The Making Of

In this episode, we welcome Soledad O’Brien, Geeta Gandbhir, and Christalyn Hampton, the team behind the Oscar-nominated documentary short, The Devil Is Busy. Soledad serves as Executive Producer, with Geeta and Christalyn co-directing the film. The Devil Is Busy follows a day in the life of Tracii, the head of security at a women’s healthcare clinic in Atlanta, who works tirelessly to protect the safety of the women who walk through its doors. In our conversation, the team shares on the origins of the project, the challenges of making it, and their creative workflows. They also reflect on the state of documentary film — and share advice for emerging filmmakers navigating today’s landscape.
“The Making Of” is presented by AJA:
From cinema to proAV: gaining a competitive edge with streaming knowledge
The worlds of cinema production and proAV are converging. Cinema-grade equipment is making its way into more stadiums, houses of worship, and concert venues. Because of this, professionals that understand the tools and disciplines powering both will stand out. Get ahead of the curve with the latest streaming insights and gear from AJA.
Kodak Announces Honorees for the Eighth Annual Kodak Film Awards
Autumn Durald Arkapaw to Receive Lumiere Award; Kristen Stewart to Receive First Feature Award; Christopher Nolan to Present Inaugural Keighley Award
The 8th Annual Kodak Film Awards will take place on Monday evening, March 2, 2026, at the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) Clubhouse in Hollywood at an invitation-only event honoring Autumn Durald Arkapaw, Joachim Trier, Kristen Stewart, Patricia Keighley of IMAX, Salomon Ligthelm and the acclaimed television series Fallout. Read more here
Now with Massive 8TB Capacity—Thunderbolt 5 Speed
The OWC Envoy Pro Ultra now comes in a new 8TB capacity, pairing enormous space with next‑generation Thunderbolt 5 performance. With real‑world speeds over 6000 MB/s and a rugged, bus‑powered design, it’s perfect for 4K/8K workflows, on‑location shoots, and fast media offloads. High‑speed, high‑capacity, and ready for serious creative work. Browse here
Feature Your Brand:
Showcase your products or services in “The Making Of” newsletter and reach 255K film & TV industry pros each week. To learn more, please email [email protected]
ZEISS Aatma – Contemporary Full Frame Primes with a Soulful Legacy Look
ZEISS introduces the new Aatma, set of nine high-end full frame T1.5 cinema primes (18mm, 25mm, 35mm, 40mm, 50mm, 65mm, 85mm, 100mm, and 135mm) designed to marry the benefits of modern optical design with the nostalgic image characteristics that are popular today. Drawing inspiration from some of the most beloved ZEISS lenses of the 20th century, Aatma combines an emotion-driven look with the mechanical reliability, data integration, and workflow compatibility that’s expected for current production. Read more here
A New Solution from Atomos:
The Atomos Shogun AV-19 Rack-Mounted 4K HDR Monitor/Recorder/Switcher is your all-in-one solution for professional live production, combining a stunning 19” 4K HDR DCI-P3 display with quad-channel switching, real-time ISO recording of up to four camera feeds plus program out, and support for 10-bit Apple ProRes, ProRes RAW, and Avid DNx recording to CFexpress or USB-C media. Perfect for studios, video village, and broadcast environments, it delivers the monitoring accuracy and workflow efficiency your production demands. The Atomos Shogun AV-19 is available for pre-order now for $2,099.00. Learn more at Videoguys.com or call our production experts at 800-323-2325 today!
Podcast Rewind:
Feb. 2026 - Ep. 121.


Get full access to The Making Of at themakingof.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, we welcome Adolpho Veloso, ABC, AIP. Adolpho is the Oscar-nominated cinematographer of Train Dreams, which has been nominated for 4 Academy Awards. In our chat, he shares his origin story, how he learned his craft, and all about the making of this period drama. Adolpho also provides insights into both the creative and technical aspects of his cinematography, as well as recommendations for younger filmmakers today.
“The Making Of” is presented by AJA:
From cinema to proAV: gaining a competitive edge with streaming knowledge
The worlds of cinema production and proAV are converging. Cinema-grade equipment is making its way into more stadiums, houses of worship, and concert venues. Because of this, professionals that understand the tools and disciplines powering both will stand out. Get ahead of the curve with the latest streaming insights and gear from AJA.
