Filmmaking

Learn lighting like a pro with our next workshop [Professional Studio Lighting – The Photo studio, Strobes & Accessories (1 session): Feb 18, Wednesdays 6:15 PM-9:00 PM. In-person](https://www.photomanhattan.com/product-p/slb-se1-i-5.htm "Professional Studio Lighting – The Photo studio, Strobes & Accessories (1 session): Feb 18, Wednesdays 6:15 PM-9:00 PM. In-person, SLB-SE1-I-5") $ 195.- Meetup RSVPs don't reflect the number of attendees as most Registrations come from our site: https://www.photomanhattan.com Courses are limited to 8-15 people depending on the course. **This workshop is in Person.** The class will be in Chelsea or Midtown, The exact photo studio location will be selected based on the class size and emailed to you the day prior to class. For any questions, please call us at 646 820-3302 # PROFESSIONAL STUDIO LIGHTING CLASS: Mastery with Strobes & Modifiers.  Welcome to the professional studio environment! This intensive course consists of full **hands-on shooting** using professional photography equipment provided by us. It's an excellent opportunity to gain solid studio experience without the extra cost of photo studio rentals and equipment purchase. ## What You Will Master: * **Equipment Mastery:** Learn how to use and adjust all provided professional photo equipment, including **soft boxes, umbrellas, snoots, and flash-meters.** * **Classic Lighting Effects:** Achieve exceptional lighting effects and exact results, ranging from classic setups like **Key Light & Fill Light** to specialized techniques like creating a perfect **white-on-white** look. * **Advanced Techniques:** Learn to work with **mixed lighting** (ambient and flash) and creative techniques like achieving **motion blur with flash**. * **Real-World Application:** The top-notch lighting effects and skills learned in this workshop are fully applicable outside of the controlled photo studio environment. ## Course Structure: Classes will be fully hands-on experimentation. We highly recommend taking this course to fully understand lighting dynamics both in and outside of the studio. Content is split in 3 separate sessions to suit your schedule: * **The basics, Photo studio, Strobes & Accessories** **(this class):** Learn how to use and setup Strobes and accessories and create basic lighting setups. Includes: soft-boxes, barn doors, snoots, umbrellas, reflectors, flash-meters. For complete beginners. [View upcoming dates](https://www.photomanhattan.com/product-p/slb-se1-i-6.htm). * **Lighting fundamentals, Classic light setups** (separate class): Learn standard lighting techniques, from 3-way lighting to backgrounds, tonality control, and portrait lighting. Prior classes are not required but recommended.[ View more upcoming dates.](https://www.photomanhattan.com/product-p/slb-se1-i-6.htm) * **Creative product photography** (separate class): Bring your product or model and experiment with advanced lighting techniques, such as mixed lighting, ambient and flash, freeze, and motion effects for product photography. Prior classes are not required but recommended. [View upcoming dates](https://www.photomanhattan.com/product-p/slb-se1-i-6.htm). | Requirements & Availability | | --------------------------- | | **Requirements:** Digital SLR or Point & Shoot camera with **Manual options** (Aperture & Shutter speed control) AND a **Flash mount**. Studio equipment is not required as it will be provided. | | **Level of Knowledge Assumed:** Basic camera operation in Manual mode. | View more dates and classes at: https://www.photomanhattan.com/photography-classes-nyc-s/1814.htm

The Bergen Makerspace will be open Wednesday 2/18 from 5-8 pm. Our location is in building on the other end of the Bergen County Academies campus at 284 Hackensack Avenue, Hackensack NJ. Drop in to say hello and reconnect, or bring a show and tell, or a project to work on, or just to see the space and hang out. 16 years of age to enter. Website: [https://bergenmakerspace.bergen.org](https://bergenmakerspace.bergen.org/)

One hour of uninterrupted writing, no prompts or unsolicited feedback. We will be meeting at the French Workshop. Find us with the Meetup sign, and sit anywhere. Let’s meet at 6:15ish and start intros and writing by 6:45/50

**Coworking for writers in your area!** Join us for some focused writing time. All writers and all experience levels are welcome and don’t worry, no one will see what you've written. This session is about getting your writing done and meeting other writers in your area. When you show up, say hello to everyone, grab a drink, and get your writing tools ready. Once you’re all settled, take some time to chat with your fellow writers. Once everyone’s arrived, I will lead quick introductions and then set the timer for our quiet and focused writing session. Afterward, we’ll have time to chat and get to know each other. We often talk about our successes and challenges as writers. If you don’t have time to stick around, no worries! **A note about the format** We don’t host critiques or readings. These events are a safe space for writers of all skill levels and genres to work on their craft, so no one will read or critique your writing. For our full event schedule, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://shutupwrite.com) **Other Important Details:** WiFi name/password: BAH_Public PW: BrooklynArtHaus Travel / Parking info: Street Parking Venue Guidelines: Please thank our hosts by purchasing something.

