The Edit: an awards show for grown-ups, AI scripts & camera tips

Hello from the Auteur Edit, a roundup of what’s keeping me sane, inspired and awestruck in the madness that is the media arts business — plus my take on the trends, tech and tips for achieving creative success.Heads up, starting today, we’re switching to a slightly different format. Don't worry, the Edit list stays — but with briefer bullets. It still includes links to the resources mentioned and is available to everyone. But this new, shorter format affords more time for my episodic commentary, shorts and sharing inside tricks of the trade. The first item on every Edit roundup will tell you what to expect from me with each new video and episodes will automatically hit your inbox just like the list. So, if you haven't subscribed, this is a great time to join or upgrade.Let's have a look at today's roundup.* On camera. In this Auteur episode I'm talking camera techniques — and the five essentials you need to master even before hitting record. With just a little thought and a dash of effort — you'll see why some of the tools that work for me on set will absolutely elevate your next film or video project.* On set. This lavalier mic needs to be in your audio mix if for no other reason than its built-in recorder right in the pack. USB-powered — there’s no need for cords or mixers — just a micro SD. Which makes it a compact, convenient, all-in-one time saver in the field, on set for short takes and especially podcasts.* On my laptop. With some detailed prompts, I recently tasked an Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool to write a short, simple test script for a lesson I was preparing for my film students — to make a point. As expected, I found that while there’s a lot AI can do — authentic human experience and emotion it cannot. And that's not going to really change. No big surprises there. My advice if you want to tool around with AI — stick to storyboards, pitch decks or story-building outlines as a better use of this love-to-hate, hate-to-love fascination. And remember they're only as good as the prompts they're fed.* On my screen. I'm re-watching my 2022 documentary film Souled Out. Not because I like seeing myself on screen — I don’t — but because I thought it a good time to revisit my interview with president Donald Trump for what it foreshadows about his approach to governing in an environment of doubt. If you haven’t seen it, check it out. if you have, give it another look.* In my cart. For someone who’s always on the hunt for funky filmmaker kitsch, I’m adding this to the cool kids list. A fun and funky ‘We’ll Fix It In Post’ tee that’s 100% cotton and earth-friendly adjacent. With it’s v-neck and sleeker silhouette, it happens to look a bit more flattering for women — than most boxy tees.* On my desk. I was today year’s old when I learned there’s a ‘Movies for Grownups Awards’ show. It’s a quasi-prequel to the Oscars — and I’m here for it. Dubbed “the finest film and TV achievements for talents over 50,” airing on PBS and produced by AARP — these are the kind of contests our sometimes ageist society needs. This year’s winners include 62 year-old Demi Moore for Best Actress in The Substance, 55 year-old Colman Domingo in Best Ensemble for Sing, Sing, Shogun as Limited Series and 62 year-old Jodie Foster as Best TV Actress for True Detective: Night Country, among others. I’m already looking forward to next year’s nominees.I’d love to hear what you think about this roundup or might want to see from me for a future list — tell me in the comments below. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.tarawall.com/subscribe