Christina Lee Storm

New immersive release: Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes (Death Valley) - a great A/B test for the new YouTube for visionOS vs. native Apple Immersive Video (MV-HEVC) on Vision Pro: https://lnkd.in/gXgdaPmf Why this: it’s sand. Fine texture + subtle gradients are brutal on compression, so artifacts (smearing, shimmer, banding) show up immediately. It’s also 100% natural light, so “production input” isn’t the variable here, but the delivery pipeline is. Same capture, different pipeline ➡️ Capture: Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive (same camera input) ➡️ YouTube for visionOS app: VR180 stream (AV1 pipeline) // Note: you’ll need an M5 Vision Pro to see true 8K playback quality in the YouTube visionOS app. ➡️ Native Vision Pro: official Apple Immersive Video workflow (MV-HEVC, HDR) via Spatial Film app: https://lnkd.in/d2S6vPjV To keep this objective, we’re also providing the source files for both platforms so you can download + sideload and test without network variables: Original AIVU + VR180 MP4 download: https://lnkd.in/gbeW4Rh8 Let’s measure the limitations of both approaches for better education, and to help creators like us push a higher standard for the viewers. The goal is to ship better immersive content and bring more good into the immersive community. Cheers! (Hugh and Kimchi) #VisionPro #AppleVisionPro #YouTube #YouTubeforvisionOS

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I don’t write scripts for these. I ask questions and listen. The story reveals itself in the interviews - the pauses, the unexpected answers, the moments someone says something they’ve maybe never said out loud before. That’s where the real film lives. This video for WTS Puget Sound was built that way. Real conversations. Real people. Shaped into a story that makes you feel something, and understand why the work matters. Because the most powerful stories aren’t manufactured. They’re discovered. When organizations try to “sound polished,” they often lose what makes them human. My job is to find the human part - and build a narrative around it that connects. If your organization has something meaningful happening inside it, there’s a story worth telling. You just have to be willing to listen long enough to find it.

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Los Angeles is starting to see the impact of California’s expansion to its film and TV subsidy program, with production in the region trending upwards, though production levels sit well below the five-year average. https://lnkd.in/eMEm7KRY

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OpenArt just rolled out WAN 2.5 — a fresh update that opens even more creative possibilities. This version brings improvements in image quality, faster rendering, and better control over your output. It’s about giving creators more flexibility and precision. this is a tool worth checking. #AIArt #OpenArt #CreativeTools #AIinnovation

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I've been thinking a lot about this idea that we need to resist tech's "takeover" of our industry. For me, when we frame tech (Al) as an invader, it positions Hollywood purely as a victim/defender, rather than as an agent of its own transformation, which in turn limits our agency. Hollywood could co-create integration terms. But, the reality is that Hollywood isn't yet fluent enough in Al to meaningfully participate in setting terms (on the whole). To claim authorship over Al's role in entertainment, we must first become fluent in it. For me, this continues to remain a literacy issue. You can't make sense of a thing you simply don't understand.

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900lbs is proud to partner with HII to bring their new ROMULUS platform to life through 3D animated cinematic storytelling. Check out portions of our cinematic video here: https://lnkd.in/dFDjk6Dp and the full cinematic can be viewed here: https://lnkd.in/dY7Vi4yC. ROMULUS is a high-endurance, 25+ knot family of unmanned surface vessels (USVs) built for sustained open-ocean operations, rapid reconfiguration, and scalable efficiency. Our 3D animation showcases its mission-ready capabilities and the innovation shaping the future of maritime operations. #defenseinnovation #digitalstorytelling #3Danimation #defensetechnology #USV

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Film Independent Documentary Producing Lab  Open Applications! We are thrilled to announce that applications are now open for our annual Documentary Producing Lab, held during the Fall in Los Angeles, and designed for producers working in the nonfiction space. For one week, producers with projects in active development, production or post-production will be paired with creative and business consultants, learning strategies and practices that will benefit them not only on their current projects, but throughout their careers. The Documentary Producing Lab also includes multiple case studies with notable nonfiction producers and concludes with a networking day with industry professionals. https://lnkd.in/g_xQdURD

