Jon Schiefer
@brandxjon.bsky.social
I made a movie: TheHackerMovie.com
I wrote a novel: DeathRowBookClub.com
I made a show: TheDifferenceEngines.com
I wrote a novel: DeathRowBookClub.com
I made a show: TheDifferenceEngines.com
"I don't care what anyone says, this is my all-time favorite movie!"
December 17, 2025 at 3:18 PM
"I don't care what anyone says, this is my all-time favorite movie!"
#Photography
My friend Michelle Ford takes pictures with lights and lines that inspired me.
Here's the progression:
1. A freeway underpass
2. Desaturating 1., duplicating it, then flopping (horizontal flip) it.
3. Duplicating 2. and flipping it (my current wallpaper).
My friend Michelle Ford takes pictures with lights and lines that inspired me.
Here's the progression:
1. A freeway underpass
2. Desaturating 1., duplicating it, then flopping (horizontal flip) it.
3. Duplicating 2. and flipping it (my current wallpaper).
December 16, 2025 at 9:20 PM
#Photography
My friend Michelle Ford takes pictures with lights and lines that inspired me.
Here's the progression:
1. A freeway underpass
2. Desaturating 1., duplicating it, then flopping (horizontal flip) it.
3. Duplicating 2. and flipping it (my current wallpaper).
My friend Michelle Ford takes pictures with lights and lines that inspired me.
Here's the progression:
1. A freeway underpass
2. Desaturating 1., duplicating it, then flopping (horizontal flip) it.
3. Duplicating 2. and flipping it (my current wallpaper).
The mass shootings in the U.S. are so common that I now know at least 2 people who have been either present, or very close to them.
This is the way an empire falls.
This is the way an empire falls.
December 16, 2025 at 1:31 AM
The mass shootings in the U.S. are so common that I now know at least 2 people who have been either present, or very close to them.
This is the way an empire falls.
This is the way an empire falls.
A lot of people left Twitter/X to get away from fascism. And they came to blue sky, but I feel like this app, at least my feet, is primarily liberal ranting about fascism, which is kind of the same thing. I mean totally not, but emotionally… Yeah.
December 12, 2025 at 10:25 PM
A lot of people left Twitter/X to get away from fascism. And they came to blue sky, but I feel like this app, at least my feet, is primarily liberal ranting about fascism, which is kind of the same thing. I mean totally not, but emotionally… Yeah.
#IndieFilm
The VAST majority of the traffic is because of ALGORITHM (TheHackerMovie.com), and most people definitely ARE NOT watching all of it, but… not a bad year… all things considered.
The VAST majority of the traffic is because of ALGORITHM (TheHackerMovie.com), and most people definitely ARE NOT watching all of it, but… not a bad year… all things considered.
December 12, 2025 at 10:14 PM
#IndieFilm
The VAST majority of the traffic is because of ALGORITHM (TheHackerMovie.com), and most people definitely ARE NOT watching all of it, but… not a bad year… all things considered.
The VAST majority of the traffic is because of ALGORITHM (TheHackerMovie.com), and most people definitely ARE NOT watching all of it, but… not a bad year… all things considered.
I think it’s time that whoever labeled “Social Media” got it wrong. It’s Corporate Media.
This accuracy in labelling may help us all to interact with it more appropriate to our well-being.
This accuracy in labelling may help us all to interact with it more appropriate to our well-being.
December 12, 2025 at 6:17 PM
I think it’s time that whoever labeled “Social Media” got it wrong. It’s Corporate Media.
This accuracy in labelling may help us all to interact with it more appropriate to our well-being.
This accuracy in labelling may help us all to interact with it more appropriate to our well-being.
I shared on Socials that this is one of my favorite sequences in all of Cinema:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFCX...
One of the FX artists commented on how it took MONTHS to do.
As I manually motion-track blood onto some stairs for a 00:50:00 sequence, I get how long it can take!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFCX...
One of the FX artists commented on how it took MONTHS to do.
As I manually motion-track blood onto some stairs for a 00:50:00 sequence, I get how long it can take!
Noah Movie CLIP - Creation Sequence (2014) - Darren Aronofsky Movie HD
YouTube video by Rotten Tomatoes Coming Soon
www.youtube.com
December 10, 2025 at 4:39 PM
I shared on Socials that this is one of my favorite sequences in all of Cinema:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFCX...
One of the FX artists commented on how it took MONTHS to do.
As I manually motion-track blood onto some stairs for a 00:50:00 sequence, I get how long it can take!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFCX...
One of the FX artists commented on how it took MONTHS to do.
As I manually motion-track blood onto some stairs for a 00:50:00 sequence, I get how long it can take!
Almost everyone in the filmmaking industry I follow is freaking out about the studio consolidation.