Kodak Announces Honorees for the Eighth Annual Kodak Film Awards
Autumn Durald Arkapaw to Receive Lumiere Award; Kristen Stewart to Receive First Feature Award; Christopher Nolan to Present Inaugural Keighley Award
The 8th Annual Kodak Film Awards will take place on Monday evening, March 2, 2026, at the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) Clubhouse in Hollywood at an invitation-only event honoring Autumn Durald Arkapaw, Joachim Trier, Kristen Stewart, Patricia Keighley of IMAX, Salomon Ligthelm and the acclaimed television series Fallout.
Kristen Stewart will be honored with the Debut Feature Award for her directorial debut, The Chronology of Water. The award recognizes first-time filmmakers who bring a distinctive voice and vision to their inaugural feature. Past recipients of the First Feature Award include Céline Song, Michael Morris, and Melina Matsoukas.
Read more here
Now with Massive 8TB Capacity—Thunderbolt 5 Speed
The OWC Envoy Pro Ultra now comes in a new 8TB capacity, pairing enormous space with next‑generation Thunderbolt 5 performance. With real‑world speeds over 6000 MB/s and a rugged, bus‑powered design, it’s perfect for 4K/8K workflows, on‑location shoots, and fast media offloads. High‑speed, high‑capacity, and ready for serious creative work.
Browse here
ZEISS Aatma – Contemporary Full Frame Primes with a Soulful Legacy Look
ZEISS introduces the new Aatma, set of nine high-end full frame T1.5 cinema primes (18mm, 25mm, 35mm, 40mm, 50mm, 65mm, 85mm, 100mm, and 135mm) designed to marry the benefits of modern optical design with the nostalgic image characteristics that are popular today. Drawing inspiration from some of the most beloved ZEISS lenses of the 20th century, Aatma combines an emotion-driven look with the mechanical reliability, data integration, and workflow compatibility that’s expected for current production. Read more here
A New Solution from Atomos:
The Atomos Shogun AV-19 Rack-Mounted 4K HDR Monitor/Recorder/Switcher is your all-in-one solution for professional live production, combining a stunning 19” 4K HDR DCI-P3 display with quad-channel switching, real-time ISO recording of up to four camera feeds plus program out, and support for 10-bit Apple ProRes, ProRes RAW, and Avid DNx recording to CFexpress or USB-C media. Perfect for studios, video village, and broadcast environments, it delivers the monitoring accuracy and workflow efficiency your production demands. The Atomos Shogun AV-19 is available for pre-order now for $2,099.00. Learn more at Videoguys.com or call our production experts at 800-323-2325 today!
Podcast Rewind:
Feb. 2026 - Ep. 120.
Feature Your Brand:
Showcase your products or services in “The Making Of” newsletter and reach 255K film & TV industry pros each week. To learn more, please email [email protected]


Get full access to The Making Of at themakingof.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, we welcome Oscar-nominated writer/director Joachim Trier and Oscar-nominated editor Olivier Bugge Coutté, the longtime collaborators behind Sentimental Value. The film has earned nine Academy Award nominations, including recognition for both of their work. Trier and Coutté have also collaborated on films such as The Worst Person in the World, Reprise, Oslo, August 31st, Louder Than Bombs, and Thelma. In our chat, Joachim shares on developing the story and writing the screenplay, while both dive deep into their creative partnership. They also offer practical advice for emerging writers, directors, and editors navigating their own creative paths.
The Making Of is presented by AJA:
From cinema to proAV: gaining a competitive edge with streaming knowledge
The worlds of cinema production and proAV are converging. Cinema-grade equipment is making its way into more stadiums, houses of worship, and concert venues. Because of this, professionals that understand the tools and disciplines powering both will stand out. Get ahead of the curve with the latest streaming insights and gear from AJA.
‘The 2026 Oscar Nominated Short Films’ Review: Major Themes, Minor Lengths
Three critics briefly consider the short films nominated for the 98th Academy Awards.
From dive-bar patrons to Regency paramours, cross-generational friendship to same-sex longing, and chilly science fiction to Middle Eastern politics, this year’s live action category of Oscar nominated shorts is refreshingly varied.
