The Making Of

"The Making Of" explores the creative pros behind the most innovative films & TV shows in recent history.

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149 episodes
Updated Thursday
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Episodes149

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Thursday · 43 min
Natasha Braier ASC, ADF on Crafting "I Love Boosters," DeepLight Community, & More
In this episode, we welcome Natasha Braier ASC, ADF, the cinematographer behind acclaimed films such as She Said, Honey Boy, The Neon Demon, Gloria Bell, and I Love Boosters. In our conversation, Natasha shares her journey from her roots in Argentina to building a career in Los Angeles, along with a behind-the-scenes look at the making of I Love Boosters, directed by Boots Riley. She also discusses DeepLight, the cinematography community she founded, and offers thoughtful advice for the next generation of filmmakers. “The Making Of” is presented by AJA: Futureproofing with IP video As production workflows rapidly evolve, IP video is key to building more scalable, future-ready pipelines. To get up to speed on the IP fundamentals and gain insights into the various IP paths – like ST 2110, NDI, Dante AV, and SRT – download AJA’s free IP video white paper today. A Solution Built Around Your Workflow The OWC Express 4M2 Ultra is available in a range of configurations to fit your workflow and budget. Choose from ready-to-run solutions with up to 32TB of high-performance NVMe storage, giving you the speed, capacity, and reliability needed for everything from multi-camera editing to demanding VFX and finishing workflows. Available now. Learn more here Intelligent Production Hub New this summer from the Intelligent Production Hub: hands-on training in the AI and real-time tools working productions run on. Intro to NVIDIA NvRTX (Jul 29), AI Video Creators Workshop (Aug 7), AI Creativity with Comfy (Aug 12), plus role-based AI sessions for editing, VFX, sound, and design. See the full schedule here ZEISS Introduces Horizon Anamorphic: Full-Frame 2x Anamorphics with a New Lens Technology Platform ZEISS unveils the Horizon Anamorphic series, a new lineup of full-frame 2x anamorphic cinema lenses designed to deliver a distinctive cinematic look along with a new lens technology platform that answers the need for speed and precision demanded by contemporary production workflows. Spanning 35mm to 200mm across seven focal lengths, Horizon lenses combine their anamorphic look—incorporating a pronounced oval bokeh and stretched sense of spatial depth—with a lightweight, fully integrated motorized system that eliminates the need for external focus or iris motors. Read more here Elgato Prompter XL The Elgato Prompter XL is a professional all-in-one teleprompter with a 15.6” removable display and a reading range of up to 15 feet. Featuring USB 3.2 connectivity and broad compatibility, it’s ideal for live productions and content creation. Available now at Videoguys.com—call 800-323-2325 to learn more. Explore here Podcast Rewind: July 2026 - Ep. 143. Explore a Partnership with The Making Of: Reach over 270,000 film production industry, broadcast professionals, and content creators reading this newsletter. To learn more, please email mvalinsky@me.com Get full access to The Making Of at themakingof.substack.com/subscribe
July 22 · 33 min
"Dark" Cinematographer Nik Summerer ASC on Crafting "Color Book" in Black & White
In this episode, we welcome cinematographer Nik Summerer ASC, best known for his work on the critically acclaimed series Dark, as well as 1899 and the feature film Color Book, now streaming on Netflix. In our conversation, Nik shares his journey into cinematography, reflecting on his influences and the path that led him behind the camera. We take a deep dive into the making of Color Book, exploring his visual storytelling approach, the techniques he employed, and the tools he used to bring this striking black-and-white drama to life. Nik also offers real-world advice for students and emerging filmmakers looking to build a career in the industry. “The Making Of” is presented by AJA: AJA introduces high-performance Thunderbolt™ 5-enabled PCIe expansion chassis Meet Io Xpand, a Thunderbolt 5 expansion chassis for AJA KONA and Corvid I/O cards. Io Xpand lets video professionals integrate the performance of AJA PCIe I/O cards on Thunderbolt 5 laptops and mini-PCs for an incredibly powerful, fast, and portable I/O solution for on set, remote production, and live switching. Visit here Intelligent Production Hub New this summer from the Intelligent Production Hub: hands-on training in the AI and real-time tools working productions run on. Intro to NVIDIA NvRTX (Jul 29), AI Video Creators Workshop (Aug 7), AI Creativity with Comfy (Aug 12), plus role-based AI sessions for editing, VFX, sound, and design. See the full schedule here A Solution Built Around Your Workflow The OWC Express 4M2 Ultra is available in a range of configurations to fit your workflow and budget. Choose from ready-to-run solutions with up to 32TB of high-performance NVMe storage, giving you the speed, capacity, and reliability needed for everything from multi-camera editing to demanding VFX and finishing workflows. Available now. Learn more here ZEISS Introduces Horizon Anamorphic: Full-Frame 2x Anamorphics with a New Lens Technology Platform ZEISS unveils the Horizon Anamorphic series, a new lineup of full-frame 2x anamorphic cinema lenses designed to deliver a distinctive cinematic look along with a new lens technology platform that answers the need for speed and precision demanded by contemporary production workflows. Spanning 35mm to 200mm across seven focal lengths, Horizon lenses combine their anamorphic look—incorporating a pronounced oval bokeh and stretched sense of spatial depth—with a lightweight, fully integrated motorized system that eliminates the need for external focus or iris motors. Read more here Elgato Prompter XL The Elgato Prompter XL is a professional all-in-one teleprompter with a 15.6" removable display and a reading range of up to 15 feet. Featuring USB 3.2 connectivity and broad compatibility, it's ideal for live productions and content creation. Available now at Videoguys.com—call 800-323-2325 to learn more. Explore here Podcast Rewind: July 2026 - Ep. 142. Explore a Partnership with The Making Of: Reach over 275,000 film production industry, broadcast professionals, and content creators reading this newsletter. To learn more, please email mvalinsky@me.com Get full access to The Making Of at themakingof.substack.com/subscribe
July 15 · 24 min
Filmmaker Connie He + Google DeepMind's Márcia Mayer on Making the Tribeca Festival Animated Short Film
In this episode, we welcome director Connie He and Google DeepMind’s Márcia Mayer to discuss the making of Dear Upstairs Neighbors, which premiered at the Tribeca Festival in June. Connie and Márcia, both Pixar alumni, embarked on a creative journey to explore how emerging technologies could help bring Connie’s story and artistic vision to life. In our conversation, they discuss their respective roles in the project, the collaborative process behind this unique animated film, DeepMind’s mission to empower creators through cutting-edge technology, and what they learned along the way. They also share advice for the next generation of storytellers navigating today’s rapidly evolving creative landscape. “The Making Of” is presented by AJA: AJA introduces high-performance Thunderbolt™ 5-enabled PCIe expansion chassis Meet Io Xpand, a Thunderbolt 5 expansion chassis for AJA KONA and Corvid I/O cards. Io Xpand lets video professionals integrate the performance of AJA PCIe I/O cards on Thunderbolt 5 laptops and mini-PCs for an incredibly powerful, fast, and portable I/O solution for on set, remote production, and live switching. Visit here A Solution Built Around Your Workflow The OWC Express 4M2 Ultra is available in a range of configurations to fit your workflow and budget. Choose from ready-to-run solutions with up to 32TB of high-performance NVMe storage, giving you the speed, capacity, and reliability needed for everything from multi-camera editing to demanding VFX and finishing workflows. Available now. Learn more here New York City | July 28 The sports-production landscape is undergoing a dramatic transformation as a result of the cloud and AI, and SVG’s new Cloud & Content Workflows Summit is where the industry comes together to navigate it. As virtualized hardware, cloud-based workflows, and AI-powered tools become more commonplace, the entire sports-production supply chain is being reimagined from the ground up. This special event brings together SVG’s previous Cloud Production and Content Management events into a single, comprehensive day of programming—covering both live and non-live