Filmmaker U

Filmmaker U Filmmaker U is an online education series showcasing the best craftspeople in the film & TV business.

08/27/2025

https://www.filmmakeru.com/, Contact [email protected] for information and inquiries.

"The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" VFX Supervisor Jason Smith shares insights on camera setup, project selection, and his experience at ILM. Smith discusses the importance of diverse skills in career paths and the challenges of maintaining Tolkien's vision in The Rings of Power. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration among visual effects artists and the influence of Peter Jackson's films on creativity, while also revealing his passion for makeup artistry and creature design.

Throughout his career, Smith has effectively led and collaborated with teams, working on groundbreaking visual effects in notable projects such as TRANSFORMERS, THE AVENGERS, THE REVENANT, and BUMBLEBEE. In 2012, he served as ILM's Associate Visual Effects Supervisor on Marvel's blockbuster THE AVENGERS, which grossed over one billion dollars worldwide and earned him a Visual Effects Society Award nomination for his character work on THE HULK. His role as ILM Visual Effects Supervisor on THE REVENANT brought him a Visual Effects Society Award for Outstanding Supporting Visual Effects in a Photorealistic Feature and an Academy Award Nomination for Best Visual Effects. Most recently, as Senior Visual Effects Supervisor, Smith played a significant role in the visual design of THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RINGS OF POWER series for Amazon.

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Filmmaker U Chats is sponsored by Manhattan Edit Workshop

Manhattan Edit Workshop is a New York Film Editing School offering a full range of basic to advanced training courses, from Avid, Autodesk, Assimilate, Blackmagic, and Apple products to the complete suite of Adobe applications.

For more information, please visit https://www.mewshop.com.

Every week, Filmmaker U is joined by award-winning filmmakers and creatives from the film and television industry.

Go to https://www.filmmakeru.com for more information on our courses and past interviews.

Follow, like and share on Social Media
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08/27/2025

https://www.filmmakeru.com/, Contact [email protected] for information and inquiries.

Cinematographer M. David Mullen, ASC, and Choreographer Marguerite Derricks share insights from their work on "Étoile." They discuss the intricate relationship between choreography and camera movements, the use of mirrors in rehearsals, and the unique cinematography challenges in cities like Paris and New York. They also highlight the importance of capturing ballet's beauty and the creative adjustments made during the filming process.

M. David Mullen, ASC, won three Emmy Awards for his work on “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and was nominated for two others. He was nominated for the IFP Independent Spirit Award for Best Cinematography in 2000 for “Twin Falls Idaho” and again in 2004 for “Northfork,” both films by Michael and Mark Polish.

Marguerite Derrick's most recent television credit includes Amazon’s “Étoile,” where she worked as the producer and choreographer of the series. Marguerite’s other television credits include Amazon’s “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” Apple TV+’s “Roar,” Starz’s “Party Down,” Apple TV+’s “High Desert,” Amazon’s “Them: Covenant,” Amazon’s “The Fallout,” Showtime’s “The Affair,” HBO’s “Westworld,” Netflix’s “Glow,” Netflix’s revival of “Gilmore Girls,” Starz’s “Blunt Talk,” the Emmy-winning “Behind The Candelabra,” FX’s “American Horror Story,” and HBO’s hit series “True Blood.”

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Every week, Filmmaker U is joined by award-winning filmmakers and creatives from the film and television industry.
,
Go to https://www.filmmakeru.com for more information on our courses and past interviews.

Follow, like, and share on Social Media
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https://www.facebook.com/FilmmakerU/
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08/27/2025

https://www.filmmakeru.com/, Contact [email protected] for information and inquiries.

This week, we talk about the journey of Catherine Haight, an Emmy-nominated Editor, as she shares her insights on editing and storytelling. She discusses the challenges of balancing multiple storylines and the complexity of characters that defy traditional villain roles in "Sirens." She also notes the tone of "Sirens" and how it combines drama and comedy throughout the series.

Catherine Haight, ACE, is a film editor who has helped bring many award-winning television shows and films to the screen.

Cate most recently edited the limited series "Sirens," starring Julianne Moore, Kevin Bacon, and Meghann Fahy. The series was created and written by Molly Smith Metzler for Netflix. Cate has had a long collaboration with Joey Soloway, including the film "Afternoon Delight," starring Kathryn Hahn, and two award-winning series for Amazon Studios: "Transparent," and "I Love Dick." She also cut both "The Polka King," starring Jack Black, and "The Good House," led by Sigourney Weaver and Kevin Kline, with the directing team of Maya Forbes & Wally Wolodarsky. Cate has also edited the films "Troop Zero," starring Viola Davis and Allison Janney, and "Puzzle," with Kelly Macdonald and Irrfan Khan. She also cut the television series "High Desert," "Mozart in the Jungle," "Girls," and "New Girl."

