In this episode, we welcome Sophie Darlington ASC, an award-winning cinematographer whose remarkable career has taken her around the world capturing wildlife and the natural world. In our conversation, she takes us behind the scenes of LION, sharing how she filmed the documentary over the course of four years in the wild, and what went into bringing the Jon Favreau–executive-produced project to life. She discusses the technologies used to craft the film’s stunning imagery, along with the challenges of this type of production. “The Making Of” is presented by AJA:Futureproofing with IP videoAs production workflows rapidly evolve, IP video is key to building more scalable, future-ready pipelines. To get up to speed on the IP fundamentals and gain insights into the various IP paths – like ST 2110, NDI, Dante AV, and SRT – download AJA’s free IP video white paper today.Post|Production World New YorkOct. 20-21 | New YorkSharpen your edit, your motion graphics, and your AI workflow in two days. Post|Production World New York brings certified trainers and working pros to NAB Show New York, October 20-21, with hands-on sessions in Premiere, After Effects, DaVinci Resolve, and Cinema 4D. Registration includes show floor access.Discount Code: PPWTMORegister hereA Solution Built Around Your WorkflowThe OWC Express 4M2 Ultra is available in a range of configurations to fit your workflow and budget. Choose from ready-to-run solutions with up to 32TB of high-performance NVMe storage, giving you the speed, capacity, and reliability needed for everything from multi-camera editing to demanding VFX and finishing workflows. Available now. Explore hereElgato Prompter XLThe Elgato Prompter XL is a professional all-in-one teleprompter with a 15.6” removable display and a reading range of up to 15 feet. Featuring USB 3.2 connectivity and broad compatibility, it’s ideal for live productions and content creation. Available now at Videoguys.com—call 800-323-2325 to learn more.Explore hereZEISS Introduces Horizon Anamorphic: Full-Frame 2x Anamorphics with a New Lens Technology PlatformZEISS unveils the Horizon Anamorphic series, a new lineup of full-frame 2x anamorphic cinema lenses designed to deliver a distinctive cinematic look along with a new lens technology platform that answers the need for speed and precision demanded by contemporary production workflows.Spanning 35mm to 200mm across seven focal lengths, Horizon lenses combine their anamorphic look—incorporating a pronounced oval bokeh and stretched sense of spatial depth—with a lightweight, fully integrated motorized system that eliminates the need for external focus or iris motors. Read more herePodcast Rewind:July 2026 - Ep. 147.Partner with The Making Of:Reach 275,000+ film industry, broadcast pros, and content creators reading this weekly newsletter. To explore advertising, please email [email protected] Get full access to The Making Of at themakingof.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, we welcome co-directors Christian Hurley and Ben Oliphint, and producer Matt Wassong—the filmmakers behind the horror feature A Most Atrocious Thing, made for just $8,000 and ultimately landing distribution on Roku and other platforms. In our conversation, the team shares the inspiration behind the film, writing it during the pandemic, shooting the feature on a shoestring budget, and navigating its evolving post-production process. They also demystify indie film distribution—sharing their experiences on the festival circuit, making a key connection at Tubi, and other secrets behind the film’s success.“The Making Of” is presented by AJA:Futureproofing with IP videoAs production workflows rapidly evolve, IP video is key to building more scalable, future-ready pipelines. To get up to speed on the IP fundamentals and gain insights into the various IP paths – like ST 2110, NDI, Dante AV, and SRT – download AJA’s free IP video white paper today.Screamfest 2026October 6-15 | Los Angeles, CAReady for a thrill? Screamfest returns October 6–15 with ten nights of spine-chilling world premieres, terrifying shorts, and exclusive filmmaker Q&As and panels. Catch the newest discoveries in horror on the big screen before anyone else. Don’t wait—secure your festival passes and tickets today before they sell out! Learn more hereA Solution Built Around Your WorkflowThe OWC Express 4M2 Ultra is available in a range of