Filmmaker Mixer

Chris Ritvo, Overall Visual Effects Supervisor on Netflix's Remarkably Bright Creatures, joins Filmmaker Mixer to discuss the creation of Marcellus, the giant Pacific octopus at the heart of the film. In this conversation, Chris shares how his team combined real animal reference footage with advanced CGI to create a believable and emotionally engaging character. From researching octopus behavior at the Vancouver Aquarium to solving the challenges of photoreal creature animation, this episode offers valuable insights for filmmakers, visual effects artists, and film students interested in modern VFX workflows. Learn how filmmakers blend practical reference, technology, and storytelling to create digital characters audiences truly connect with.

On this episode of Filmmaker Mixer, Ben King takes us inside the creation some of the most ambitious sequences from IT: Welcome to Derry. From meteor impacts to terrifying creature transformations, Ben breaks down the technical and creative process behind bringing horror to life on screen.We discuss the undead moose attack sequence, designing fear through visual effects, and how the series explores themes through horror imagery. Filmmakers, VFX artists, horror fans, and indie creators will learn about creature design, cinematic storytelling, practical vs. digital effects, and how high-end television horror sequences actually get made.

Amanda Pollack (ACE) joins Filmmaker Mixer to discuss her work editing critically acclaimed series like The Americans, The Good Fight, and Palm Royale. With a background rooted in music and rhythm, Amanda shares how she shapes performances, tension, and story in the edit.In this episode, filmmakers will learn how editorial rhythm impacts storytelling, how to collaborate with directors, and how to evolve your craft across genres and long-running series. A must-watch for editors and storytellers looking to deepen their understanding of post-production.

Barrie Gower joins Filmmaker Mixer for an in-depth conversation about the craft of prosthetic makeup in film and television. From character transformations to creature effects, he breaks down the creative and technical process behind some of the industry’s most memorable practical makeup work.In this episode, filmmakers and film students will learn how prosthetic designs evolve from concept art to camera-ready performances, how makeup departments collaborate with directors and actors, and why practical effects continue to play a critical role in modern filmmaking.Whether you’re an indie creator, horror fan, or aspiring makeup FX artist, this episode offers real insight into the artistry and problem-solving behind cinematic transformation.

What does it take to bring a story to life through music? In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer, we sit down with a composer whose work spans The Queen’s Gambit, Hacks, and the indie film Breakup Season. From emotional storytelling to technical execution, we explore how music elevates every frame. We dive into the creative process behind scoring for different genres, collaborating with creatives, and adapting to genres. Whether you're directing, editing, or composing, this episode offers real insight into how music shapes narrative. Filmmakers will learn how to better collaborate with composers, approach scoring early in production, and use music to enhance tone, pacing, and emotional impact.