The Making Of The Making Of

In this episode, we welcome Tony Wisniewski. Tony is the Sr. Marketing Manager for Cinematography and Photography divisions at ZEISS. Having supported creatives in both communities for many years, he has his pulse on the latest movements in each market. In our chat, we hear Tony’s backstory, career evolution into the world of optics, and all about the latest products from ZEISS — including their solutions for Virtual Production. In addition, we hear his predictions for the filmmaking industry for the second half of 2024 and into next year.
The Making Of is presented by AJA Video Systems.
Uplevel your pipeline with AJA’s latest updates
From color management to IP video, data management, and beyond, media production pipelines are rapidly evolving. Stay ahead of the curve with AJA’s latest technology updates for production and post pros, including a new ColorBox release with ACES support and other great improvements, to new Desktop software features, and beyond. Find out more here
Brendan Steacy ASC, CSC Shoots CSC-Nominated "Rabbit Hole" with ZEISS Supreme Prime Lenses, Creating a Visual Masterpiece
Brendan Steacy ASC, CSC, a virtuoso of visual language, trusted ZEISS Supreme Primes once again. Read the full interview on the ZEISS Lenspire blog to find out how he achieved the modern visual aesthetic that complements the film's cyber-spy-privacy-invasive narrative.
Read here
From our Friends at Videoguys…
V-RAPTOR® [X] 8K VV combines the strengths of RED’s two families of cameras into one powerful all-purpose workhorse. The frame rates, lowlight performance, and resolution of the V-RAPTOR® line combined with the global shutter advancements of KOMODO®, the V-RAPTOR [X] 8K VV sensor is the culmination of the latest advancements in digital cinema image making. Using RED’s newest 8K VV sensor, V-RAPTOR [X] leverages the benefits and flexibility of large format, global shutter, high framerate, 8K acquisition, all inside of a compact and feature rich body weighing just over 4lbs.
Browse here
Upcoming Event:
Cine Gear Expo | Burbank, CA
Cine Gear Expo features exhibits, new product and service introductions, complimentary seminars led by industry leaders, masterclasses, a film competition, and awards ceremony. From June 6-9th, the LA Expo will be held at the historic Warner Bros Studios in Burbank, CA.
A fitting backdrop for the Cine Gear industry trade show, visitors can enjoy outdoor booths on Warner Bros Midwest and French Streets, former home to The Music Man, Bonnie and Clyde, and “Gilmore Girls”. Simultaneously, The Friends and Young Sheldon Stages will house indoor booths filled with the latest tech from popular equipment vendors. Warner’s full-service facility also offers state-of-the-art venues like the Steven J. Ross Theatre to accommodate Cine Gear’s hallmark Film Competition, Screening Series, and Presentations.
Free registration here
Featured Film Festival:
Mallorca International Film Festival
Join us at the 13th edition of the Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival, celebrating the art of cinema in all its diversity! This year marks the 3rd edition of our Cinematography Focus, highlighting the visual storytelling mastery behind the lens. Immerse yourself in a world of creativity through screenings, workshops and networking events on the picturesque island of Mallorca. Come be a part of the evolving narrative of filmmaking.
Visit us here
Featured Book:
Scenes from the City: Filmmaking in New York
Scenes from the City: Filmmaking in New York is a celebration of the rise of New York-shot films, particularly after the Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting was formed in 1966. This revised and expanded edition, edited by James Sanders, includes a new decade of filmmaking in NYC, a section on women filmmakers and rare, behind-the-scenes shots directly from studio archives. It also explores the recent growth of the City's television industry with more episodic series being prod

