The Making Of

In this episode of The Making Of, we welcome Chris Welcker, CAS (Production Sound Mixer), Ari Balouzian (Composer), and Paul Hsu (Re-Recording Mixer) to discuss the sound of Primetime. From capturing production sound to crafting the film’s original score and immersive sound design, we explore the creative collaboration behind the film’s distinctive sonic atmosphere, building tension and bringing its story to life.
The Making Of is presented by
AJA FS8: Solving signal chain challenges in modern media pipelines
Mismatched frame rates, rasters, and color spaces shouldn’t slow production down. Get ahead of these challenges with AJA FS8. The hybrid SDI/IP media processor offers up to four channels of 4K/UltraHD or eight channels of 2K/HD frame sync, audio and video processing, IP gateway functionality, and more in a 1RU. https://www.aja.com/products/fs8
Discover US film locations that maximize your budget with Wrapbook’s free Incentive Finder
The tool matches a project’s type and budget to state, city, county, and local programs, including many built for small productions
In the world of production tax incentives, whether a production qualifies for a tax break is often budget-dependent. That’s because many incentive programs require productions to have budgets of $1 million or more before they’ll even consider them incentive-eligible. Learn more here
How to Choose the Right Desktop Storage for Video Workflows
For video and post-production professionals, choosing desktop storage comes down to balancing capacity, speed, and connectivity. This guide breaks down when HDD, SSD, single-bay, multi-bay, USB, and Thunderbolt solutions make the most sense, helping you match your storage to active editing, backup, archive, and high-performance post workflows. Visit here
What’s Better Than Royalty Free Music?
Unlimited music uses in unlimited productions. One straightforward license. And now free Sound FX too!
CSS Music gives filmmakers and content creators access to music from human composers, backed by a broad standard license with unlimited uses, unlimited productions, and no time limits.
Find the right track faster with powerful search options, then customize it for your production with custom-length and stem extraction tools. Plus, easily create playlists and generate cue sheets—all designed to make music licensing and production simpler.
No hassles. No surprises. Just great music and tools built for creators.
Explore here or email us at info@cssmusic.com
Meet ZEISS at ToruńCAMERIMAGE 2026
The Team at ZEISS Cinematography is excited for this year’s ToruńCAMERIMAGE International Film Festival and invites the cinematography community to experience the distinctive visual characteristics of their newest lenses first-hand at the festival.
Featuring our recently introduced Aatma, Panoptes 65, and Horizon Anamorphic lenses, along with Nano Primes, we will participate in the festival’s Marketplace, offer “Lens Experience” small-group guided sessions and present the “Anamorphics. Reimagined.” seminar.
Learn more here
ATOMOS SUMO PRO-19
The ATOMOS SUMO PRO-19 combines a 19-inch 4K HDR DCI-P3 monitor, multi-camera recorder, and live switcher into one powerful solution for on-set review and video village workflows. With four SDI inputs, ISO recording, NDI HX3, ProRes/DNx/ProRes RAW recording, advanced monitoring tools, and XLR audio, it delivers a complete monitor-record-switch workflow for modern production. Learn more by calling Videoguys at 800-323-2325.
Visit here
Podcast Rewind:
Oct. 2026 - Ep. 156.
Partner with The Making Of:
Reach 275,000 film industry, broadcast pros and content creators reading this newsletter. To explore advertising, please email mvalinsky@me.com



