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.

Warning over free online file converters that actually install malware
The FBI Denver Field Office has warned of an increasing number of scammy websites offering free online file converter services.
Instead of converting files, the tools actually load malware onto victims’ computers. The FBI warned specifically about that malware leading to ransomware attacks, but we’ve also seen similar sites that install browser hijackers, adware, and potentially unwanted programs (PUPs).

32-bit Float Audio - When Is The Best Time To Use It?
The world of 32 bit float audio is increasing its reach into the production community. Here’s a quick article on its pros and cons.

A 'Desperate' Campaign to Bring L.A. Production Back: 'People Can't Live Where There is No Work
As staggering job losses mount, #StayinLA is pressuring studios, government, Iger and Zaslav, with support from Keanu Reeves, Julie Plec & more.

VFX Giant MPC and Parent Company Technicolor May Shut Down Amid ‘Severe Financial Challenges’
Technicolor, the once ubiquitous company responsible for the unique look of many of Hollywood’s legendary films, is shutting down.

'Anora' Director Sean Baker & 'The Brutalist' Director Brady Corbet | Directors on Directors
In the ultimate film nerd conversation, Sean Baker ("Anora") and Brady Corbet ("The Brutalist") discuss how hard it is for young directors to break into the industry these days, why run-time shouldn't be a concern of distributors, how Sean casts for his films by walking up to people in public, their respective experiences meeting Lars von Trier, and Brady shooting on Vistavision. Plus, why it's darn hard to shoot in the US.

Commercial Filmmaking Trend Report - 2025
While it may be difficult to spot a trend before it happens, once they're there it's a neat thing to see what they are. This 2025 Trend Report on Commercial Filmmaking from Film Supply gives a unique glance at current trends in our industry.

Sundance 2024 Camera Poll - Documentaries
For those camera geeks among you, here’s a look at favorite cameras among documentary makers.

Sundance 2024 Camera Poll - Narratives
For those camera geeks among you, here’s a look at favorite cameras among documentary makers.

New California Freelancer Law Took Effect on January 1, 2025
More info about the Freelancer law.

SB-988 Freelance Worker Protection Act
For most of us, this new law slipped under the radar. But for freelancers and those hiring them, this is an important law to read.

What Do Movie Producers Do, Anyway?
“I do the impossible for the ungrateful.” See if this is an apt description of what a Producer does.

Best and Worst states & cities in the U.S. for Producers and Directors
The ends and beginnings of years are always a great time to look at lists. Here’s one that’s right up our alley:.

TCL TVs will use films made with generative AI to push targeted ads
Coal or cool? You decide.
With new short films on its free streaming service, TV-maker TCL is positing a new approach to monetizing TV owners and to film and TV production that sees reduced costs through reliance on generative AI and targeted ads.

Governor Newsom proposes historic expansion of film & TV tax credit program
A proposal from the Governor would double the film tax credit in California.

Funding one hundred films for a new era of media
We’ve been documenting the rise of AI for sometime now. This is just the next step toward embracing the future of production.

Even Hollywood producers are getting squeezed
When Oscar winners are having a tough time, pay attention.

Lionsgate Inks Deal With AI Firm to Mine Its Massive Film and TV Library
And here…we…go…

Half of UK TV and film staff out of work a year on from Hollywood strikes, poll finds
Apparently our colleagues across the pond are not fairing well in this industry of ours

Some Actors Will Let AI Replicate Their Voices For Advertisements Under New Union Agreement
One year ago they were enemies. Not now.

Paramount TV Studios Shutting Down Amid Major Restructuring, Layoffs
The industry is definitely a state of flux, beyond the Flux Capacitor kind.