production workflows alike. Learn more here ZEISS Introduces Horizon Anamorphic: Full-Frame 2x Anamorphics with a New Lens Technology Platform ZEISS unveils the Horizon Anamorphic series, a new lineup of full-frame 2x anamorphic cinema lenses designed to deliver a distinctive cinematic look along with a new lens technology platform that answers the need for speed and precision demanded by contemporary production workflows. Spanning 35mm to 200mm across seven focal lengths, Horizon lenses combine their anamorphic look—incorporating a pronounced oval bokeh and stretched sense of spatial depth—with a lightweight, fully integrated motorized system that eliminates the need for external focus or iris motors. Read more here SanDisk Extreme PRO USB4 Portable SSD Power your workflow with the SanDisk Extreme PRO USB4 Portable SSD, available in 2TB and 4TB capacities. Featuring speeds up to 3800 MB/s read and 3700 MB/s write, it’s built for fast transfers and editing. The rugged, IP65-rated design is ready for work anywhere. Learn more at Videoguys or call 800.323.2325 for free tech advice. View here Podcast Rewind: July 2026 - Ep. 141. Explore a Partnership with The Making Of: Reach over 275,000 film industry, broadcast professionals, and content creators reading this weekly newsletter. To learn more, please email mvalinsky@me.com Get full access to The Making Of at themakingof.substack.com/subscribe
July 8 · 26 min
"Hammerhead Sharks Up Close" Cinematographer Jeff Hester on Capturing Sharks Underwater for Nat Geo
In this episode, we welcome award-winning cinematographer Jeff Hester, whose work includes documentaries such as Postcard from Earth, Our Planet, Dolphins Up Close with Bertie Gregory, Planet Earth III, and Hammerhead Sharks Up Close for Nat Geo’s annual summer event, SHARKFEST. In our conversation, Jeff shares his journey into cinematography, how he developed his unique skill set, and the making of Hammerhead Sharks Up Close. He also discusses what it’s like to film underwater alongside sharks, the specialized cameras and techniques used to capture these incredible images, and offers valuable insights for the next generation of filmmakers. “The Making Of” is presented by AJA: AJA introduces high-performance Thunderbolt™ 5-enabled PCIe expansion chassis Meet Io Xpand, a Thunderbolt 5 expansion chassis for AJA KONA and Corvid I/O cards. Io Xpand lets video professionals integrate the performance of AJA PCIe I/O cards on Thunderbolt 5 laptops and mini-PCs for an incredibly powerful, fast, and portable I/O solution for on set, remote production, and live switching. Visit here Thunderbolt 5 Speed. DIY RAID Without Limits. The OWC Express 4M2 Ultra is a next-gen Thunderbolt 5 NVMe enclosure built for serious post workflows. Delivering up to 6622MB/s, it lets you use your own drives to create a high-performance RAID with up to 32TB—and beyond via daisy chaining. Compact, powerful, and scalable for 8K+ and VFX workflows. Available for pre-order now, shipping in late June. Explore here New York City | July 28 The sports-production landscape is undergoing a dramatic transformation as a result of the cloud and AI, and SVG’s new Cloud & Content Workflows Summit is where the industry comes together to navigate it. As virtualized hardware, cloud-based workflows, and AI-powered tools become more commonplace, the entire sports-production supply chain is being reimagined from the ground up. This special event brings together SVG’s previous Cloud Production and Content Management events into a single, comprehensive day of programming—covering both live and non-live production workflows alike. Learn more here ZEISS Introduces Horizon Anamorphic: Full-Frame 2x Anamorphics with a New Lens Technology Platform ZEISS unveils the Horizon Anamorphic series, a new lineup of full-frame 2x anamorphic cinema lenses designed to deliver a distinctive cinematic look along with a new lens technology platform that answers the need for speed and precision demanded by contemporary production workflows. Spanning 35mm to 200mm across seven focal lengths, Horizon lenses combine their anamorphic look—incorporating a pronounced oval bokeh and stretched sense of spatial depth—with a lightweight, fully integrated motorized system that eliminates the need for external focus or iris motors. Read more here SanDisk Extreme PRO USB4 Portable SSD Power your workflow with the SanDisk Extreme PRO USB4 Portable SSD, available in 2TB and 4TB capacities. Featuring speeds up to 3800 MB/s read and 3700 MB/s write, it’s built for fast transfers and editing. The rugged, IP65-rated design is ready for work anywhere. Learn more at Videoguys or call 800.323.2325 for free tech advice. View here Podcast Rewind: July 2026 - Ep. 140. Promote your brand with The Making Of: Reach 275,000+ film industry, broadcast pros, and content creators reading this newsletter. To explore a partnership, please email mvalinsky@me.com Get full access to The Making Of at themakingof.substack.com/subscribe
July 2 · 42 min
"Cape Fear" Cinematographer Eben Bolter ASC, BSC on Crafting the Series for Apple TV
In this episode, we welcome Eben Bolter ASC, BSC, cinematographer of the new Apple TV series Cape Fear. Eben has also lensed acclaimed projects including The Life of Chuck, The Last of Us, and Slow Horses. In our conversation, he shares his journey into cinematography, the experiences that shaped his career, and his approach to developing the visual language of Cape Fear. He takes a deep dive into the cameras, lenses, lighting, and techniques used to bring the series to life, while offering valuable advice for the next generation of filmmakers. “The Making Of” is presented by AJA: AJA introduces high-performance Thunderbolt™ 5-enabled PCIe expansion chassis Meet Io Xpand, a Thunderbolt 5 expansion chassis for AJA KONA and Corvid I/O cards. Io Xpand lets video professionals integrate the performance of AJA PCIe I/O cards on Thunderbolt 5 laptops and mini-PCs for an incredibly powerful, fast, and portable I/O solution for on set, remote production, and live switching. Visit here Thunderbolt 5 Speed. DIY RAID Without Limits. The OWC Express 4M2 Ultra is a next-gen Thunderbolt 5 NVMe enclosure built for serious post workflows. Delivering up to 6622MB/s, it lets you use your own drives to create a high-performance RAID with up to 32TB—and beyond via daisy chaining. Compact, powerful, and scalable for 8K+ and VFX workflows. Available for pre-order now, shipping in late June. Explore here ZEISS Introduces Horizon Anamorphic: Full-Frame 2x Anamorphics with a New Lens Technology Platform ZEISS unveils the Horizon Anamorphic series, a new lineup of full-frame 2x anamorphic cinema lenses designed to deliver a distinctive cinematic look along with a new lens technology platform that answers the need for speed and precision demanded by contemporary production workflows. Spanning 35mm to 200mm across seven focal lengths, Horizon lenses combine their anamorphic look—incorporating a pronounced oval bokeh and stretched sense of spatial depth—with a lightweight, fully integrated motorized system that eliminates the need for external focus or iris motors. Read more here SanDisk Extreme PRO USB4 Portable SSD Power your workflow with the SanDisk Extreme PRO USB4 Portable SSD, available in 2TB and 4TB capacities. Featuring speeds up to 3800 MB/s read and 3700 MB/s write, it’s built for fast transfers and editing. The rugged, IP65-rated design is ready for work anywhere. Learn more at Videoguys or call 800.323.2325 for free tech advice. View here Podcast Rewind: June 2026 - Ep. 139. Promote your Brand with The Making Of: Reach 270,000+ film industry, broadcast pros, and content creators reading this weekly newsletter. To explore a partnership, please email mvalinsky@me.com Get full access to The Making Of at themakingof.substack.com/subscribe
June 24 · 46 min
"Michael" Colorist & Company 3 Founder Stefan Sonnenfeld on Grading the Record-Breaking Biopic