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Filmmaker U Chats is sponsored by Manhattan Edit Workshop

Manhattan Edit Workshop is a New York Film Editing School offering a full range of basic to advanced training courses, from Avid, Autodesk, Assimilate, Blackmagic, and Apple products to the complete suite of Adobe applications.

For more information, please visit https://www.mewshop.com.

Every week, Filmmaker U is joined by award-winning filmmakers and creatives from the film and television industry.
Go to https://www.filmmakeru.com for more information on our courses and past interviews.

Follow, like, and share on Social Media
https://www.linkedin.com/company/filmmaker-u
https://www.facebook.com/FilmmakerU/
https://www.instagram.com/filmmaker_u/
https://www.twitter.com/filmmaker_u
https://www.youtube.com/FilmmakerU


08/27/2025

https://www.filmmakeru.com/, Contact [email protected] for information and inquiries.

Adam Newport-Berra shares his experiences as a cinematographer, discussing the smash hit from Apple TV+'s "The Studio." He highlights the creative process, balancing artistic vision with industry demands. Techniques in cinematography, including lighting and visual references, are explored. Adam reflects on challenges in filming complex shots and the dedication of the crew in 'The Warner' episode, along with his passion for storytelling.

CHAPTERS:
00:18 Filmmaker U & Adam's Work
01:52 The Studio & Cinematography
04:15 Visual Style & Warner Episode
16:47 Filming Challenges & Favorites

Adam Newport-Berra is a cinematographer known for "The Last Black Man in San Francisco" (2019), "Euphoria" (2019), and "Creative Control" (2015). His cinematography has screened at Festivals around the world, including the Sundance Film Festival, New York Film Festival, SXSW, Telluride, Cannes, Toronto, Locarno, and Tribeca.

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Filmmaker U Chats is sponsored by Manhattan Edit Workshop

Manhattan Edit Workshop is a New York Film Editing School offering a full range of basic to advanced training courses, from Avid, Autodesk, Assimilate, Blackmagic, and Apple products to the complete suite of Adobe applications.

Manhattan Edit Workshop's mission is to provide the highest-quality education for filmmakers and editors, focusing on the art and technology inherent to our craft. We foster a "learn by doing" approach in an atmosphere where mistakes are encouraged as part of the process and the only "silly" question is the one that isn't asked.

Please go to https://www.mewshop.com for more information.

Every week, Filmmaker U is joined by award-winning filmmakers and creatives from the film and television industry.

Go to https://www.filmmakeru.com for more information on our courses and past interviews.

Follow, like and share on Social Media
https://www.linkedin.com/company/filmmaker-u
https://www.facebook.com/FilmmakerU/
https://www.instagram.com/filmmaker_u/
https://www.twitter.com/filmmaker_u
https://www.youtube.com/FilmmakerU

06/20/2025

https://www.filmmakeru.com/, Contact [email protected] for information and inquiries.

"Daredevil: Born Again" Cinematographer Hillary Fyfe Spera shares how techniques like rehearsals and pre-visualization are used, and discusses the differences between digital and film shooting. She goes over how strategic camera angles and lighting enhance character representation in the show. The visual style reflects New York's essence, blending nostalgia with grit, influenced by classic films and street photography.

Hillary Fyfe Spera is a TV and film cinematographer with 20 years of professional experience. Most recently, she served as the lead cinematographer on season 1 of Marvel's "Daredevil: Born Again" and is currently shooting season 2.

Her other TV credits include Showtime's highest watched series, "Dexter: New Blood," "The Flight Attendant" starring Kaley Cuoco, HBO's documentary series "Heaven's Gate: The Cult of Cults," pilot of Starz's "P-Valley," Netflix's popular show "YOU," and the pilot for Warner Bros."The Lost Boys."

Beyond her TV work, her feature credits include Lionsgate feature "Run"; the Sony Pictures' reboot of "The Craft: Legacy;" "Lister-Jones' Band-Aid"; Miguel Arteta's "Duck Butter;" Craig Johnson's "Alex Strangelove"; and Netflix feature "The Package," produced by Ben Stiller. Hillary's film credits include diverse work across genres, including Katie Aselton's thriller "Black Rock"; Alaskan adventure drama "Wildlike," which had a highly successful festival run including three Best Cinematography awards and 57 total awards; Olivia Milch's dramedy "Dude," Damon Cardasis' musical "Saturday Church"; and thriller "Submission" starring Stanley Tucci.

