
Filmmakers Academy Podcast
Filmmakers Academy presents two of the film industry’s most unique and reliable podcasts for professionals who work behind the camera. We explore the latest trends, interview industry leaders, and offer leadership and lifestyle guidance tailored to fit the needs of filmmakers.
Stop what you’re doing this very moment and subscribe to Filmmakers Academy to watch LIVE episodes for free on the FA Platform! While full audio episodes are available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, you can watch past episodes on the FA platform as a member of Filmmakers Academy.
The Inner Circle Podcast is Filmmakers Academy’s flagship podcast hosted by Lydia and Shane Hurlbut, ASC. Together the duo chats with everyone from industry leaders in the film industry to health experts and beyond, spotlighting subjects useful to filmmakers pursuing successful and sustainable careers. *In addition to new episodes is a robust archive containing a wealth of knowledge.
Finding the Frame is not so much an interview series as it is a lounge-sesh with your favorite filmmakers. Hosted by Brendan Sweeney, prominent filmmakers from ASC cinematographers to Oscar winners visit the studio to dish about their careers and approach to the craft.
BAFTA Breakthrough Cinematographer Aaron Reid praises Filmmakers Academy as “a valuable learning resource for film craft” that “pushes learning film into the future.” Online Filmmaking Courses rates Filmmakers Academy 5/5 stars as the best-advanced filmmaking training platform! A trusted partner of Academy Gold Rising, British Cinematographer, RED Digital Cinema, and many other industry titans, visit FilmmakersAcademy.com to see how filmmakers like you are scaling successful careers in the film industry.
We also keep past SIC episodes in our archive dedicated to cinematography, how to navigate your career, and leadership, hosted by Filmmakers Academy CEO Lydia Hurlbut and cinematographer Shane Hurlbut, ASC
Filmmakers Academy is a subscription-based streaming platform developed to educate and inspire filmmakers to enrich their storytelling and technical skillset. Through on-demand lessons, podcasts, and courses across multiple disciplines, filmmakers at any level of experience will learn from our elite team of industry-leading professionals.
Latest episodes

May 22, 2023 • 1h 45min
Finding the Frame - Producer & Director Edgar Esteves
Award-winning filmmaker and activist Edgar Esteves drops into the Filmmakers Academy studio to chat with Brendan Sweeney about what it takes to create a successful business in the film industry. Listed in Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2020, Edgar discusses some serious truths about the industry, like whether you need an agent or representation, or if you can navigate a prosperous career on your own. Not only that, on top of crucial insights into how Edgar manages his own business relationships, he shares his journey filming his debut feature film in Africa.This is a must-watch for filmmakers rising in their careers. Edgar gives some serious advice about ego and what you should look for in colleagues running a production company. To watch the full video interview, become an All Access member today!As an All Access member, you get full access to all other Finding the Frame interviews as well as every course and lesson instructed by industry professionals. On top of that, you gain entrance into our exclusive community and can use the FA app to enhance your skills while on the job! Keep up with Edgar Esteves here:https://www.instagram.com/edgaresteves/https://blanksquareproductions.com/Keep up with Brendan Sweeney here:https://www.brendanjsweeney.com/https://www.instagram.com/brenpancake/Learn filmmaking from artists at the top of their game. Try Filmmakers Academy and become a member: https://bit.ly/302orWvCheck out our blog filled with career advice, free assets, gear talk, and on set stories: https://bit.ly/3CzwFn2Be apart of our community! Instagram ►► https://bit.ly/3kR5JIOFacebook ►► https://bit.ly/3Ig07BTTikTok ►► https://bit.ly/3QZjWkZ

May 2, 2023 • 1h 36min
Finding the Frame - Cinematographer Brendan Uegama, CSC
Finding the Frame’s first guest ever, director of photography Brendan Uegama, CSC, returns to talk about his work on Hulu’s unauthorized Mike Tyson biopic miniseries, Mike. Mr. Uegama describes the prep with Director X, explaining how the wealth of archival footage they found on YouTube informed their decisions, and how they recreated the world where one of the world’s most dangerous and notorious boxers became a legend. Mike is available to stream exclusively on Hulu.Watch the full episode as a member of Filmmakers Academy or listen for free pretty much anywhere you listen to podcasts!Keep up with Brendan Uegama here:https://www.brendanuegama.com/https://www.instagram.com/brendanuega...Keep up with Brendan Sweeney here:https://www.brendanjsweeney.com/https://www.instagram.com/brenpancake/Learn filmmaking from artists at the top of their game. Try Filmmakers Academy and become a member: https://bit.ly/302orWvCheck out our blog filled with career advice, free assets, gear talk, and on set stories: https://bit.ly/3CzwFn2Be apart of our community! Instagram ►► https://bit.ly/3kR5JIOFacebook ►► https://bit.ly/3Ig07BTTikTok ►► https://bit.ly/3QZjWkZ

