You are here: / / Sponsored

Sponsored

Best Holiday Gift Guide for Filmmakers 2025
,

Best Holiday Gift Guide for Filmmakers 2025

It’s the most wonderful time of the year — for savings! Maybe you’ve had a 'dream gear' wishlist sitting in a browser tab for three months, just... waiting. Or, perhaps you’re trying to find the perfect gift for a creative in your life.  The wait is over. This is the Filmmakers Academy…
Cinematography Tip: How to Get the Cooke Look on Ronin 4D
, ,

Cinematography Tip: Softening Digital Sharpness with Diffusion Filters

Modern digital cinema cameras are technical marvels, capable of capturing images with incredible sharpness and resolution. But sometimes, that technical perfection can be a double-edged sword, resulting in a look that feels too harsh, too clinical—too "digital." So, how do you take that pristine sharpness…
Tiffen Diffusion Filters: Night Fog vs. Black Fog vs. Soft Glow
,

Diffusion Filters: Night Fog vs. Black Fog vs. Soft Glow

In cinematography, the final 10% of effort is what separates a good image from a truly great one. Filtration is a huge part of that final polish. The right diffusion filter can subtly alter contrast, bloom highlights, and soften skin tones, adding a layer of texture and emotion that a clean lens alone…
Cinematography Tip: Are LED Lights Replacing HMIs?
, ,

Cinematography Tip: Are LED Lights Replacing HMIs?

For over a decade, one light has been the gold standard on my sets for punching through windows or bouncing into massive frames: the ARRI M90. This HMI has been a powerful workhorse, a tool that expanded my creativity and could beautifully replicate the sun. It was an oldie, but a goodie. But as filmmakers,…
Filmmaker making peace sign - "2 Things Every Filmmaker Needs to Survive & Thrive"
,

2 Things Every Filmmaker Needs to Survive & Thrive

Let's talk about the unspoken reality of a filmmaking career: the feast or famine cycle. One month, you're on a thrilling shoot, working long hours, creatively fulfilled, and financially stable. The next, you're staring at your phone, scrolling through job boards, and wondering when the next gig will…
5 Reasons a Wireless Monitor Will Revolutionize Your Film Set
, ,

5 Reasons a Wireless Monitor Will Revolutionize Your Film Set

Remember the old days of filmmaking? The director, cinematographer, and focus puller all huddled around the camera, tethered by short HDMI or SDI cables, creating a cramped and inefficient "video village" of one. Every time the camera moved, the entire group had to shuffle along with it. This workflow…
The Future of Lighting Control: Blackout LivePlot - Thumbnail
,

The Future of Lighting Control: Blackout LivePlot

In the fast-paced world of filmmaking, efficiency is everything. Shrinking budgets and tight schedules demand that cinematographers and their teams work smarter, not just harder. In this insightful video, cinematographer Shane Hurlbut, ASC, joins forces with Ian S. Peterson, a Blackout programmer, to…
Sound Mixer on film set
,

Struggling with Your Lav Mic Sound? (How to Fix It?)

I'll never forget the sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. We were in the edit bay, looking at a beautifully lit, perfectly performed take from an indie short I shot years ago. The shot was magic. The audio? A complete disaster. A barely audible whisper followed by a distorted, clipped shout, all…
Build a Pro iPhone Rig with Tilta Khronos and Shane Hurlbut
,

Build a Pro iPhone Rig with Tilta Khronos

"I want to be a filmmaker. Where do I start? What camera should I use?" This is one of the most common questions cinematographers like Shane Hurlbut, ASC, get from aspiring storytellers. His answer is often surprising: start with the powerful cinema camera already in your pocket. Modern smartphones,…
URSA Cine 12K LF Latitude Tests & Sensor Tech - Thumbnail
,

URSA Cine 12K LF Latitude Tests & Sensor Tech

We've explored the build, specs, features, and controls of the Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K LF in the previous parts of our deep-dive demonstration. (Check out Parts 1, 2 & 3…) Now, we arrive at the crucial test: How does this camera really handle light?  In this final segment, Shane Hurlbut, ASC,…
URSA Cine 12K LF Ergonomics, Performance & Control
, ,

