Viewinder: thoughts on movies – making them, watching them, stories about them.
About – I’m Ray Wassef, audiovisual media creator and educator. I make video and music, between Berlin and Sydney. I’ve taught in Universities and workshops in Berlin, Hamburg, and Sydney, I’ve studied in New York and Sydney, I make my own stuff (which lives elsewhere), and yes, I’m on LinkedIn. This site, Viewinder, is my personal blog, and during the pandemic lockdown it also served as a resource for the University classes I taught remotely. I post in Viewinder in three broad categories:
Film School
A collection of online resources which turn up in both my teaching and my own practice, with a focus on no-budget production (more on Twitter). Recent posts:
- Film School: Writing The Simpsons ‘Lemon of Troy’
Comedy writer Brett Forrester explains how he wrote a classic episode of a classic show, and offers a peek into how a writers room works. - Film School: The Odyssey (2026)
From Odyss-A to Odyss-Z: our lessons from Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of Homer’s epic. - Film School: Film-Makers Talk Film Formats
From 35mm to IMAX, in-camera effects to processing: Hollywood directors are marketing their movies by nerding out – and we’re here for it.
Audio School
Concepts and techniques, for audio in film production, and (primarily electronic) music production. Recent posts:
- Audio School: Could Be Love (Rachel’s Version)
The wholesome tale of a TikTok songwriting collab. - Film School: Kendrick Lamar
There’s just so much going on. - Audio School: Frank Ocean
Inspiring video essays on the inspiring artist.
Reviews
My goal is to write about every movie I’ve ever seen. Mostly first impressions, subject to change. Spoilers for everything. Recent posts:
- Film School: The Odyssey (2026)From Odyss-A to Odyss-Z: our lessons from Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of Homer’s epic.
- Film School: The Invite (2026)
Lessons from Olivia Wilde’s meticulously crafted screwball comedy about inviting the neighbours over for dinner… and maybe more? - Review: Disclosure Day (2026)
There’s old-fashioned, and then there’s out of touch – and even Steven Spielberg, cinematic maestro (not least of first-contact alien movies), can miss the mark.
Contact
Recent Posts
- Film School: Writing The Simpsons ‘Lemon of Troy’Comedy writer Brett Forrester explains how he wrote a classic episode of a classic show, and offers a peek into how a writers room works.
- Film School: The Odyssey (2026)From Odyss-A to Odyss-Z: our lessons from Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of Homer’s epic.
- Film School: Film-Makers Talk Film FormatsFrom 35mm to IMAX, in-camera effects to processing: Hollywood directors are marketing their movies by nerding out – and we’re here for it.
- Film School: The Invite (2026)Lessons from Olivia Wilde’s meticulously crafted screwball comedy about inviting the neighbours over for dinner… and maybe more?
- Review: Disclosure Day (2026)There’s old-fashioned, and then there’s out of touch – and even Steven Spielberg, cinematic maestro (not least of first-contact alien movies), can miss the mark.
- Film School: Screen Tests
Behind the scenes and sample footage of what the cameras capture before the cameras roll. - Film School: Storyboards vs AI
Martin Scorsese’s partnership with a Gen AI studio has sparked discussion about the use of AI in pre-production and film-making. - Film School: Backrooms (2026)
Lessons from the origins and marketing of the creepypasta horror film, directed by Kane Parsons at 20, the youngest director in A24 history. - Film School: I Love Boosters (2026)
Lessons from the production and politics of Boots Riley. - Film School: AI Feature Film ‘Hell Grind’ (2026)
The deceptive marketing and diminishing returns of ‘the First Ever AI Feature-Film’ - Film School: Lens Effects in Feature Films
In an age of ‘Fix it in Post’, committing to a look in-camera is making a comeback. - Film School: Obsession (2026)
Lessons from the horror smash – and its 26-year-old writer-director’s journey from YouTube to making box office history.