Read more here
Now with Massive 8TB Capacity—Thunderbolt 5 Speed
The OWC Envoy Pro Ultra now comes in a new 8TB capacity, pairing enormous space with next‑generation Thunderbolt 5 performance. With real‑world speeds over 6000 MB/s and a rugged, bus‑powered design, it’s perfect for 4K/8K workflows, on‑location shoots, and fast media offloads. High‑speed, high‑capacity, and ready for serious creative work.
Browse here
Showcase Your Brand:
Feature your products or services in this newsletter and reach 250K film, TV and broadcast industry pros each week. To learn more, please email [email protected]
ZEISS Aatma – Contemporary Full Frame Primes with a Soulful Legacy Look
ZEISS introduces the new Aatma, set of nine high-end full frame T1.5 cinema primes (18mm, 25mm, 35mm, 40mm, 50mm, 65mm, 85mm, 100mm, and 135mm) designed to marry the benefits of modern optical design with the nostalgic image characteristics that are popular today. Drawing inspiration from some of the most beloved ZEISS lenses of the 20th century, Aatma combines an emotion-driven look with the mechanical reliability, data integration, and workflow compatibility that’s expected for current production.
Read more here
A New Solution from Atomos:
The Atomos Shogun AV-19 Rack-Mounted 4K HDR Monitor/Recorder/Switcher is your all-in-one solution for professional live production, combining a stunning 19” 4K HDR DCI-P3 display with quad-channel switching, real-time ISO recording of up to four camera feeds plus program out, and support for 10-bit Apple ProRes, ProRes RAW, and Avid DNx recording to CFexpress or USB-C media. Perfect for studios, video village, and broadcast environments, it delivers the monitoring accuracy and workflow efficiency your production demands. The Atomos Shogun AV-19 is available for pre-order now for $2,099.00. Learn more at Videoguys.com or call our production experts at 800-323-2325 today!
OWC Exclusive Listener Offer:
Enjoy 10% off your next order as a thank-you for tuning in to The Making Of! Whether you’re upgrading your workflow or adding pro-level gear, OWC has you covered. Use your exclusive listener link below and save on the tools that help bring your creative vision to life.
Explore here
Podcast Rewind:
Feb. 2026 - Ep. 119.


Get full access to The Making Of at themakingof.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, we welcome Matt Finlin, director of “Matter of Time,” a documentary dedicated to an important cause. Matt has collaborated extensively with Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder and EB Research Partnership, using film to amplify awareness around Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) and accelerate efforts to find a cure. In our chat, he shares about creating this doc, his production workflows, and working with Eddie Vedder. Matt also offers many insights for students and filmmakers on the path today.
“The Making Of” is presented by AJA:
From cinema to proAV: gaining a competitive edge with streaming knowledge
The worlds of cinema production and proAV are converging. Cinema-grade equipment is making its way into more stadiums, houses of worship, and concert venues. Because of this, professionals that understand the tools and disciplines powering both will stand out. Get ahead of the curve with the latest streaming insights and gear from AJA.
Francis Ford Coppola Remembers Robert Duvall: ‘Such a Great Actor and Such an Essential Part of American Zoetrope’
Francis Ford Coppola took to Instagram on Monday afternoon to honor his longtime collaborator and friend Robert Duvall, who died on Sunday at the age of 95.
“What a blow to learn of the loss of Robert Duvall,” Coppola wrote. “Such a great actor and such an essential part of American Zoetrope from its beginning: ‘The Rain People,’ ‘The Conversation,’ ‘The Godfather,’ ‘The Godfather Part II,’ ‘Apocalypse Now,’ ‘THX 1138,’ ‘Assassination Tango.’”
Read more here
Now with Massive 8TB Capacity—Thunderbolt 5 Speed
The OWC Envoy Pro Ultra now comes in a new 8TB capacity, pairing enormous space with next‑generation Thunderbolt 5 performance. With real‑world speeds over 6000 MB/s and a rugged, bus‑powered design, it’s perfect for 4K/8K workflows, on‑location shoots, and fast media offloads. High‑speed, high‑capacity, and ready for serious creative work.
