Top Filmmaking Articles of the Week - April 20, 2025
To be a filmmaker, you have to lead. You have to be psychotic in your desire to do something. People always like the easy route. You have to push very hard to get something unusual, something different.
-Danny Boyle
Top Filmmaking Articles of the Week - April 20, 2025
Here are some filmmaking articles that we found interesting the past week. We hope you enjoy!
IndieWire – Bill Desowitz
The IndieWire article explores how Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler and shot by Autumn Durald Arkapaw, became a groundbreaking film by being the first feature lensed by a female cinematographer using large-format IMAX. Originally planned for 16mm, the film shifted to IMAX 65mm and Ultra Panavision 70 to elevate its story set in the Jim Crow South with a unique blend of vampires and blues. Arkapaw collaborated with Hoyte van Hoytema to master the format, using multiple aspect ratios to enhance the film’s visual language. Her work not only pushes cinematic boundaries but also marks a milestone for representation in the industry.
IndieWire – Harrison Richlin, Alison Foreman
In Andrew Ahn’s 2025 reimagining of The Wedding Banquet, Kelly Marie Tran stars as Angela, a queer woman who enters a marriage of convenience with her gay friend Min (Han Gi-chan) to help fund IVF treatments for her partner Lee (Lily Gladstone) and to assist Min in avoiding deportation. Tran, who publicly came out as queer during the film’s production, found the role deeply personal, drawing parallels between Angela’s strained relationship with her mother and her own experiences. The film, which premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, has been praised for its authentic portrayal of queer and Asian American experiences, blending humor with heartfelt storytelling.
No Film School
In a recent interview at NAB 2025, cinematographer Shane Hurlbut praised the Blackmagic URSA Cine LF for its groundbreaking sensor technology. He highlighted the camera’s ability to capture exceptional skin tones and its innovative approach to sensor design, which eliminates the need for traditional debayering and demosaicing processes. This advancement allows for high-speed shooting without compromising image quality. Hurlbut shared an experience from a previous shoot where equipment limitations hindered his creative vision, emphasizing how the URSA Cine LF addresses such challenges. He considers this camera a significant development in digital cinematography, offering filmmakers enhanced creative flexibility and efficiency.
More Filmmaking Articles
No Film School – Jourdan Aldredge
On a recent music video shoot in London, a $26,000 ARRI Alexa Mini camera was stolen in broad daylight. CCTV footage shows a car slowly approaching the unattended camera before the thieves made off with it. Director of photography Chaimuki attempted to pursue them on an electric bike but was unsuccessful. The stolen equipment included the camera, a Laowa 12mm lens, and a transmitter. This incident underscores the importance of maintaining vigilance and securing valuable gear on set to prevent such losses.
Filmmaker Magazine – Scott Macaulay
In his interview with Filmmaker Magazine, David Cronenberg discusses The Shrouds, a film deeply influenced by the death of his wife, Carolyn. The narrative follows Karsh (Vincent Cassel), a tech entrepreneur who invents a device allowing mourners to observe their deceased loved ones decompose in real-time. Cronenberg delves into themes of grief, technology, and mortality, continuing his exploration of the intersection between the corporeal and the technological. He also reflects on casting Cassel as a version of himself, noting the actor’s efforts to emulate his appearance and mannerisms. The film blends elements of mystery, dark humor, and philosophical inquiry, marking a contemplative addition to Cronenberg’s body of work.
If you’ve found anything interesting this week let us know and we can spread the word next time!