URSA Cine 12K LF Ergonomics, Performance & Control

Having examined the core specs and put the sensor through its paces in Part 2, Shane Hurlbut, ASC, and Blackmagic's Tor Johansen now turn their attention to the practical realities of using the URSA Cine 12K LF on a professional set. How easy is it to control? How does it handle? What are its capabilities…
URSA Cine 12K LF Skin Tones, ISO & Compression - Thumbnail
,

URSA Cine 12K LF Skin Tones, ISO & Compression

Welcome back to our deep dive into the Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K LF! In Part 1, we covered the first impressions – the build, media, and foundational tech. Now, we get to the heart of what truly matters for cinematographers: the image itself. How does this camera render skin tones? How does it handle…
URSA Cine 12K LF Specs, Media & Workflow - Thumbnail
, ,

URSA Cine 12K LF Specs, Media & Workflow

Blackmagic Design has a history of shaking things up. From democratizing color grading with DaVinci Resolve to putting RAW recording in compact cameras, they've consistently challenged the status quo. Now, with the URSA Cine 12K LF, they're stepping firmly into the high-end cinema arena, aiming not just…
Blackmagic Cameras
,

A Guide to Blackmagic Cameras 2025

Blackmagic Design. The name might not have the decades-long legacy of an ARRI or a Panavision, but in the world of digital filmmaking, it's become a force to be reckoned with. Initially known for their high-quality, affordable video editing software (DaVinci Resolve) and capture cards, Blackmagic made…
Camera Sensor Comparison: URSA Cine 12K vs RED V-Raptor vs Alexa 35 - Thumbnail
,

CAMERA SENSOR COMPARISON: URSA CINE 12K vs RED V-RAPTOR vs ALEXA 35

This Camera Sensor Comparison is your guide to navigating the complex world of digital cinema cameras. Choosing the right one can feel like deciphering a foreign language: 12K, RGBW, global shutter – what does it all really mean? We'll break down the technology behind the Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K…
Hollyland Cosmo C2 Thumbnail
,

Is the Hollyland Cosmo C2 the Best Budget Wireless Video System?

Let's be honest. Wireless video transmission can be a nightmare. We've all been there. You're on a multi-camera shoot, juggling cables, fighting interference, and praying that your feeds don't drop at the worst possible moment. It's stressful, time-consuming, and can seriously impact your production…
Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K: The Future is Modular - Thumbnail
,

Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K: The Future is Modular

The world of cinema is constantly evolving. What was once the exclusive domain of major studios with unlimited budgets is becoming increasingly accessible to independent filmmakers, thanks to companies like Blackmagic Design. The Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K Body is a powerful tool that puts cinematic quality…
Silhouette of sound technician on set

Hollyland Lark M2S: Ultra-Compact Wireless Microphone

In the realm of filmmaking and video content creation, stunning visuals often take center stage. However, seasoned professionals know that audio is equally, if not more, critical to creating a truly immersive and engaging experience. High-quality, clear audio captures the nuances of dialogue, the richness…
Angelbird CF Express cards
,

Media Management: Safeguard CF Express & SD Cards

In the fast-paced world of filmmaking, managing your media efficiently and securely, like CF Express and SD cards, is as crucial as capturing the perfect shot. Lost or corrupted footage can be a filmmaker's worst nightmare, especially for independent creators operating with limited resources.  In…
Cinematography Tip: Fix Sony Burano Magenta Color Shift
,

Cinematography Tip: Fix Sony Burano Magenta Color Shift

Cinematography Tip: Fix Sony Burano Magenta Color Shift The world of filmmaking has transformed dramatically over the years. Cameras have evolved from bulky, cumbersome devices to sleek, powerful machines capable of capturing breathtaking imagery. We've come a long way from the days of film, where color…

Newsletter Signup

Trustpilot

Filmmakers Academy Master Your Craft logo

Ready to join?

BECOME A MEMBER
SIGN IN

CONTENT

Blog
Podcast
Content Library
Shane’s Kit
Glossary

STORE

Courses
Private Coaching
Buy a Gift Card

ABOUT US

Our Story
Our Mentors
FAQs
Contact Us
Become Affiliate

DOWNLOAD

Filmmakers Academy, Los Angeles, CA Born in Los Angeles, CA.

Terms Of Use         Cookie Policy         Privacy Policy

2026 © Hurlbut Visuals, All Rights Reserved.