configurations to fit your workflow and budget. Choose from ready-to-run solutions with up to 32TB of high-performance NVMe storage, giving you the speed, capacity, and reliability needed for everything from multi-camera editing to demanding VFX and finishing workflows. Available now. Explore hereZEISS Introduces Horizon Anamorphic: Full-Frame 2x Anamorphics with a New Lens Technology PlatformZEISS unveils the Horizon Anamorphic series, a new lineup of full-frame 2x anamorphic cinema lenses designed to deliver a distinctive cinematic look along with a new lens technology platform that answers the need for speed and precision demanded by contemporary production workflows.Spanning 35mm to 200mm across seven focal lengths, Horizon lenses combine their anamorphic look—incorporating a pronounced oval bokeh and stretched sense of spatial depth—with a lightweight, fully integrated motorized system that eliminates the need for external focus or iris motors. Read more hereElgato Prompter XLThe Elgato Prompter XL is a professional all-in-one teleprompter with a 15.6” removable display and a reading range of up to 15 feet. Featuring USB 3.2 connectivity and broad compatibility, it’s ideal for live productions and content creation. Available now at Videoguys.com—call 800-323-2325 to learn more.Explore herePodcast Rewind:July 2026 - Ep. 146.Partner with The Making Of:Reach 275K film production industry, broadcast pros, and content creators reading this newsletter. To explore advertising, please email [email protected] Get full access to The Making Of at themakingof.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, we welcome the creative team behind the 19-time Emmy-nominated Apple TV series Widow’s Bay—cinematographer Christian Sprenger ASC, editor Isaac Hagy ACE, and production sound mixer Kevin S. Parker. In our conversation, Christian, Isaac, and Kevin take us behind the scenes of the series, sharing how they helped create its distinctive blend of horror, comedy, mystery, and character. They break down the elements that shape the world of Widow’s Bay, while exploring their collaboration, and the tools and techniques behind some of the series’ most memorable moments. They also offer advice for students and filmmakers looking to improve their craft and grow their careers.“The Making Of” is presented by AJA:Futureproofing with IP videoAs production workflows rapidly evolve, IP video is key to building more scalable, future-ready pipelines. To get up to speed on the IP fundamentals and gain insights into the various IP paths – like ST 2110, NDI, Dante AV, and SRT – download AJA’s free IP video white paper today.A Solution Built Around Your WorkflowThe OWC Express 4M2 Ultra is available in a range of configurations to fit your workflow and budget. Choose from ready-to-run solutions with up to 32TB of high-performance NVMe storage, giving you the speed, capacity, and reliability needed for everything from multi-camera editing to demanding VFX and finishing workflows. Available now. Learn more hereElgato Prompter XLThe Elgato Prompter XL is a professional all-in-one teleprompter with a 15.6” removable display and a reading range of up to 15 feet. Featuring USB 3.2 connectivity and broad compatibility, it’s ideal for live productions and content creation. Available now at Videoguys.com—call 800-323-2325 to learn more. Explore hereZEISS Introduces Horizon Anamorphic: Full-Frame 2x Anamorphics with a New Lens Technology PlatformZEISS unveils the Horizon Anamorphic series, a new lineup of full-frame 2x anamorphic cinema lenses designed to deliver a distinctive cinematic look along with a new lens technology platform that answers the need for speed and precision demanded by contemporary production workflows.Spanning 35mm to 200mm across seven focal lengths, Horizon lenses combine their anamorphic look—incorporating a pronounced oval bokeh and stretched sense of spatial depth—with a lightweight, fully integrated motorized system that eliminates the need for external focus or iris motors. Read more herePodcast Rewind:July 2026 - Ep. 145.Advertise with The Making Of:Reach 270K film production industry, broadcast professionals, and content creators reading this newsletter. To explore advertising, please email [email protected] Get full access to The Making Of at themakingof.