Coworking for writers in your area! Join us for some focused writing time. All writers and all experience levels are welcome and don’t worry, no one will see what you've written. This session is about getting your writing done and meeting other writers in your area. When you show up, say hello to everyone, grab a drink and/or food, and get your writing tools ready. Once you’re all settled, take some time to chat with your fellow writers. Once everyone’s arrived, I will lead quick introductions and then set the timer for our quiet and focused writing session. **6:30-7:00: Socialize & Mingle 7:00-8:00: Focused Hour of Writing 8:00-end: Socialize, Write More, or explore Bad Therapy (an awesome space)** Afterward, we’ll have time to chat and get to know each other. We often talk about our successes and challenges as writers. If you don’t have time to stick around, no worries! Venue Guidelines: Please thank our hosts by purchasing something.

​Join our NYC Content Creators group, where YouTubers, TikTokers, Instagrammers, livestreamers, podcasters, and other digital innovators come together to exchange ideas, forge connections, and support each other’s growth. Expect plenty of laughs, insightful conversations, and new friendships that will ignite your creativity. We keep it fun, welcoming, and laid-back and promise an inclusive atmosphere where you can share your experiences, learn from others, and discover fresh opportunities for collaboration. All types of creators and content-adjacent professionals are welcome. Come ready to brainstorm, connect, and have fun! **Event Flow** ​**3:00–4:00 PM \| Focus Hour** We kick things off with a dedicated work block. Bring your laptop, camera, ideas, or notes. This hour is all about creating. Whether that be recording content, planning future projects, collaborating with others, or locking in on work you’ve been putting off. Headphones encouraged. Momentum required. ​**4:00–6:00 PM \| Connect \+ Chill** Once the work is done, the space opens up. Mingle, share what you’re working on, meet new people, exchange ideas, and build genuine connections in a relaxed, no-pressure environment. ​**6:00 PM → \| Happy Hour** To wrap the night, we take the energy outside. We’ll head to a nearby restaurant or bar to unwind, celebrate the work, and keep the conversations going over food and drinks. Stay Connected: Discord: [https://discord.gg/tC3mZtN92Z](https://discord.gg/tC3mZtN92Z) Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/ccexny/](https://www.instagram.com/ccexny/) WhatsApp: ask an organizer for the link at the event

Join us on **Saturday, February 21st**, as we return to The Town School's theater for the screening of our very first challenge of Season 3! We'll be watching the incredible short films made for this challenge, kicking off the *official* start to our third season, which will run the entirety of 2026. **Note that no food or drink are allowed** and that the theater is inside of an elementary/middle school, so please be mindful and respectful of the space and arrive promptly at 1:00pm. **In order to keep the group going as it grows into new spaces, we are accepting donations at a suggested price of $10. Our mission to keep filmmaking free and accessible to all remains the same, so these funds go strictly towards operating costs. This donation is not required to attend, but your contributions go towards a great cause.** Submit films for Challenge 1 [HERE](https://shortcutsnyc.com/submit) **Deadline to submit is Thursday, February 19th by 11:59pm.** Challenge Rules for S3C1 (December 6 - February 21): * Rule 1 (Form): **Silhouette** * Rule 2 (Wildcard): **Required Line: "No One Understands"** **For S3C1, you have until February 19 to shoot a short film that utilizes at least one silhouette (get creative!) and includes the required line (spoken or written, but prominently featured), "No one understands". Do your homework! Get creative with the line. How can you subvert expectations with these elements?** * ***NOTE: If these guidelines are not met there is a high probability that your film will not be shown. Short Cuts is a learning community so you MUST learn what these rules are before planning for your film. We prioritize films that are submitted on time, are 5 minutes and under, and have the director present. Films that are submitted on time and follow the rules will be shown in ascending runtime order, and then everything submitted late will be after. No generative AI films or films largely enhanced by generative AI.*** *** At the end of the event, we will provide everyone with two randomly drawn rules from a hat as guidelines for participating in future challenges. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to create short films following these rules. At the next meeting, you will get the opportunity to show off your film, watch what others have made, and receive the next challenge's randomly drawn rules! Note that **no** experience is required, and all you need is a camera and a way to edit and upload your film. **Short Cuts** is a group of independent filmmakers challenging themselves to create short films every \~4 weeks following a number of randomly drawn rules. Each meeting, filmmakers have the opportunity to show off their films and watch others, as well as draw the rules for the next film challenge. This group welcomes any experience level, from those who have never touched a camera, written a script, or acted in a film to seasoned veterans looking for a challenge. **DONATE:** [https://www.nyfa.org/projects/project-info/?id=CA2043](https://www.nyfa.org/projects/project-info/?id=CA2043) **INSTAGRAM:** [https://www.instagram.com/shortcutsny/](https://www.instagram.com/shortcutsny/) **DISCORD:** [https://discord.gg/XQud4Hqeen](https://discord.gg/XQud4Hqeen) **WEBSITE:** [https://shortcutsnyc.com](https://shortcutsnyc.com)