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

This week on The Making Of, we’re taking a behind-the-scenes look at The Only Living Pickpocket in New York, a new crime thriller starring John Turturro, Steve Buscemi, Giancarlo Esposito, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Tatiana Maslany. Joining us for a special conversation are writer/director Noah Segan, cinematographer Sam Levy, costume designer Cailey Breneman, and production designer Rocio Gimenez. Together, they discuss the creative process behind the film, from its distinctive cinematography and visual style to the costumes, production design, and collaborative decisions that helped bring this uniquely New York story to life.
The Making Of is presented by
How Harvard scales sports production
Go behind the scenes of Harvard Athletics’ production workflow and learn how it’s pushing the boundaries of live, cross-platform sports storytelling. Read the full interview to find out how NDI/SDI gateway, streaming, fiber/SDI conversion and USB 3.0 capture devices from AJA streamline its day-to-day operations, saving countless hours and headaches.
Meet ZEISS at ToruńCAMERIMAGE 2026
The Team at ZEISS Cinematography is excited for this year’s ToruńCAMERIMAGE International Film Festival and invites the cinematography community to experience the distinctive visual characteristics of their newest lenses first-hand at the festival.
Featuring our recently introduced Aatma, Panoptes 65, and Horizon Anamorphic lenses, along with Nano Primes, we will participate in the festival’s Marketplace, offer “Lens Experience” small-group guided sessions and present the “Anamorphics. Reimagined.” seminar. Learn more here
How to Choose the Right Desktop Storage for Video Workflows
For video and post-production professionals, choosing desktop storage comes down to balancing capacity, speed, and connectivity. This guide breaks down when HDD, SSD, single-bay, multi-bay, USB, and Thunderbolt solutions make the most sense, helping you match your storage to active editing, backup, archive, and high-performance post workflows. Visit here
What’s Better Than Royalty Free Music?
Unlimited music uses in unlimited productions. One straightforward license. And now free Sound FX too!
CSS Music gives filmmakers and content creators access to music from human composers, backed by a broad standard license with unlimited uses, unlimited productions, and no time limits.
Find the right track faster with powerful search options, then customize it for your production with custom-length and stem extraction tools. Plus, easily create playlists and generate cue sheets—all designed to make music licensing and production simpler.
No hassles. No surprises. Just great music and tools built for creators.
Explore here or email us at info@cssmusic.com
ATOMOS SUMO PRO-19
The ATOMOS SUMO PRO-19 combines a 19-inch 4K HDR DCI-P3 monitor, multi-camera recorder, and live switcher into one powerful solution for on-set review and video village workflows. With four SDI inputs, ISO recording, NDI HX3, ProRes/DNx/ProRes RAW recording, advanced monitoring tools, and XLR audio, it delivers a complete monitor-record-switch workflow for modern production. Learn more by calling Videoguys at 800-323-2325. Visit here
Podcast Rewind:
Oct. 2026 - Ep. 155.
Partner with The Making Of:
Reach 275,000 film industry, broadcast pros and content creators reading this newsletter. To explore advertising, please email mvalinsky@me.com