May 2, 2023 • 1h 23min
Finding the Frame - Cinematographer Rafael Leyva
In our 13th episode of Finding the Frame, cinematographer Rafael Leyva visited the studio at Filmmakers Academy to sit down with host Brendan Sweeney and discuss everything from his preference for shooting on film to that one time he courted Steven Spielberg for 2nd unit on West Side Story.Rafael Leyva specializes in feature films and focuses on capturing compelling stories on 35mm. In 2019 the International Cinematographers Guild of America named him as one of their Generation Next DPs. He has lensed for clients such as Disney Pictures, SONY Pictures, Netflix, FOX, NBC, Hallmark, Lifetime Channel Network, Syfy Channel Network, and many more. Want to watch along? Become a member to access the full video interview! https://bit.ly/3x7bngeKeep up with Rafael Levya here:https://www.rleyvadp.com/https://www.instagram.com/rafaelleyvadp/Keep up with Brendan Sweeney here:https://www.brendanjsweeney.com/https://www.instagram.com/brenpancake/Learn filmmaking from artists at the top of their game. Try Filmmakers Academy and become a member today: https://bit.ly/302orWvCheck out our blog filled with career advice, free assets, gear talk, and on set stories: https://bit.ly/3CzwFn2Be apart of our community! Instagram ►► https://bit.ly/3kR5JIOFacebook ►► https://bit.ly/3Ig07BTTikTok ►► https://bit.ly/3QZjWkZ

May 2, 2023 • 1h 10min
Finding the Frame - Producer & Director Jason Baum
In our 12th episode of Finding the Frame, Award-winning Director/Producer Jason Baum drops into the FA studio to talk about his career, most notably the epic Grammy win for his work on Kendrick Lamar’s HUMBLE and his collaboration with Spike Jonze on the 5x Emmy-nominated documentary feature film Beastie Boys Story. Jason has worked with other visionary directors in addition to Spike Jonze, including Ava DuVernay, Joey Soloway, and Hiro Murai.Become a member to watch the full interview: https://bit.ly/302orWvKeep up with Jason Baum here: http://jasonbaum.com/https://www.instagram.com/jason_baum/Keep up with Brendan Sweeney here:https://www.brendanjsweeney.com/https://www.instagram.com/brenpancake/Learn filmmaking from artists at the top of their game. Try Filmmakers Academy and become a member today: https://bit.ly/302orWvCheck out our blog filled with career advice, free assets, gear talk, and on set stories: https://bit.ly/3CzwFn2Be apart of our community! Instagram ►► https://bit.ly/3kR5JIOFacebook ►► https://bit.ly/3Ig07BTTikTok ►► https://bit.ly/3QZjWkZ

May 2, 2023 • 1h 17min
Finding the Frame, Ep.11 - Hair Department Head Camille Friend
In episode 11 of Finding the Frame, Oscar nominee Camille Friend stops by Filmmakers Academy to talk about her illustrious career, work on Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and her recent nomination for Best Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling. Become a member to watch the full interview: https://bit.ly/302orWvKeep up with Camille Friend here:https://www.instagram.com/camille_fri...https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0295518/?...Keep up with Brendan Sweeney here:https://www.brendanjsweeney.com/https://www.instagram.com/brenpancake/Learn filmmaking from artists at the top of their game. Try Filmmakers Academy and become a member: https://bit.ly/302orWvCheck out our blog filled with career advice, free assets, gear talk, and on set stories: https://bit.ly/3CzwFn2Be apart of our community! Instagram ►► https://bit.ly/3kR5JIOFacebook ►► https://bit.ly/3Ig07BTTikTok ►► https://bit.ly/3QZjWkZTake your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself: https://fm.pxf.io/c/3557826/1347628/1...

May 2, 2023 • 1h 28min
Finding the Frame, Ep.10 - Cinematographer Mandy Walker, ASC, ACS
Filmmakers Academy host Brendan Sweeney sits down with cinematographer and Oscar nominee Mandy Walker ASC, ACS to discuss her work on Elvis, career journey, advice for filmmakers, future of filmmaking and more! Keep with Mandy Walker, ASC, ACS here: https://www.instagram.com/mandywalkerdp/https://www.mandywalkerdp.com/Keep up with Brendan Sweeney here: https://www.instagram.com/brenpancake/https://www.brendanjsweeney.com/Learn filmmaking from artists at the top of their game. Try Filmmakers Academy and become a member today: https://bit.ly/302orWvCheck out our blog filled with career advice, free assets, gear talk, and on set stories: https://bit.ly/3CzwFn2Music by MusicBedhttp://share.mscbd.fm/filmmakersacademyBe apart of our community! Instagram ►► https://bit.ly/3kR5JIOFacebook ►► https://bit.ly/3Ig07BTTikTok ►► https://bit.ly/3QZjWkZTake your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself: https://fm.pxf.io/c/3557826/1347628/1...

