Karen Allen and Steven Spielberg on the set of Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Baz Luhrmann and Isla Fisher on-set of The Great Gatsby (2013)
Do you know how to shoot an interview? We’ve got 10 tips that’ll turn you into a pro »>
Stanley Kubrick on the set of Barry Lyndon (1975).
With the Cannes Film Festival kicking off today, France is definitely ready to be the center of attention. As the red carpet rolls out for some of the world’s most awe-inspiring films, actors and cinematographers alike, this years Cannes Film Festival might be one of the most important yet!
Luhrmann’s 3D adaption of The Great Gatsby, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, is this year’s film festival opener. Cannes usually takes precedence over release schedules, especially since the movie has already released in North America, but ‘Gatsby’ sails into France regardless, to make its grand debut in Cannes.

Above: The Cast of “The Great Gatsby”
by Nina Streich
An innovative event at the Tribeca Film Festival was “Storyscapes,” a selection of transmedia collaborations. Sponsored by Bombay Sapphire in a warehouse space just north of Tribeca dubbed the “House of Imagination,” the presentations were varied and imaginative.

by Katrina Diamond & Jessica Nin
Walt Jones, of Rhythm & Hues knows all about creating content and selling it.
Founded in 1987, Rhythm & Hues houses some of the world’s top creative talents and best technologies, delivering outstanding, award-winning visual effects and animation. Credits include: Life of Pi, Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Django Unchained and many more feature films.
Whether it’s a script, image or video- if you want to make money, find the defined market for it.

by Jessica Nin
The production pros at Hive Lighting are definitely not first timers when it comes to lighting things up (illuminating shows and films such as “Think Like a Man” and Nickelodeon’s “Victorious”) although it will be their first time lighting up the 2013 Sundance Film Festival. The professionals at Hive Lighting have always been fans of Sundance and are great supporters of independent filmmakers. With a number of friends involved in the festival, it was only a matter of time before they would become a part of it. Lighting up interview booths at the Sundance Film Festival might be one of their main reason for attending this year, but it’s not stopping them from enjoying one of the most prestigious festivals and filmmakers from around the world.

Think of the Hollywood hit “Ghost” starring Patrick Swayze and Whoopi Goldberg — what song comes to mind? Chances are you will remember “Unchained Melody” and the emotions it evoked in you more than the storyline or dialogue. That’s the power that music brings to movies. Harness it by considering the following when selecting music for your next film or video.


by Jeremy Pinckert, Explore Media
If you’re a marketing, communications, or media professional responsible for producing TV spots or web video productions for an organization, you can sometimes run into creative lulls. Finding the right angle, composition, and especially a visual hook for the entire campaign can be a challenge.
by Katrina Diamond
I don’t know if it’s the candy corn, the pumpkin-flavored everything, or the fact that we can dig into old props reminiscent of days on set- whatever it is, it’s no secret many video production pros LOVE Halloween.
We chatted with Marlon Heimerl of HalloweenCostumes.com for some costume ideas & DIY inspirations that may tickle your creative bone. Also make sure to check out the amazing prop houses in our directory including Arch Production & Design NYC Inc. and Custom Movie Props.

by Jeremy Pinckert, Explore Media
A creative device is the sing-along chorus refrain of “Hey Jude”, the thick paint strokes and striking blue colors of Van Gogh, the long-camera takes and wide-angle compositions in a Wes Anderson movie. They are, simply put, what’s memorable about your project. Watch the video below to see a great example of a creative device.
Designed to engage the viewer visually, think of a creative device as going deeper into the connective tissue of your web video by syncing the audio message and video visuals on an emotional level. Often called a “visual hook”, this is the theme. This is what the author, songwriter, director, or artist wants you to interpret from their visual masterpiece. If you are planning an online video campaign, don’t forget this essential element.
by Jessica Nin

Becoming a Hollywood stunt double is not a career for the faint at heart. Jumping out of cars, falling on your face and getting back up, just to do it again is the sign of a true performer. Jennifer Badger has not only been a stunt double for Courtney Cox, Rose McGowan, Angelina Jolie and Penelope Cruz, (to name a few) but she also serves as a stunt director when duty calls. In the male dominated world of stunt professionals, it’s quite refreshing to see a woman who isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. As Jennifer shares, “If you aren’t willing to knock out teeth, break your nose, scar your face, etc., perhaps a career in acting or modeling would be a better choice.”
by Jessica Nin

Juan Diequez, Senior ADR Recordist/Mixer at New Art Miami has been in this industry for a while, and knows a thing or two about recording/mixing for some of Hollywood’s summer hits like “Ted”, “Savages” & “Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Slayer”.