Our inaugural meetup of "**A Proper Film Club"** will be in the back room of **the Pine Box Rock Shop in Bushwick .** Please note **you must confirm here** first on meetup.com if you want to attend. We’ll be meeting **Sunday, February 22nd, 2026** at 4pm. **Make sure to watch the film beforehand** This will be a discussion-focused club with some interactive elements. Clips will be shown Ratings will be made I'm really interested to hear about both the objective and the emotional impact. ### How the Discussion Works * Attendees are encouraged to **bring a favorite (or most troubling) scene. Message me beforehand with the timing of the clip and we'll select a few to show** * We’ll use a **projection screen** to revisit these clips so that you can discuss **why the scene affected you**—emotionally, intellectually, aesthetically, or ethically * Loving the film is *not* required; ambivalence and disagreement are welcome * We’ll screen brief clips for discussion purposes but **please come having already watched the film.** * ### 🎬 This Month’s Film ***The Worst Person in the World*** (2021), directed and co-written by **Joachim Trier**, starring **Renate Reinsve** A romantic comedy–drama that explores love, ambition, identity, and emotional contradiction in modern adulthood. 🏆 *Renate Reinsve won Best Actress at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival.* 🎥 *The film was nominated for Best International Feature Film and Best Original Screenplay at the 94th Academy Awards.* ### ### 🎞 What We’re Exploring We’ll try and keep the conversation organic but some themes we might explore include: * Emotional response vs. intellectual interpretation * Character empathy, frustration, and moral ambiguity * Narrative structure, time jumps, and point of view * Gender, creativity, ambition, and “likability” in modern cinema If you have **suggestions for future films**, feel free to post them in the group chat—we’re building the calendar collaboratively. Whether you’re a cinephile, filmmaker, writer, performer, or just someone who loves deep film conversations, you’re very welcome. Suggested donation to keep the group going: $5 via Venmo @Daniel-Morrow-1

**Announcing the Season 2 wrap party!** Come celebrate our second season at The Pony Bar and help us fundraise for our third season for 2026! At this event, we'll announce award winners for our Season 2 films and filmmakers, hand out frames to all the frame recipients, play some Short Cuts Trivia, order food from our hosts, The Pony Bar, and more!!! \-\-\- Nominate your favorite films and filmmakers here **before February 15**: [https://forms.gle/Ms1faNoJYjc9peAQ9](https://forms.gle/Ms1faNoJYjc9peAQ9) Final nominees will be narrowed down by Abdullah and Caleb, so being verbose in your answers will greater your chances of being nominated! Winners will be announced at this event and given trophies designed and manufactured by our very own Jack Billet. \-\-\- This is also an effort to fundraise for Short Cuts's third season. Our greatest (and most crippling) expense is our screening space and we rely on your donations to keep us afloat! **We are asking for a suggested donation of $50 at this event to help keep Short Cuts a bastion for making filmmaking accessible in one of the most competitive cities for film in the world.** Of course, *any* amount helps! Donate here: [Donate](https://www.nyfa.org/projects/project-info/?id=CA2043) See you there!