May 2, 2023 • 1h 14min
Finding the Frame, Ep.09 - Costume Designer Deborah L. Scott
In episode 9 of Finding the Frame, Oscar-winning costume designer Deborah L. Scott discusses her work on Avatar: The Way of Water, along with her career, working with James Cameron, and more! Join as an all access member to watch the full interview: https://bit.ly/302orWvKeep up with Deborah Scott here:https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0779045/Keep up with Brendan Sweeney here: https://www.brendanjsweeney.com/https://www.instagram.com/brenpancake/Learn filmmaking from artists at the top of their game. Try Filmmakers Academy and become a member today: https://bit.ly/302orWvCheck out our blog filled with career advice, free assets, gear talk, and on set stories: https://bit.ly/3CzwFn2Music by MusicBedhttp://share.mscbd.fm/filmmakersacademyBe apart of our community! Instagram ►► https://bit.ly/3kR5JIOFacebook ►► https://bit.ly/3Ig07BTTikTok ►► https://bit.ly/3QZjWkZ

May 2, 2023 • 1h 30min
Finding the Frame, Ep.08 - Cinematographer Oren Soffer
In episode 8 of Finding the Frame cinematographer Oren Soffer discussed his career, how he got started as an international filmmaker, his features "Allswell" & "Fixation", and much more! Become an all access member and watch the full episode: https://bit.ly/3x7bngeKeep up with Oren Soffer here: https://www.orensoffer.com/https://www.instagram.com/orensofferdp/Keep up with Brendan Sweeney here: https://www.brendanjsweeney.com/https://www.instagram.com/brenpancake/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filmmakers_academy/Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@filmmakers_academyLearn filmmaking from artists at the top of their game. Try Filmmakers Academy and become a member today: https://bit.ly/302orWvCheck out our blog filled with career advice, free assets, gear talk, and on set stories: https://bit.ly/3CzwFn2Music by MusicBedhttp://share.mscbd.fm/filmmakersacademy

May 2, 2023 • 1h 29min
Finding the Frame, Ep.07 - Sound Department Karol Urban & Stephen Tibbo
In episode 7 of Finding the Frame, we welcomed re-recording mixer Karol Urban, and sound mixer Stephen Tibbo from the Cinema Audio Society to discuss production/post-production sound, the theory of sound capture, how they starter their careers and Cinema Audio Society. Learn more about the Cinema Audio Society here: http://bit.ly/3AVIzZWBecome an all access member and watch the full episode: https://bit.ly/3x7bngeKeep up with Karol Urban here: https://www.instagram.com/mistressmix...https://www.linkedin.com/in/karolurban/Keep up with Stephen Tibbo here: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0003562/https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-t...Keep up with Brendan Sweeney here: https://www.brendanjsweeney.com/https://www.instagram.com/brenpancake/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filmmakers_academy/Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@filmmakers_academyLearn filmmaking from artists at the top of their game. Try Filmmakers Academy and become a member today: https://bit.ly/302orWvCheck out our blog filled with career advice, free assets, gear talk, and on set stories: https://bit.ly/3CzwFn2Music by MusicBedhttp://share.mscbd.fm/filmmakersacademy

May 2, 2023 • 1h 35min
Finding the Frame, Ep.06 - Cinematographer Charlie Sarroff & Colorist Dave Cole
In our sixth episode of "Finding the Frame", we chatted with cinematographer Charlie Sarroff and colorist Dave Cole about their collaboration on the hit film "Smile." They discussed the DP and colorist relationship/workflow and how they brought the film's visual language to life. Become an all access member and watch the full episode: https://bit.ly/3x7bngeKeep up with Charlie Sarroff here:https://charliesarroff.com/https://www.instagram.com/charlie_sar...Keep up with Dave Cole here:https://www.instagram.com/davecole_co...Keep up with Brendan Sweeney here: https://www.brendanjsweeney.com/https://www.instagram.com/brenpancake/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filmmakers_academy/Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@filmmakers_academyLearn filmmaking from artists at the top of their game. Try Filmmakers Academy and become a member today: https://bit.ly/302orWvCheck out our blog filled with career advice, free assets, gear talk, and on set stories: https://bit.ly/3CzwFn2Music by MusicBedhttp://share.mscbd.fm/filmmakersacademy