the wall report.: the wall report. +plus

These are the camera do's that actually work

the wall report. — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 23:16:31 GMT

In today’s episode, I’m talking camera techniques — and the five essentials you need to master even before hitting record.

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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.

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When in Rome — er, France..

Tara Wall — Thu, 30 May 2024 14:19:06 GMT

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. The Cannes Film Festival has officially come to a close so, I couldn’t let this week go by without talking about what a lot of people seem to be talking about regarding the France-based festival. So, this week’s list this time has a theme — it’s a reflection of the Francophile in me. And, my video commentary — available to paid subscribers —is my take on all that finger-wagging happening outside of the screenings and on the red carpet.

The list below is available to free subscribers. The separate bonus video commentary above — is available to paid subscribers.

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The gear. This first item on the list isn’t French per se (it’s made in China) but I’m thinking about all those Paps and some of the tools they use to get the most out of their snaps while in Cannes. One word — Ronin. You better believe this DJI RS 2 was in heavy rotation. The lightweight (carbon fiber), super smooth, low-profile gimbal is the go-to stabilizer for filmmakers and photographers who need to stay nimble. Loaded with sooo many features — if you aren’t using it already — add it to your cart now. “Film more pack less” is DJI’s messaging for this — and that about sums it up nicely.
Visit DJI
The films. Social commentary is a first on my list genre when it comes to checking out independent films and artists. And this one is worth a look.
festivaldecannes
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It didn’t take the first prize but the winner of the Grand Prix Prize — the second most prestigious Cannes award — was “All We Imagine As Light” and is now on my watchlist. Female-directed, it makes history as the first Indian film to win in 30 years. Director Payal Kapadia, sets the backdrop in Mumbai, India with undertones of female independence as its foundation. They’re calling it..

“a delicate triple portrait of women who have devoted their lives to helping others, but have received precious little in return in terms of money, status or freedom.”

Watch the trailer

As for the rest of the lineup — highlights and low lights — EuroNews provides the most succinct review and roundup of Cannes with its short recap of winners, losers and general takeaways from the festival’s 77th year.

Watch here

The footwear. Okay, these aren’t necessarily made for the red carpet — unless you get them in gold — but they are the low sandal I’m eyeing as a summer staple. They come from everyone’s favorite French retailer, have an attractive woven design, come in a range of colors — including gold — and the quality is what it should be in a shoe. They’re not only casual enough for everyday, the low heel suggests comfort (more than your average heel) and they add a nice touch to any work attire.
Buy at Sezane

The food. This is another — not really French — cheat. We’ll call it French-adjacent because every Francophile knows that pastries are an essential part of the diet. Chocolate croissants? Yes. Donuts — um not so sure. But the “Cronut” — the best of both — is what Paris Baguette is known for. And that makes it French enough for me. The Nutella-filled version is one I’ve been wanting to try. I finally had an opportunity to split one while out for brunch with a gal-pal this past weekend. The decadent dessert was worth every single bite for a sugary splurge. If it makes you feel any better — I did — it’s fried in grape seed oil.
Getting outside of Cannes (Paris anyone?) Parisian Chic: A Style Guide by Ines de la Fressange — is what you need to get around the capital city. The author is a French icon in the fashion industry, and her take on what to do and where to go when in Paris is a treasure trove. From hotels and restaurants to capsule wardrobe haunts and decor finds — it has over 350 useful color illustrations. It’s not new but also not out of date. I’ve had this volume for years — yet find myself still flipping through it often and finding inspiration on a regular basis. With its ageless style recommendations, luxurious beauty routines and essential tour routes, I’ve lost count of how many note tabs I have sticking out from the pages. Soft cover binding makes it easy to carry or toss in a tote for your next trip to the city of light.

Buy it on Amazon

For getting fragrant. We all like to smell divine but if you’re like me and can’t wear pretty much any perfume due to allergies and sensitive skin — this is not only an amazing smelling fragrance but I can apply it with no issues or outbreaks and it wears well even if you don’t share my sensitivities. Verbena Eau du Toilette blends in hints of lemon for a light, citrusy vibe.
Buy at L'Occitane
In addition to the regular 3 oz. size it comes in a purse sized roll-on, which I have, and it’s great for a quick touch up on the wrists or behind the ears. I love the French beauty brand L’Occitane en Provence for so many reasons — but the best part aside from the parfume, is knowing that they are actively working with French farmers to source ingredients that are as sustainable as possible.

