Bringing Wicked to the big screen is no small task, and editor Myron Kerstein is the creative mastermind behind the film's intricate cuts. With his sixth collaboration with director Jon Chu, Myron takes us behind the scenes of what it means to edit one of the most anticipated musicals in cinematic history. From learning about the project back in 2020 to working with visual effects-heavy scenes, Myron’s journey on Wicked is as awe-inspiring as the land of Oz itself.
Production workshops and courses are invaluable for both budding and experienced professionals. These educational opportunities, offered by standout institutions like Manhattan Edit Workshop, FMC (Future Media Concepts), Full Sail University, and more, go beyond traditional classroom learning by delivering hands-on, immersive experiences that foster technical proficiency, creativity, and networking. Here's why production courses are essential to the industry, along with a look at some standout programs shaping today's media professionals.
Let’s kick things off by sharing a little secret with our friends and colleagues at ProductionHUB: This is hands-down one of our favorite assignments of the year! Who doesn’t love discovering something shiny and new under the tree? (Okay, I’ll admit it—it’s me who can’t resist all the new gadgets!)
As the production designer behind Amazon's House of Spoils, Alexandra Schaller brings a unique visual depth to the thriller starring Ariana DeBose, premiering October 3. With a background in immersive media installations, Schaller was the ideal choice to design the film’s hauntingly beautiful botanical sets, creating an environment that mirrors the psychological complexity of the story. Her visionary approach weaves natural elements into every scene, drawing viewers deeper into House of Spoils’ atmospheric world. In this exclusive interview, Schaller reveals her inspirations and the creative process behind building a set that feels as alive—and as menacing—as the story itself.
Evan Wise, ACE, has redefined the art of documentary filmmaking with his groundbreaking work on HBO’s Chimp Crazy. As supervising editor, writer, and executive producer, Wise crafted a gripping, multilayered narrative that has captivated audiences, making Chimp Crazy HBO’s highest-rated documentary series since 2020. Known for his distinctive editing style, which seamlessly blends quiet reflection with high-intensity moments, Wise has played a key role in elevating reality television since his early days on Chopped and Ink Master. His longstanding partnership with HBO has also produced acclaimed projects such as Q: Into The Storm, The Anarchists, and Invisible Pilot. In this exclusive interview, Wise shares insights into his creative process, his commitment to powerful storytelling, and what it takes to create an unforgettable documentary experience.
In Marvel’s highly anticipated Agatha All Along, Michael Paraskevas steps into the supernatural, co-composing a score that transforms the traditional superhero soundscape. Premiering on Disney+ this September 18, the series follows Agatha Harkness on a dark journey with a new coven, and Paraskevas' score captures every eerie, mystical turn. Avoiding the usual heroic themes, Paraskevas brings a haunting edge, blending horror influences from various decades with rich, processed instrumentation. Featuring a dynamic ensemble of strings, trombones, and eerie vocal textures, his work adds depth and complexity to Agatha’s tale, inviting viewers into a soundscape that is as unsettling as it is emotionally resonant. In this exclusive interview, Paraskevas shares his approach, creative process, and the unique choices behind the unforgettable music of Agatha All Along.
In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, photography services are more in demand than ever, especially for live events. Production companies can now easily offer powerful photo services by using the same PTZ cameras they already use for livestreaming. Leveraging existing live-streaming and production equipment, particularly PTZOptics cameras with OBS (Open Broadcaster Software), opens up a new world of flexible, high-quality photography services. Whether capturing live events, managing multi-camera setups in a studio, or photographing from inaccessible locations, Remote Photography empowers creators to control every detail from afar. PTZOptics recently posted a tutorial video on how you can capture 4K image stills from your live streaming cameras using OBS. This tutorial takes you through setting up PTZ cameras with OBS for seamless remote photography, along with advanced AI tools to enhance and refine your images.
In the world of media production, where technology changes at a near-constant rate, staying current with technical skills is crucial for success. The advent of AI, new editing software, remote production tools, and high-resolution video equipment has transformed the way we approach production, while also challenging professionals to keep up with an ever-evolving skill set. Here are some strategies to help you build and maintain the technical expertise needed to thrive in today’s production landscape.
In A24’s chilling new thriller The Front Room, starring Brandy, music supervisor Katy McIlvaine weaves a hauntingly evocative soundtrack that transports audiences to an alternate universe set against the tones of the 60s and 70s. Experimenting with vintage country, gospel, and other nostalgic genres, Katy meticulously selected songs that amplify the film’s unsettling atmosphere and unique world. In this interview, she reveals the intricacies of music supervision, from collaborating closely with the film's creative team to navigating the challenges of licensing decades-old music, all while championing the original artists behind each selection.
