The Making Of

In this episode, we welcome Gary Adcock, a longtime industry technologist and veteran production professional. In our chat, Gary shares insights on the most-innovative solutions for production and post — including cameras, lights, lenses, camera support, software, and more. In addition, he dives deep into AI’s impact on filmmaking workflows, the state of the industry, and his predictions for 2026. The Making Of is presented by AJA:ICYMI: AJA’s biggest product releases in 2025From multi-channel HD and 4K/UltraHD IP video solutions, to Mini-Converters for bridging between resolutions, connectivity types, protocols, and codecs, a Mini-Converter frame, and a high-capacity 12G-SDI router, AJA announced several new products in 2025 that address emerging workflow needs across broadcast, production, post, and proAV.Get the full rundown hereShoot. Store. Secure. Smile.The OWC Guardian is a bus‑powered, portable NVMe SSD featuring 256‑bit AES OPAL hardware encryption and a color touch‑screen for intuitive, secure access. With up to 1,000 MB/s real‑world transfer speeds, platform‑agnostic operation (Mac, PC, iPad Pro), and a rugged anodized aluminum enclosure, it’s built to protect audit‑sensitive media and projects anytime, anywhere.Explore hereInsights on the Cinematography of “A House of Dynamite”: ZEISS Special:Save 25% on ZEISS Nano PrimesThere’s a whole world of exceptional moments to be captured out there. Make sure you are prepared and save big during this ZEISS special event! Save up to $6,400 off the list price on select ZEISS Nano Prime lenses. Explore hereMeet Stream Deck Studio:Meet Stream Deck Studio, the ultimate control surface designed for professional broadcast and live production environments. Built on the iconic Elgato hardware and powered by Bitfocus software, it offers a hyper-customizable experience that simplifies even the most complex workflows. With compatibility across hundreds of devices from the industry’s top vendors, Stream Deck Studio gives you complete command over your production setup, making it easier than ever to create seamless, high-quality broadcasts. Call Videoguys at 800-323-2325 to learn more and take your production control to the next level today!Browse herePodcast Rewind:Dec. 2025 - Ep. 111…Advertise in this newsletter and reach 250K filmmakers, TV, broadcast and video professionals each week. For more information, please email [email protected] Get full access to The Making Of at themakingof.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, we welcome Taylor Shaw, Head of Film Outreach at Kickstarter. In our discussion, Taylor dives deep into Kickstarter’s new strategic partnership with Tubi. She also offers insights into running successful campaigns on the fundraising platform, shares best practices on building an audience, and much more.The Making Of is presented by AJA:ICYMI: AJA’s biggest product releases in 2025From multi-channel HD and 4K/UltraHD IP video solutions, to Mini-Converters for bridging between resolutions, connectivity types, protocols, and codecs, a Mini-Converter frame, and a high-capacity 12G-SDI router, AJA announced several new products in 2025 that address emerging workflow needs across broadcast, production, post, and proAV. Get the full rundown hereSupport The Making Of:Consider supporting our podcast and help us grow in 2026 with a paid subscription.The Netflix Chief Who Insists He Won’t Ruin HollywoodTed Sarandos, a movie buff and one-time video-store clerk, may soon oversee the iconic Warner Bros. studioTed Sarandos has minted his status as an entertainment power broker, but he still feels the need to tell the world that he’s not trying to destroy Hollywood.Read more hereShoot. Store. Secure. Smile.The OWC Guardian is a bus‑powered, portable NVMe SSD featuring 256‑bit AES OPAL hardware encryption and a color touch‑screen for intuitive, secure access. With up to 1,000 MB/s real‑world transfer speeds, platform‑agnostic operation (Mac, PC, iPad Pro), and a rugged anodized aluminum enclosure, it’s built to protect audit‑sensitive media and projects anytime, anywhere.Explore hereWhy Jamie Lee Curtis Is Thankful Her Mom Didn’t Let Her Audition for ‘The Exorcist’ as a ChildThe Oscar winner eventually made her horror film debut in 1978’s ‘Halloween.’While Jamie Lee Curtis is now famously known as the Scream Queen, she recently revealed that her mom actually stopped her from making her horror film debut as a child. During a recent appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, the Oscar winner recalled a producer wanting her to audition for 1973’s The Exorcist. However, she said her mother, Janet Leigh, declined the opportunity for her then preteen daughter.