In this episode, we welcome producer Mark Skelton. Mark is currently at work on a feature-length documentary about the infamous Cannonball Run car race across America. He has a long history of producing films, documentaries, and other content. In our conversation, Mark shares his path into filmmaking, prior projects he’s worked on, and artists that have inspired him. He also shows us under the hood about how he’s producing this documentary, Cannonballer, that’s currently in production.
The Making Of is presented by AJA Video Systems.
Uplevel your pipeline with AJA’s latest updates
From color management to IP video, data management, and beyond, media production pipelines are rapidly evolving. Stay ahead of the curve with AJA’s latest technology updates for production and post pros, including a new ColorBox release with ACES support and other great improvements, to new Desktop software features, and beyond. Find out more here
Brendan Steacy ASC, CSC Shoots CSC-Nominated "Rabbit Hole" with ZEISS Supreme Prime Lenses, Creating a Visual Masterpiece
Brendan Steacy ASC, CSC, a virtuoso of visual language, trusted ZEISS Supreme Primes once again. Read the full interview on the ZEISS Lenspire blog to find out how he achieved the modern visual aesthetic that complements the film's cyber-spy-privacy-invasive narrative. Available to read here
From our Friends at Videoguys…
V-RAPTOR® [X] 8K VV combines the strengths of RED’s two families of cameras into one powerful all-purpose workhorse. The frame rates, lowlight performance, and resolution of the V-RAPTOR® line combined with the global shutter advancements of KOMODO®, the V-RAPTOR [X] 8K VV sensor is the culmination of the latest advancements in digital cinema image making. Using RED’s newest 8K VV sensor, V-RAPTOR [X] leverages the benefits and flexibility of large format, global shutter, high framerate, 8K acquisition, all inside of a compact and feature rich body weighing just over 4lbs.
Inquire here
Vimeo Staff Picks Screening:
Tuesday, May 7th | Toronto
A night of inspiring Vimeo Staff Picks + live filmmaker commentary! Join Vimeo curator Ina Pira as she screens recent and upcoming Staff Picked films with live, unscripted commentary from some of the best creators on Vimeo. Free RSVP here
Featured Industry Event:
Cine Gear Expo | Burbank, CA
Cine Gear Expo features exhibits, new product and service introductions, complimentary seminars led by industry leaders, masterclasses, a film competition, and awards ceremony. From June 6-9th, the LA Expo will be held at the historic Warner Bros Studios in Burbank, CA.
A fitting backdrop for the Cine Gear industry trade show, visitors can enjoy outdoor booths on Warner Bros Midwest and French Streets, former home to The Music Man, Bonnie and Clyde, and “Gilmore Girls”. Simultaneously, The Friends and Young Sheldon Stages will house indoor booths filled with the latest tech from popular equipment vendors. Warner’s full-service facility also offers state-of-the-art venues like the Steven J. Ross Theatre to accommodate Cine Gear’s hallmark Film Competition, Screening Series, and Presentations.
Learn more here
Movie List of the Month:
John Carpenter’s Top 10
Check out The Master of Horror’s list here
Podcast Rewind:
April 2024 - Ep. 30…
The Making Of is published by Michael Valinsky.
If interested in promoting your products to over 13,700 leading film, TV and video industry pros reading this newsletter, please email us: mvalinsky@me.com











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

In this episode, we welcome Vimeo curators Meghan Oretsky and Ina Pira. This pivotal team at Vimeo leads the curation of the platform’s celebrated Staff Picks and engages with the filmmaking community on a constant basis. In our chat, we hear their back stories, how they got involved with Vimeo, and their unique roles with curation. In addition, they share insights on the state of independent film today — and what’s coming for Staff Picks events throughout 2024.
The Making Of is presented by AJA Video Systems.
As productions grow in complexity, access to on-set displays for monitoring is crucial. With ample routing inputs and outputs, it’s easy to achieve greater monitoring flexibility and redundancy on-set. Check out this Q&A with DIT Kevin Shiramizu to learn how he’s leveraging AJA KUMO SDI routers to do just this across projects.
Vimeo Staff Picks Screening:
Tuesday, April 23rd | San Francisco
A night of inspiring Vimeo Staff Picks + live filmmaker commentary! 
Join Vimeo curator Meghan Oretsky as she screens a handful of exceptional Staff Picked films with live, unscripted commentary from some of the best creators on Vimeo. After the screening, grab some swag and mingle with other filmmakers over apps and drinks. This event is free to attend.
RSVP here
From our Friends at Videoguys…
Media Composer is the most acclaimed and trusted collaborative video editing software solution across the media and entertainment industry. With options for all types of content creators—from students and independent video editors to creative teams, high-level post-production teams and broadcasters, Media Composer provides the most powerful storytelling tools in the industry. From AI-powered timesaving features, flexible workflow options, to customizable UI and remote collaboration tools, Media Composer makes it easy to create and deliver content from anywhere and turn around more projects faster. In the highest quality. On time and on budget.
Learn more here
ZEISS Wins Multiple Awards at NAB 2024
Congratulations to ZEISS for taking home three awards at NAB 2024 for Nano Primes and CinCraft Scenario camera tracking solutions. Check out these award-winning products and more here
Featured Book:
Stanley Kubrick and Me: Thirty Years at His Side
This intimate portrait by his former personal assistant and confidante reveals the man behind the legendary filmmaker—for the first time.
Stanley Kubrick, the director of a string of timeless movies from Lolita and Dr. Strangelove to A Clockwork Orange, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Full Metal Jacket, and others, has always been depicted by the media as the Howard Hughes of filmmakers, a weird artist obsessed with his work and privacy to the point of madness. But who was he really? Emilio D'Alessandro lets us see. A former Formula Ford driver who was a minicab chauffeur in London during the Swinging Sixties, he took a job driving a giant phallus through the city that became his introduction to the director. Honest, reliable, and ready to take on any task, Emilio found his way into Kubrick's neurotic, obsessive heart. He became his personal assistant, his right-hand man and confidant, working for him from A Clockwork Orange until Kubrick's death in 1999.
View here
Podcast Rewind:
April 2024 - Ep. 29…
The Making Of is published by Michael Valinsky.
If you’d like to promote your products to 12,600 leading film, TV and video industry pros reading this newsletter, please email us: mvalinsky@me.com


