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Inspiring Harry Potter Quotes, Spielberg Talks Kubrick, & How to Light an ‘Acolyte’ Episode

Author

Ryan Koo
June 02, 2025

Inspiring Harry Potter Quotes, Spielberg Talks Kubrick, & How to Light an ‘Acolyte’ Episode

Hey Filmmakers,

Happy June! If all of this nice, sunny weather has gotten you pumped to take your writing, shooting, or editing skills to the next level, you’ve come to the right place! Let’s check out our top craft stories of the week.

First up—if you’re ready for a little sunshine after months of gloomy, rainy days, you might not have to wait until summer is officially here to get it. We put together ten inspirational (and super heartwarming) quotes from the Harry Potter series to help you escape the doldrums.

Also, we unpack Steven Spielberg’s fascinating take on Stanley Kubrick’s directorial style, go through a step-by-step guide from the DP of The Acolyte on how to light an episode, and discuss film finance, distribution, and pre-sale on the No Film School Podcast.

Let’s get to it!

🖌️ Screenwriting

'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone'' Credit: Warner Bros.

We all need our spirits lifted every now and again. If you’re looking to boost your mood with a little bit of magic, what better way to do it than by reading through inspiring quotes from the Harry Potter series?

We gathered ten of our favorite quotes from the wizarding world that we think will not only make you smile but also inspire you to get those pages written! Check them out below.

🗞️ Quick Reads for Screenwriting

• Get Writing Advice From Best-Selling Author Colleen Hoover - This author's voice has captivated millions of readers.

• What Are Some Alternative Jobs For Unemployed Screenwriters? - Everyone is looking for a side hustle or a main hustle to help them out.

• A Giant List of Sports Movie Writing Prompts - Stir up some ideas with these prompts that are sure to get you in the mood to write your sports movie.

🎬 Directing

'The Fabelmans' Credit: Universal

When one master of the craft dissects another, you gotta listen. Steven Spielberg did just that during a 2018 press junket for Ready Player One, going over the late director’s approach to filmmaking, his singular vision, and how he inspired him over the years.

It’s truly a fascinating watch, so take a look for yourself below.

🗞️ Quick Reads for Directing

• Richard Linklater's Indie Film Strategy - How does the director get money and continue to get things made.

• Coppola Told Me: Shoot It on Your Phone - "You should just make a movie with your iPhone with your friends if you don’t have money."

• How Did Pixar Influence The 'Final Destination' Directors? - There are no bad ideas when coming up with those death scenes.

🎥 Cinematography

'The Acolyte' Credit: Disney+

It’s not every day that a cinematographer working on one of the biggest shows on TV stops by to give you a complete step-by-step on how to light an episode. That’s exactly what DP Chris Teague did, walking us through the entire process of lighting The Acolyte, including what lights he used, how he solved different on-set issues, and so much more.

So, take a second and go behind the scenes to learn how the mood, shadows, and light were crafted for this addition to the Star Wars universe.

🎙️ Podcast

This episode of the No Film School Podcast is a deep dive into the often opaque world of film finance, distribution, and foreign pre-sales. GG Hawkins hosts the episode and is joined by filmmakers Stephen Cedars and Benji Kleiman, as well as special guest Mike Chapman from Bluefinch Films.

Together, they explore what it takes to get a film made and sold in today’s unpredictable global market. From debunking myths about foreign pre-sales to discussing how to attract investors and get your film noticed at festivals, this is an essential listen for indie filmmakers navigating the post-production and sales process.

📚 Recommended Reads:

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See you next time with more filmmaking goodness! 🎬