Filmmakers Academy

Our Night Cinematography Masterclass is finally here, and it’s the largest production we’ve ever undertaken. With over 70 crew members, including Shane Hurlbut, ASC’s entire grip, electric, and camera team from his latest film, this masterclass redefines what it means to educate filmmakers. This Black Friday, save $120 on your annual Filmmakers Academy membership and get this Night Cinematography Masterclass FREE! • Annual Membership: $449.99 • Masterclass Only: $229.99 • Retail Price: $679.99 • Black Friday Price: $329.99 (click link in bio) 📌U.S. customers: Pay with 6 monthly installments using PayPal Credit for purchases over $99. This masterclass is the ultimate guide to mastering night exteriors, offering scalable techniques and workflows that are applicable to productions of any size. Shane Hurlbut, ASC, breaks down the tools and strategies behind stunning nighttime scenes, teaching you how to light with precision, craft cinematic moonlight tones, and execute large-scale setups for flawless exposure. From camera movement and lens choices to budget-friendly approaches, this masterclass provides practical, adaptable knowledge for filmmakers at every level. Special Thanks A huge thank-you to the Craterr team and sponsors Hollyland, Kondor Blue, Sony Cine, Irix Cine Lenses, Angelbird, Nanlux, and CineMoves for making this production possible. Supported by: Inovativ, Flanders Scientific, Tiffen, Herc Entertainment, Saniset Fleet, Keslow Camera, MBS Equipment, Premier Lighting, Northern Lighting, Legacy Grip, Division Rentals, Musicbed, and B&H. Trailer edited by @lwwyatt @orangerobotla #cinematography #cinematographer #lighting #nightlighting #lightingnight #nightexterior #lightinginspiration #lightingideas #filmmaking #filmmaker #filmmakers #LightingSetup #behindthescenes #lightingbreakdown #lightingtips #filmeducation #learnfilmmaking #nightcinematography #FilmCommunity #filmmakersacademy

A Tribute to Night Exterior Lighting. Lighting night exteriors is one of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of cinematography. It demands a seamless blend of technical precision and artistic vision, turning darkness into a canvas for storytelling. From simulating moonlight to using practical light sources, every choice shapes the narrative and creates a visual masterpiece. This post celebrates the artistry of night exteriors: the balance of hard and soft light, the manipulation of color temperature, and the use of atmospheric effects like fog to add depth and texture. These techniques have elevated some of the most iconic works in cinema: 1. Prisoners – Roger Deakins, BSC, ASC 2. The Green Knight – Andrew Droz Palermo, ASC 3. Teen Spirit – Autumn Durald Arkapaw, ASC 4. Gretel & Hansel – Galo Olivares 5. The Exorcist – Owen Roizman 6. tick, tick…BOOM! – Alice Brooks, ASC 7. Longlegs – Andrés Arochi 8. Roma – Alfonso Cuarón 9. No Country for Old Men – Roger Deakins, BSC, ASC 10. Drumline - Shane Hurlbut, ASC 11. Nope – Hoyte van Hoytema, ASC, FSF, NSC 12. Blade Runner – Jordan Cronenweth, ASC 13. The Killer – Erik Messerschmidt, ASC 14. Euphoria – Marcell Rév, HCA, ASC 15. Babylon – Linus Sandgren, FSF, ASC 16. Mudbound – Rachel Morrison, ASC 17. A Clockwork Orange – John Alcott, BSC 18. The Joker – Lawrence Sher, ASC These films highlight the power of light and shadow to elevate storytelling. Shot by ShotDeck, the ultimate resource for cinematic references. With ShotDeck’s Canva integration, you can add shots to your lookbook seamlessly. Filmmakers Academy Holiday Sale. Save $120 on an annual membership and get our Night Cinematography Masterclass free. Explore: •How to simulate moonlight •Techniques for lighting large exteriors on any budget •Camera and color settings for stylized looks Take advantage of this limited-time offer to enhance your craft and elevate your storytelling. Which of these films inspires you most?