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

In this episode, we welcome filmmaker Chris Kentis. Chris is a writer, director, producer and editor, who achieved great success with his independent film, Open Water, in 2003. In our chat, we hear his backstory, path into filmmaking, and process making this movie. Chris also shares about his cinematic inspirations, other projects he’s worked on, and what's next for him.
The Making Of is presented by AJA Video Systems.
As productions grow in complexity, access to on-set displays for monitoring is crucial. With ample routing inputs and outputs, it’s easy to achieve greater monitoring flexibility and redundancy on-set. Check out this Q&A with DIT Kevin Shiramizu to learn how he’s leveraging AJA KUMO SDI routers to do just this across projects.
From our Friends at Videoguys…
Media Composer is the most acclaimed and trusted collaborative video editing software solution across the media and entertainment industry. With options for all types of content creators—from students and independent video editors to creative teams, high-level post-production teams and broadcasters, Media Composer provides the most powerful storytelling tools in the industry. From AI-powered timesaving features, flexible workflow options, to customizable UI and remote collaboration tools, Media Composer makes it easy to create and deliver content from anywhere and turn around more projects faster. In the highest quality. On time and on budget.
Learn more here
Visit ZEISS at the NAB Show:
NAB is around the corner, and you don't want to miss what's new at the ZEISS Booth #7312 in Hall C! Come discover the cinematic look of the Nano Prime lenses and check out live demonstrations of the ZEISS CinCraft Scenario camera tracking solution. ZEISS' knowledgeable Product Specialists are excited to discuss your upcoming camera tracking needs and offer their expertise. Whether you're working in indoor or outdoor settings, on film sets with green and blue screens, or in LED volumes, they have the solution for you.
If you're looking to save time on lens calibration, come and see how Scenario can accelerate your workflow. Plus, you can explore the complete lineup of ZEISS cinema lenses — including Supreme Prime, Supreme Prime Radiance, CZ.2 Cinema Zoom lenses, CP.3 Primes, and more! Use ZEISS' guest pass code NS7892 to register for free admission and click the link below to add ZEISS to your planner. 
To add ZEISS to your Show Planner, click here
Vimeo Staff Picks Screening:
April 23, 2024 | San Francisco
Join us for this free screening of recent Vimeo Staff Pick favorites, handpicked and hosted by our curators. Short films will be accompanied by live commentary from featured local filmmakers. After the screening, there’ll be a Networking Party with drinks, snacks, music and swag!
RSVP for free here
Podcast Rewind:
March 2024 - Ep. 28…
The Making Of is published by Michael Valinsky.
If you’d like to promote your products to over 12,500 leading film, TV and video industry pros reading this newsletter, please email us: mvalinsky@me.com


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

In this episode, we welcome award-winning photographer and filmmaker, Esteban Toro. Esteban also serves as Adobe’s Sr. Community Relationship Manager and is based in New York City. In our chat, he shares his origin story, how he learned photography, on through becoming an ambassador for brands such as Sony and BenQ. He also talks about his role at Adobe supporting the creative community of filmmakers and editors — and sheds light about recent developments in post workflows, A.I., and much more.
The Making Of is presented by AJA Video Systems.
Versatile color management and conversion with AJA ColorBox
From film to live production, color is an art. Achieving the right look requires a combination of talent and access to tools like AJA ColorBox. The color management and conversion box has quickly become a favorite among DITs with camera log, HDR, and WCG support, 12G-SDI and HDMI 2.0 connectivity, and unparalleled color processing. Find out why.
ZEISS Conversations with Meena Singh
Join the ZEISS Conversations webinar featuring renowned Director of Photography Meena Singh on Thursday, March 28th at 12pm PST / 3pm EST. Hear her insights about using ZEISS Supreme Prime Radiance lenses to create the look for the notable romantic comedy film, "Wedding Season." They will also discuss how she created the visual language for Sundance 2024 selected short film “Guts” and several documentary projects.
Sign up for free here
From our Friends at Videoguys…
The Canon EOS C70 offers exceptional cinema capabilities in a compact package. Enjoy stunning images with a 4K Super 35mm DGO Sensor and all the built-in features you could ask for, including ND Filters, mini XLRs, direct touch rotatable LCD screen, Dual Pixel CMOS Autofocus, and excellent battery life. Making the EOS C70 even more powerful is compatibility with Canon's expanding line of high-performance RF Lenses.
Check it out here!
Book of the Month:
Woke Up This Morning: The Definitive Oral History of The Sopranos
Expanding on their hit Talking Sopranos podcast with exclusive interviews for the book with the cast, crew, producers, writers, directors and creators, stars Michael Imperioli and Steve Schirripa deliver the definitive oral history of the landmark television series and streaming hit The Sopranos. Packed with untold stories from behind the scenes and on the set, they’re spilling all the secrets.
Get a copy here
Podcast Rewind:
March 2024 - Ep. 27…
The Making Of is published by Michael Valinsky.
If you’d like to promote your products to over 12,000 leading film, TV and video industry pros reading this newsletter, please email us: mvalinsky@me.com




