematographer Martin Rühe, a frequent collaborator of director […]

Julian Mitchell

December 20, 2020

A Virtual Tour of, Yes, a Virtual Production Studio

As virtual production goes mainstream, On-Set Facilities’ Asa Bailey discusses the logistics and technological tools for studio setups.

Adrian Pennington

December 14, 2020

“Brave New World:” IABM’s Projections and Predictions

IABM’s Head of Insight and Analysis Lorenzo Zanni shares the organization’s latest research and analysis on the current state of broadcast and media

Cristina Clapp

December 14, 2020

Circling the Waters | Source: ICG Magazine

ABC’s “Shark Tank” delivers a master-class in how to safely film a reality production during a pandemic.

Jennifer Wolfe

December 14, 2020

How the “Swiss Cheese” is Made: The Difficult and Expensive Reality of Filming TV Series Amid the Pandemic | Source: Deadline

Television production safety protocols appear to be keeping COVID-19 at bay, but skyrocketing costs could derail otherwise profitable shows.

Jennifer Wolfe

December 13, 2020

In Harm’s Way: Strategies to Mitigate Onset Liability

What new technologies can be developed — and what existing technologies can be utilized — to create a safer production environment?

Jonathan Toomey

December 13, 2020

Navigating the Storm: How BBC News Adapted and Innovated in 2020

BBC News' Morwen Williams reviews the challenges of remote working and new technologies used during the Covid-19 crisis

Cristina Clapp

December 7, 2020

The Problem With Resolution | Source: Newsshooter

Human perception of image resolution doesn’t run in a straight line, but instead extends logarithmically.

Jennifer Wolfe

December 7, 2020

What’s Next for Imaging? We Asked These Experts

Bill Bennett, ASC, Erik Weaver and Pete Ludé discuss the developments they expect to see in 2021.

Jon Silberg

December 6, 2020

Higher Bitrates Don’t Always Mean a Better Picture: Here’s Why | Source: RedShark News

Defined to ensure a minimal picture quality through the broadcast chain, broadcast standards don’t always stack up in the real world.

Jennifer Wolfe

December 6, 2020

First Look at Sony’s FX6: Affordable, Portable, Professional

Sony’s FX6 falls between the company’s a7S III still/video camera and the FX9 in size, cost and functionality, though it is priced closer to the a7S III it sports features from both.

Cristina Clapp

December 2, 2020

New Year, New Resolutions: How Imaging Advances Have Been… Advancing

From live HDR and 12K capture to realtime LED lighting and 3D gesture-based visualization, here are the production breakthroughs of the year.

Adrian Pennington

December 2, 2020

Producing Live TV: The Game Changed and We Changed With It

This year, video production had to really become remote, distributed and decentralized thanks to the enforced new working from home (WFH) culture.

Fergal Ringrose

November 25, 2020

Once in a Lifetime: How Adam Gough Assembled “David Byrne’s American Utopia”

Editor Adam Gough on his collaboration with director Spike Lee, choreographer Annie-B Parson and cinematographer Ellen Kuras.

Jennifer Wolfe

February 16, 2024

“The Zone of Interest:” New Holocaust Film Powerfully Lays Bare the Mechanisms of Genocide

Writer and director Jonathan Glazer’s film “The Zone of Interest” uncovers the day-to-day banality of the horrors of the Holocaust.

Amplify Content Team

June 13, 2024

Will the Creator Economy Become a Confluence of UGC and GenAI?

Multimedia journalist Peter Bittner synthesizes how GenAI and user-generated content can revolutionize the creator economy

Jennifer Wolfe

June 13, 2024

How Richard Linklater’s “Hit Man” Deconstructs Cinema’s Archetypal Gun for Hire

Filmmaker Richard Linklater discusses his new movie ‘Hit Man,’ influenced by film noir’s stark lighting, deep shadows and dramatic angles.

Adrian Pennington

June 12, 2024

How Do You Deliver Sports Personalization at an Olympic Scale? Yiannis Exarchos Is Warming Up for Paris.

Yiannis Exarchos, CEO of Olympic Broadcasting Services, describes the organization’s modular approach to content production and distribution.