In this episode of The Making Of, we welcome legendary colorist and Company 3 founder/CEO Stefan Sonnenfeld. Stefan shares his journey into color grading, the evolution of his career, and the story behind building one of the industry's most respected post-production companies. He also discusses his work on Michael, the global blockbuster about Michael Jackson that has grossed nearly $1 billion worldwide, and how he helped shape the film’s visual identity through color. During our chat, Stefan offers advice for the next generation of creatives on craftsmanship, collaboration, and building a lasting career in film. “The Making Of” is presented by AJA: Bridging ST 2110 with the Broader IP World As IP adoption accelerates, establishing a seamless flow for IP media across a production is fundamental. Need to move compressed IP production media onto an ST 2110 network or deliver ST 2110 media to platforms that only accept compressed media? Discover how AJA BRIDGE LIVE makes both easy. Thunderbolt 5 Speed. DIY RAID Without Limits. The OWC Express 4M2 Ultra is a next-gen Thunderbolt 5 NVMe enclosure built for serious post workflows. Delivering up to 6622MB/s, it lets you use your own drives to create a high-performance RAID with up to 32TB—and beyond via daisy chaining. Compact, powerful, and scalable for 8K+ and VFX workflows. Available for pre-order now, shipping in late June. Browse here ZEISS Introduces Horizon Anamorphic: Full-Frame 2x Anamorphics with a New Lens Technology Platform ZEISS unveils the Horizon Anamorphic series, a new lineup of full-frame 2x anamorphic cinema lenses designed to deliver a distinctive cinematic look along with a new lens technology platform that answers the need for speed and precision demanded by contemporary production workflows. Spanning 35mm to 200mm across seven focal lengths, Horizon lenses combine their anamorphic look—incorporating a pronounced oval bokeh and stretched sense of spatial depth—with a lightweight, fully integrated motorized system that eliminates the need for external focus or iris motors. Read more here SanDisk Extreme PRO USB4 Portable SSD Power your workflow with the SanDisk Extreme PRO USB4 Portable SSD, available in 2TB and 4TB capacities. Featuring speeds up to 3800 MB/s read and 3700 MB/s write, it’s built for fast transfers and editing. The rugged, IP65-rated design is ready for work anywhere. Learn more at Videoguys or call 800-323-2325 for free tech advice. View here Podcast Rewind: June 2026 - Ep. 138. Advertise with The Making Of: Reach 270,000+ film industry professionals and content creators reading this newsletter. To explore a partnership, please email mvalinsky@me.com Get full access to The Making Of at themakingof.substack.com/subscribe
June 17 · 29 min
"Backrooms" Cinematographer, VFX Supervisor, Editor & Production Sound Mixer on Making the Indie Box Office Hit
In this episode, we welcome the Backrooms production team— Cinematographer Jeremy Cox, VFX Supervisor Edward J. Douglas, Editor Greg Ng, and Production Sound Mixer Jan Hetmer. Together, they take us behind the scenes of the groundbreaking indie horror phenomenon, sharing how they brought the film’s unsettling world to life through innovative cinematography, visual effects, editing, and sound design. We explore their creative process, technical workflows, lessons learned during production, and the collaborative approach that transformed a viral internet sensation into a blockbuster feature film. “The Making Of” is presented by AJA: Bridging ST 2110 with the Broader IP World As IP adoption accelerates, establishing a seamless flow for IP media across a production is fundamental. Need to move compressed IP production media onto an ST 2110 network or deliver ST 2110 media to platforms that only accept compressed media? Discover how AJA BRIDGE LIVE makes both easy. Vimeo L.A. Event | June 23 A night of inspiring Vimeo Staff Picks + live filmmaker commentary! 6:30pm | Doors7:30-9pm | Films + commentary9-11:00pm | Reception (complimentary drinks) Vidiots — 4884 N Eagle Rock Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041 Free passes here Thunderbolt 5 Speed. DIY RAID Without Limits. The OWC Express 4M2 Ultra is a next-gen Thunderbolt 5 NVMe enclosure built for serious post workflows. Delivering up to 6622MB/s, it lets you use your own drives to create a high-performance RAID with up to 32TB—and beyond via daisy chaining. Compact, powerful, and scalable for 8K+ and VFX workflows. Available for pre-order now, shipping in late June. Browse here ZEISS Introduces Horizon Anamorphic: Full-Frame 2x Anamorphics with a New Lens Technology Platform ZEISS unveils the Horizon Anamorphic series, a new lineup of full-frame 2x anamorphic cinema lenses designed to deliver a distinctive cinematic look along with a new lens technology platform that answers the need for speed and precision demanded by contemporary production workflows. Spanning 35mm to 200mm across seven focal lengths, Horizon lenses combine their anamorphic look—incorporating a pronounced oval bokeh and stretched sense of spatial depth—with a lightweight, fully integrated motorized system that eliminates the need for external focus or iris motors. Read more here SanDisk Extreme PRO USB4 Portable SSD Power your workflow with the SanDisk Extreme PRO USB4 Portable SSD, available in 2TB and 4TB capacities. Featuring speeds up to 3800 MB/s read and 3700 MB/s write, it’s built for fast transfers and editing. The rugged, IP65-rated design is ready for work anywhere. Learn more at Videoguys or call 800-323-2325 for free tech advice. View here Podcast Rewind: June 2026 - Ep. 137. Sponsor The Making Of: Reach 250,000+ film industry professionals and content creators reading this newsletter. To explore a partnership, please email mvalinsky@me.com Get full access to The Making Of at themakingof.substack.com/subscribe
June 11 · 29 min
"Pressure" Cinematographer Jamie Ramsay BSC, SASC on Crafting the WWII Period Film
In this episode, we welcome cinematographer Jamie Ramsay BSC, SASC, whose latest work can be seen in the WWII thriller Pressure, now playing in theaters. Jamie's credits include Goodrich, All of Us Strangers, District 9, Living, and See How They Run. In our conversation, Jamie reflects on his early years and filmmaking journey before taking us behind the scenes of Pressure. We explore the film's visual language, his creative and technical approach, and the tools used to bring the story to life. Jamie also shares lessons learned throughout his career and offers advice for the next generation of storytellers. “The Making Of” is presented by AJA: Bridging ST 2110 with the Broader IP World As IP adoption accelerates, establishing a seamless flow for IP media across a production is fundamental. Need to move compressed IP production media onto an ST 2110 network or deliver ST 2110 media to platforms that only accept compressed media? Discover how AJA BRIDGE LIVE makes both easy. ZEISS Introduces Horizon Anamorphic: Full-Frame 2x Anamorphics with a New Lens Technology Platform ZEISS unveils the Horizon Anamorphic series, a new lineup of full-frame 2x anamorphic cinema lenses designed to deliver a distinctive cinematic look along with a new lens technology platform that answers the need for speed and precision demanded by contemporary production workflows. Spanning 35mm to 200mm across seven focal lengths, Horizon lenses combine their anamorphic look—incorporating a pronounced oval bokeh and stretched sense of spatial depth—with a lightweight, fully integrated motorized system that eliminates the need for external focus or iris motors. Read more here Thunderbolt 5 Speed. DIY RAID Without Limits. The OWC Express 4M2 Ultra is a next-gen Thunderbolt 5 NVMe enclosure built for serious post workflows. Delivering up to 6622MB/s, it lets you use your own drives to create a high-performance RAID with up to 32TB—and beyond via daisy chaining. Compact, powerful, and scalable for 8K+ and VFX workflows. Available for pre-order now, shipping in late June. Browse here Screamfest — Call to All Storytellers! Whether you craft terrifying scripts or visioned features and shorts, Screamfest is your home. Our screenplay competition deadline is June 15th—bring your stories to life here. Filmmakers, our extended final deadline is August 15th, 2026. Share your unique perspective and join our vibrant horror community. Submit your film today! SanDisk Extreme PRO USB4 Portable SSD Power your workflow with the SanDisk Extreme PRO USB4 Portable SSD, available in 2TB and 4TB capacities. Featuring speeds up to 3800 MB/s read and 3700 MB/s write, it’s built for fast transfers and editing. The rugged, IP65-rated design is ready for work anywhere. Learn more at Videoguys or call 800-323-2325 for free tech advice. View here Podcast Rewind: June 2026 - Ep. 136. Advertise in The Making Of: Promote your products or services to 270K film industry pros and content creators reading this newsletter. To explore a partnership, email mvalinsky@me.com Get full access to The Making Of at themakingof.substack.com/subscribe
June 3 · 53 min
"The Blair Witch Project" Director Daniel Myrick on Creating the Legendary Horror Film