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

In this episode, we welcome Emmy-nominated Composer, Score Producer and Musician Chris Ruggiero. Chris has worked on films such as Emily the Criminal, Swallow, The Martha Mitchell Effect, Minding the Gap, Hooligan Sparrow, “Soundbreaking: Stories from the Cutting Edge of Recorded Music,” One Child Nation, Plan C, Camp Courage, episodes of “American Masters" and “American Experience” — and Resynator, which is premiering at SXSW this month. In our chat, we hear Chris’ backstory, his path from working at MTV, to creating jingles for brands, on through scoring many of today’s top independent films and documentaries.
The Making Of is presented by AJA Video Systems.
Versatile color management and conversion with AJA ColorBox 
From film to live production, color is an art. Achieving the right look requires a combination of talent and access to tools like AJA ColorBox. The color management and conversion box has quickly become a favorite among DITs with camera log, HDR, and WCG support, 12G-SDI and HDMI 2.0 connectivity, and unparalleled color processing. Find out why.
ZEISS Conversations with Meena Singh
Join the ZEISS Conversations webinar featuring renowned Director of Photography Meena Singh on Thursday, March 28th at 12pm PST / 3pm EST. Hear her insights about using ZEISS Supreme Prime Radiance lenses to create the look for the notable romantic comedy film, "Wedding Season." They will also discuss how she created the visual language for Sundance 2024 selected short film “Guts” and several documentary projects. Sign up for free here
Movie Book of the Month:
Space Odyssey: Stanley Kubrick, Arthur C. Clarke, and the Making of a Masterpiece
This is the definitive story of the making of 2001: A Space Odyssey, acclaimed today as one of the greatest films ever made, including the inside account of how director Stanley Kubrick and writer Arthur C. Clarke created this cinematic masterpiece.
Author Michael Benson explains how 2001 was made, telling the story primarily through the two people most responsible for the film, Kubrick and science fiction legend Arthur C. Clarke. Benson interviewed Clarke many times, and has also spoken at length with Kubrick’s widow, Christiane; with visual effects supervisor Doug Trumbull; with Dan Richter, who played 2001’s leading man-ape; and many others.A colorful nonfiction narrative packed with memorable characters and remarkable incidents, Space Odyssey provides a 360-degree view of this extraordinary work, tracking the film from Kubrick and Clarke’s first meeting in New York in 1964 through its UK production from 1965-1968, during which some of the most complex sets ever made were merged with visual effects so innovative that they scarcely seem dated today. A concluding chapter examines the film’s legacy as it grew into it current justifiably exalted status. Available here
From our Friends at Broadfield…
The Atomos Ninja bundled with Atomos Connect combines the newest 5" monitor/recorder & playback device with the latest Atomos Cloud features enabled by Atomos Connect. The free 6-month subscription to Atomos Cloud Studio enables camera-to-cloud, remote collaboration and review, cloud editing, live production and streaming. This complete solution will even include an accessory kit with rechargeable batteries, fast-charger, screen protector, travel case and more!
Browse here
Resource of the Month:
The Daily Drop
“The Daily Drop” is all about the tech, craft and business of producing content. The ongoing daily series (Mon-Fri) from Jem Schofield of theC47 focuses on video production and filmmaking with a core focus on education.
Here’s a recent episode that give’s Jem’s initial thoughts on OpenAI’s Sora and how it might impact our industry…
More episodes available here
Upcoming L.A. Event:
Cinelease Open House
Cinelease, known for providing the industry's most extensive array of grip, electrical and lighting equipment and full-service studios, opens