Her documentary work includes Emmy award-winning film After Tiller, winner of the Audience Award at SXSW, Darkon, SXSW Audience award winner Maidentrip, SXSW Grand Jury award nominee Breaking a Monster, and winner of the Best Director Award at Tribeca Film Festival.

Hillary is based in Red Hook, Brooklyn, NY. In 2021, she was named one of the ASC's Rising Stars of Cinematography.

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Filmmaker U Chats is sponsored by Manhattan Edit Workshop

Manhattan Edit Workshop is a New York Film Editing School offering a full range of basic to advanced training courses, from Avid, Autodesk, Assimilate, Blackmagic, and Apple products to the complete suite of Adobe applications.

Manhattan Edit Workshop's mission is to provide the highest-quality education for filmmakers and editors, focusing on the art and technology inherent to our craft. We foster a "learn by doing" approach in an atmosphere where mistakes are encouraged as part of the process and the only "silly" question is the one that isn't asked.

Please go to https://www.mewshop.com for more information.

Every week, Filmmaker U is joined by award-winning filmmakers and creatives from the film and television industry. Please join us weekly to ask your questions live with our guest, or watch our vast catalog of a talented lineup of past interviewees on our YouTube page or page.

Go to https://www.filmmakeru.com for more information on our courses and past interviews.

Follow, like, and share on Social Media
https://www.linkedin.com/company/filmmaker-u
https://www.facebook.com/FilmmakerU/
https://www.instagram.com/filmmaker_u/
https://www.twitter.com/filmmaker_u
https://www.youtube.com/FilmmakerU

06/20/2025

https://www.filmmakeru.com/, Contact [email protected] for information and inquiries.

Production Designer Michael Shaw shares experiences from "Daredevil: Born Again," focusing on location choices and visual effects. Michael discusses how the evolution of characters in "Born Again" is accompanied by unique design choices that cater to the original series. He describes the ex*****on of murals and graffiti highlights, and collaboration with comic book artists. The psychology of space is examined, showing how design reflects character emotions.

Michael Shaw is a TV and film production designer with over 30 years of experience. Most recently, his work can be seen in Marvel's newest show, "Daredevil: Born Again. "

He also served as production designer on HBO's acclaimed limited series "The Staircase," starring Colin Firth and Sophie Turner, and was the originating production designer on many hit shows, including AMC series "Lodge 49," "Billions" for Showtime, "Orange is the New Black" for Netflix and "The Big C" for Showtime. Michael's feature film credits include the award-winning "Boys Don't Cry," "You Can Count on Me" starring Laura Linney and Mark Ruffalo, "A Home At The End Of The World" based on a book by Pulitzer prize-winning author, Grammy and Oscar-nominated "August Rush," and "The English Teacher" starring Julianne Moore.

After one of Michael's first design projects, a short film, "The Room," won top prizes at Cannes, Sundance, and MOMA, he realized production design was the perfect career to mold all his creative interests under one roof.

Michael lives in Brooklyn, New York, with his dog Wilson. He settled in New York City after studying painting, sculpture, & film at the Rhode Island School of Design (BFA). He approaches every project as an artist

--

Filmmaker U Chats is sponsored by Manhattan Edit Workshop

Manhattan Edit Workshop is a New York Film Editing School offering a full range of basic to advanced training courses, from Avid, Autodesk, Assimilate, Blackmagic, and Apple products to the complete suite of Adobe applications.

Manhattan Edit Workshop's mission is to provide the highest-quality education for filmmakers and editors, focusing on the art and technology inherent to our craft. We foster a "learn by doing" approach in an atmosphere where mistakes are encouraged as part of the process and the only "silly" question is the one that isn't asked.

Please go to https://www.mewshop.com for more information.

Every week, Filmmaker U is joined by award-winning filmmakers and creatives from the film and television industry. Please join us weekly to ask your questions live with our guest, or watch our vast catalog of a talented lineup of past interviewees on our YouTube page or page.

Go to https://www.filmmakeru.com for more information on our courses and past interviews.

