NEWS YOU CAN USE
A curated set of articles from your team at San Diego Media Pros to share pertinent information with you from the production world.
Hollywood production house Shadowcast Pictures is closing
Shadowcast Picture is closing its doors. The Hollywood rental company opened in 2008 and offered cameras, lighting and other filmmaking equipment,
C'mon IATSE!
A few thousand IATSE members were flagged for removal from a key industry resource because it’s believed they haven't held a union job since 2023. Allegations of "purging" the workforce have followed.
Netflix Says it won’t work with directors who want theatrical releases
According to Deadline, Netflix Films chairman Dan Lin says he wants the streamer to prioritize more mid-budget projects, and avoid working with directors who want a theatrical opening.
Would David Ellison pull Paramount out of California if the state tries to block Warner Bros. merger?
Is David Ellison a nuclear option of relocating Paramount’s headquarters from California — and potentially diverting billions of production dollars from the Golden State?
IMAX and The Odyssey
Christopher Nolan used $500,000 IMAX cameras to shoot The Odyssey.
Where’s the Beef director dies
Joe Sedelmaier, an award-winning director who oversaw an antic universe of television commercials — including the classic “Where’s the beef?” ad for Wendy’s — that featured average-looking nonactors deadpanning their way through weird situations, died May 8 at his home in Chicago.
Film initiative funding passed
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors restored $200,000 to restore a position devoted to promoting San Diego as a setting for movies and TV.
Microdramas Are Coming to a Theater Near You
aTwist, the new company from a trio of Hollywood veterans, has inked a partnership with National CineMedia to advertise their series and hawk some products
The Director’s Reality Check
If you’ve been directing for a while, you can feel the shift.
Not in headlines. On set.
Days are moving faster. Crews are smaller. Expectations haven’t dropped—but the margin for error definitely has. You’re being asked to do more with less, and still make it look like you had everything.
That’s the job now.
This isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about understanding what’s actually changing and adjusting before it costs you time, money, or credibility.
Coming to a screen near you, thanks to AI
A future length horror film, all done in AI.
SD City Film Office Avoids Cutting Room Floor
San Diego City Council funds the Film Office.
This is why you try to save production…
From florists to prop rentals to catering and beyond, production services and craft businesses are the hub and spoke of L.A.'s film and TV industry. But many of these businesses — some of which have been family-operated for generations — are struggling to weather a post-pandemic slump in film activity deepened by runaway production, media consolidation and the end of the streaming boom.
I swear I wasn't copying you!
Director James Cameron and The Walt Disney Company have been sued for unauthorised use of an Indigenous actress’ likeness without her knowledge and consent.
Do you remember ‘H.R. Pufnstuf?’
One of the great minds in children's programming has passed away.
Middle Class Actors Being “Squeezed Out,” Says Kirk Acevedo. He Knows Because He Had to Sell Home
Actor Kirk Acevedo opens up on how the shifting economics of the industry and the loss of creative jobs have impacted his paychecks and opportunities.
Meet Engine Cinema. OpenAI Killed Sora to Build a Cinema Camera
At a closed industry keynote, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman introduced what may be the company’s most unexpected move yet, a cinema camera.
Disney Directing Program
The Disney Entertainment Television Directing Program application opens April 6, 2026 at 9:00 AM PT.
The Disney Entertainment Television (DET) Directing Program connects directors to opportunities on DET scripted primetime and daytime series, as well as unscripted/alternative series. Launched in 2001, the Program has evolved from a shadowing program to one that guarantees episodes and segments to first-time television directors. The program also provides participants on-set shadowing/immersion prior to directing; access and exposure to DET creative executives, producers, showrunners, and alumni; and mentorship and limited professional development.
The Oscars are moving
The Academy Awards are moving across town in 2029.
An AI-generated version of the late Val Kilmer is starring in a new movie
“I think death is just a transition to another state of consciousness.” - Val Kilmer. How prescient.
A Slow-Motion Eulogy for the TV Industry
Now in shorter supply: Shows that involve real sets being built, fully staffed writers rooms, series regulars, dozens of recurring and guest roles and attention spent on production value.