Filmmaking course: Aputure and Crew Studio
Posted on Oct 16, 2025 by Admin
Empowering the next generation of filmmakers
A unique partnership between Aputure and Crew Studio is giving filmmakers space to learn, experiment and be inspired. Definition finds out more
Lighting innovator Aputure and production hub Crew Studio are collaborating to help filmmakers at all stages of their careers develop their craft and gain real-world experience. By combining Aputure’s industry-leading tools with Crew Studio’s hands-on training and expertise, the partnership provides a host of opportunities, confidence and a platform for filmmakers to innovate.
Founded in early 2025, with a team based at Pinewood Studios, Crew Studio quickly established itself as a hub for independent filmmakers and educators. It combines hands-on experience, mentorship and access to high-quality equipment to help emerging talent bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional practice. With a strong network of filmmakers, Crew Studio aligns perfectly with Aputure’s mission to support and educate creators, fostering an environment for innovation and experimentation to thrive in.
“From training in cinematic lighting to exclusive access for indie creators, this partnership lights the path from the classroom to the set. Whether learning the craft or gearing up for your next shoot, Crew Studio has got you covered with Aputure,” says Nathan Caselton, the studio’s founder and director.
“We know how tough it can be to get your hands on professional gear when starting out,” he continues. “By lowering those barriers, we’re giving filmmakers not just the tools, but the confidence to push their creative boundaries.”
A standout is the Cinematography Masterclass led by Zoran Veljkovic, SAS, an award-winning DOP whose work spans film, TV and commercial productions. This experience starts with a deep dive into the technology of motion picture production, from colour science to modern workflows, before participants step onto a set where, under professional guidance, they frame, light and shoot live scenes using Aputure’s latest fixtures.
“They don’t just watch a demo,” explains Caselton. “They bring the set to life, make creative decisions and get to see first-hand how professional tools shape their vision. Educators leave with a clear sense of how the technology is evolving and students pick up on that energy straight away. It’s about creating a ripple effect where knowledge and innovation keep flowing forward.”
The partnership’s influence is clear in the work of emerging filmmakers like Noah Hecht, a recent Arts University Bournemouth graduate. After training with Crew Studio, Hecht stepped in as a cinematographer for the indie short All That’s Left. Through the Filmmaker Hub, his team accessed a full suite of Aputure LED fixtures, which enhanced the film’s production values, gave the crew confidence and elevated the project far beyond a typical student production.
“Having access to Aputure gear massively increased our efficiency on-set,” says Hecht. “There were a lot of handheld shots, so it was important for the intimate scenes to have both a free-moving camera and flexibility to shape the lighting around the actors. Aputure’s fixtures gave us the freedom to experiment and achieve the cinematic look we envisioned, turning this indie film into a calling card for our future careers.”
The experience paid off quickly. With polished reel in hand, Noah stepped onto professional sets already fluent with the gear. The familiarity built up during production meant less time troubleshooting and more time creating, a vital advantage in a high-pressure industry. “These aren’t kids just testing equipment,” stresses Caselton. “They arrive with lighting diagrams, visual references and a clear creative vision. Our role is to supply them with the tools and support to bring that vision to life.”
Perhaps the most transformative initiative to come from this collaboration is the Lighting Support programme, which ensures that access to industry-standard Aputure lighting is no longer a privilege reserved for big-budget productions. From indie shorts to large-scale creative experiments, filmmakers can apply for curated kits, including the STORM series, MC Pros and INFINIBARs, along with a range of softboxes, fresnels and shaping tools. “We wanted to create a support system where ambitious ideas aren’t limited by budget. It’s about saying yes to creativity and giving people the confidence to execute their vision,” comments Caselton.
One DOP to take advantage of this is Rick Joaquim, SASC, who recently collaborated with Crew Studio to film a high-octane action sequence in a sprawling warehouse. He tapped into the power and versatility of the STORM 1200x and INFINIBARs to make his vision a reality. “When the technology disappears and you’re just focusing on the story – that’s when you know you have the right tools in your hands,” reflects Joaquim.
“Working with professionals like Rick is an incredible opportunity to test and refine our support programmes, while showing younger filmmakers what’s possible when creativity meets the right equipment,” adds Caselton.
As well as serving a valuable educational purpose, this partnership is a two-way exchange that can drive genuine innovation. Emerging filmmakers can obtain hands-on experience with professional workflows, while Aputure also benefits from real-world insights gathered from their projects; feedback that informs development of the next generation of products, like the STORM 400x and Nova panels.
“Young filmmakers aren’t bound by traditional workflows. They’re fearless, they experiment and they often come up with ideas that push the boundaries of what our tools can do,” muses Caselton. “That’s the kind of energy that keeps the industry moving forward.”
Looking ahead, Crew Studio is expanding its offerings to meet the evolving needs of modern filmmakers. Plans include specialised workshops focusing on advanced colour science, commercial lighting techniques and other niche disciplines designed to meet the demands of today’s complex productions. “The industry changes fast, so we want to ensure the next generation of filmmakers is ready for whatever comes next,” concludes Caselton. “By combining technical training with creative exploration, we’re building a foundation for long-term success.”
For Aputure, this partnership represents a natural extension of its mission to innovate and empower creators worldwide. By working closely with Crew Studio, Aputure continues to build an ecosystem where access, education and creativity all converge, shaping the future of visual storytelling.
More about Aputure at aputure.com and Crew Studio at crewstudio.co.uk
This article appears in the September/October 2025 issue of Definition