That’s another Auteur Edit. I hope you found something useful. Paid subscribers can access my bonus commentary video above — where I opine on a timely industry topic. In this case what role — if any — racism played on the red carpet at Cannes. Thanks again for your support.

A reboot, sugar show & puffy sleeves

Tara Wall — Wed, 22 May 2024 23:20:37 GMT

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. Today's list, plus video commentary with my take on the Coppola kerfuffle at the Cannes Film Festival, is the first of my newly formatted newsletter. It’s a little random — no real theme — but I write it as it comes.

The list below is available for free subscribers. The separate bonus video commentary — is available to paid subscribers.

Subscribe now

Adapt to this. Indie and studio filmmakers who are Canon and Blackmagic fans know the frustration of not having the ability to mount your favorite Canon EF lens directly to the BM MFT cameras. Made worse if you end up with an adapter that can’t stand up to constant use. The Metabones T-Speed adapter is your next best friend. It is an absolute game changer. You can read all the specs online, but essentially — that booster and aluminum alloy frame makes all the difference. And when you are ready to upgrade or add to your BM collection, the new BMPCC 6K Pro is already built — finally — with an EF sensor.
Buy it at B&H
Some sugar for spy series buffs. There’s nothing salty about the new standout series Sugar, now streaming on Apple TV+. For starters, two of my favorite auteurs — are involved in the project. That would be director Adam Arkin and producer Colin Ferrell, who also happens to be the lead. In case you’re scratching your head over the series title, Sugar is his character’s surname. Billed as a “troubled detective” drama, this is not your average detective drama. Especially given there’s such a huge plot twist a few episodes in — it disrupts my entire thought process — but not viewing experience. Then there’s the camera work that had me even more distracted — in a good way. So, so good. The time spent on this storyline and precise attention to production value makes this is an absolute hit. It’s not often that I can binge an entire series in practically one sitting so, that tells you all you need to know about how sweet this series is. (Yes, I know my constant word play is cheesy but I can’t help myself).
Get it on Apple TV+
For haters of t-shirts. I am one of them. They may be cheap but they’re also boxy, shapeless, unflattering — shall I go on? I am not — and never really have been — a fan of the tee. One reason is because I have yet to find one that’s reasonable, sustainably-sourced and not only flatters my silhouette but has staying power after multiple washes. That is until now. This one has these dainty (I’ll call them poof or puffy) shoulders, so it doesn’t look frumpy and can easily dress up a pair of slacks or jeans — even a skirt. And because it’s made of 100% cotton — it keeps me comfy during long film shoots. Bonus: it comes in multiple colors.
Buy at Anthropolgie
Breakfast jar of champions. As someone who takes breakfast to go on most days, this is the container I didn’t know I needed until I did. It’s advertised as a portable overnight oats solution. But I’m not much of an overnight oats person. Chia seed pudding yes. Greek yogurt with fruit, nuts and granola — most days. And this is perfect for that or any other layering combination one might fancy. It’s a pretty decent step up from my usual Mason jar — which worked for me until I stumbled upon the roomier, glass without the metal lid container that has a built-in spoon to boot. I didn’t know what I was missing.
Buy at Amazon
We could all use a reboot. I just started reading it but I’m excited about this e-Book. For one, I’m proud of its author — a colleague and friend in my former political work days. Will Hurd is a former three-term Congressman, CIA agent and cyber security specialist. His story is quite the winding road with lessons that we can all relate to, weaved into American Reboot: An Idealists Guide To Getting Big Things Done. Hurd warns about the cost of ignoring current challenges facing our country. “We need an American Reboot that gets our country back on an operating system that can adapt to a chaotic and uncertain future but is based on shared values that have solved challenges of the past,” he writes. He’s also optimistic but realistic offering up solutions that he calls pragmatic idealism — “achieving what is actually achievable while improving life for the greatest number of people possible.” This isn’t a book about politics per se — but humanity — and inspiring a new crop of leaders who can actually get sh*t done. My kind of read.
Buy on Apple Books
The tote of totes. This is the tote I lug everywhere with everything from scripts to memory card cases, laptop, tablet, cardigan, and even a few props from time to time. It’s the best. Good size, spacious inside, just enough pockets, zips shut, removable crossbody strap and beautiful soft leather that holds up to stains and a lot more. New colors just dropped and I want them all!
Get it at Free People

That’s another Auteur Edit. I hope you found something useful. Paid subscribers can access my bonus commentary video above — where I opine on a timely industry topic — in this case Coppola’s comments at Cannes. Thanks again for your support.