The Edit: some spycraft, tariff truths, focus pulling & froth keepers

Welcome to another edition of the Auteur Edit: diary of a female film director — a quick 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.Let’s get into today’s lineup.* My studio. There comes a time in every shoot when the director needs the 1st AC to step in and pull focus. Some go the manual route but a better option — in my view — is using a wireless lens puller. Let me recommend Tilta’s Nucleus-M hand controller with a choice between one or two motors. It’s a real game changer, with three channels that allow you to control focus, iris and even zoom with its mini joystick. Even, more, it lasts up to ten hours on a single charge. Great for long shoot days.* My laptop. I’m working (have been for a while) on a script for a potential series pitch and this graphic gives you a little sneak peek into a visual concept I’m playing around with. Without giving away too much — or really anything — any guesses what I might be conjuring up or alluding to here? Sorry I can’t say more but as you try to figure it out, stay tuned and check back for my updates on this project.* My watchlist. Consider this my open call to all espionage buffs — count me among them — have I got the documentary for you. If you haven’t seen it already — run, don’t walk — to check out Spycraft on Netflix. It will not disappoint your insatiable desire to dig into what went down with some of the nation’s biggest headline-making spies — directly from the mouths of retired CIA officers. Most of all, the eight-part series fills in the gaps by picking up what fiction leaves out.* My cart. I might be one of those people who still takes my coffee piping hot even in the hottest months of the year, but Springtime still marks the start of cold brew and frosty treat season. I mean, both can be true. And this is a tumbler worth refilling just for that or whatever your beverage of choice. It’s part of Anthro’s “icon” glass collection and comes in six distinct styles — I chose the cloud design. Take it with you on the go or just be fancy around the house. Mine recently arrived and I’ve already enjoyed a few of my favorite smoothie and cold brew concoctions on the porch. It's not backed by science but somehow the glass, bamboo and stainless steel style makes every sip taste better.* My reads. You’d think the film industry was set aflame after President Trump’s tariff announcement for internationally made films. Now that the smoke has cleared somewhat, turns out actor Jon Voight laid the groundwork, according to The Hollywood Reporter. And although there's still not a lot known about how the proposed tariffs will work with digital products — like a film — I think the big picture bottom line is that if conditions were more hospitable and not as cost prohibitive in the U.S, more American filmmakers would make their movies at home rather than abroad. But that’s been a state failure (California among the worst) long before the current administration. So, now might be a good time to have that conversation. Meanwhile, the Cannes Film Festival — officially underway — is also already making headlines but not in a good way. For one, journalists covering the festival are expressing frustration over the lack of “equitable” access to talent. THR also reports that over 100 signed an open letter to festival organizers and studios calling for “good film journalism.” This comes amidst backlash over overtly political speeches by liberal celebrity attendees — a no, no at Cannes. Other no-no’s include its notorious no nudity red carpet policy and this year’s ban on dress trains. That one was broken by Halle Berry on night two — telling an interviewer that she agrees with the former but not the latter. Same girl, same.That’s another Auteur Edit. Content links are embedded in the article. I hope you found something useful. Thanks for your support. I’d love to hear what you think or might want to add to today’s list. 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