In this episode, we welcome Daniel Myrick, co-director of The Blair Witch Project, one of the most influential independent films of all time. Released in 1999, the groundbreaking horror phenomenon helped redefine the found-footage genre, became a cultural touchstone, and changed the landscape of indie filmmaking. In our conversation, Daniel reflects on the origins of the project, its innovative production approach, the unprecedented impact of the film's release, and the lessons he has carried throughout his career as a filmmaker and storyteller. “The Making Of” is presented by AJA: Bridging ST 2110 with the Broader IP World As IP adoption accelerates, establishing a seamless flow for IP media across a production is fundamental. Need to move compressed IP production media onto an ST 2110 network or deliver ST 2110 media to platforms that only accept compressed media? Discover how AJA BRIDGE LIVE makes both easy. Join The Making Of at Panasonic’s Cine Gear Panel: The Making Of joins Panasonic at Cine Gear Expo Los Angeles for “The New Talk Show,” a panel exploring how cinematic tools and studio design are transforming video podcasts into next-generation talk shows. Founder and host Michael Valinsky joins SoundShed AV Solutions CEO Matt Alvarez for the discussion on Saturday, June 6, 3:45pm–4:35pm in Theater 1. To register for the show, visit here Thunderbolt 5 Speed. DIY RAID Without Limits. The OWC Express 4M2 Ultra is a next-gen Thunderbolt 5 NVMe enclosure built for serious post workflows. Delivering up to 6622MB/s, it lets you use your own drives to create a high-performance RAID with up to 32TB—and beyond via daisy chaining. Compact, powerful, and scalable for 8K+ and VFX workflows. Available for pre-order now, shipping in late June. Browse here IgelkottPlates: One-Lens 360° Driving Plates for VFX IgelkottPlates announces its redesigned storefront for licensing single-lens 360° driving plates. Read full horizon-strip thumbnails, share collections with DP and VFX supervisor via one link — no logins, and download free ProRes 422 HQ samples in seconds. Captured on real European and US roads, up to 16K. Learn more here Meet the YoloCam S7 The YoloCam S7 paired with the included YoloLiv MFT 18mm F1.4 Lens gives creators a complete professional video solution right out of the box — all for just $799. Featuring stunning 4K60FPS video, real-time autofocus, interchangeable lenses, simultaneous HDMI and USB-C output, and seamless integration with YoloBox and YoloLiv workflows, the YoloCam S7 delivers incredible flexibility for livestreaming, content creation, and video production. Whether you’re using it as a high-end webcam or a full live production camera, this bundle gives you everything you need to get started. Learn more today by contacting Videoguys at 800-323-2325. Visit here Podcast Rewind: May 2026 - Ep. 135. Advertise in The Making Of: Promote your products or services to 260K film industry pros and content creators reading this newsletter. To explore a partnership, email mvalinsky@me.com Get full access to The Making Of at themakingof.substack.com/subscribe
May 27 · 38 min
FYC: "Love Story" Cinematographer Pepe Avila del Pino on Crafting the JFK Jr. & Carolyn Bessette Limited Series
In this episode, we welcome cinematographer Pepe Avila del Pino. Pepe has shot projects including Ozark, House of the Dragon, and The Deuce, along with films such as The Kindergarten Teacher and Worth. In our conversation, we discuss the series Love Story, which explores the relationship between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, two of the most iconic and heavily photographed public figures of the 1990s. We talk about building the visual language of the series, recreating the look and energy of New York City during that era, and other insights into the making of Love Story. “The Making Of” is presented by AJA: AJA solves IP, sync gen hurdles at NAB From remote production to monitoring, IP introduces new challenges across productions. Get ahead of them with AJA’s latest ST 2110 solutions, including BRIDGE LIVE IP and an upcoming IP25-R firmware update. The company also unveiled a new OG-GEN10 solution bringing its GEN10 Mini-Converter functionality to an openGear format. Find out more. You’re invited… ZEISS Launch Event | Tuesday, June 2 | L.A. Join us as we move beyond tradition and launch the next major advancement in lens technology… ZEISS enters a new chapter in lens technology that will be revealed on Tuesday, June 2 at the ZEISS Cinema Showroom in Sherman Oaks, CA. Be one of the first to experience this new technology first hand! Register here June 2, 6:00-9:00 PM | 15260 Ventura Boulevard #820, Los Angeles, CA 91403 Thunderbolt 5 Speed. DIY RAID Without Limits. The OWC Express 4M2 Ultra is a next-gen Thunderbolt 5 NVMe enclosure built for serious post workflows. Delivering up to 6622MB/s, it lets you use your own drives to create a high-performance RAID with up to 32TB—and beyond via daisy chaining. Compact, powerful, and scalable for 8K+ and VFX workflows. Available for pre-order now, shipping in late June. Browse here Our Conversation with Markiplier on YouTube: Women In Media Altitude Awards June 7th, 11:00am | Burbank, CA The 5th Annual Women In Media Altitude Awards celebrate the extraordinary achievements of women and gender non-conforming cinematographers, gaffers, and camera operators. Join us for a special champagne toast at 10:30 AM honoring this year’s participants! Tickets here Meet the YoloCam S7 The YoloCam S7 paired with the included YoloLiv MFT 18mm F1.4 Lens gives creators a complete professional video solution right out of the box — all for just $799. Featuring stunning 4K60FPS video, real-time autofocus, interchangeable lenses, simultaneous HDMI and USB-C output, and seamless integration with YoloBox and YoloLiv workflows, the YoloCam S7 delivers incredible flexibility for livestreaming, content creation, and video production. Whether you’re using it as a high-end webcam or a full live production camera, this bundle gives you everything you need to get started. Learn more today by contacting Videoguys at 800-323-2325. Visit here Podcast Rewind: May 2026 - Ep. 134. Advertise in The Making Of: Promote your products or services to 260K film industry pros and content creators reading this newsletter. To explore a partnership, please email mvalinsky@me.com Get full access to The Making Of at themakingof.substack.com/subscribe
May 19 · 11 min
"Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan: Ghost War" Director Andrew Bernstein on Helming the Franchise
In this episode, we welcome Emmy-nominated director Andrew Bernstein. Known for his work on acclaimed series including Mad Men, Ozark, The Americans, The Diplomat, and Fear the Walking Dead, Andrew has built a remarkable career crafting visually dynamic and emotionally grounded stories across film and television. In our conversation, we discuss Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan: Ghost War, his collaboration with writer and star John Krasinski, shooting on location in New York City, and the creative process behind bringing the latest chapter of the iconic franchise to life. The Making Of is presented by AJA: AJA solves IP, sync gen hurdles at NAB From remote production to monitoring, IP introduces new challenges across productions. Get ahead of them with AJA’s latest ST 2110 solutions, including BRIDGE LIVE IP and an upcoming IP25-R firmware update. The company also unveiled a new OG-GEN10 solution bringing its GEN10 Mini-Converter functionality to an openGear format. Find out more. Upcoming Event: ATX TV Festival | May 28–31 TV Camp for Grown Ups returns with ATX TV Festival: Season 15 happening in downtown Austin on May 28–31 — and it is packed full of TV goodness. This year’s lineup includes Friday Night Lights 20 Year Reunion, a celebration with Phil Rosenthal & Ray Romano for Everybody (Still) Loves Raymond‘s 30th anniversary, HBO’s House of the Dragon returns for S3, Apple TV brings us the enigmatic Tatiana Maslany, Jake Johnson & Murray Bartlett for Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed,and the return of Steve Zahn and Rick Gomez. British TV invasion with Jane Austin in Austin courtesy of Britbox, Universal TV celebrates NBC’s 100th Anniversary with The Paper, Funny AF and Procedurals, and the Mark Duplass led inaugural Indie TV Pilot Competition. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a TV industry insider, there’s a seat at the campfire for you. Badges on sale now — don’t miss the weekend where TV people come to celebrate the medium they love most. 20% off Camp, GP, TV Pass with code: atxtvpartnerMAKE — expires 5/20/26. Visit here Thunderbolt 5 Speed. DIY RAID Without Limits. The OWC Express 4M2 Ultra is a next-gen Thunderbolt 5 NVMe enclosure built for serious post workflows. Delivering up to 6622MB/s, it lets you use your own drives to create a high-performance RAID with up to 32TB—and beyond via daisy chaining. Compact, powerful, and scalable for 8K+ and VFX workflows. Available for pre-order now, shipping in late June. Browse here ZEISS LA Event | June 4th Join ZEISS Camera Lenses and Beers & Cameras LA for a special evening of photography, lenses, lighting and community before we kick off CineGear LA 2026! Whether it was a hand-me-down SLR, a thrift store point-and-shoot, or your grandpa’s coveted rangefinder, every filmmaker begins their journey examining light and shape through the viewfinder of a still camera. ZEISS Camera Lenses is honored to have spent the last 130 years supporting the Photography and Filmmaking community on sets in LA and abroad and is thrilled to join Beers and Cameras LA to continue our legacy of community building and image making. The ZEISS and B&C:LA teams invite all LA imagemakers to Arts District Brewing Co on Thursday June 4th from 6:30-9:30 PM for an evening of lens testing, portrait shooting, analog geekery, and so much more, including: Otus ML, ZEISS ZM, Batis, Touit, and Milvus lenses will be available for testing at the ZEISS Lens Bar! A series of beautifully lit portrait bays will be provided by our friends and sponsors Harlowe Lighting! Additional event support provided by our friends at LA Film Lab and The Darkroom! With a special guest appearance by Photographer, Filmmaker, Analog Enthusiast, and YouTuber, Caleb Knueven! (@BadFlashes) RSVP here Meet the YoloCam S7 The YoloCam S7 paired with the included YoloLiv MFT 18mm F1.4 Lens gives creators a complete professional video solution right out of the box — all for just $799. Featuring stunning 4K60FPS video, real-time autofocus, interchangeable lenses, simultaneous HDMI and USB-C output, and seamless integration with YoloBox and YoloLiv workflows, the YoloCam S7 delivers incredible flexibility for livestreaming, content creation, and video production. Whether you’re using it as a high-end webcam or a full live production camera, this bundle gives you everything you need to get started. Learn more today by contacting Videoguys at 800-323-2325. Visit here Podcast Rewind: May 2026 - Ep. 133. Advertise in The Making Of: Promote your products or services to 260K film industry pros and content creators reading this newsletter. To explore a partnership, email mvalinsky@me.com Get full access to The Making Of at themakingof.substack.com/subscribe
May 13 · 43 min
"Normal" Cinematographer Armando Salas ASC on Crafting the Film, Working on "Ozark," & More
In this episode, we welcome cinematographer Armando Salas, ASC. Armando has shot acclaimed projects including Ozark, Griselda, Cocaine Cowboys, The Terminal List, Mr. Mercedes, Lanterns, and Normal. In our conversation, he shares his upbringing, path into cinematography, experiences working across various projects, and all about the making of Normal. He also offers invaluable advice for the next generation of cinematographers and filmmakers today. “The Making Of” is presented by AJA: AJA solves IP, sync gen hurdles at NAB From remote production to monitoring, IP introduces new challenges across productions. Get ahead of them with AJA’s latest ST 2110 solutions, including BRIDGE LIVE IP and an upcoming IP25-R firmware update. The company also unveiled a new OG-GEN10 solution bringing its GEN10 Mini-Converter functionality to an openGear format. Find out more. Upcoming Event: ATX TV Festival | May 28–31 TV Camp for Grown Ups returns with ATX TV Festival: Season 15 happening in downtown Austin on May 28–31 — and it is packed full of TV goodness. This year’s lineup includes Friday Night Lights 20 Year Reunion, a celebration with Phil Rosenthal & Ray Romano for Everybody (Still) Loves Raymond‘s 30th anniversary, HBO’s House of the Dragon returns for S3, Apple TV brings us the enigmatic Tatiana Maslany, Jake Johnson & Murray Bartlett for Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed, and the return of Steve Zahn and Rick Gomez. British TV invasion with Jane Austin in Austin courtesy of Britbox, Universal TV celebrates NBC’s 100th Anniversary with The Paper, Funny AF and Procedurals, and the Mark Duplass led inaugural Indie TV Pilot Competition. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a TV industry insider, there’s a seat at the campfire for you. Badges on sale now — don’t miss the weekend where TV people come to celebrate the medium they love most. 20% off Camp, GP, TV Pass with code: atxtvpartnerMAKE — expires 5/20/26. Visit here Thunderbolt 5 Speed. DIY RAID Without Limits. The OWC Express 4M2 Ultra is a next-gen Thunderbolt 5 NVMe enclosure built for serious post workflows. Delivering up to 6622MB/s, it lets you use your own drives to create a high-performance RAID with up to 32TB—and beyond via daisy chaining. Compact, powerful, and scalable for 8K+ and VFX workflows. Available for pre-order now, shipping in late June. Browse here ZEISS CinCraft LensCore: Cinema Lens Looks for Compositing ZEISS announces the launch of CinCraft LensCore, a novel solution for creating physically based cinematic lens looks for visual effects and animation. Built on the Virtual Lens Technology introduced at FMX in 2025, this new Nuke plugin brings decades of ZEISS optical expertise into post-production, bridging the gap between on-set lens choices and the VFX pipeline. Visit here Meet the Elgato Prompter XL The Elgato Prompter XL is an all-in-one studio teleprompter designed for larger, more professional setups, featuring a 15.6” removable display and an extended reading range of up to 15 feet so talent can stay on script even at a distance. With ultra-wide compatibility, simple USB 3.2 connectivity, and included software, it easily integrates into multi-camera productions, live shows, and content creation workflows—while also doubling as a secondary monitor between shoots. Available at Videoguys.com, call us at 800-323-2325 for more information. Browse here Podcast Rewind: May 2026 - Ep. 132. Advertise in The Making Of: Promote your products or services to 250,000 film and TV industry pros reading this newsletter each week. To explore a partnership, please email mvalinsky@me.com Get full access to The Making Of at themakingof.substack.com/subscribe
May 5 · 23 min
"The Mummy" Director Lee Cronin on Writing and Directing the Horror Film
In this episode, we welcome Lee Cronin. Lee is the writer and director of The Mummy, which follows his breakout work on The Hole in the Ground and Evil Dead Rise. In our conversation, Lee shares about reimagining The Mummy, writing the script, his directing process, and other creative workflows. He also discusses his approach to crafting horror, along with the lessons learned from his career making movies. “The Making Of” is presented by AJA: AJA solves IP, sync gen hurdles at NAB From remote production to monitoring, IP introduces new challenges across productions. Get ahead of them with AJA’s latest ST 2110 solutions, including BRIDGE LIVE IP and an upcoming IP25-R firmware update. The company also unveiled a new OG-GEN10 solution bringing its GEN10 Mini-Converter functionality to an openGear format. Find out more. Upcoming Event: Cine Gear Expo LA | June 5-6, 2026 Cine Gear Expo LA is a place where creatives, technicians, and business professionals can come together, share ideas, forge new relationships, and create lasting collaborations. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, established industry veteran, or technology enthusiast, this is an event that celebrates the passion and dedication of the cinematic community! Learn more here Thunderbolt 5 Speed. DIY RAID Without Limits. The OWC Express 4M2 Ultra is a next-gen Thunderbolt 5 NVMe enclosure built for serious post workflows. Delivering up to 6622MB/s, it lets you use your own drives to create a high-performance RAID with up to 32TB—and beyond via daisy chaining. Compact, powerful, and scalable for 8K+ and VFX workflows. Available for pre-order now, shipping in late June. Explore here ZEISS CinCraft LensCore: Cinema Lens Looks for Compositing ZEISS announces the launch of CinCraft LensCore, a novel solution for creating physically based cinematic lens looks for visual effects and animation. Built on the Virtual Lens Technology introduced at FMX in 2025, this new Nuke plugin brings decades of ZEISS optical expertise into post-production, bridging the gap between on-set lens choices and the VFX pipeline. Learn more here Meet the Elgato Prompter XL The Elgato Prompter XL is an all-in-one studio teleprompter designed for larger, more professional setups, featuring a 15.6” removable display and an extended reading range of up to 15 feet so talent can stay on script even at a distance. With ultra-wide compatibility, simple USB 3.2 connectivity, and included software, it easily integrates into multi-camera productions, live shows, and content creation workflows—while also doubling as a secondary monitor between shoots. Available at Videoguys.com, call us at 800-323-2325 for more information. Browse here Podcast Rewind: April 2026 - Ep. 131. Advertise in The Making Of: Promote your products or services to 250,000 film and TV industry pros each week. To explore a partnership, please email mvalinsky@me.com Get full access to The Making Of at themakingof.substack.com/subscribe
April 30 · 31 min