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

In this episode of The Making Of, recorded live at the Screamfest Horror Film Festival in Hollywood in October 2026, host Michael Valinsky moderates an engaging conversation with cinematographers Lowell A. Meyer (Other Mommy, Knock at the Cabin) and James Kniest (Annabelle, The Haunting of Bly Manor). Presented by ShotDeck, The Art of Horror Cinematography explores the creative and technical craft behind bringing horror to life on screen — from lighting and camera movement to building atmosphere, suspense, and visual tension. Both cinematographers share insights into their creative processes, collaborations with directors, and the art of creating unforgettable cinematic imagery.
“The Making Of” is presented by AJA:
How Harvard scales sports production
Go behind the scenes of Harvard Athletics’ production workflow and learn how it’s pushing the boundaries of live, cross-platform sports storytelling. Read the full interview to find out how NDI/SDI gateway, streaming, fiber/SDI conversion and USB 3.0 capture devices from AJA streamline its day-to-day operations, saving countless hours and headaches.
How to Choose the Right Desktop Storage for Video Workflows
For video and post-production professionals, choosing desktop storage comes down to balancing capacity, speed, and connectivity. This guide breaks down when HDD, SSD, single-bay, multi-bay, USB, and Thunderbolt solutions make the most sense, helping you match your storage to active editing, backup, archive, and high-performance post workflows.
Learn more here
What’s Better Than Royalty Free Music?
Unlimited music uses in unlimited productions. One straightforward license. And now free Sound FX too!
CSS Music gives filmmakers and content creators access to music from human composers, backed by a broad standard license with unlimited uses, unlimited productions, and no time limits.
Find the right track faster with powerful search options, then customize it for your production with custom-length and stem extraction tools. Plus, easily create playlists and generate cue sheets—all designed to make music licensing and production simpler.
No hassles. No surprises. Just great music and tools built for creators.
Explore here or email us at info@cssmusic.com
2026 Women In Media Holiday Toast
December 5 | Beverly Hills, CA
Raise a glass on December 5th at the Women In Media Holiday Toast! Join us in honoring trailblazers Cybel Martin, ASC, cinematographer; Laura Karpman, award-winning composer; and Tessa Blake, director, producer, and writer. Enjoy a champagne brunch, engaging honoree panel, and silent auction— as well as tributes celebrating these legends! Get tickets here.
ATOMOS SUMO PRO-19
The ATOMOS SUMO PRO-19 combines a 19-inch 4K HDR DCI-P3 monitor, multi-camera recorder, and live switcher into one powerful solution for on-set review and video village workflows. With four SDI inputs, ISO recording, NDI HX3, ProRes/DNx/ProRes RAW recording, advanced monitoring tools, and XLR audio, it delivers a complete monitor-record-switch workflow for modern production. Learn more by calling Videoguys at 800-323-2325.
Visit here
ZEISS Introduces Horizon Anamorphic: Full-Frame 2x Anamorphics with a New Lens Technology Platform
ZEISS 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 here
Podcast Rewind:
Oct. 2026 - Ep. 154.
Advertise with The Making Of:
Reach 275,000 film industry, broadcast pros, and content creators reading this newsletter. To explore advertising, please email mvalinsky@me.com


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

In this episode, we welcome Daniel Garber ACE, editor of the new A24 film Primetime, directed by Lance Oppenheim and starring Robert Pattinson. In our conversation, Daniel shares his journey into filmmaking, his approach to storytelling through editing, and the making of Primetime. He also discusses his longtime collaboration with Oppenheim, the creative decisions behind shaping the film’s pacing and tension, and the editing tools and techniques used throughout the production. Daniel also offers valuable insights and advice for the next generation of filmmakers.
“The Making Of” is presented by AJA:
How Harvard scales sports production
Go behind the scenes of Harvard Athletics’ production workflow and learn how it’s pushing the boundaries of live, cross-platform sports storytelling. Read the full interview to find out how NDI/SDI gateway, streaming, fiber/SDI conversion and USB 3.0 capture devices from AJA streamline its day-to-day operations, saving countless hours and headaches.
How to Choose the Right Desktop Storage for Video Workflows
For video and post-production professionals, choosing desktop storage comes down to balancing capacity, speed, and connectivity. This guide breaks down when HDD, SSD, single-bay, multi-bay, USB, and Thunderbolt solutions make the most sense, helping you match your storage to active editing, backup, archive, and high-performance post workflows.
Learn more here
What’s Better Than Royalty Free Music?
Unlimited music. Unlimited productions. One straightforward license.
CSS Music gives filmmakers and content creators access to music from human composers, backed by a broad standard license with unlimited uses, unlimited productions, and no time limits.
Find the right track faster with 8 powerful search options, then customize it for your production with custom-length and stem extraction tools. Plus, easily create playlists and generate cue sheets—all designed to make music licensing and production simpler.
No hassles. No surprises. Just great music and tools built for creators.
Explore here or email us at info@cssmusic.com
Film Threat Compendium — Kickstarter!
Launched in 1985, FILM THREAT magazine established itself as the most respected authority in covering cult, underground and independent cinema. Our upcoming Compendium and Digital Archive celebrate the spirit of true indie film. This project is about preserving the cinema history you care about, and we need your help to bring it to life!
Learn more here
ATOMOS SUMO PRO-19
The ATOMOS SUMO PRO-19 combines a 19-inch 4K HDR DCI-P3 monitor, multi-camera recorder, and live switcher into one powerful solution for on-set review and video village workflows. With four SDI inputs, ISO recording, NDI HX3, ProRes/DNx/ProRes RAW recording, advanced monitoring tools, and XLR audio, it delivers a complete monitor-record-switch workflow for modern production. Learn more by calling Videoguys at 800-323-2325.
Visit here
Podcast Rewind:
Oct. 2026 - Ep. 153.
Advertise with The Making Of:
Reach 275,000 film industry, broadcast production pros, and content creators reading this weekly newsletter. To explore advertising, please email mvalinsky@me.com


