Post-Production

Whether you’re an editor, sound editor, Foley artist, compositor, VFX specialist or work in any profession related to the post-production process, this is the place to discuss, share content and offer tips and advice on your chosen craft of the business in general

Ask Me Anything - FREE Virtual Webcast Now Available On Demand

Ask Me Anything - FREE Virtual Webcast Now Available On Demand

Available for Immediate Download

What’s up, Creative Army!

As I prepare to head off to the Cannes Film Festival for our 10th Annual Education Partnership with the Marche du Film, I'm thrilled to announce that my "Ask Me Anything" session is now live to download and watch for FREE. In this 2 hour jam-packed Ask Me Anything session and I'll provide a couple of hours of no-holds-barred shop talk to get you ready to conquer your entertainment career. Again, all creatives and pros are welcome to watch no matter your profession(s), skill level, or geographical location.

Here's just SOME of what we go over in this jam-packed 2 hour AMA!

  • What is the current state of streamers?
  • Will there be more consolidation of streamers?
  • ANORA’s Sean Baker said “Keep making movies for the big screen” Do you agree?
  • Is the $10-$15 million feature film market opening back up?
  • How is AI going to affect the film industry?
  • Is YouTube taking over the entertainment industry?
  • Is there crossover between influencer culture and film culture?
  • Will LA land its new tax incentive proposals?
  • Why did you produce films in Costa Rica & Columbia?
  • Do you think California Tax Credits will pass?
  • How can international creatives use Stage 32 to break into the U.S. market or collaborate on cross-border projects?
  • Thoughts on Robert Rodriguez and Eli Roth bringing on fans as investors and own profit participation in their films?
  • Was Quibi too early to market?
  • Is Disney looking for Material?
  • What are the Top 3 features on Stage 32 to help connect with industry professionals?
  • I was attacked on X (formerly Twitter), what are your thoughts?
  • Thoughts on SINNERS and its effect on the studio system
  • Do short films still matter?
  • Advice for attending markets like Cannes or AFM
  • Advice for networking as a creative
  • How to make authentic connections that matter
  • What beats should be in your pitch?
  • What is RB’s personal process of pitching?
  • What is the Stage 32 Writers’ Room?
  • How do you vet execs you work with on Stage 32?
  • I’ve won screenwriting contests, now what?
  • Advice for crippling fear of failure
  • How to choose what social media is right for you
  • The spec market is heating up – what should you write?
  • If I sell my script, can I keep the rights to my characters?
  • If my script becomes a sequel and I don’t write it, can I get paid on it?
  • Does Age Matter When Selling a Script?
  • Protecting Your project on a film slate
  • Who should I trust to read my script and give me notes?
  • How do I go about getting Script coverage?
  • How do I network as a composer?
  • How do I network as a creative based in the UK?
  • Stage 32 Success Story!

Now go get it....

RB


Florin Şumălan
SEASON 2 - EPISODE 140 - Jon Alexander - Compositing Supervisor - Team Deakins Podcast

"In this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we speak with compositing supervisor and visual effects artist Jon Alexander (DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE, AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON, THE PHANTOM MENACE). Jon was witness to a number of milestones in the history of visual effects, and throughout the episode, Jon...

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JON ALEXANDER - Compositing Supervisor
JON ALEXANDER - Compositing Supervisor
SEASON 2 - EPISODE 140 - Jon Alexander - Compositing Supervisor In this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we speak with compositing supervisor and visual effects artist Jon Alexander (DEADPOOL &…
Cyrus Sales
Aspect Ratios with Sinners Director Ryan Coogler

Ryan Coogler breaks down the different film formats and aspect ratios he used in his new movie Sinners. In this 10-minute video, he not only dives into the technical side but also shares why watching movies in theaters still matters. Have you ever noticed how different a movie feels depending on whe...

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Maurice Vaughan

I've noticed how different a movie feels when watching it in theaters and watching it on TV or a phone, Cyrus Sales. There's nothing like watching a movie on a theater screen in my opinion. The aspect...

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Helping Directors & Editors

Hey everyone!

As a certified colorist working with global clients in film, music videos & branded content, I’m curious to hear how others approach color.

Personally, I rely heavily on custom PowerGrades, LUTs, and a clean DaVinci Resolve workflow to speed things up — especially under tight deadlines.

✅...

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Cyrus Sales

Hey Sayantan Adhikary, thanks for sharing this post. I personally never got the swing of colors however I'm getting back into film and would like to get better at it. Any suggestions on where to start...

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Cyrus Sales
3 Sound Design Secrets That Feel Like CHEATING

I found this YouTube video that shares three impactful sound design techniques that can significantly enhance your video edits. These techniques are designed to be simple yet effective, making them accessible even to those new to sound design. By incorporating these methods, editors can add depth an...

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Ashley Renee Smith

Cyrus Sales, Thanks so much for sharing this! Sound design really is one of those invisible arts that can completely change how a scene feels without the audience even realizing why. One “cheat code”...

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Cyrus Sales

Ashley Renee Smith Totally agree! That low-end rumble trick is gold—it messes with your emotions in the best way without the audience even realizing it. It’s crazy how just a few subtle sounds can com...