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, we welcome Lowell A. Meyer, cinematographer of Other Mommy, Tuner, Knock at the Cabin, Thunder Road, and the Apple TV+ series Servant. In our conversation, Lowell shares his early inspirations, his journey to becoming a feature film cinematographer, and about the making of Tuner and Other Mommy. He also breaks down the tools and techniques used on Tuner, offering behind-the-scenes insights into his creative process, as well as invaluable advice for the next generation of filmmakers.“The Making Of” is presented by AJA:Futureproofing with IP videoAs production workflows rapidly evolve, IP video is key to building more scalable, future-ready pipelines. To get up to speed on the IP fundamentals and gain insights into the various IP paths – like ST 2110, NDI, Dante AV, and SRT – download AJA’s free IP video white paper today.A Solution Built Around Your WorkflowThe OWC Express 4M2 Ultra is available in a range of configurations to fit your workflow and budget. Choose from ready-to-run solutions with up to 32TB of high-performance NVMe storage, giving you the speed, capacity, and reliability needed for everything from multi-camera editing to demanding VFX and finishing workflows. Available now. Learn more hereCost Effective Sports Video Production GuideHosted by Key Code MediaThursday, August 6 | 1-2PM EDTMid-tier sports programs, college athletics departments, and K-12 media teams are being asked to produce more live content for traditional and emerging sports with less time, fewer staff, and tighter budgets. The challenge is not just finding the right gear. It is building a production workflow that looks professional, is easy to operate, and can be used consistently by staff, students, and volunteers without requiring a large technical team.In this Broadcast2Post Live Podcast, host Michael Kammes will be joined by Dennis Trapani, Associate Athletics Director for Broadcast and Video Production at the University of Wyoming. Together, they will explore how schools and organizations are creating broadcast-quality sports productions using cost-effective tools, practical system design, and streamlined workflows. Register hereZEISS Introduces Horizon Anamorphic: Full-Frame 2x Anamorphics with a New Lens Technology PlatformZEISS unveils the Horizon Anamorphic series, a new lineup of full-frame 2x anamorphic cinema lenses designed to deliver a distinctive cinematic look along with a new lens technology platform that answers the need for speed and precision demanded by contemporary production workflows.Spanning 35mm to 200mm across seven focal lengths, Horizon lenses combine their anamorphic look—incorporating a pronounced oval bokeh and stretched sense of spatial depth—with a lightweight, fully integrated motorized system that eliminates the need for external focus or iris motors. Read more hereElgato Prompter XLThe Elgato Prompter XL is a professional all-in-one teleprompter with a 15.6” removable display and a reading range of up to 15 feet. Featuring USB 3.2 connectivity and broad compatibility, it’s ideal for live productions and content creation. Available now at Videoguys.com—call 800-323-2325 to learn more. Explore herePodcast Rewind:July 2026 - Ep. 144.Explore a Partnership with The Making Of:Reach 270,000 film production industry, broadcast professionals, and content creators reading this weekly newsletter. To learn more, please email [email protected] Get full access to The Making Of at themakingof.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, we welcome Natasha Braier ASC, ADF, the cinematographer behind acclaimed films such as She Said, Honey Boy, The Neon Demon, Gloria Bell, and I Love Boosters. In our conversation, Natasha shares her journey from her roots in Argentina to building a career in Los Angeles, along with a behind-the-scenes look at the making of I Love Boosters, directed by Boots Riley. She also discusses DeepLight, the cinematography community she founded, and offers thoughtful advice for the next generation of filmmakers.