Lighting up the night with serious power ⚡️ Join DP Brady Bessette as he breaks down the setup for this location night lighting masterclass 💡🌔 With big lights on a crane and the entire setup powered by our 600kWh mobile B.E.S.S. (Battery Energy Storage System), we’re proving that sustainability and performance can go hand-in-hand. No generators, no noise—just clean, efficient energy keeping the production running smoothly. Watch how we’re transforming on-location shoots with cutting-edge tech. #innovation #silentpower #MobileEnergy #cleantech #thisisnotadieselgenerator #cleanenergy #crane #nanlux #filmmakersacademy

Quiet Hour Storyboards ✍️ These stunning keyframes were envisioned by Shane Hurlbut, ASC after diving into the script. To bring them to life, he enlisted the incredible talent of his friend, director and storyboard artist Adolfo Martinez. One of the magical aspects of filmmaking is how ideas evolve. While the concept and theory behind these boards remained intact, adjustments to positioning and angles were made on set to adapt to real-world challenges. Adolfo’s artistry brought these visuals to a whole new level—thank you, Adolfo! These boards were an essential part of the process, and we couldn’t have done it without your creativity and skill. Do you create storyboards for your keyframes? Let us know in the comments! Actors: Sean Kane and Laura Faye Smith Editor: Steven Napolitano Color: Sean Coleman at Company 3 Be sure to watch the full masterclass and get it free during our Holiday Sale with your annual membership! Save $120 on annual membership for a limited time! Click the link in bio 🎬 #cinematography #cinematographer #lighting #nightlighting #lightingnight #nightexterior #lightinginspiration #lightingideas #filmmaking #filmmaker #filmmakers #LightingSetup #behindthescenes #lightingbreakdown #lightingtips #filmeducation #learnfilmmaking #nightcinematography #FilmCommunity #filmmakersacademy #storyboard #storyboards #storyboardartist

Why would you use a light meter? 1. You’re a DP and you want to look cool in front of your crew 2. To make your life 10x easier for measuring light and creating contrast ratios Tell us the correct answer down in the comments! 👇😆 📷: @cheapomedia / @filmmakers_academy ________________________________________⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Use Hashtag #ShareGrid and tag us @ShareGrid to be featured!⁣⁣ •⁣ •⁣ •⁣ •⁣ •⁣ #filmmaking #filmmaker #cinematography #cinematographer #cameragear #lightingtech #filmlight #filmset #filmmakerslife #filmproduction #filmcrew #behindthescenes #videography #videographer #filmmakinglife #cinemacamera #directorofphotography #cinematographylife #gaffer #gafferlife #filmlights #setlighting #sekonic #lightingtechnician #lightcrew #lightmeter #doplife #learnlighting #filmschool

Cinematography Tip of the Day we’re talking Kondor Blue Handheld and Studio Mode. For Shane’s camera setups, it’s all about being one with the camera. Using the Kondor Blue Hollywood Handle with the L bracket, he keeps the camera close for better control. Without the bracket, he improvises by flipping the pan handle up to stay connected with the camera instead of operating from a distance. The Hollywood Handle stands out with its multiple 1/4”-20 and 3/8” threads, perfect for suspending the camera and adding accessories. For handheld setups, Shane flips his spider grips upside down and relies on the Kondor Blue Pro Pivot Rosette Grip, which locks into place without needing to adjust screws. The mini lock also provides seamless cable management, keeping everything organized for the ACs and camera team. What do you think of Shane’s approach to his camera setup and these innovative tools from Kondor Blue? Let us know in the comments! #cinematography #cinematographer #cinematogtaphers #kondorblue #camop #cameraoperator #cameraop #cinematographytip #cinematographytips #filmmakersacademy #filmmaking #filmmaker #filmmakers #FilmCommunity #filmeducation #learnfilmmaking #filmequipment #1stac #cameraassistant

I’m super excited to share “Circle of Grace” tomorrow December 7th at the Granada Theatre. This past spring, director John Behring reached out to me with the idea of creating a visual poem as I create an original painting. This piece grew to incorporate a team of over 25 crew members from @filmmakers_academy led by @shanehurlbutasc (DP: The Perfect Couple, Musica). This was truly one of the coolest things I’ve been a part of and I can’t wait for you all to see it! Tickets on sale at Granadasb.org or in my bio!