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Very excited about this news because it's a step in the right direction towards rebuilding California as a hub for animation production. But, I'm very disappointed at the choice of shows being supported. It's not that Adult Swim’s President Curtis(Adult Swim), a Rick and Morty spinoff, and 20th Television Animation’s Stewie, a Family Guy spinoff aren't great shows. It's that they're already funded and supported by a distributor. These aren't the projects that actually need help! This is just an acceleration of the K-shaped animation economy where fewer and fewer are getting all the work, while the middle and independent efforts careen to the bottom and to bankruptcy. I hope subsidies continues because Cali really needs it. But, I hope they choose a more diverse set of recipients going forward. #animation #cartoons #survivinganimation

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The surprise announcement of Guillermo del Toro's "Pan's Labyrinth" getting the 3D treatment for it's 20th Anniversary, led me to speculate what other slightly offbeat titles or filmmakers work could make great dimensional viewing? How about Wes Anderson? His visual style certainly looks like it might fit the bill and he has previously expressed interest in 3D. It's also an instance where the well known side-effect of stereoscopy's potential to create a slight miniaturisation effect being a positive to explore as opposed to something to try to minimise and work around. So how about "The Phoenician Scheme"? Could it be a good candidate for 3D conversion? READ MORE: https://lnkd.in/eDGMpAdA

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Positive LA Industry News for those who seek it - The first projects to receive funding from the newly designed, $750M program were approved in August. Per FilmLA, among them are 18 television series planned for the greater Los Angeles area. The caveat is they have 180 days to begin production after the incentive is awarded, meaning it could be a while before any of those projects are up and running. So within the next 120 days (4 months), there will be an upsurge of local work. Start your engines...

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Fujifilm has officially released a public web simulator for the GFX ETERNA 55 🎥 👉 https://lnkd.in/dKGcMMXz Test the full UI and workflow directly in your browser.

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AKAI Professional MPC Sample, bringing the iconic MPC workflow to a portable, battery-powered device designed for creators of any skill level. Inspired by classic MPC system like the MPC60, MPC Sample allows producers to sample, chop, and build beats anywhere. No computer required. Who's in? How will this impact the creator landscape? Modern Drummer Publications, Inc.

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One take. Infinite shots. Here’s a first look at our  4D x Gen AI workflow: a knight duel captured in a single volumetric take. This short test showcases our hybrid production pipeline, combining: ⚔️ Real-actor volumetric capture (live performance → 3D virtual asset) 🏰 Virtual environments built in 3D ✨ AI-powered rendering for enhanced textures and realism What makes it unique - One single take for any camera angle: no cuts, no continuity issues - Full relighting flexibility in post-production - No heavy sets, lighting rigs, camera gear, or large crews needed This first sequence was shot in one take: the entire framing, lighting, and camera work were done after the shoot, in full 3D. We’re still early in our R&D journey, but the potential is clear: a new creative freedom for filmmakers, at a fraction of traditional costs. Stay tuned - more experiments are on the way. Special Thanks to :  4Dviews for volumetric capture KOUZ for Music and sound design Sword Fighters: Dylann & Mathieu, Compagnie Briselame (France) Romain PERRIER Digital Born Producers Gilles Guerraz Malhar Mohite Clement Menier Yann Girard Varante Soudjian ESMA - Ecole Supérieure des Métiers Artistiques

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Los Angeles Is One Step Closer To Streamlining Local Film & TV Production Processes - new article: https://lnkd.in/gc4X7TK4 - plus City Council Unanimously Greenlights Measures to Boost Production in Los Angeles - new article: https://lnkd.in/gwc_Py7N - Carlo Perez, the business manager for Local 755 of the plasterers, sculptors, & shop hands union, recalled shooting a Fast and Furious movie in Georgia & swapping the cars’ Georgia plates for California plates - “We need to stop this, we need to cut it off while there’s still something to save”

