Filmmaking (Actually)

Join Koura on Episode 17 of Filmmaking (Actually) as she learns and discusses sound in film with Mac Smith, Sound Designer and Supervising Sound Editor at Skywalker Sound, the sound effects, sound editing, sound design, sound mixing and music recording division of Lucasfilm Ltd.. Mac has been working on films since 1999, and has worked on such projects as the Disney+ series Marvel's What If...?, Cast Away, Toy Story 3, Tron: Legacy, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, Little Evil, Transpecos, and one of Koura's favorite films, Columbus. What's the difference between sound design and foley? What's the best way to work with a sound team? Should sound be an important part of your film's pre-production, even during the writing stage? Where does the score come into play? Listen to this to find out, and you know, you might learn something (actually) - ta-da!

If you want to ask a question or just want to say hello, write to [email protected]! And check out spacedreamfilms.com for the latest projects that Koura is working on.

Join Koura on Episode 16 of Filmmaking (Actually) to learn about...casting! Defined as the assigning of parts in a play, film, or other production, specifically to actors, casting is one of the most important parts of filmmaking. Any discussion about casting calls and auditions must give equal attention to actors who want to fit the part and the filmmakers who need to find just the right actor for a given role. Listen as Koura explains her experiences on both sides of the casting table, from learning how to take and receive notes, what it means to be the character, fitting the look of the project versus typecasting, and more. And you know, you might learn something (actually) - ta-da!

If you want to ask a question or just want to say hello, write to [email protected]! And check out spacedreamfilms.com for the latest projects that Koura is working on.

Join Koura on Episode 15 of Filmmaking (Actually) to learn about...networking! Defined as a group or system of interconnected people or things, a network is not just about computers when it comes to your work as a filmmaker. It's been said that it's not about what you know, but who you know! Listen as Koura explains what it means to truly collaborate with other artists so that all can work together toward mutual ends, instead of just seeking to better yourself at the expense of others. And you know, you might learn something (actually) - ta-da!

If you want to ask a question or just want to say hello, write to [email protected]! And check out spacedreamfilms.com for the latest projects that Koura is working on.

Join Koura on Episode 14 of Filmmaking (Actually) to learn about...business! Defined as the practice of making one's living by engaging in trade, commerce and dealings, it's important know how to run a business in order to sustain yourself, whether that business is filmmaking itself, or what you do in order to make films! Listen as Koura explains how she runs her Etsy shop with her business partner Callie and husband Spacey, and apply the lessons that she has learned to your process as a creative. And you know, you might (actually) learn something!

If you want to ask a question or just want to say hello, write to [email protected]! And check out spacedreamfilms.com for the latest projects that Koura is working on.

Join Koura in this follow-up episode, regarding the 48 Hour Film Project, about what MORE you should know about that wild and sleepless weekend in which you and a team make a movie - write, shoot  and edit it - in just 48 hours!! COVID Quarantine Blues got you down? Going a little stir crazy while  stuck at home? Why not channel that excess energy into a creative  endeavor...like making a short film? No matter your level of experience, it's  good to know a few MORE things before you are assigned your genre, character,  prop, and line of dialogue...so listen now!

If you want to ask a question or just want to say hello, write to [email protected]! And check out spacedreamfilms.com for the latest projects that Koura is working on.

Join Koura as she discusses what you should know about that wild and sleepless weekend in which you and a team make a movie - write, shoot and edit it - in just 48 hours!! The 48 Hour Film Project is fun for amateurs and pros alike, but no matter your level of experience, it's good to know a few things before you are assigned your genre, character, prop, and line of dialogue...so listen now!

If you want to ask a question or just want to say hello, write to [email protected]! And check out spacedreamfilms.com for the latest projects that Koura is working on.

While this is not legal advice from a lawyer, join Koura Linda as she discusses a side of the filmmaking world that should be talked about - the legal side! Don't let yourself get screwed over by bad contracts by educating yourself. What should you know about contracts and loopholes and contradictions and legalese and so on and so forth? Listen and learn, and know your rights. And then ask an actual lawyer. 

If you want to ask a question, write to [email protected]! And check out https://www.spacedreamfilms.com/ for the latest projects that Koura is working on.

A very special PSA from Filmmaking (Actually).

Join Koura on the tenth episode of Filmmaking (Actually) as she discusses what she calls the "most wonderful time of the year" - not Christmas, not Hanukkah, not Festivus, but the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah! As she is gearing up for her seventh year of Sundancing, you may be doing much the same. Learn from her perspective and, as Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience." Also, stay hydrated and put on a sweater, you're making me freeze. (Eleanor Roosevelt didn't say that.) 

If you want to ask a question or just want to say hello, write to [email protected]! Check out spacedreamfilms.com as well for all the latest projects that Koura is working on.

Join Koura Linda in part two of a two-part series as she discusses film distribution with Erik Lundmark, CEO of Leomark Studios, a film production, post-production, and distribution company with more than 50 film titles in its catalog. Film distribution is changing day by day, and while there’s no one model for the trajectory of a feature film’s release, this conversation highlights some of the basics for filmmakers  and film enthusiasts alike to learn about. For more on Leomark Studios, check them out on Twitter @LeomarkStudios and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LeomarkStudios/ and Instagram @LeomarkStudios

If you want to ask a question or just want to say hello, write to [email protected]! Check out spacedreamfilms.com as well for all the latest projects that Koura is working on.