🌕 Is Moonlight Blue, Gray, or White? 🌙 In Shane Hurlbut, ASC’s Night Cinematography Masterclass, we explored the artistry of moonlight, asking the big question: What color is moonlight? Here’s a sneak peek at four distinct lighting setups tested in our Moonlight Lab: 🎥 Rom Com Blue • Camera Temp: 3700K • Backlight: 5600K • Key Light: 5600K • Fill Light: 6000K 🎥 Rom Com Silver • Camera Temp: 2900K • Backlight: 3200K • Key Light: 3200K • Fill Light: 3600K 🎥 Rom Com White • Camera Temp: 3200K • Backlight: 3200K • Key Light: 3200K • Fill Light: 3600K 🎥 Thriller Gray/Silver • Camera Temp: 2900K • Backlight: 3400K • Key Light: 3400K • Fill Light: 3600K Which color and placement would you choose for your next project? Let us know in the comments below! The full Moonlight Lab in Shane’s masterclass dives into every detail, from light quality to placement, teaching you how to craft breathtaking night exteriors for any genre. 🎉 CYBER WEEK SALE! Get $120 off annual membership and access Shane’s Night Cinematography Masterclass FREE, along with our entire premium masterclass library. 💬 What filmmakers are saying: • “The way Shane breaks down his creative process is inspiring. Even without high-end equipment, I can apply these methods to my indie projects.” – Alexandra Cruz • “I’ve always struggled with lighting night exteriors, but this masterclass changed everything. Shane’s methods are a game-changer.” – Isabella Ruiz 🎬 Don’t wait—this deal ends soon! Tap the link in bio to unlock your potential today. #cinematography #cinematographer #lighting #nightlighting #lightingnight #nightexterior #lightinginspiration #lightingideas #filmmaking #filmmaker #filmmakers #LightingSetup #behindthescenes #lightingbreakdown #lightingtips #filmeducation #learnfilmmaking #nightcinematography #FilmCommunity #filmmakersacademy

Let’s talk about something that can make or break a rigging setup: adjustability. Whether it’s rigging for vehicles or overhead shots, having the ability to make adjustments on the fly is essential—especially on set when things don’t always go as planned. For example, we rigged a vertical pipe system that allows the black arm to slide up and down. This setup lets us capture a wide range of heights—from chest level to ground-scraping shots for those fast, visceral angles. It’s a simple system, but that flexibility can completely change the feel of a shot. I’ve used this concept in a lot of different scenarios. Once, on a Hummer commercial, the DP wanted both front and back tire shots—but we needed to move fast. I built a rig that could slide along the length of the vehicle, letting us seamlessly switch between the front and rear shots without having to reset everything. We pulled it off in less time than we expected, and it’s a big reason why having adjustable setups is so important. The reality is, things will change on set. You can frame everything perfectly in pre-production, and then the shot needs to move. Having adjustability built into your rig means you’re ready for those changes—and that can be the difference between getting hired again or not. So, when you’re planning your next rig, think ahead. Make sure it’s built to adapt. It’ll save you time, stress, and maybe even the job. Want to dive deeper into rigging techniques and learn how to build your own car camera rig? Check out the Filmmakers Academy blog, “How To Build a DIY Car Camera Rig” **** #GripRigs #CameraRig #FilmIndustry #KeyGripLA #SetLife #GripLife #MotionPictureGrip #ProductionLife #GripDept #GripSupport #FilmSet #BehindTheCamera #Gripology #DOPLife #KeyGripLife #GripDept #BehindtheCamera #GripEquipment #filmmaking #keygrip #onset #behindthescenes #cinematography #cinematographer #directorofphotography #filmproduction #carrigging #diy #learnwithme