And, as a #filmmaker, I think Hollywood is and has been toxic for years (if not longer). So, I’m like, “Toxic is toxic(er)? Sure. Now let’s ditch it and build something better."
And, as a #filmmaker, I think Hollywood is and has been toxic for years (if not longer). So, I’m like, “Toxic is toxic(er)? Sure. Now let’s ditch it and build something better."
December 9, 2025 at 9:33 PM
Almost everyone in the filmmaking industry I follow is freaking out about the studio consolidation.
And, as a #filmmaker, I think Hollywood is and has been toxic for years (if not longer). So, I’m like, “Toxic is toxic(er)? Sure. Now let’s ditch it and build something better."
And, as a #filmmaker, I think Hollywood is and has been toxic for years (if not longer). So, I’m like, “Toxic is toxic(er)? Sure. Now let’s ditch it and build something better."
This is how I feel about Hollywood accolades.
December 7, 2025 at 2:22 AM
This is how I feel about Hollywood accolades.
My latest newsletter is out. And it's about AI's biggest threat to humanity (that no one is talking about):
open.substack.com/pub/brandxjo...
open.substack.com/pub/brandxjo...
Jon: Unscheduled, Volume 3
AI's Biggest Danger that almost no one is talking about.
open.substack.com
December 4, 2025 at 5:11 PM
My latest newsletter is out. And it's about AI's biggest threat to humanity (that no one is talking about):
open.substack.com/pub/brandxjo...
open.substack.com/pub/brandxjo...
I like to watch stuff long after the hype has passed so I can form my own opinions.
I'm watching S3E1 of The Bear and it's basically a recap of S1 & 2 and I have no notes. Perfection!
I'm watching S3E1 of The Bear and it's basically a recap of S1 & 2 and I have no notes. Perfection!
December 4, 2025 at 3:06 AM
I like to watch stuff long after the hype has passed so I can form my own opinions.
I'm watching S3E1 of The Bear and it's basically a recap of S1 & 2 and I have no notes. Perfection!
I'm watching S3E1 of The Bear and it's basically a recap of S1 & 2 and I have no notes. Perfection!
#indiefilmmaking
Many movies and shows have a similar look. I thought it was just a homogenous (lack of) taste. It turns out, it's all about VFX.
I shot Libertas using an organic camera style (sometimes handheld) and the tracking software can't track it.
I'm now going full-manual.
Many movies and shows have a similar look. I thought it was just a homogenous (lack of) taste. It turns out, it's all about VFX.
I shot Libertas using an organic camera style (sometimes handheld) and the tracking software can't track it.
I'm now going full-manual.
December 3, 2025 at 6:59 PM
#indiefilmmaking
Many movies and shows have a similar look. I thought it was just a homogenous (lack of) taste. It turns out, it's all about VFX.
I shot Libertas using an organic camera style (sometimes handheld) and the tracking software can't track it.
I'm now going full-manual.
Many movies and shows have a similar look. I thought it was just a homogenous (lack of) taste. It turns out, it's all about VFX.
I shot Libertas using an organic camera style (sometimes handheld) and the tracking software can't track it.
I'm now going full-manual.
You seem like you may need something to read.
I've got you covered!
I've got you covered!
#SupportIndieFilm
Like many people, I now have a Substack (free email newsletter hosting).
I just published my most recent essay, going into more detail on the creation my short film "Libertas."
open.substack.com/pub/brandxjo...
Like many people, I now have a Substack (free email newsletter hosting).
I just published my most recent essay, going into more detail on the creation my short film "Libertas."
open.substack.com/pub/brandxjo...
Making Libertas
What it looks like when things flow.
open.substack.com
November 29, 2025 at 9:44 PM
You seem like you may need something to read.
I've got you covered!
I've got you covered!
#SupportIndieFilm
Like many people, I now have a Substack (free email newsletter hosting).
I just published my most recent essay, going into more detail on the creation my short film "Libertas."
open.substack.com/pub/brandxjo...
Like many people, I now have a Substack (free email newsletter hosting).
I just published my most recent essay, going into more detail on the creation my short film "Libertas."
open.substack.com/pub/brandxjo...
Making Libertas
What it looks like when things flow.
open.substack.com
November 28, 2025 at 6:50 PM
#SupportIndieFilm
Like many people, I now have a Substack (free email newsletter hosting).
I just published my most recent essay, going into more detail on the creation my short film "Libertas."
open.substack.com/pub/brandxjo...
Like many people, I now have a Substack (free email newsletter hosting).
I just published my most recent essay, going into more detail on the creation my short film "Libertas."
open.substack.com/pub/brandxjo...
The Ancient Greeks believed that a healthy mind required a healthy body.
I could retort with Aquinas, but not this time.
