The Making Of

The Making Of

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

  1. hace 4 días

    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

  2. 8 jul

    "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

  3. 2 jul

    "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

  4. 24 jun

    "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

  5. 17 jun

    "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

  6. 11 jun

    "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

  7. 3 jun

    "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

  8. 27 may

    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

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

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