Browse here
ZEISS Aatma – Contemporary Full Frame Primes with a Soulful Legacy Look
ZEISS introduces the new Aatma, set of nine high-end full frame T1.5 cinema primes (18mm, 25mm, 35mm, 40mm, 50mm, 65mm, 85mm, 100mm, and 135mm) designed to marry the benefits of modern optical design with the nostalgic image characteristics that are popular today. Drawing inspiration from some of the most beloved ZEISS lenses of the 20th century, Aatma combines an emotion-driven look with the mechanical reliability, data integration, and workflow compatibility that’s expected for current production.
Read more here
A New Solution from Atomos:
The Atomos Shogun AV-19 Rack-Mounted 4K HDR Monitor/Recorder/Switcher is your all-in-one solution for professional live production, combining a stunning 19” 4K HDR DCI-P3 display with quad-channel switching, real-time ISO recording of up to four camera feeds plus program out, and support for 10-bit Apple ProRes, ProRes RAW, and Avid DNx recording to CFexpress or USB-C media. Perfect for studios, video village, and broadcast environments, it delivers the monitoring accuracy and workflow efficiency your production demands. The Atomos Shogun AV-19 is available for pre-order now for $2,099.00.
Learn more at Videoguys.com or call our production experts at 800-323-2325 today!
OWC Exclusive Listener Offer:
Enjoy 10% off your next order as a thank-you for tuning in to The Making Of! Whether you’re upgrading your workflow or adding pro-level gear, OWC has you covered. Use your exclusive listener link below and save on the tools that help bring your creative vision to life.
Explore here
Podcast Rewind:
Feb. 2026 - Ep. 119.
Feature your products or solutions in this newsletter and reach 252K film and TV industry pros. To explore a sponsorship, please email [email protected]


Get full access to The Making Of at themakingof.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, we welcome Bart Layton, writer and director of CRIME 101, a dramatic crime thriller starring Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Barry Keoghan, Halle Berry, Monica Barbaro, Nick Nolte, and Jennifer Jason Lee. In our chat, he shares on crafting one of the best LA-based heist thrillers in years, about writing the screenplay, assembling an all-star cast, and collaborations with his team. Bart also offers inspiring and real-world advice for younger filmmakers today.
The Making Of is presented by AJA:
From cinema to proAV: gaining a competitive edge with streaming knowledge
The worlds of cinema production and proAV are converging. Cinema-grade equipment is making its way into more stadiums, houses of worship, and concert venues. Because of this, professionals that understand the tools and disciplines powering both will stand out. Get ahead of the curve with the latest streaming insights and gear from AJA.
Warner Bros’ $30 Million Oscars Race: How ‘Sinners’ and ‘One Battle After Another’ Are Campaigning at the Same Studio
Warner Bros. is having the kind of Oscar season most studios dream about, and publicity teams may quietly dread.
The studio is backing the two clearest best picture contenders of the year: Paul Thomas Anderson’s action epic “One Battle After Another” and Ryan Coogler’s vampire drama “Sinners.” It’s an embarrassment of riches, but one that can also lead to some awkward situations. How do you push two films this hard without having it look like you’ve already decided which one you want voters to crown?
Read more here
Now with Massive 8TB Capacity—Thunderbolt 5 Speed
The OWC Envoy Pro Ultra now comes in a new 8TB capacity, pairing enormous space with next‑generation Thunderbolt 5 performance. With real‑world speeds over 6000 MB/s and a rugged, bus‑powered design, it’s perfect for 4K/8K workflows, on‑location shoots, and fast media offloads. High‑speed, high‑capacity, and ready for serious creative work.
Browse here
Introducing the LiveU Solo PRO:
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Browse here
OWC Exclusive Listener Offer:
Enjoy 10% off your next order as a thank-you for tuning in to The Making Of! Whether you’re upgrading your workflow or adding pro-level gear, OWC has you covered. Use your exclusive listener link below and save on the tools that help bring your creative vision to life.
Your link: https://www.owc.com/redeem/themakingof
Podcast Rewind:
Feb. 2026 - Ep. 118.
Feature your company in this newsletter and reach 250K film, TV and broadcast industry professionals. To activate a sponsorship, contact [email protected]


Get full access to The Making Of at themakingof.substack.com/subscribe