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I’ve been thinking a lot this week about how film schools should approach AI. Not just how to teach the tools �� but how to teach students to remain deeply human while using them. Having taught at University of Southern California and Cal State Long Beach's School(s) of Cinematic Arts, I’ve seen firsthand how quickly storytelling mediums evolve. Film became digital. Production became distributed. The web reshaped audiences entirely. AI feels like another one of those moments. And honestly, I don’t think the answer is pretending it isn’t happening. USC, in particular, has been expanding conversations around AI and storytelling recently through new initiatives exploring the future of media, generative tools, and creative workflows. That’s important. Because students entering the industry now won’t just need to know how to operate cameras or edit timelines. They’ll need to understand systems, workflows, ethics, authorship, collaboration, and how to maintain taste and point of view in a world where generation becomes easier and easier. Ironically, I think AI may make some of the most human creative skills even more important: Judgment. Empathy. Taste. Curiosity. Knowing what’s worth making in the first place. The schools that get this right won’t just produce people who know how to use AI. They’ll produce storytellers who know how to think with it without losing themselves in the process. Curious how others in education and media are approaching this moment.

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News from our California Film Commission, as reported by Variety this morning! The approval of funding for five studio films and 43 independent features showcases a substantial $94 million in tax credits. This milestone not only signifies progress but also demonstrates crucial support and accountability for our thriving film industry. It's a significant stride forward in the right direction on a complex issue and our industry has shifted away from decades of SOP #FilmIndustry #TaxCredits #CaliforniaFilms. https://lnkd.in/gxJ3AaUZ

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Producer/Director James Pratt discusses strategies on attaching marketable and "name" talent to your film (Big Apple Film Festival Industry Networking Sessions). James Pratt is an award-winning director and producer residing in Los Angeles, California. His most recent work includes being executive producer on 4-time academy award nominee Edward Norton's Longevity Hackers (2024) and associate Producer on Harland Williams new comedy Film, Wingman (2025) which stars Kayla Wallace (Landman) and Jamie Kennedy (Romeo + Juliet). #BigAppleFilmFestival #FilmIndustryNetworking #JamesPratt #FilmDirector #FilmProducer #IndependentFilm #FilmmakingTips #AttachNameTalent #CastingStrategies #FilmProduction #HollywoodFilmmakers #LongevityHackers #WingmanMovie #IndieFilmmakers #FilmmakerNetworking #BehindTheScenes #MovieMaking #FilmFestivalSeason #CreativeProducers #DirectorLife

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I think Jon Finger is on to something here 🤔.... I posted about this possible future about a year ago.....🔮.. AI Underground Distribution Networks (Neo & White Rabbits) https://lnkd.in/e47HMqk8 Follow 🐇🐇🐇...? ..... 🔴 or 🔵....?

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It’s time for Freeway’s next video 📺, about paying US Guild Residuals to members of SAG-AFTRA, DGA and WGA, using a Collection Account.👇   🤔 What are Guild Residuals and how does a Collection Account with Freeway make sure that Independent Film Producers pay Residuals correctly?   ➡️ Residuals are additional compensation payments which may become due and payable by the Production Company to Actors, Directors and Screenwriters, under the Basic Agreements.   ➡️ Residuals may become due when a Film is exhibited, distributed, or otherwise exploited, domestically and/or internationally, beyond its initial theatrical exhibition.   ➡️ This can include pay and free TV, home video and DVD, streaming and new media.   🧐 How are Guild Residuals calculated and paid?   ➡️ Guild Residuals are payable on worldwide revenues.   ➡️ The Production Company will set up a Collection Account with Freeway as neutral third party Collection Account Manager (CAM) to manage the receipt, administration and allocation of revenues.   ➡️ The Production Company and the Sales Agent will instruct the local buyers or Distributors, to pay revenues due under the Film’s Distribution Agreements, into the Collection Account.   ➡️ Freeway sets aside, off the top and from every dollar received in the Collection Account, a fixed percentage which goes to a Residuals-Set-Aside.   ➡️ A Payroll House, appointed by the Production Company, will calculate the exact amounts of Residuals payable, based on information like worldwide revenue reports and the Film’s media allocation.   ➡️ Freeway is periodically notified by the Payroll House of the exact amounts of Residuals payable. Each time the CAM receives an invoice from the Payroll House, Freeway pays the total amount of Residuals payable from the Residuals-Set-Aside to the Payroll House. ▶️ The Payroll House will then cut the checks and pay each Guild Member individually. 👉 Do you have US Guild Members in your Film, and do you want to know more about paying Residuals through a Collection Account with Freeway? ✅ Contact Freeway Entertainment Group or visit the website: https://lnkd.in/gu_dXThz.

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