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Cyrus Sales
Create AMAZING MOTION GRAPHICS For Beginners (After Effects Tutorial)

I'm continuing my journey into Adobe After Effects and came across this video. It’s a great beginner-friendly guide to creating awesome motion graphics, covering the basics like tools, keyframe animation, and design tips to help you make pro-level animations.

https://youtu.be/fQOzsG-Csdk?si=cSDAPe_yb...

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Ashley Renee Smith
Exploring the Intersection of AI and Human Creativity in Film Production

As the film industry continues to evolve, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the creative process has sparked both excitement and concern. Staircase Studios AI, a startup launched in March 2025 by “Divergent” producer Pouya Shahbazian and venture capitalist Kenneth Lerer, aims to b...

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Staircase Studio AI is turning Hollywood's anxiety into opportunity
Staircase Studio AI is turning Hollywood's anxiety into opportunity
The use of AI was a key point of contention in the 2023 writers' and actors' strikes, with guilds specifically demanding stringent protections against AI-generated content and performances. Now, a new…
William Joseph Hill

Hey Ashley Renee Smith , I find Ai tools to be helpful in Post Production especially. DaVinci Fusion's Magic Mask tool can save a lot of time with rotoscoping, and the Vocal Isolation feature can help...

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Cyrus Sales

I agree with William Joseph Hill. I personally allow AI to handle the daunting task no one wants to touch or that's overall time consuming. I just had a call with a potential client who is switching s...

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Walder Martinez

AI can't replace the creative human touch... yet.

Undeniably, we are experiencing the most momentous change in history, because it's no longer a change in the industry's rules but a complete transform...

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Ashley Renee Smith

You're right, Walder Martinez, the pace of change is staggering and the creative industries are being reshaped in real time. While I still believe that authentic human storytelling, emotion, and nuanc...

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Ashley Renee Smith
CGI vs. Practical: Corridor Crew Recreates the Iconic Indiana Jones Facemelt

What happens when you take one of the most legendary VFX shots in movie history and try to recreate it using both modern CGI and old-school practical effects?

In this video from Corridor Crew, Jordan and Matt go head-to-head to remake the unforgettable face melt from Raiders of the Lost Ark — one usi...

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Maurice Vaughan

That was fun to watch, Ashley Renee Smith. I like seeing practical and CGI in movies and shows, but I prefer practical. It's not just the look of practical. It's knowing that people put in the work to...

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Patrik Gyltefors

Hands down practical effects. My personal opinion is that many franchises were ruined when CG became popular in the 90's. Though, as a creator, I enjoy CG.

Ashley Renee Smith

I totally get that, Patrik Gyltefors! There’s something about practical effects that feels so much more tangible and grounded, even if it’s a fantastical world. I think when CG is used to enhance prac...

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Walder Martinez
Mixing in 5.1, is it still worth it?

Hey, community!

It's great to say hello to you all.

I was working on a 5.1 mix for a short film this week—an easy job for me, but still one I love doing.

However, I wonder if it's still worth working in this format considering that spatial sound and Dolby Atmos capabilities have expanded the spectrum...

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Shadow Dragu-Mihai, Esq., Ipg

Depends who you are mixing it for. If you want to impress sound engineers, then continue. If you want to impress distributors and other pipeline people who think a trademark is important, then continu...

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Walder Martinez

Hi Shadow Dragu-Mihai, Esq., Ipg What you said about downmixing from 5.1 to stereo is spot on.

Maybe I wasn’t super clear in my original post—I was mainly talking about mixes for movie theaters. And ye...

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Cyrus Sales

I second Shadow Dragu-Mihai, Esq., Ipg - it all depends on who you are mixing for and the demand for it. I believe it's lucrative and would open the door for more opportunities. I personally would con...

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Cyrus Sales
Master Motion Graphics to Make You a Pro in After Effects

I've been messing around with After Effects lately, trying to learn some basic motion graphics for a content piece I’m planning. Came across this quick video and figured I’d share—it’s short and gets straight to the point, which is perfect if you’re short on time. I’ll probably use some of what I le...

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Maurice Vaughan

Thanks for sharing the video, Cyrus Sales. I don't have After Effects, but I saved the video in case I get it. I could use After Effects to make promo for my scripts.

Cyrus Sales

Maurice Vaughan it's a cool and short video. Easy to follow, although after effect is it's own beast lol

Florin Şumălan

Light and Magic Season 1 trailer:

https://youtu.be/DM_XwzOK_98

Cyrus Sales

Florin Şumălan thanks for sharing. I'm always amazed at just how much work goes into creating films.

Ashley Renee Smith
How Do You Break In With No Contacts?

This industry runs on relationships, and if you want to break in and stay in, it’s time to replace the anxiety with strategy.

There are no shortcuts in entertainment. But there are two proven ways to move forward:

1. Show up consistently and build meaningful relationships by bringing value to others....

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Cheers! RB's AMA Webcast
Cheers! RB's AMA Webcast
This is your chance to ask me anything about your craft, your career, the current marketplace, or whatever challenges you're facing. Whether you're a screenwriter, filmmaker, producer, actor, or worki…
Cyrus Sales

Ashley Renee Smith Thank you for sharing!

Suzanne Bronson
Phoenix Area creators!

In person meetup in the East Valley next week

https://www.stage32.com/meetups/2023

register for stage 32 Register / Log In