“He called my mom and said, ‘Hey, I’m producing the movie of the book The Exorcist.’ Will you let Jamie audition for it?’” Curtis recounted. “And at the time I was probably 12 and, like, cute and kind of sassy and I had some personality, and I’m sure he saw me at a party and was like, ‘Oh, she’d be funny.’ And my mother said, ‘No.’”Read more hereZEISS Holiday Special:Save 25% on ZEISS Nano PrimesThere’s a whole world of exceptional moments to be captured out there. Make sure you are prepared and save big during the ZEISS Holiday event! Save up to $6,400 off the list price on select ZEISS Nano Prime lenses. Explore hereMeet Stream Deck Studio:Meet Stream Deck Studio, the ultimate control surface designed for professional broadcast and live production environments. Built on the iconic Elgato hardware and powered by Bitfocus software, it offers a hyper-customizable experience that simplifies even the most complex workflows. With compatibility across hundreds of devices from the industry’s top vendors, Stream Deck Studio gives you complete command over your production setup, making it easier than ever to create seamless, high-quality broadcasts. Call Videoguys at 800-323-2325 to learn more and take your production control to the next level today! Browse herePodcast Rewind:Dec. 2025 - Ep. 110…Advertise in this newsletter and reach 250K filmmakers, TV, broadcast and video professionals each week. For more info, please email [email protected] Get full access to The Making Of at themakingof.substack.com/subscribe

Happy Holidays, everyone! We hope you enjoy time with friends and family. ☃️In this episode, we welcome cinematographer Ksenia Sereda. Ksenia shot “The Last of Us,” as well as Beanpole, Chernobyl: Abyss, and “The Crowded Room”. In our chat, she shares on her early days, pathway into cinematography, and about lensing “The Last of Us” series. Ksenia also discusses the tools and technologies used to craft her images, and offers filmmaking insights for students and cinematographers today.The Making Of is presented by AJA:ICYMI: AJA’s biggest product releases in 2025From multi-channel HD and 4K/UltraHD IP video solutions, to Mini-Converters for bridging between resolutions, connectivity types, protocols, and codecs, a Mini-Converter frame, and a high-capacity 12G-SDI router, AJA announced several new products in 2025 that address emerging workflow needs across broadcast, production, post, and proAV.Get the full rundown hereSupport The Making Of:Please consider a paid subscription to support our podcast and help this newsletter grow in 2026…Shoot. Store. Secure. Smile.The OWC Guardian is a bus‑powered, portable NVMe SSD featuring 256‑bit AES OPAL hardware encryption and a color touch‑screen for intuitive, secure access. With up to 1,000 MB/s real‑world transfer speeds, platform‑agnostic operation (Mac, PC, iPad Pro), and a rugged anodized aluminum enclosure, it’s built to protect audit‑sensitive media and projects anytime, anywhere. Explore hereInsights on Recording the Sound on “Sinners”:ZEISS Holiday Special:Save 25% on ZEISS Nano PrimesThere’s a whole world of exceptional moments to be captured out there. Make sure you are prepared and save big during the ZEISS Holiday event! Save up to $6,400 off the list price on select ZEISS Nano Prime lenses. Explore hereMeet Stream Deck Studio:Meet Stream Deck Studio, the ultimate control surface designed for professional broadcast and live production environments. Built on the iconic Elgato hardware and powered by Bitfocus software, it offers a hyper-customizable experience that simplifies even the most complex workflows. With compatibility across hundreds of devices from the industry’s top vendors, Stream Deck Studio gives you complete command over your production setup, making it easier than ever to create seamless, high-quality broadcasts. Call Videoguys at 800-323-2325 to learn more and take your production control to the next level today! Browse herePodcast Rewind:Dec. 2025 - Ep. 109…Advertise in this newsletter and reach 250K filmmakers, TV, broadcast and video professionals each week. For more info, please email [email protected] Get full access to The Making Of at themakingof.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, we welcome Ty Evans. Ty is a professional filmmaker with experiences shooting, producing and directing a variety of content. His career stems from cutting-edge skateboarding videos in the 1990’s on through next-level aerial filmmaking today. In our chat, he shares his origin story, how he learned his craft, evolved his skill-sets, and embraced new technologies. Ty also offers practical insights for students and emerging creatives on working towards your dreams.