“The Making Of” is presented by AJA:Futureproofing with IP videoAs production workflows rapidly evolve, IP video is key to building more scalable, future-ready pipelines. To get up to speed on the IP fundamentals and gain insights into the various IP paths – like ST 2110, NDI, Dante AV, and SRT – download AJA’s free IP video white paper today.A Solution Built Around Your WorkflowThe OWC Express 4M2 Ultra is available in a range of configurations to fit your workflow and budget. Choose from ready-to-run solutions with up to 32TB of high-performance NVMe storage, giving you the speed, capacity, and reliability needed for everything from multi-camera editing to demanding VFX and finishing workflows. Available now. Learn more hereIntelligent Production HubNew this summer from the Intelligent Production Hub: hands-on training in the AI and real-time tools working productions run on.Intro to NVIDIA NvRTX (Jul 29), AI Video Creators Workshop (Aug 7), AI Creativity with Comfy (Aug 12), plus role-based AI sessions for editing, VFX, sound, and design.See the full schedule hereZEISS Introduces Horizon Anamorphic: Full-Frame 2x Anamorphics with a New Lens Technology PlatformZEISS unveils the Horizon Anamorphic series, a new lineup of full-frame 2x anamorphic cinema lenses designed to deliver a distinctive cinematic look along with a new lens technology platform that answers the need for speed and precision demanded by contemporary production workflows.Spanning 35mm to 200mm across seven focal lengths, Horizon lenses combine their anamorphic look—incorporating a pronounced oval bokeh and stretched sense of spatial depth—with a lightweight, fully integrated motorized system that eliminates the need for external focus or iris motors. Read more hereElgato Prompter XLThe Elgato Prompter XL is a professional all-in-one teleprompter with a 15.6” removable display and a reading range of up to 15 feet. Featuring USB 3.2 connectivity and broad compatibility, it’s ideal for live productions and content creation. Available now at Videoguys.com—call 800-323-2325 to learn more.Explore herePodcast Rewind:July 2026 - Ep. 143.Explore a Partnership with The Making Of:Reach over 270,000 film production industry, broadcast professionals, and content creators reading this newsletter. To learn more, please email [email protected] Get full access to The Making Of at themakingof.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, we welcome cinematographer Nik Summerer ASC, best known for his work on the critically acclaimed series Dark, as well as 1899 and the feature film Color Book, now streaming on Netflix. In our conversation, Nik shares his journey into cinematography, reflecting on his influences and the path that led him behind the camera. We take a deep dive into the making of Color Book, exploring his visual storytelling approach, the techniques he employed, and the tools he used to bring this striking black-and-white drama to life. Nik also offers real-world advice for students and emerging filmmakers looking to build a career in the industry.“The Making Of” is presented by AJA:AJA introduces high-performance Thunderbolt™ 5-enabled PCIe expansion chassisMeet Io Xpand, a Thunderbolt 5 expansion chassis for AJA KONA and Corvid I/O cards. Io Xpand lets video professionals integrate the performance of AJA PCIe I/O cards on Thunderbolt 5 laptops and mini-PCs for an incredibly powerful, fast, and portable I/O solution for on set, remote production, and live switching. Visit hereIntelligent Production HubNew this summer from the Intelligent Production Hub: hands-on training in the AI and real-time tools working productions run on.Intro to NVIDIA NvRTX (Jul 29), AI Video Creators Workshop (Aug 7), AI Creativity with Comfy (Aug 12), plus role-based AI sessions for editing, VFX, sound, and design.See the full schedule hereA Solution Built Around Your WorkflowThe OWC Express 4M2 Ultra is available in a range of configurations to fit your workflow and budget. Choose from ready-to-run solutions with up to 32TB of high-performance NVMe storage, giving you the speed, capacity, and reliability needed for everything from multi-camera editing to demanding VFX and finishing workflows. Available now. Learn more hereZEISS Introduces Horizon Anamorphic: Full-Frame 2x Anamorphics with a New Lens Technology PlatformZEISS unveils the Horizon Anamorphic series, a new lineup of full-frame 2x anamorphic cinema lenses designed to deliver a distinctive cinematic look along with a new lens technology platform that answers the need for speed and precision demanded by contemporary production workflows.Spanning 35mm to 200mm across seven focal lengths, Horizon lenses combine their anamorphic look—incorporating a pronounced oval bokeh and stretched sense of spatial depth—with a lightweight, fully integrated motorized system