Yesterday, after meeting with the writer of my next short film, while consulting with Co-Producer on Libertas, I went for a jog.
I could retort with Aquinas, but not this time.
Yesterday, after meeting with the writer of my next short film, while consulting with Co-Producer on Libertas, I went for a jog.
November 25, 2025 at 4:25 PM
The Ancient Greeks believed that a healthy mind required a healthy body.
I could retort with Aquinas, but not this time.
Yesterday, after meeting with the writer of my next short film, while consulting with Co-Producer on Libertas, I went for a jog.
I could retort with Aquinas, but not this time.
Yesterday, after meeting with the writer of my next short film, while consulting with Co-Producer on Libertas, I went for a jog.
#indiefilmmaking
I’ve screened Libertas for three groups of people and the reviews are starting to come in:
1. “It’s good.”
2. “It’s actually really good.”
3. “It’s amazing. It’s better than anything I’ve seen on Apple TV!”
I’ve screened Libertas for three groups of people and the reviews are starting to come in:
1. “It’s good.”
2. “It’s actually really good.”
3. “It’s amazing. It’s better than anything I’ve seen on Apple TV!”
November 25, 2025 at 12:54 AM
#indiefilmmaking
I’ve screened Libertas for three groups of people and the reviews are starting to come in:
1. “It’s good.”
2. “It’s actually really good.”
3. “It’s amazing. It’s better than anything I’ve seen on Apple TV!”
I’ve screened Libertas for three groups of people and the reviews are starting to come in:
1. “It’s good.”
2. “It’s actually really good.”
3. “It’s amazing. It’s better than anything I’ve seen on Apple TV!”
#indiefilm
I just sent the last rough cut (RC-03) of Libertas over to Calvin Vanderbeek (the Co-Producer) to get more notes.
Here’s what the current editing timeline looks like.
I just sent the last rough cut (RC-03) of Libertas over to Calvin Vanderbeek (the Co-Producer) to get more notes.
Here’s what the current editing timeline looks like.
November 23, 2025 at 12:09 AM
#indiefilm
I just sent the last rough cut (RC-03) of Libertas over to Calvin Vanderbeek (the Co-Producer) to get more notes.
Here’s what the current editing timeline looks like.
I just sent the last rough cut (RC-03) of Libertas over to Calvin Vanderbeek (the Co-Producer) to get more notes.
Here’s what the current editing timeline looks like.
#Filmmaking
For years people have been saying that festival submissions are rigged. They are. And thanks to @kinemaclasico.bsky.social and @filmcollab.bsky.social, we have both proof and the hack to bypass the gates:
kinemahq.substack.com/p/film-festi...
For years people have been saying that festival submissions are rigged. They are. And thanks to @kinemaclasico.bsky.social and @filmcollab.bsky.social, we have both proof and the hack to bypass the gates:
kinemahq.substack.com/p/film-festi...
Film Festival Strategy | Jeffrey Winter (The Film Collaborative)
"The folly of the film festival circuit is...it is no way a democracy."
kinemahq.substack.com
November 16, 2025 at 10:16 PM
#Filmmaking
For years people have been saying that festival submissions are rigged. They are. And thanks to @kinemaclasico.bsky.social and @filmcollab.bsky.social, we have both proof and the hack to bypass the gates:
kinemahq.substack.com/p/film-festi...
For years people have been saying that festival submissions are rigged. They are. And thanks to @kinemaclasico.bsky.social and @filmcollab.bsky.social, we have both proof and the hack to bypass the gates:
kinemahq.substack.com/p/film-festi...
These two actors have probably just killed their future acting careers because everyone will associate them with AI and not believe/be immersed in their performances.
Which is a shame, because they are both brilliant actors.
Which is a shame, because they are both brilliant actors.
Do NOT license your voice to ElevenLabs.
Their highest-paid actor made $30k last year. Sounds a lot, but that’s from 1.2 bn paid uses - $0.000025 per job. ElevenLabs charge 20 cents per 1,000 words. So they’re making at least 8,000 times what their artists are.
www.theguardian.com/culture/2025...
Their highest-paid actor made $30k last year. Sounds a lot, but that’s from 1.2 bn paid uses - $0.000025 per job. ElevenLabs charge 20 cents per 1,000 words. So they’re making at least 8,000 times what their artists are.
www.theguardian.com/culture/2025...
Matthew McConaughey and Michael Caine sign voice deal with AI company
The voices of the Oscar-winning actors can now be used to create AI-generated versions in a new deal with ElevenLabs
www.theguardian.com
November 16, 2025 at 8:52 PM
These two actors have probably just killed their future acting careers because everyone will associate them with AI and not believe/be immersed in their performances.
Which is a shame, because they are both brilliant actors.