"Billy Preston: That's the Way God Planned It" Director Paris Barclay & Editor Scott D. Hanson on Making the Documentary
In this episode, we welcome director Paris Barclay and editor Scott D. Hanson. Paris is an Emmy Award–winning director whose work spans series such as The West Wing, Sons of Anarchy, In Treatment, and Monster, and Scott is an Emmy-nominated editor with projects including Dolemite is My Name, McMillions, and Born to Bowl. In our conversation, they share their journeys into the industry, how they developed their craft, and dive into the making of the documentary Billy Preston: That’s the Way God Planned It. They also reflect on key moments from their careers and share thoughtful insights for the next generation of filmmakers. “The Making Of” is presented by AJA: MeyerPro bridges long-distance signal transport with AJA Go behind-the-scenes of MeyerPro’s Microsoft Ignite live event production with Broadcast Engineer Cole Miller. Explore how he used AJA conversion, frame sync, and recording technology to facilitate seamless production on- and off-site, ensuring smooth signal transmission, support for multiple formats, and high-quality event recordings. Read the full interview. Upcoming Event: Eurocine | May 8-9 | Budapest This celebration of the moving image unites industry pros from cinematography to VFX. Free to attend — including expos, seminars, workshops, & networking. Visit www.euro-cine.com for the full program. Turn Your Spare NVMe into a Blazing-Fast Production Drive Already have NVMe SSDs from a recent upgrade? Put them back to work with the OWC Express 1M2 80G enclosure. Simply install your existing M.2 drive and unlock next-gen performance—over 6000MB/s with USB4 and Thunderbolt 5 compatibility. It’s a smart, cost-effective way for editors and creators to maximize the storage they already own. Learn more here ZEISS Aatma – Contemporary Full Frame Primes with a Soulful Legacy Look ZEISS introduces the new Aatma, set of nine high-end full frame T1.5 cinema primes (18mm, 25mm, 35mm, 40mm, 50mm, 65mm, 85mm, 100mm, and 135mm) designed to marry the benefits of modern optical design with the nostalgic image characteristics that are popular today. Drawing inspiration from some of the most beloved ZEISS lenses of the 20th century, Aatma combines an emotion-driven look with the mechanical reliability, data integration, and workflow compatibility that’s expected for current production. Visit here Meet the Elgato Prompter XL The Elgato Prompter XL is an all-in-one studio teleprompter designed for larger, more professional setups, featuring a 15.6” removable display and an extended reading range of up to 15 feet so talent can stay on script even at a distance. With ultra-wide compatibility, simple USB 3.2 connectivity, and included software, it easily integrates into multi-camera productions, live shows, and content creation workflows—while also doubling as a secondary monitor between shoots. Available at Videoguys.com, call us at 800-323-2325 for more information. Take a look here Podcast Rewind: April 2026 - Ep. 130. Partner with The Making Of: Advertise in The Making Of and reach 250,000 film and TV industry pros and content creators each week. To learn more, please email mvalinsky@me.com Get full access to The Making Of at themakingof.substack.com/subscribe
April 24 · 29 min
"DTF St. Louis" Cinematographer James Whitaker ASC on Shooting the Series, His Visual Approach, & More
In this episode of The Making Of, we’re joined by cinematographer James Whitaker, ASC. His work spans acclaimed projects including The Cooler, Thank You for Smoking, Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die, as well as series like Patriot, Hawkeye, and DTF St. Louis. In our conversation, James shares his origin story, how he developed his craft, and reflects on the making of his early features through his current work on DTF St. Louis. He also offers thoughtful advice and insights for up-and-coming filmmakers. “The Making Of” is presented by AJA: MeyerPro bridges long-distance signal transport with AJA Go behind-the-scenes of MeyerPro’s Microsoft Ignite live event production with Broadcast Engineer Cole Miller. Explore how he used AJA conversion, frame sync, and recording technology to facilitate seamless production on- and off-site, ensuring smooth signal transmission, support for multiple formats, and high-quality event recordings. Read the full interview. Turn Your Spare NVMe into a Blazing-Fast Production Drive Already have NVMe SSDs from a recent upgrade? Put them back to work with the OWC Express 1M2 80G enclosure. Simply install your existing M.2 drive and unlock next-gen performance—over 6000MB/s with USB4 and Thunderbolt 5 compatibility. It’s a smart, cost-effective way for editors and creators to maximize the storage they already own. Learn more here ZEISS Aatma – Contemporary Full Frame Primes with a Soulful Legacy Look ZEISS introduces the new Aatma, set of nine high-end full frame T1.5 cinema primes (18mm, 25mm, 35mm, 40mm, 50mm, 65mm, 85mm, 100mm, and 135mm) designed to marry the benefits of modern optical design with the nostalgic image characteristics that are popular today. Drawing inspiration from some of the most beloved ZEISS lenses of the 20th century, Aatma combines an emotion-driven look with the mechanical reliability, data integration, and workflow compatibility that’s expected for current production. Visit here Meet the Elgato Prompter XL The Elgato Prompter XL is an all-in-one studio teleprompter designed for larger, more professional setups, featuring a 15.6” removable display and an extended reading range of up to 15 feet so talent can stay on script even at a distance. With ultra-wide compatibility, simple USB 3.2 connectivity, and included software, it easily integrates into multi-camera productions, live shows, and content creation workflows—while also doubling as a secondary monitor between shoots. Available at Videoguys.com, call us at 800-323-2325 for more information. Take a look here Podcast Rewind: April 2026 - Ep. 129. Partner with The Making Of: Advertise in The Making Of and reach 250,000 film and TV industry pros and content creators each week. To learn more, please email mvalinsky@me.com Get full access to The Making Of at themakingof.substack.com/subscribe
April 16 · 50 min
Kodak's Vanessa Bendetti on Film's Resurgence, The Economics of Analog Filmmaking, & More
In this episode of The Making Of, we’re joined by Vanessa Bendetti, Kodak’s VP and Head of Motion Picture. She shares insights into her role at the iconic company, where she sits at the intersection of technology and storytelling, and we explore the continued resurgence of analog acquisition. We also discuss standout recent productions choosing to shoot on film, and film’s place in exhibition and the theatrical experience. “The Making Of” is presented by AJA: MeyerPro bridges long-distance signal transport with AJA Go behind-the-scenes of MeyerPro’s Microsoft Ignite live event production with Broadcast Engineer Cole Miller. Explore how he used AJA conversion, frame sync, and recording technology to facilitate seamless production on- and off-site, ensuring smooth signal transmission, support for multiple formats, and high-quality event recordings. Read the full interview. Kodak expands motion picture portfolio with KODAK VERITA 200D Color Negative Film Eastman Kodak Company today announced the availability of VERITA 200D 5206/7206, a new color negative motion picture film stock, which will be offered in 65mm, 35mm, and 16mm formats. Developed in close collaboration with writer, director and producer Sam Levinson and cinematographer Marcell Rév, HCA, ASC, VERITA 200D was commercialized in motion picture format to achieve a distinct visual aesthetic for the third season of HBO’s original drama series Euphoria. The stock has also been selectively trade‑tested by cinematographers worldwide over several years. Read more here See What’s Next for Film & Video Production at NAB 2026 OWC is in North Hall, Booth #N2373 with innovations built for the way you work — Thunderbolt 5 solutions, DIT workflow tools, Jellyfish shared storage, Innergize software, and a brand-new product launching exclusively at the show. Join us April 19–22 in Vegas. Learn more here Why Video Editors and Filmmakers Attend Post|Production World at NAB Show Post|Production World is a leading post-production training conference at NAB Show Las Vegas. With 200+ sessions across seven tracks, creative professionals explore AI workflows, video editing, motion graphics, color grading, and emerging production technologies through expert-led sessions and hands-on workshops. Visit here AJA: A Must-See at NAB 2026 for Production Pros AJA is heading to NAB 2026 with exciting new and field-tested products and updates that production pros won’t want to miss out on. Find out why a stop by their booth in the North Hall (N1927) is a