Follow, like, and share on Social Media
https://www.linkedin.com/company/filmmaker-u
https://www.facebook.com/FilmmakerU/
https://www.instagram.com/filmmaker_u/
https://www.twitter.com/filmmaker_u
https://www.youtube.com/FilmmakerU

06/20/2025

https://www.filmmakeru.com/, Contact [email protected] for information and inquiries.

Editor Nicole Brick shares her experiences working on projects like 'No Good Deed'. She highlights the editing process, stressing the need for script access and collaboration. Balancing humor and drama is crucial, especially when exploring serious themes. Nicole discusses her techniques, pacing in comedies, and the evolution from script to final edit, while also revealing her love for reality TV.

--

Filmmaker U Chats is sponsored by Manhattan Edit Workshop

Manhattan Edit Workshop is a New York Film Editing School offering a full range of basic to advanced training courses, from Avid, Autodesk, Assimilate, Blackmagic, and Apple products to the complete suite of Adobe applications.

Manhattan Edit Workshop's mission is to provide the highest-quality education for filmmakers and editors, focusing on the art and technology inherent to our craft. We foster a "learn by doing" approach in an atmosphere where mistakes are encouraged as part of the process and the only "silly" question is the one that isn't asked.

Please go to https://www.mewshop.com for more information.

Every week, Filmmaker U is joined by award-winning filmmakers and creatives from the film and television industry. Please join us weekly to ask your questions live with our guest, or watch our vast catalog of a talented lineup of past interviewees on our YouTube page or page.

Go to https://www.filmmakeru.com for more information on our courses and past interviews.

Follow, like and share on Social Media
https://www.linkedin.com/company/filmmaker-u
https://www.facebook.com/FilmmakerU/
https://www.instagram.com/filmmaker_u/
https://www.twitter.com/filmmaker_u
https://www.youtube.com/FilmmakerU

06/20/2025

https://www.filmmakeru.com/, Contact [email protected] for information and inquiries.

Set Designer Claire Kaufman discusses furniture creation and historical influences in "The Studio." The visual language of characters' homes is compared, highlighting distinct aesthetics. She notes how collaboration is essential for cohesive designs and challenges in set decoration for the Golden Globes. Claire also discusses the differences in creative freedom between television and film, along with advice for aspiring decorators.

Claire Kaufman is a talented Set Decorator with deep roots in Southern California. Raised in the vibrant heart of the state, she went on to study Graphic Arts at UCSD, but it was a move to Los Angeles that opened up a world of new creative possibilities.

Immersed in the high-energy world of music videos and commercials, Claire discovered a whole new creative outlet, ultimately leading her to the realms of film and television design. Throughout her career, Claire has earned the trust of visionary directors and production designers, collaborating on a diverse array of projects that showcase her inventive approach and unmatched attention to detail. Known for seamlessly blending history and modernity, her designs captivate audiences with their imaginative flair and meticulous craftsmanship.

Claire’s notable contributions can be seen in critically acclaimed films like "Oppenheimer," "Little Women," and "White Noise," as well as in iconic television sets for shows like "The Studio," "Perfect Couple," and "American Horror Story." Her ability to tell a story through decoration has earned her recognition across the industry, including Oscar and BAFTA nominations, multiple wins at the ADG Awards, and an Emmy nomination for her work on "American Horror Story."

Claire enjoys decorating today as much as the first time she stepped on set and hopes to create many other memorable worlds.

--

Filmmaker U Chats is sponsored by Manhattan Edit Workshop

Manhattan Edit Workshop is a New York Film Editing School offering a full range of basic to advanced training courses, from Avid, Autodesk, Assimilate, Blackmagic, and Apple products to the complete suite of Adobe applications.

Manhattan Edit Workshop's mission is to provide the highest-quality education for filmmakers and editors, focusing on the art and technology inherent to our craft. We foster a "learn by doing" approach in an atmosphere where mistakes are encouraged as part of the process and the only "silly" question is the one that isn't asked.

Please go to https://www.mewshop.com for more information.

Every week, Filmmaker U is joined by award-winning filmmakers and creatives from the film and television industry. Please join us weekly to ask your questions live with our guest, or watch our vast catalog of a talented lineup of past interviewees on our YouTube page or page.

Go to https://www.filmmakeru.com for more information on our courses and past interviews.

Follow, like, and share on Social Media
https://www.linkedin.com/company/filmmaker-u
https://www.facebook.com/FilmmakerU/
https://www.instagram.com/filmmaker_u/
https://www.twitter.com/filmmaker_u
https://www.youtube.com/FilmmakerU


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