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

In this episode, we talk with director Kate Dolan about SOULM8TE, the latest addition to the M3GAN universe, produced by James Wan. Kate, whose previous work includes the acclaimed horror feature You Are Not My Mother, takes us inside the making of SOULM8TE, discussing her approach to directing and storytelling, and how she collaborated with her creative team to shape the film’s distinctive visual style and atmosphere. She also reflects on her journey as a filmmaker and shares advice for the next generation of directors and storytellers.
“The Making Of” is presented by AJA:
How Harvard scales sports production
Go behind the scenes of Harvard Athletics’ production workflow and learn how it’s pushing the boundaries of live, cross-platform sports storytelling. Read the full interview to find out how NDI/SDI gateway, streaming, fiber/SDI conversion and USB 3.0 capture devices from AJA streamline its day-to-day operations, saving countless hours and headaches.
Featured Book:
OWEN ROIZMAN: LIFE BEHIND THE CAMERA
Learn the art and craft of cinematography from a modern master: OWEN ROIZMAN. From how he launched his career in New York City to accepting an Academy Award for a lifetime of exceptional artistry. From The French Connection to The Exorcist to Network to Tootsie to Wyatt Earp — all Oscar-nominated examples of his expert camerawork. With 328 pages and hundreds of rare behind-the-scenes images from Roizman's personal archive, this new biography is a must-have as the cinematographer discusses his approach to visual storytelling, innovative lighting techniques, and key collaborations with directors including William Friedkin, Sydney Pollack and Lawrence Kasdan. Throughout, Roizman’s candid take on the cinematographer’s role provides rare insight on the filmmaking process.
Visit here
How to Choose the Right Desktop Storage for Video Workflows:
For video and post-production professionals, choosing desktop storage comes down to balancing capacity, speed, and connectivity. This guide breaks down when HDD, SSD, single-bay, multi-bay, USB, and Thunderbolt solutions make the most sense, helping you match your storage to active editing, backup, archive, and high-performance post workflows.
Learn more here
What’s Better Than Royalty Free Music?
Unlimited music. Unlimited productions. One straightforward license.
CSS Music gives filmmakers and content creators access to music from human composers, backed by a broad standard license with unlimited uses, unlimited productions, and no time limits.
Find the right track faster with 8 powerful search options, then customize it for your production with custom-length and stem extraction tools. Plus, easily create playlists and generate cue sheets—all designed to make music licensing and production simpler.
No hassles. No surprises. Just great music and tools built for creators.
Explore here or email us at info@cssmusic.com
ZEISS Introduces Horizon Anamorphic: Full-Frame 2x Anamorphics with a New Lens Technology Platform
ZEISS 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. Visit here
Meet G-RAID PROJECT 2
G-RAID PROJECT 2 delivers high-performance storage for demanding video workflows. With dual 7200RPM Ultrastar enterprise-class drives, Thunderbolt 3, and capacities up to 52TB, it’s built for 4K, 8K, VR, and content-intensive projects. Shop at Videoguys or call 800-323-2325 for expert advice. Visit here
Podcast Rewind:
Sept. 2026 - Ep. 152.
Advertise with The Making Of:
Reach 275,000 film industry, broadcast production pros, and content creators reading this weekly newsletter. To explore advertising, please email mvalinsky@me.com


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