must. Check out AJA’s What’s New Page ZEISS Aatma – Contemporary Full Frame Primes with a Soulful Legacy Look ZEISS introduces the new Aatma, set of nine high-end full frame T1.5 cinema primes (18mm, 25mm, 35mm, 40mm, 50mm, 65mm, 85mm, 100mm, and 135mm) designed to marry the benefits of modern optical design with the nostalgic image characteristics that are popular today. Drawing inspiration from some of the most beloved ZEISS lenses of the 20th century, Aatma combines an emotion-driven look with the mechanical reliability, data integration, and workflow compatibility that’s expected for current production. Visit here A New Solution from Videoguys: Power your most demanding creative workflows with the G-RAID PROJECT 2, a high-performance 2-bay storage system built to handle massive 4K, 8K, and VR video projects with ease. Featuring 7200RPM Ultrastar enterprise-class hard drives, Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, and RAID 0 pre-configured for maximum speed and efficiency, it delivers fast data transfers up to 520MB/s to keep your editing and archiving workflows moving without interruption. If you’re ready to expand your storage and streamline your production workflow, learn more about the G-RAID PROJECT 2 and other professional media solutions at Videoguys. Explore here Podcast Rewind: March 2026 - Ep. 128. Partner with The Making Of: Advertise in “The Making Of” and reach 250,000 film and TV industry pros each week. To learn more, please email mvalinsky@me.com Get full access to The Making Of at themakingof.substack.com/subscribe
April 11 · 34 min
"The Madison" Director Christina Alexandra Voros on Making the Taylor Sheridan Series
In this episode, we’re joined by Christina Alexandra Voros, director and cinematographer of The Madison, the new series from Taylor Sheridan. Voros has directed across Sheridan’s expanding television slate, including Yellowstone, Lawmen: Bass Reeves, 1883, and Big Sky, and is currently working on the upcoming series Dutton Ranch and Frisco King. In our conversation, she reflects on her early career and unconventional path into the industry, her longstanding creative partnership with Sheridan, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at the making of The Madison. “The Making Of” is presented by AJA: MeyerPro bridges long-distance signal transport with AJA Go behind-the-scenes of MeyerPro’s Microsoft Ignite live event production with Broadcast Engineer Cole Miller. Explore how he used AJA conversion, frame sync, and recording technology to facilitate seamless production on- and off-site, ensuring smooth signal transmission, support for multiple formats, and high-quality event recordings. Read the full interview. See What’s Next for Film & Video Production at NAB 2026 OWC is in North Hall, Booth #N2373 with innovations built for the way you work — Thunderbolt 5 solutions, DIT workflow tools, Jellyfish shared storage, Innergize software, and a brand-new product launching exclusively at the show. Join us April 19–22 in Vegas. Learn more here Why Video Editors and Filmmakers Attend Post|Production World at NAB Show Post|Production World is a leading post-production training conference at NAB Show Las Vegas. With 200+ sessions across seven tracks, creative professionals explore AI workflows, video editing, motion graphics, color grading, and emerging production technologies through expert-led sessions and hands-on workshops. Visit here AJA: A Must-See at NAB 2026 for Production Pros AJA is heading to NAB 2026 with exciting new and field-tested products and updates that production pros won’t want to miss out on. Find out why a stop by their booth in the North Hall (N1927) is a must. Check out AJA’s What’s New Page ZEISS Aatma – Contemporary Full Frame Primes with a Soulful Legacy Look ZEISS introduces the new Aatma, set of nine high-end full frame T1.5 cinema primes (18mm, 25mm, 35mm, 40mm, 50mm, 65mm, 85mm, 100mm, and 135mm) designed to marry the benefits of modern optical design with the nostalgic image characteristics that are popular today. Drawing inspiration from some of the most beloved ZEISS lenses of the 20th century, Aatma combines an emotion-driven look with the mechanical reliability, data integration, and workflow compatibility that’s expected for current production. Visit here A New Solution from Videoguys: Power your most demanding creative workflows with the G-RAID PROJECT 2, a high-performance 2-bay storage system built to handle massive 4K, 8K, and VR video projects with ease. Featuring 7200RPM Ultrastar enterprise-class hard drives, Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, and RAID 0 pre-configured for maximum speed and efficiency, it delivers fast data transfers up to 520MB/s to keep your editing and archiving workflows moving without interruption. If you’re ready to expand your storage and streamline your production workflow, learn more about the G-RAID PROJECT 2 and other professional media solutions at Videoguys. Explore here Podcast Rewind: April 2026 - Ep. 127. Partner with The Making Of: Advertise your products in “The Making Of” newsletter and reach 250,000+ film, TV, video and content creators each week. To learn more, email mvalinsky@me.com Get full access to The Making Of at themakingof.substack.com/subscribe
April 4 · 58 min
"Film Threat" Founder Chris Gore on the State of Indie Film, Building His Magazine, & More
In this episode, we welcome Chris Gore, founder and publisher of Film Threat. Chris shares the story behind building the defining indie film publication, plus his take on the state of independent cinema today. He also provides insights for up-and-coming filmmakers, breaks down many of his personal favorite movies, and much more. “The Making Of” is presented by AJA: MeyerPro bridges long-distance signal transport with AJA Go behind-the-scenes of MeyerPro’s Microsoft Ignite live event production with Broadcast Engineer Cole Miller. Explore how he used AJA conversion, frame sync, and recording technology to facilitate seamless production on- and off-site, ensuring smooth signal transmission, support for multiple formats, and high-quality event recordings. Read the full interview. MLB Opening Day 2026 YES Network Reimagines Stamford Studio With New LED Wall, Graphics Package, Software-Based Workflow As the New York Yankees open another highly anticipated season, YES Network is rolling out a significant upgrade to its Stamford, CT–based studio. Designed not just to modernize the look of its pre/postgame coverage, the tech upgrades will fundamentally enhance how the content is produced. Read more here See What’s Next for Film & Video Production at NAB 2026 OWC is in North Hall, Booth #N2373 with innovations built for the way you work — Thunderbolt 5 solutions, DIT workflow tools, Jellyfish shared storage, Innergize software, and a brand-new product launching exclusively at the show. Join us April 19–22 in Vegas. Learn more here Why Video Editors and Filmmakers Attend Post|Production World at NAB Show Post|Production World is a leading post-production training conference at NAB Show Las Vegas. With 200+ sessions across seven tracks, creative professionals explore AI workflows, video editing, motion graphics, color grading, and emerging production technologies through expert-led sessions and hands-on workshops. Visit here AJA: A Must-See at NAB 2026 for Production Pros AJA is heading to NAB 2026 with exciting new and field-tested products and updates that production pros won’t want to miss out on. Find out why a stop by their booth in the North Hall (N1927) is a must. Check out AJA’s What’s New Page on Thursday, April 9. Enter the Altitude Awards 2026: The Altitude Awards celebrate exemplary women and gender non-conforming cinematographers, gaffers, & camera operators. Through this recognition, the awards not only honor outstanding craft and artistic excellence, but also spotlight established and emerging talent. Moreover, we’re proud to have seen the careers of past finalists accelerate after their wins — they have gained increased visibility, new professional opportunities, and well-deserved recognition across the field. Learn more here ZEISS Aatma – Contemporary Full Frame Primes with a Soulful Legacy Look ZEISS introduces the new Aatma, set of nine high-end full frame T1.5 cinema primes (18mm, 25mm, 35mm, 40mm, 50mm, 65mm, 85mm, 100mm, and 135mm) designed to marry the benefits of modern optical design with the nostalgic image characteristics that are popular today. Drawing inspiration from some of the most beloved ZEISS lenses of the 20th century, Aatma combines an emotion-driven look with the mechanical reliability, data integration, and workflow compatibility that’s expected for current production. Visit here A New Solution from Videoguys: Power your most demanding creative workflows with the G-RAID PROJECT 2, a high-performance 2-bay storage system built to handle massive 4K, 8K, and VR video projects with ease. Featuring 7200RPM Ultrastar enterprise-class hard drives, Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, and RAID 0 pre-configured for maximum speed and efficiency, it delivers fast data transfers up to 520MB/s to keep your editing and archiving workflows moving without interruption. If you’re ready to expand your storage and streamline your production workflow, learn more about the G-RAID PROJECT 2 and other professional media solutions at Videoguys. Explore here Podcast Rewind: March 2026 - Ep. 126. Partner with The Making Of: Advertise your products or services in The Making Of newsletter and reach 250K film, TV and video industry each week. To learn more, please email mvalinsky@me.com Get full access to The Making Of at themakingof.substack.com/subscribe