Cinematography Tip of the Day: On-set communication can make or break a production, and Shane Hurlbut, ASC, shares a game-changing solution that keeps his team connected during production. Using the Hollyland 4K Pyro system, Shane developed a DIY way to boost wireless range by extending antennas with custom aluminum tubing. These antennas reach 8-10 feet in the air, avoiding signal interference caused by obstacles like people and trees (which disrupt signals due to their water content). This system worked seamlessly with the Hollyland Solidcom C100 Pro wireless intercom, providing crystal-clear communication in the large location. In a production of this scale, where coordination across massive lighting setups and complex camera movements is crucial, this clarity was a game-changer. The Hollyland Lark Max wireless microphone system further elevated the production by capturing clean, reliable audio, while the 4K Pyro system ensured smooth wireless transmission across the set. From communication to wireless video feeds to audio recording, Hollyland’s tools were pivotal in making this masterclass possible. Hollyland Products Hollyland Pyro S 4K HDMI/SDI Wireless Video Transmitter Hollyland Solidcom C1 Pro 6 Set Hollyland Lark Max What’s your favorite Hollyland product 🤔? Limited-Time Offer: This Black Friday, save $120 on your annual Filmmakers Academy membership and get the Night Cinematography Masterclass for FREE! Hurry and click the link in bio💥 #filmmakersacademy #filmmakers #filmmakers #filmmaker #filmmaking #filmmakersacademy #cinematographers #cinematography #cinematographer #onset #filmmakingtips #behindthescenes #lightingnight #lighting #lightingbreakdown #lightingdesign #filmeducation #filmschool #hollyland #hollylandtech #wirelesstransmitter #wirelesscommunication #onset #cinematographytips

- lighting the night - Some of my favorite stills from the shoot with @filmmakers_academy and @shanehurlbutasc shooting for the Lighting Night Exteriors Masterclas

We’re in full gray moonlight mode for the final keyframe of our short film Quiet Hour in the Night Cinematography Masterclass—watch to see how the final scene comes together! The camera is set to 2900 Kelvin at 3200 ISO, with a base ISO of 3200. Shane and 1st AD Cliff Lanning worked with @ihavethedinero and his @legacy_grip team to tent the exterior, allowing us to capture this last shot before the light faded and we transitioned to the night exterior scene. Now, we’re balancing lighting ratios. Shane has a Q5 set at 3400 Kelvin in the corner, while the camera is dialed 500 degrees colder to create the desired gray tonality. For moon ambience, an Astera tube—softened with a thick pool noodle—is placed just outside the door. A branchaloris breaks up the Q5’s light, softening the shadows further. @brittney.janae is on the camera, while Shane uses a Q5 with a Leko attachment firing upwards into the ceiling to create a subtle top light. With careful angling, Shane achieves a beautiful toppy effect, perfectly completing the scene. 🎥 This Black Friday, save $120 on your annual Filmmakers Academy membership and get this Night Cinematography Masterclass FREE! Click the link in bio to take advantage of our best sale of the year! 📌 U.S. customers: Use PayPal Credit for 6 monthly installments on purchases over $99. This masterclass is the ultimate guide to mastering night exteriors, offering scalable techniques and workflows for productions of any size. Shane Hurlbut, ASC, breaks down tools and strategies for cinematic moonlight tones, large-scale setups, and precise lighting techniques. Learn budget-friendly approaches and gain adaptable knowledge for filmmakers at every level. ✨ Special Thanks: Craterr, Hollyland, Kondor Blue, Sony Cine, Irix Cine Lenses, Angelbird, Nanlux, CineMoves. 🎬 Supported by: Inovativ, Flanders Scientific, Tiffen, Herc Entertainment, Saniset Fleet, Keslow Camera, MBS Equipment, Premier Lighting, Northern Lighting, Legacy Grip, Division Rentals, Musicbed, and B&H.