Join us every Wednesdays as we live teach how to operate a live event. There are different departments you can learn from Camera Operator (3 Different camera types) Live sound Lighting Switcher Operator All training is free and open for all levels of experience

**Hello Fellow NYC TAOP Members** Leica Gallery New York will host an intimate artist panel with Henry Leutwyler, Diana Markosian, and Kylie Shea in conjunction with their Ballet exhibition. Beginning at 11:00 am, the conversation will bring together Leutwyler's decades-long backstage perspective on dance, Markosian's emotionally driven work rooted in her own ballet history, and Shea's evolving Leica self-portrait series that translates movement into photographic storytelling. Set within the newly opened Ballet show, which runs Feb 19-Mar 29, the panel offers a rare chance to explore how each artist interprets discipline, vulnerability, and performance through the lens, with a special focus on collaborations around Misty Copeland's final bow. Link for Tickets: [Artist Panel -Henry Leutwyler, Diana Markosian, and Kylie Shea! Tickets, Sat, Feb 21, 2026 at 11:00 AM | Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/artist-panel-henry-leutwyler-diana-markosian-and-kylie-shea-tickets-1979413845095?aff=ebdsoporgprofile). **There is already a waitlist for this event. However, the opening night event on the 19th is still available for free tickets on Thursday, Feb 19th @ 6:00 pm.** [Ballet: Henry Leutwyler, Diana Markosian, Kylie Shea - Vernissage Tickets, Thu, Feb 19, 2026 at 6:00 PM | Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ballet-henry-leutwyler-diana-markosian-kylie-shea-vernissage-tickets-1979267523443?aff=odcleoeventsincollection) **Meeting Location** **Location:** Leica Gallery is located at 406 W 13th Street, New York, NY **Dates**: The exhibit runs from Feb 19, 2026, through Mar 29, 2026. **Please Note:** We will **not** be meeting as a group for this event.

​Join our NYC Content Creators group, where YouTubers, TikTokers, Instagrammers, livestreamers, podcasters, and other digital innovators come together to exchange ideas, forge connections, and support each other’s growth. Expect plenty of laughs, insightful conversations, and new friendships that will ignite your creativity. We keep it fun, welcoming, and laid-back and promise an inclusive atmosphere where you can share your experiences, learn from others, and discover fresh opportunities for collaboration. All types of creators and content-adjacent professionals are welcome. Come ready to brainstorm, connect, and have fun! **Event Flow** ​**3:00–4:00 PM \| Focus Hour** We kick things off with a dedicated work block. Bring your laptop, camera, ideas, or notes. This hour is all about creating. Whether that be recording content, planning future projects, collaborating with others, or locking in on work you’ve been putting off. Headphones encouraged. Momentum required. ​**4:00–6:00 PM \| Connect \+ Chill** Once the work is done, the space opens up. Mingle, share what you’re working on, meet new people, exchange ideas, and build genuine connections in a relaxed, no-pressure environment. ​**6:00 PM → \| Happy Hour** To wrap the night, we take the energy outside. We’ll head to a nearby restaurant or bar to unwind, celebrate the work, and keep the conversations going over food and drinks. Stay Connected: Discord: [https://discord.gg/tC3mZtN92Z](https://discord.gg/tC3mZtN92Z) Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/ccexny/](https://www.instagram.com/ccexny/) WhatsApp: ask an organizer for the link at the event

​Join our NYC Content Creators group, where YouTubers, TikTokers, Instagrammers, livestreamers, podcasters, and other digital innovators come together to exchange ideas, forge connections, and support each other’s growth. Expect plenty of laughs, insightful conversations, and new friendships that will ignite your creativity. We keep it fun, welcoming, and laid-back and promise an inclusive atmosphere where you can share your experiences, learn from others, and discover fresh opportunities for collaboration. All types of creators and content-adjacent professionals are welcome. Come ready to brainstorm, connect, and have fun! **Event Flow** ​**3:00–4:00 PM \| Focus Hour** We kick things off with a dedicated work block. Bring your laptop, camera, ideas, or notes. This hour is all about creating. Whether that be recording content, planning future projects, collaborating with others, or locking in on work you’ve been putting off. Headphones encouraged. Momentum required. ​**4:00–6:00 PM \| Connect \+ Chill** Once the work is done, the space opens up. Mingle, share what you’re working on, meet new people, exchange ideas, and build genuine connections in a relaxed, no-pressure environment. ​**6:00 PM → \| Happy Hour** To wrap the night, we take the energy outside. We’ll head to a nearby restaurant or bar to unwind, celebrate the work, and keep the conversations going over food and drinks. Stay Connected: Discord: [https://discord.gg/tC3mZtN92Z](https://discord.gg/tC3mZtN92Z) Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/ccexny/](https://www.instagram.com/ccexny/) WhatsApp: ask an organizer for the link at the event