Adrian Pennington

June 12, 2024

Session Recordings from 2023 NAB Show New York

Follow the links below to watch sessions recorded at the three show floor stages at 2023 NAB Show New York. Insight Theater sessions at the 2023 NAB Show covered topics […]

June 12, 2024

Data Logistics Challenges in Moving High-Resolution Files (340)

2023 NAB Show New York Tech Chat Stage session "Data Logistics Challenges in Moving High-Resolution Files," recorded October 26, 2023. Sponsored by Seagate and featuring Jonathan Bauder.

June 12, 2024

Virtualization of the Radio Station (219)

2023 NAB Show New York Tech Chat Stage session "Virtualization of the Radio Station," recorded October 26, 2023. Featuring Alex Roman of MediaCo Holding..

June 12, 2024

Hyperconverged Sustainability (339)

2023 NAB Show New York Tech Chat Stage session "Hyperconverged Sustainability," recorded October 26, 2023. Sponsored by Ross Video and featuring Amanda Holtstrom.

June 12, 2024

Getting to Final_Final Faster with Live Collaboration on Dropbox Replay (331)

2023 NAB Show New York Tech Chat Stage session "Getting to Final_Final Faster with Live Collaboration on Dropbox Replay," recorded October 26, 2023. Sponsored by Dropbox and featuring Andy Wilson and Dylan Ostrow Nelson.

June 12, 2024

Future-Proofing Your Production Workflows: Embrace the Possibilities of ST 2110 (309)

2023 NAB Show New York Tech Chat Stage session "Future-Proofing Your Production Workflows: Embrace the Possibilities of ST 2110," recorded October 26, 2023. Sponsored by Panasonic Connect and featuring speakers from ZeroSpace and Panasonic Connect.

June 12, 2024

​The Evolution of Hybrid SDI/ST 2110 Systems: The Future Is on the HorizoN (330)

2023 NAB Show New York Tech Chat Stage session "​The Evolution of Hybrid SDI/ST 2110 Systems: The Future Is on the HorizoN," recorded October 26, 2023. Sponsored by Riedel Communications and featuring Rick Seegull.

June 29, 2023

Perpetual Motion: Getting That 21-Minute Take for “Extraction 2”

Intensifying the action, stuntman-turned-director Sam Hargrave delivers an extraordinary 21-minute “oner” for Netflix’s “Extraction 2”

Julian Mitchell

June 20, 2023

“Black Mirror:” Charlie Brooker Sees a Different Reflection

Gazing inward, Season 6 of media-tech satire “Black Mirror” contends that people prefer viewing content “in a state of mesmerized horror.”

Adrian Pennington

June 20, 2023

Twisted (Twin) Sisters: Double the Cinematography for “Dead Ringers”

Starring Rachel Weisz, Amazon Prime Video series “Dead Ringers” nods to the 1998 David Cronenberg movie but changes the fundamentals.

Julian Mitchell

June 20, 2023

Capturing the Chaos: Cinematography on the Next-Level Bonkers “Beef”

Cinematographer Larkin Seiple goes from restrained to “full Coen Brothers mayhem” for the Netflix series “Beef.”

Julian Mitchell

April 4, 2023

When It’s All an Action Sequence: Editing “John Wick Chapter 4”

Director Chad Stahelski chose to work with editor Nathan Orloff on “John Wick 4” because he had no preconceptions about action films.

Adrian Pennington

August 14, 2022

“Bullet Train:” Virtual Production, New IP, All the Punching

Director David Leitch’s “Bullet Train” is an assassin movie with comedy, action, and an existential question at the center of it all.

Adrian Pennington

April 17, 2023

What It Takes to Translate a Game to a Series: Production and Post on “The Last of Us”

NAB Show 2023 draws standing-room only audience for “American Cinema Editors Presents HBO’s ‘The Last of Us’” panel discussion.

NAB Show Daily

March 28, 2023

Screens-Only Storytelling: How “Missing” Was Made

Film editors Austin Keeling and Arielle Zakowski explain how they assembled “Missing,” which was designed to be told entirely on screens.

Julian Mitchell