“The Making Of” is presented by AJA:ICYMI: AJA’s biggest product releases in 2025From multi-channel HD and 4K/UltraHD IP video solutions, to Mini-Converters for bridging between resolutions, connectivity types, protocols, and codecs, a Mini-Converter frame, and a high-capacity 12G-SDI router, AJA announced several new products in 2025 that address emerging workflow needs across broadcast, production, post, and proAV.Get the full rundown hereVFX Supervisor Dennis Berardi on The Making of “Frankenstein”: Shoot. Store. Secure. Smile.The OWC Guardian is a bus‑powered, portable NVMe SSD featuring 256‑bit AES OPAL hardware encryption and a color touch‑screen for intuitive, secure access. With up to 1,000 MB/s real‑world transfer speeds, platform‑agnostic operation (Mac, PC, iPad Pro), and a rugged anodized aluminum enclosure, it’s built to protect audit‑sensitive media and projects anytime, anywhere.Learn more hereZEISS Holiday Special:Save 25% on ZEISS Nano PrimesThere’s a whole world of exceptional moments to be captured out there. Make sure you are prepared and save big during the ZEISS Holiday event! Save up to $6,400 off the list price on select ZEISS Nano Prime lenses.Check out the Nano Primes hereMeet Stream Deck Studio:Meet Stream Deck Studio, the ultimate control surface designed for professional broadcast and live production environments. Built on the iconic Elgato hardware and powered by Bitfocus software, it offers a hyper-customizable experience that simplifies even the most complex workflows. With compatibility across hundreds of devices from the industry’s top vendors, Stream Deck Studio gives you complete command over your production setup, making it easier than ever to create seamless, high-quality broadcasts. Call Videoguys at 800-323-2325 to learn more and take your production control to the next level today!Explore herePodcast Rewind:Dec. 2025 - Ep. 108…Consider advertising in “The Making Of” to reach 250K film, TV, broadcast and video industry professionals each week. For more info, please email [email protected] Get full access to The Making Of at themakingof.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, we welcome Barry Ackroyd, BSC. Barry is an Oscar-nominated cinematographer who has shot films including A House of Dynamite, The Big Short, The Hurt Locker, Captain Phillips, Bombshell, Detroit, Jason Bourne, Green Zone, and United 93. In our chat, he shares on his incredible career, about working with director Kathryn Bigelow on multiple films, and about making A House of Dynamite. Barry also lends priceless insights about cinematography and filmmaking in general.“The Making Of” is presented by AJA:ICYMI: AJA’s biggest product releases in 2025From multi-channel HD and 4K/UltraHD IP video solutions, to Mini-Converters for bridging between resolutions, connectivity types, protocols, and codecs, a Mini-Converter frame, and a high-capacity 12G-SDI router, AJA announced several new products in 2025 that address emerging workflow needs across broadcast, production, post, and proAV.Get the full rundown hereShoot. Store. Secure. Smile.The OWC Guardian is a bus‑powered, portable NVMe SSD featuring 256‑bit AES OPAL hardware encryption and a color touch‑screen for intuitive, secure access. With up to 1,000 MB/s real‑world transfer speeds, platform‑agnostic operation (Mac, PC, iPad Pro), and a rugged anodized aluminum enclosure, it’s built to protect audit‑sensitive media and projects anytime, anywhere.Learn more hereSkip Lievsay CAS to be Honored with the 2026 Career Achievement Award by the Cinema Audio SocietyZEISS Holiday Special:Save 25% on ZEISS Nano PrimesThere’s a whole world of exceptional moments to be captured out there. Make sure you are prepared and save big during the ZEISS Holiday event! Save up to $6,400 off the list price on select ZEISS Nano Prime lenses.Check out the Nano Primes hereMeet Stream Deck Studio:Meet Stream Deck Studio, the ultimate control surface designed for professional broadcast and live production environments. Built on the iconic Elgato hardware and powered by Bitfocus software, it offers a hyper-customizable experience that simplifies even the most complex workflows. With compatibility across hundreds of devices from the industry’s top vendors, Stream Deck Studio gives you complete command over your production setup, making it easier than ever to create seamless, high-quality broadcasts. Call Videoguys at 800-323-2325 to learn more and take your production control to the next level today!Explore herePodcast Rewind:Dec. 2025 - Ep. 107…Advertise in “The Making Of” to reach 250K film, TV and video industry pros each week. For more information, please email [email protected] Get full access to The Making Of at themakingof.substack.com/subscribe