that eliminates the need for external focus or iris motors. Read more hereElgato Prompter XLThe Elgato Prompter XL is a professional all-in-one teleprompter with a 15.6" removable display and a reading range of up to 15 feet. Featuring USB 3.2 connectivity and broad compatibility, it's ideal for live productions and content creation. Available now at Videoguys.com—call 800-323-2325 to learn more.Explore herePodcast Rewind:July 2026 - Ep. 142.Explore a Partnership with The Making Of:Reach over 275,000 film production industry, broadcast professionals, and content creators reading this newsletter. To learn more, please email [email protected] Get full access to The Making Of at themakingof.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, we welcome director Connie He and Google DeepMind’s Márcia Mayer to discuss the making of Dear Upstairs Neighbors, which premiered at the Tribeca Festival in June. Connie and Márcia, both Pixar alumni, embarked on a creative journey to explore how emerging technologies could help bring Connie’s story and artistic vision to life. In our conversation, they discuss their respective roles in the project, the collaborative process behind this unique animated film, DeepMind’s mission to empower creators through cutting-edge technology, and what they learned along the way. They also share advice for the next generation of storytellers navigating today’s rapidly evolving creative landscape.“The Making Of” is presented by AJA:AJA introduces high-performance Thunderbolt™ 5-enabled PCIe expansion chassisMeet Io Xpand, a Thunderbolt 5 expansion chassis for AJA KONA and Corvid I/O cards. Io Xpand lets video professionals integrate the performance of AJA PCIe I/O cards on Thunderbolt 5 laptops and mini-PCs for an incredibly powerful, fast, and portable I/O solution for on set, remote production, and live switching. Visit hereA Solution Built Around Your WorkflowThe OWC Express 4M2 Ultra is available in a range of configurations to fit your workflow and budget. Choose from ready-to-run solutions with up to 32TB of high-performance NVMe storage, giving you the speed, capacity, and reliability needed for everything from multi-camera editing to demanding VFX and finishing workflows. Available now. Learn more hereNew York City | July 28The sports-production landscape is undergoing a dramatic transformation as a result of the cloud and AI, and SVG’s new Cloud & Content Workflows Summit is where the industry comes together to navigate it. As virtualized hardware, cloud-based workflows, and AI-powered tools become more commonplace, the entire sports-production supply chain is being reimagined from the ground up. This special event brings together SVG’s previous Cloud Production and Content Management events into a single, comprehensive day of programming—covering both live and non-live production workflows alike. Learn more hereZEISS Introduces Horizon Anamorphic: Full-Frame 2x Anamorphics with a New Lens Technology PlatformZEISS unveils the Horizon Anamorphic series, a new lineup of full-frame 2x anamorphic cinema lenses designed to deliver a distinctive cinematic look along with a new lens technology platform that answers the need for speed and precision demanded by contemporary production workflows.Spanning 35mm to 200mm across seven focal lengths, Horizon lenses combine their anamorphic look—incorporating a pronounced oval bokeh and stretched sense of spatial depth—with a lightweight, fully integrated motorized system that eliminates the need for external focus or iris motors. Read more hereSanDisk Extreme PRO USB4 Portable SSDPower your workflow with the SanDisk Extreme PRO USB4 Portable SSD, available in 2TB and 4TB capacities. Featuring speeds up to 3800 MB/s read and 3700 MB/s write, it’s built for fast transfers and editing. The rugged, IP65-rated design is ready for work anywhere. Learn more at Videoguys or call 800.323.2325 for free tech advice. View herePodcast Rewind:July 2026 - Ep. 141.Explore a Partnership with The Making Of:Reach over 275,000 film industry, broadcast professionals, and content creators reading this weekly newsletter. To learn more, please email [email protected] Get full access to The Making Of at themakingof.