Registration forthcoming! *Presented in partnership with The Sinclair at Port Washington* Join Plant Powered Metro New York for a home-hosted community screening of ***[Love Over Money](https://www.loveovermoneyfilm.com/)***. The film shares the powerful true story of John Robbins, heir to the Baskin-Robbins fortune, who walked away from a billion-dollar inheritance to live in alignment with his values — spark­ing a global conversation about food, health, and purpose. After the film, we’ll open the floor for a group discussion to share reflections and takeaways.

This week's Movie Night: the acclaimed biblical epic, **The Passion of the Christ (2004)!** Join us to watch the film or just to make new friends. All welcome! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Each week we select two films in advance: suggests and ideas are welcome! Any genre. All events: Snacks included, free entry, and In-person.

This was a fun FREE event in the past and it’s back! FINAL EXAM HORROR TRIVIA There’s no sign up required, just show up. Last time I had some fun simply watching the competition. If you want to join the group competition, it should be easy to find a group, or bring your own. PRIZES! PRIZES! PRIZES! Here are the details, there’s no sign up, just show up. [https://www.facebook.com/events/1916178723111341/](https://www.facebook.com/events/1916178723111341/) One of the hosts, Michael Gingold, interviewed me for the Blu-ray of the feature film “Don’t Go in the House.” I was one of the producers. Make sure to check in at ALLCREATIVE NY (https://www.meetup.com/ALLCNY/) and let your fellow AllCreative NY members know that you’re going. Don’t forget to tell your friends to join ALLCREATIVE NY (https://www.meetup.com/ALLCNY/) so they can stay up to date on “All Things Creative” in film, video and the arts.

Join us every Wednesdays as we live teach how to operate a live event. There are different departments you can learn from Camera Operator (3 Different camera types) Live sound Lighting Switcher Operator All training is free and open for all levels of experience

Our inaugural meetup of "**A Proper Film Club"** will be in the back room of **the Pine Box Rock Shop in Bushwick .** Please note **you must confirm here** first on meetup.com if you want to attend. We’ll be meeting **Sunday, February 22nd, 2026** at 4pm. **Make sure to watch the film beforehand** This will be a discussion-focused club with some interactive elements. Clips will be shown Ratings will be made I'm really interested to hear about both the objective and the emotional impact. ### How the Discussion Works * Attendees are encouraged to **bring a favorite (or most troubling) scene. Message me beforehand with the timing of the clip and we'll select a few to show** * We’ll use a **projection screen** to revisit these clips so that you can discuss **why the scene affected you**—emotionally, intellectually, aesthetically, or ethically * Loving the film is *not* required; ambivalence and disagreement are welcome * We’ll screen brief clips for discussion purposes but **please come having already watched the film.** * ### 🎬 This Month’s Film ***The Worst Person in the World*** (2021), directed and co-written by **Joachim Trier**, starring **Renate Reinsve** A romantic comedy–drama that explores love, ambition, identity, and emotional contradiction in modern adulthood. 🏆 *Renate Reinsve won Best Actress at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival.* 🎥 *The film was nominated for Best International Feature Film and Best Original Screenplay at the 94th Academy Awards.* ### ### 🎞 What We’re Exploring We’ll try and keep the conversation organic but some themes we might explore include: * Emotional response vs. intellectual interpretation * Character empathy, frustration, and moral ambiguity * Narrative structure, time jumps, and point of view * Gender, creativity, ambition, and “likability” in modern cinema If you have **suggestions for future films**, feel free to post them in the group chat—we’re building the calendar collaboratively. Whether you’re a cinephile, filmmaker, writer, performer, or just someone who loves deep film conversations, you’re very welcome. Suggested donation to keep the group going: $5 via Venmo @Daniel-Morrow-1