Which is a shame, because they are both brilliant actors.
#Supportindiefilm
I labelled all the Libertas footage and audio. Now I'm backing it up on two HDDs and a 140TB RAID. I don’t need my camera until the next short film, so the “negatives” are all still on the cards/devices.
Here’s a BTS shot from Pho 79 scene (photo by Allan Bui).
I labelled all the Libertas footage and audio. Now I'm backing it up on two HDDs and a 140TB RAID. I don’t need my camera until the next short film, so the “negatives” are all still on the cards/devices.
Here’s a BTS shot from Pho 79 scene (photo by Allan Bui).
November 11, 2025 at 10:50 PM
#Supportindiefilm
I labelled all the Libertas footage and audio. Now I'm backing it up on two HDDs and a 140TB RAID. I don’t need my camera until the next short film, so the “negatives” are all still on the cards/devices.
Here’s a BTS shot from Pho 79 scene (photo by Allan Bui).
I labelled all the Libertas footage and audio. Now I'm backing it up on two HDDs and a 140TB RAID. I don’t need my camera until the next short film, so the “negatives” are all still on the cards/devices.
Here’s a BTS shot from Pho 79 scene (photo by Allan Bui).
#indiefilmmaking
Libertas has 2 filming days. Day one was Saturday and we got A LOT.
Day 2 is today. And this feels like an appropriate look for how I feel (pictured is a kitted out RED and I shoot on a Canon R5C, but the intent is there):
Libertas has 2 filming days. Day one was Saturday and we got A LOT.
Day 2 is today. And this feels like an appropriate look for how I feel (pictured is a kitted out RED and I shoot on a Canon R5C, but the intent is there):
November 10, 2025 at 3:02 PM
#indiefilmmaking
Libertas has 2 filming days. Day one was Saturday and we got A LOT.
Day 2 is today. And this feels like an appropriate look for how I feel (pictured is a kitted out RED and I shoot on a Canon R5C, but the intent is there):
Libertas has 2 filming days. Day one was Saturday and we got A LOT.
Day 2 is today. And this feels like an appropriate look for how I feel (pictured is a kitted out RED and I shoot on a Canon R5C, but the intent is there):
#IndieFilm
I’ve been chatting with the cast & crew of Libertas, getting the final details settled as we prep for tomorrow’s shoot. One great conversation with an actor today caused some rewrites that made the project stronger. That’s why I love collaborating.
I’ve been chatting with the cast & crew of Libertas, getting the final details settled as we prep for tomorrow’s shoot. One great conversation with an actor today caused some rewrites that made the project stronger. That’s why I love collaborating.
November 8, 2025 at 12:13 AM
#IndieFilm
I’ve been chatting with the cast & crew of Libertas, getting the final details settled as we prep for tomorrow’s shoot. One great conversation with an actor today caused some rewrites that made the project stronger. That’s why I love collaborating.
I’ve been chatting with the cast & crew of Libertas, getting the final details settled as we prep for tomorrow’s shoot. One great conversation with an actor today caused some rewrites that made the project stronger. That’s why I love collaborating.
On of my favorite quotes from TheHackerMovie.com is "The easiest way into any home network is through the TV."
It seems that threat has been exploited on an international scale.
x.com/melissa/stat...
It seems that threat has been exploited on an international scale.
x.com/melissa/stat...
November 6, 2025 at 4:59 PM
On of my favorite quotes from TheHackerMovie.com is "The easiest way into any home network is through the TV."
It seems that threat has been exploited on an international scale.
x.com/melissa/stat...
It seems that threat has been exploited on an international scale.
x.com/melissa/stat...
I have an opening shot for Libertas planned: I fly a drone over the city, into Angela’s house, through the sliding glass door.
I’m practicing the shot by flying between palm trees.
And I’ve crashed 4x. And I had to buy a BUNCH of replacement propellers. #indie
I’m practicing the shot by flying between palm trees.
And I’ve crashed 4x. And I had to buy a BUNCH of replacement propellers. #indie
November 5, 2025 at 6:57 PM
I have an opening shot for Libertas planned: I fly a drone over the city, into Angela’s house, through the sliding glass door.
I’m practicing the shot by flying between palm trees.
And I’ve crashed 4x. And I had to buy a BUNCH of replacement propellers. #indie
I’m practicing the shot by flying between palm trees.
And I’ve crashed 4x. And I had to buy a BUNCH of replacement propellers. #indie
This reminds me of that "I'm mad as hell and I'm not gonna take it anymore!" scene from Network, except for success instead of undefined anger.
November 5, 2025 at 4:56 PM
This reminds me of that "I'm mad as hell and I'm not gonna take it anymore!" scene from Network, except for success instead of undefined anger.