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, we welcome award-winning cinematographer Jeff Hester, whose work includes documentaries such as Postcard from Earth, Our Planet, Dolphins Up Close with Bertie Gregory, Planet Earth III, and Hammerhead Sharks Up Close for Nat Geo’s annual summer event, SHARKFEST. In our conversation, Jeff shares his journey into cinematography, how he developed his unique skill set, and the making of Hammerhead Sharks Up Close. He also discusses what it’s like to film underwater alongside sharks, the specialized cameras and techniques used to capture these incredible images, and offers valuable insights for the next generation of filmmakers.“The Making Of” is presented by AJA:AJA introduces high-performance Thunderbolt™ 5-enabled PCIe expansion chassisMeet Io Xpand, a Thunderbolt 5 expansion chassis for AJA KONA and Corvid I/O cards. Io Xpand lets video professionals integrate the performance of AJA PCIe I/O cards on Thunderbolt 5 laptops and mini-PCs for an incredibly powerful, fast, and portable I/O solution for on set, remote production, and live switching. Visit hereThunderbolt 5 Speed. DIY RAID Without Limits.The OWC Express 4M2 Ultra is a next-gen Thunderbolt 5 NVMe enclosure built for serious post workflows. Delivering up to 6622MB/s, it lets you use your own drives to create a high-performance RAID with up to 32TB—and beyond via daisy chaining. Compact, powerful, and scalable for 8K+ and VFX workflows. Available for pre-order now, shipping in late June. Explore hereNew York City | July 28The sports-production landscape is undergoing a dramatic transformation as a result of the cloud and AI, and SVG’s new Cloud & Content Workflows Summit is where the industry comes together to navigate it. As virtualized hardware, cloud-based workflows, and AI-powered tools become more commonplace, the entire sports-production supply chain is being reimagined from the ground up. This special event brings together SVG’s previous Cloud Production and Content Management events into a single, comprehensive day of programming—covering both live and non-live production workflows alike.Learn more hereZEISS Introduces Horizon Anamorphic: Full-Frame 2x Anamorphics with a New Lens Technology PlatformZEISS unveils the Horizon Anamorphic series, a new lineup of full-frame 2x anamorphic cinema lenses designed to deliver a distinctive cinematic look along with a new lens technology platform that answers the need for speed and precision demanded by contemporary production workflows.Spanning 35mm to 200mm across seven focal lengths, Horizon lenses combine their anamorphic look—incorporating a pronounced oval bokeh and stretched sense of spatial depth—with a lightweight, fully integrated motorized system that eliminates the need for external focus or iris motors. Read more hereSanDisk Extreme PRO USB4 Portable SSDPower your workflow with the SanDisk Extreme PRO USB4 Portable SSD, available in 2TB and 4TB capacities. Featuring speeds up to 3800 MB/s read and 3700 MB/s write, it’s built for fast transfers and editing. The rugged, IP65-rated design is ready for work anywhere. Learn more at Videoguys or call 800.323.2325 for free tech advice. View herePodcast Rewind:July 2026 - Ep. 140.Promote your brand with The Making Of:Reach 275,000+ film industry, broadcast pros, and content creators reading this newsletter. To explore a partnership, please email [email protected] Get full access to The Making Of at themakingof.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, we welcome Eben Bolter ASC, BSC, cinematographer of the new Apple TV series Cape Fear. Eben has also lensed acclaimed projects including The Life of Chuck, The Last of Us, and Slow Horses. In our conversation, he shares his journey into cinematography, the experiences that shaped his career, and his approach to developing the visual language of Cape Fear. He takes a deep dive into the cameras, lenses, lighting, and techniques used to bring the series to life, while offering valuable advice for the next generation of filmmakers.