Film is Back. Are You Ready? Exposing Motion Picture Film
In an age of digital “fixes,” LUT packs, and false color, the true, hands-on craft of exposing celluloid has become a rare and vital skill. We see the “film look” imitated everywhere, but how many filmmakers truly understand the alchemy that creates it?
Film is making a comeback. From the IMAX spectacle of Oppenheimer to the gritty texture of indie darlings, directors are returning to the medium that started it all. But shooting on film isn’t just a stylistic choice; it’s a discipline. It demands that you stop relying on a monitor and start trusting your eye, your tools, and your knowledge.
| On November 25th, Filmmakers Academy, in partnership with KODAK, is launching the definitive guide to this timeless craft: the Exposing Motion Picture Film Masterclass. |
EXPOSING MOTION PICTURE FILM TEASER:
A “BRICK-AND-MORTAR” EDUCATION FOR THE MODERN FILMMAKER:
This masterclass is a deep, comprehensive dive into the art and science of analog cinematography, taught by Shane Hurlbut, ASC. Drawing from his experience lensing over 23 feature films on 35mm, 16mm, and Super 8, Shane demystifies the entire photochemical process, teaching you to be both a scientist and an artist.
Whether you are an aspiring DP looking to shoot your first short on 16mm or a digital native wanting to understand the foundational principles of light and exposure, this masterclass provides a playbook you simply cannot find anywhere else online.
WHAT YOU WILL MASTER:
THE TOOLS OF THE TRADE
Learn to stop guessing and start measuring. You will master the incident meter for perfect exposure and the spot meter for precision contrast control.
FILM STOCKS
Understand the unique personalities of Kodak’s Vision3 color negative stocks (50D, 250D, 200T, 500T) and the vibrant, unforgiving nature of color reversal film.
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THE SCIENCE OF GLASS
Master the critical concept of “Filter Factor” and learn how to calculate it for any piece of glass. Discover how to use essential correction filters (85, 80A) and creative filters (81EF, Color Enhancers) to bake your look into the negative.
CONTROLLING CONTRAST
Learn advanced techniques for taming bright skies and hot spots. Do so using graduated ND filters, attenuators, and the “beautiful dance” of operating a geared matte box.
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ADVANCED EXPOSURE TECHNIQUES
Go beyond the basics with lessons on lighting ratios, the philosophy of the “thick negative” for richer blacks, and the chemical magic of Push and Pull processing.
REAL-WORLD SCENARIOS
Join Shane on location as he breaks down how to expose for challenging high-contrast backlit scenes, harsh side lighting, and the fleeting, beautiful light of twilight (magic hour).
DIGITAL CAPTURES. FILM IS CRAFTED.
When you shoot on film, you are making definitive creative choices before the camera ever rolls. You are painting with light and chemistry, not just capturing data.
By mastering these analog skills, you gain a deeper understanding of exposure, color, and contrast that will elevate your work on any camera system, digital or film. You will learn to see the world differently. Not as a waveform, but as a landscape of light waiting to be shaped.
HOW TO JOIN THE MASTERCLASS:
The Exposing Motion Picture Film Masterclass launches on November 25th. You can access this exclusive training in two ways…
| 1. | BECOME A PREMIUM ANNUAL MEMBER | Get unlimited access to this masterclass, plus our entire library of hundreds of courses, monthly live coaching, and an exclusive community of filmmakers. |
| 2. | A LA CARTE PURCHASE | Buy the standalone masterclass for a one-time fee of $129.99 and own it forever. |
Choose the craft that endures. Stop chasing the “look” and start mastering the source.
