In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Elana Rubin, the talented writer and director behind Scalped!, a bold short film that tackles cultural identity, generational trauma, and self-empowerment. With its unique storytelling and striking visuals, Scalped! offers a fresh perspective on reclaiming one's narrative. Elana shares her creative journey, the significance of representation in her work, and the inspiration behind the film. As a special treat, Elana has also provided us with exclusive behind-the-scenes stills from the set, offering a sneak peek into the making of this powerful film.
Chris Thomas is a versatile composer who has scored everything from feature films (Don’t Look Back) to Halloween attractions (Knott's Scary Farm). After looking at his vast resume, which includes being a TED Speaker, it’s obvious that he has a niche for spooky Halloween music. To celebrate all his work in the genre, he recently released an album titled Purgatio, which contains many of my favorite tracks from the past two years, pulled together from his Halloween theme park shows across the US, Canada, and UK.
In the highly anticipated WWII drama Masters of the Air, visual effects studio Whiskytree plays a crucial role in bringing history to life with stunning accuracy and emotional depth. From recreating Nazi-occupied Paris using authentic maps and historical references to designing the war-torn streets of Nuremberg and the ravaged beaches of Normandy, their work adds realism and nuance to pivotal moments in the series. Whiskytree’s team, led by VFX Supervisor Aidan Fraser and founder Jonathan Harb, masterfully blends historical accuracy with symbolism, whether through randomized battle damage on B-2 bombers or the emotional lighting during the Holland food drop. In this interview, they delve into their meticulous process behind crafting these impactful sequences.
In an exclusive interview, Pennsylvania-born composer John Joseph Wiater delves into his collaborative journey with songwriter Matt Fell in creating the hauntingly beautiful score for I Think I’m Sick, directed by YouTube phenomenon Danny Gevirtz. Released on June 7, the film is one of the largest projects to emerge from the YouTube creator economy, and its soundtrack perfectly complements the emotional depth of the story. Wiater and Fell, childhood bandmates, leaned into textural ambient sounds and choral elements, with a unique infusion of binaural beats—a technique designed to evoke therapeutic healing and heightened states of anxiety. Their score mirrors the film's delicate balance between calm reflection and intense psychological struggle, making it an integral part of the viewing experience.
In a rapidly shifting industry, motion design and production studios are constantly adapting to new technologies, trends, and client demands. Ronny Young, founder and president of OddBeast, a cutting-edge creative studio, has been at the forefront of these changes. In this exclusive Q&A, Young discusses the challenges and opportunities faced by studios today, from the rise of AI in design to shifting client expectations. He also shares insights on how OddBeast stays ahead of the curve, embracing innovation while maintaining a commitment to bold, boundary-pushing creative work.
A24’s Sing Sing tells a profound story of resilience, humanity, and the transformative power of art through the eyes of Divine G (Colman Domingo), a man wrongfully imprisoned who finds solace and purpose in a prison theater group. As the film begins its theatrical run, the spotlight also shines on the meticulous work of production designer Ruta Kiskyte. Kiskyte’s dedication to authenticity and emotional depth is evident in every frame, from the carefully recreated prison cells to the small, poignant details like the typewriter used by Divine G and the butterflies crafted from candy foil. In this interview, Kiskyte shares her journey of working closely with previously incarcerated cast members and the original creators of the plays at Sing Sing, bringing their real-life experiences to the screen with remarkable sensitivity and precision.
Award-winning Toronto-based filmmaker Jay Chaudhry makes a powerful return with Street Scales, a compelling biopic that follows the life of Mustafa Shiekh, a Toronto-born criminal defense lawyer. Losing his father at a young age, Mustafa faced racism, violence, and incarceration, but defied the odds to become a key figure in his community. In this exclusive interview, Jay discusses the journey behind capturing Mustafa’s incredible story and the inspiration that shaped the documentary.
Step into 2008, a time of MySpace, flip phones, and the universal struggle of teenage awkwardness. Didi, the latest coming-of-age film from Focus Features, transports viewers into the life of Chris, a Taiwanese-American teenager growing up in California. Picture editors Arielle Zakowski and Christopher Tennant skillfully weave together Chris's journey using Adobe Premiere Pro, capturing the heart and humor of adolescence. In this interview, the duo shares their approach to blending nostalgia with the personal memories of director Sean Wang, creating a film that authentically reflects the late-2000s and the complexities of growing up.
Join us as Emmy-nominated Re-Recording Mixer Martin Lee takes us behind the scenes of Fargo, revealing the meticulous process of crafting the show’s distinct sound. Learn how he expertly balances dialogue, music, and atmospheric elements to create the immersive audio that elevates the series' tension and storytelling.
With over fifteen years of experience in the business, film editor Nikolay Ivanov has worked on everything from high-profile commercials to documentaries, short films, and music videos. Some of his notable accolades include “Best Editor- AIGEL: Tatarin” at the Berlin Music Video Awards and a Special Individual Mention for Editing at the Five Continents International Film Festival for the short film, Versus.