“The Making Of” is presented by AJA:AJA introduces high-performance Thunderbolt™ 5-enabled PCIe expansion chassisMeet Io Xpand, a Thunderbolt 5 expansion chassis for AJA KONA and Corvid I/O cards. Io Xpand lets video professionals integrate the performance of AJA PCIe I/O cards on Thunderbolt 5 laptops and mini-PCs for an incredibly powerful, fast, and portable I/O solution for on set, remote production, and live switching. Visit hereThunderbolt 5 Speed. DIY RAID Without Limits.The OWC Express 4M2 Ultra is a next-gen Thunderbolt 5 NVMe enclosure built for serious post workflows. Delivering up to 6622MB/s, it lets you use your own drives to create a high-performance RAID with up to 32TB—and beyond via daisy chaining. Compact, powerful, and scalable for 8K+ and VFX workflows. Available for pre-order now, shipping in late June. Explore hereZEISS Introduces Horizon Anamorphic: Full-Frame 2x Anamorphics with a New Lens Technology PlatformZEISS unveils the Horizon Anamorphic series, a new lineup of full-frame 2x anamorphic cinema lenses designed to deliver a distinctive cinematic look along with a new lens technology platform that answers the need for speed and precision demanded by contemporary production workflows. Spanning 35mm to 200mm across seven focal lengths, Horizon lenses combine their anamorphic look—incorporating a pronounced oval bokeh and stretched sense of spatial depth—with a lightweight, fully integrated motorized system that eliminates the need for external focus or iris motors. Read more hereSanDisk Extreme PRO USB4 Portable SSDPower your workflow with the SanDisk Extreme PRO USB4 Portable SSD, available in 2TB and 4TB capacities. Featuring speeds up to 3800 MB/s read and 3700 MB/s write, it’s built for fast transfers and editing. The rugged, IP65-rated design is ready for work anywhere. Learn more at Videoguys or call 800.323.2325 for free tech advice. View herePodcast Rewind:June 2026 - Ep. 139.Promote your Brand with The Making Of:Reach 270,000+ film industry, broadcast pros, and content creators reading this weekly newsletter. To explore a partnership, please email [email protected] Get full access to The Making Of at themakingof.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Making Of, we welcome legendary colorist and Company 3 founder/CEO Stefan Sonnenfeld. Stefan shares his journey into color grading, the evolution of his career, and the story behind building one of the industry's most respected post-production companies. He also discusses his work on Michael, the global blockbuster about Michael Jackson that has grossed nearly $1 billion worldwide, and how he helped shape the film’s visual identity through color. During our chat, Stefan offers advice for the next generation of creatives on craftsmanship, collaboration, and building a lasting career in film.“The Making Of” is presented by AJA:Bridging ST 2110 with the Broader IP WorldAs IP adoption accelerates, establishing a seamless flow for IP media across a production is fundamental. Need to move compressed IP production media onto an ST 2110 network or deliver ST 2110 media to platforms that only accept compressed media? Discover how AJA BRIDGE LIVE makes both easy.Thunderbolt 5 Speed. DIY RAID Without Limits.The OWC Express 4M2 Ultra is a next-gen Thunderbolt 5 NVMe enclosure built for serious post workflows. Delivering up to 6622MB/s, it lets you use your own drives to create a high-performance RAID with up to 32TB—and beyond via daisy chaining. Compact, powerful, and scalable for 8K+ and VFX workflows. Available for pre-order now, shipping in late June. Browse hereZEISS Introduces Horizon Anamorphic: Full-Frame 2x Anamorphics with a New Lens Technology PlatformZEISS unveils the Horizon Anamorphic series, a new lineup of full-frame 2x anamorphic cinema lenses designed to deliver a distinctive cinematic look along with a new lens technology platform that answers the need for speed and precision demanded by contemporary production workflows. Spanning 35mm to 200mm across seven focal lengths, Horizon lenses combine their anamorphic look—incorporating a pronounced oval bokeh and stretched sense of spatial depth—with a lightweight, fully integrated motorized system that eliminates the need for external focus or iris motors.Read more hereSanDisk Extreme PRO USB4 Portable SSDPower your workflow with the SanDisk Extreme PRO USB4 Portable SSD, available in 2TB and 4TB capacities. Featuring speeds up to 3800 MB/s read and 3700 MB/s write, it’s built for fast transfers and editing. The rugged, IP65-rated design is ready for work anywhere. Learn more at Videoguys or call 800-323-2325 for free tech advice. View herePodcast Rewind:June 2026 - Ep. 138.Advertise with The Making Of:Reach 270,000+ film industry professionals and content creators reading this newsletter. To explore a partnership, please email [email protected] Get full access to The Making Of at themakingof.substack.com/subscribe