March 24 · 28 min
"Run Amok" Cinematographer Shachar Langlev on Crafting the Sundance Hit Film
In this episode, we welcome Shachar Langlev, cinematographer of the Sundance hit film, Run Amok, starring Patrick Wilson, Molly Ringwald, and Margaret Cho. In our chat, Shachar shares his origin story and about the making of this indie film. He also dives deep into the visual storytelling, on his collaboration with director NB Mager, and about all the tools and techniques used to capture this standout festival feature. “The Making Of” is presented by AJA: Butcher Bird Studios solves common video routing and I/O challenges with AJA Step inside Butcher Bird Studios’ hybrid production environment with Technical Director Brian Druckman and Executive Producer MeeRa Kim. They explain how KUMO SDI routers and Io 4K Plus help their team deliver flexible routing, low-latency monitoring, and streamlined I/O inside and outside the studio. Read the full interview. Cine Gear Connect NY | Saturday, March 28 Join us at Cine Gear Connect in Brooklyn this Saturday! Check out all the filmmaking panels including “Gaffers Talk: Lighting that New York Look” with top NYC Gaffers Noah Chamis, ICLS (Only Murders in the Building) and Ryan Webb, ICLS (Dexter: Resurrection), moderated by The Making Of’s Michael Valinsky. Use this special TMO code to get $15 Off! NY26TMO Register here Why Video Editors and Filmmakers Attend Post|Production World at NAB Show Post|Production World is a leading post-production training conference at NAB Show Las Vegas. With 200+ sessions across seven tracks, creative professionals explore AI workflows, video editing, motion graphics, color grading, and emerging production technologies through expert-led sessions and hands-on workshops. Explore here AJA: A Must-See at NAB 2026 for Production Pros AJA is heading to NAB 2026 with exciting new and field-tested products and updates that production pros won’t want to miss out on. Find out why a stop by their booth in the North Hall (N1927) is a must. Check out AJA’s What’s New Pageon Thursday, April 9. See What’s Next for Film & Video Production at NAB 2026 OWC is in North Hall, Booth #N2373 with innovations built for the way you work — Thunderbolt 5 solutions, DIT workflow tools, Jellyfish shared storage, Innergize software, and a brand-new product launching exclusively at the show. Join us April 19–22 in Vegas. Learn more here Turn Your Spare NVMe into a Blazing-Fast Production Drive Already have NVMe SSDs from a recent upgrade? Put them back to work with the OWC Express 1M2 80G enclosure. Simply install your existing M.2 drive and unlock next-gen performance—over 6000MB/s with USB4 and Thunderbolt 5 compatibility. It’s a smart, cost-effective way for editors and creators to maximize the storage they already own. Browse here ZEISS Aatma – Contemporary Full Frame Primes with a Soulful Legacy Look ZEISS introduces the new Aatma, set of nine high-end full frame T1.5 cinema primes (18mm, 25mm, 35mm, 40mm, 50mm, 65mm, 85mm, 100mm, and 135mm) designed to marry the benefits of modern optical design with the nostalgic image characteristics that are popular today. Drawing inspiration from some of the most beloved ZEISS lenses of the 20th century, Aatma combines an emotion-driven look with the mechanical reliability, data integration, and workflow compatibility that’s expected for current production. Visit here A New Solution from Videoguys: Power your most demanding creative workflows with the G-RAID PROJECT 2, a high-performance 2-bay storage system built to handle massive 4K, 8K, and VR video projects with ease. Featuring 7200RPM Ultrastar enterprise-class hard drives, Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, and RAID 0 pre-configured for maximum speed and efficiency, it delivers fast data transfers up to 520MB/s to keep your editing and archiving workflows moving without interruption. If you’re ready to expand your storage and streamline your production workflow, learn more about the G-RAID PROJECT 2 and other professional media solutions at Videoguys. Learn more here Podcast Rewind: March 2026 - Ep. 125. Promote Your Brand: Advertise your products or services in The Making Of newsletter and reach 250,000 film and TV industry each week. To learn more, please email mvalinsky@me.com Get full access to The Making Of at themakingof.substack.com/subscribe
March 21 · 45 min
"Iron Lung" Director Mark Fischbach, aka Markiplier, on the Making of his Debut Feature
In this episode, we welcome Mark Fischbach, aka Markiplier — writer, director, editor, and star of Iron Lung. In our conversation, Mark shares his origin story and all about the making of his debut feature film, which has grossed $50 million at the box office. He also dives into the collaboration with his cinematographer and team, his visual approach, and detailed insights into his production and post workflows. “The Making Of” is presented by AJA: Butcher Bird Studios solves common video routing and I/O challenges with AJA Step inside Butcher Bird Studios’ hybrid production environment with Technical Director Brian Druckman and Executive Producer MeeRa Kim. They explain how KUMO SDI routers and Io 4K Plus help their team deliver flexible routing, low-latency monitoring, and streamlined I/O inside and outside the studio. Read the full interview. Why Video Editors and Filmmakers Attend Post|Production World at NAB Show Post|Production World Las Vegas is a leading post-production training conference at NAB Show Las Vegas. With 200+ sessions across seven tracks, creative professionals explore AI workflows, video editing, motion graphics, color grading, and emerging production technologies through expert-led sessions and hands-on workshops. Explore here Turn Your Spare NVMe into a Blazing-Fast Production Drive Already have NVMe SSDs from a recent upgrade? Put them back to work with the OWC Express 1M2 80G enclosure. Simply install your existing M.2 drive and unlock next-gen performance—over 6000MB/s with USB4 and Thunderbolt 5 compatibility. It’s a smart, cost-effective way for editors and creators to maximize the storage they already own. Learn more here AJA: A Must-See at NAB 2026 for Production Pros AJA is heading to NAB 2026 with exciting new and field-tested products and updates that production pros won’t want to miss out on. Find out why a stop by their booth in the North Hall (N1927) is a must. Check out AJA’s What’s New Page on Thursday, April 9. ZEISS Aatma – Contemporary Full Frame Primes with a Soulful Legacy Look ZEISS introduces the new Aatma, set of nine high-end full frame T1.5 cinema primes (18mm, 25mm, 35mm, 40mm, 50mm, 65mm, 85mm, 100mm, and 135mm) designed to marry the benefits of modern optical design with the nostalgic image characteristics that are popular today. Drawing inspiration from some of the most beloved ZEISS lenses of the 20th century, Aatma combines an emotion-driven look with the mechanical reliability, data integration, and workflow compatibility that’s expected for current production. Visit here A New Solution from Videoguys: Power your most demanding creative workflows with the G-RAID PROJECT 2, a high-performance 2-bay storage system built to handle massive 4K, 8K, and VR video projects with ease. Featuring 7200RPM Ultrastar enterprise-class hard drives, Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, and RAID 0 pre-configured for maximum speed and efficiency, it delivers fast data transfers up to 520MB/s to keep your editing and archiving workflows moving without interruption. If you’re ready to expand your storage and streamline your production workflow, learn more about the G-RAID PROJECT 2 and other professional media solutions at Videoguys. Learn more here Podcast Rewind: March 2026 - Ep. 124. Advertise in The Making Of: Promote your products or solutions in The Making Of and reach 255,000 film and TV industry each week. To learn more, please email mvalinsky@me.com Get full access to The Making Of at themakingof.substack.com/subscribe