Learn Filmmaking: The Journey

(Archive: Year 2021)

In this episode, we talk with cinematographer Markus Förderer about his journey in the film industry — from his early days learning photography to working on major films across Hollywood and international cinema.

We go behind the scenes of some of his most recognized work:

Netflix: Red Notice — A globe-trotting action-comedy starring Dwayne Johnson, Gal Gadot, and Ryan Reynolds about an FBI profiler who teams up with a conman to catch a notorious art thief.

I Origins — A sci-fi drama starring Michael Pitt and Brit Marling, following a scientist whose research on the human eye leads to questions about love, identity, and the soul.

Independence Day: Resurgence — A high-stakes alien invasion sequel featuring Jeff Goldblum, Liam Hemsworth, and Maika Monroe, where humanity fights for survival 20 years after the first attack.

Prime Video: Bliss — A sci-fi romance starring Owen Wilson and Salma Hayek, where a man discovers two conflicting realities, raising questions about what's real and what’s imagined.

Markus also shared inspiring advice for filmmakers, opened up about his creative process, and answered questions during a live Q&A with our community. It’s an episode full of insight, especially for those who want to better understand the craft of cinematography.

September 5 (2025) — Markus’ recent film project.

Markus also shared inspiring advice for filmmakers, opened up about his creative process, and answered questions during a live Q&A with our @learnfilmmaking community. It’s an episode full of insight, especially for those who want to better understand the craft of cinematography.

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Learn Filmmaking: The Journey

(Archive: Year 2024)

Scott Budnick is a powerhouse in both Hollywood and social impact. Best known as the executive producer of The Hangover franchise, Scott built his name producing blockbuster hits like:

• Old School

• Starsky & Hutch

• School for Scoundrels

• Due Date

• Project X

• The Hangover (Parts I, II & III)

• Just Mercy (his powerful reentry into purpose-driven filmmaking)

But Scott’s journey didn’t stop at box office success. He’s the founder of the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC), a nonprofit dedicated to justice reform and supporting formerly incarcerated individuals. He’s also the CEO of One Community, a film, TV, and media studio focused on storytelling that drives social change.

In this episode of The Journey, Scott shares how he transitioned from producing iconic comedies to becoming a leading advocate for criminal justice reform. He answered insightful questions from our @learnfilmmaking community in a live Q&A.

We also talk about purpose-driven storytelling, what it means to use your platform for good, and how real impact begins when you follow what truly matters!

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Learn Filmmaking: The Journey

(Archive: Year 2020)

Brett Ratner is a prolific filmmaker and storyteller whose journey spans decades in the entertainment industry. Some of his most notable films include:

• ▪️ Rush Hour (1998) and its sequels – Ratner directed the action-comedy franchise starring Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker. The original film was a commercial hit and led to two successful sequels.
  ▪️ X-Men: The Last Stand (2006) – He directed the third installment of the X-Men series, based on the iconic Marvel Comics characters.
  ▪️ Tower Heist (2011) – An action-comedy starring Ben Stiller and Eddie Murphy, showcasing Ratner’s knack for blending humor with high-stakes storytelling.
  ▪️ The Family Man – A heartfelt drama featuring Nicolas Cage, exploring themes of love, regret, and second chances through a “what if” life scenario.
  ▪️ Hercules – Starring Dwayne Johnson, this mythological epic highlighted Brett’s ability to helm large-scale, action-driven storytelling rooted in legend and character.

Beyond the director’s chair, Brett is also the co-founder of RatPac Entertainment, a film finance and production company that has co-financed more than 75 studio films, including award-winning and globally recognized hits such as:

• The Revenant – Alejandro González Iñárritu’s Oscar-winning survival epic starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

• Gravity – Alfonso Cuarón’s groundbreaking sci-fi thriller that won 7 Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Cinematography.

• Wonder Woman – Patty Jenkins’ game-changing superhero film that broke box-office records and redefined the female-led blockbuster.

  
  

  In this episode of The Journey, Brett Ratner opens up about:

  - The lessons he learned as a young filmmaker breaking into Hollywood

  - How he built trust with actors and collaborators

  - What it takes to balance vision and scale

  - Why staying true to your voice as a creator is more important than ever

During the episode, he also answers insightful questions from our @learnfilmmaking community in a live Q&A. It’s a conversation for anyone finding their voice, facing the unknown, and striving to create stories that matter.

[LFN NETWORK]

In this episode, Gabriel Alexis (Founder of Learn Filmmaking Network) introduces himself and expresses gratitude to everyone who has been a part of this incredible and growing community. In the first season, we will be sharing archived conversations with filmmakers, directors, and creators from around the world.

Season 2 promises more up-to-date podcasts and videos that we'll showcase here.

Thank you for joining us on this exciting new podcast journey!

Welcome to 'Learn Filmmaking: The Journey'

I'm Gabriel Alexis — filmmaker, storyteller, and founder of the Learn Filmmaking Network (LFN). I created this show because I wanted to have real conversations about what it actually takes to grow — not just as a creator, but as a person.

This show isn’t just about filmmaking tips — it’s about everything in between: the late nights, the self-doubt, the breakthroughs, the faith, the growth. The unseen moments that shape everything we create. Every episode is filled with stories, lessons, and reflections — from my own path and from others walking theirs, too.

We’ll talk about mindset, purpose, gratitude, and how to keep going when it feels like everything’s telling you to stop. This space is for you — the creator who’s still figuring it out, the dreamer who refuses to give up, the person who just needs a reminder that they’re not alone.

If you're looking for a podcast that speaks to your heart as much as your craft — you're in the right place.

Thank you for being part of the journey!