Cynthia Hsiung is an award-winning executive producer, director, writer and development professional in television, feature films and digital media. She has developed, produced, written and directed for companies including HBO, Universal, MTV, VH1, Fox Kids Network and Warner Bros. Hsiung is the recipient of the UCLA Extension Distinguished Instructor Award and was given an honorary… Continue reading 4 Ways to Break Into Showrunning with Cynthia Hsiung
Month: May 2024
May Wrap: Production Industry Highlights
With May coming to a close, here are some of the highlights we saw across the industry from studios and streaming to box office and film festival updates. ‘Fall Guy’ Premiere The much-anticipated premiere of Fall Guy has finally arrived, featuring an action-packed storyline and star-studded cast. The film promises to be a hit with audiences,… Continue reading May Wrap: Production Industry Highlights
Career Conversations with Hair and Makeup Artist Jennifer Lamphee
Jennifer Lamphee, a 2018 AACTA (Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards) Best Hair and Makeup winner for Ladies in Black, has worked on almost 70 productions, including the upcoming Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes and 2018’s Pacific Rim: Uprising, hit Aussie TV series Bump and Mr Inbetween, and indie film classics… Continue reading Career Conversations with Hair and Makeup Artist Jennifer Lamphee
Why Your Set May Need a Mental Health Coordinator
Behind the glitz and glamour of film and television production lies a reality that often goes unseen: the mental and emotional toll it can take on the cast and crew. From intense scenes to grueling schedules, the world of entertainment can be a pressure cooker for everyone involved. That’s why it’s crucial to recognize when… Continue reading Why Your Set May Need a Mental Health Coordinator
Film Incentives in 5 States That May Surprise You
The film industry has been shifting over the last 30 years as labor costs and taxes continue to rise in Los Angeles. In response, 38 states in the U.S. offer generous incentive packages to entice filmmakers to their locale. Here’s a list of five states with amazing incentives. Illinois Basic info: Illinois offers a transferable,… Continue reading Film Incentives in 5 States That May Surprise You
Understanding the Different Types of PAs On-Set
Starting out as a production assistant (PA) is often the first stepping stone to a career in film and TV. For many of us starting out in the industry, it can be difficult to find exactly what role you want to pursue on-set. Being a PA is a great way to figure out what department… Continue reading Understanding the Different Types of PAs On-Set
Building Your Dream Production Crew on Staff Me Up
As a hub for connecting entertainment industry professionals with job opportunities, Staff Me Up is your gateway to assembling the perfect production crew for your project. One of the key challenges in this process is skill matching—ensuring that the talents and expertise of your crew align seamlessly with the demands of your project. Here’s how… Continue reading Building Your Dream Production Crew on Staff Me Up
Self-Care Tips for Managing the Busy Life On-Set for Managing Mental Health
With Mental Health Awareness Month in May, the spotlight on our well-being becomes more crucial than ever. I know firsthand that working on film and television sets can be thrilling and extremely rewarding, but I also know that the time and effort I often put into my work puts a lot of strain on my… Continue reading Self-Care Tips for Managing the Busy Life On-Set for Managing Mental Health
Managing Pre-Production Jitters
The pre-production jitters, the night before set sweats or the overwhelming paranoia of planning—these forms of anxiety before a big project are common experiences for filmmakers. I’ve encountered them firsthand throughout my career. Here I share some strategies for mitigating the pre-production anxiety as you head into production, drawing from personal experiences and mindset shifts… Continue reading Managing Pre-Production Jitters
The Economics of Producing Reality Television
Calling reality, or unscripted television, a juggernaut would be an understatement. After the initial success of Survivor on CBS, reality TV blew up, captivating audiences with classics like The Bachelor, Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta and Duck Dynasty. After the 2008 writers’ strike, networks realized they could produce unscripted TV without the unions and for… Continue reading The Economics of Producing Reality Television