Illya Friedman seated thoughtfully in a warm workshop setting
In Progress

Better Work Comes from Making Better Decisions.

These are the systems, companies, and projects I’m building now at the intersection of filmmaking, technology, and new models for independent production.

Guiding North

Build better systems. Reduce risk. Tell meaningful stories.

Movies and TV will always be complex and collaborative. My focus is on creating systems that improve the odds financially, creatively, and humanly, so more great work can get made.

What I’m Building Now

The Oregon Farm

Studio Model

A hybrid studio ecosystem in Oregon designed to lower cost, reduce risk, and create a sustainable pipeline of independent film and TV.

  • PropCo / OpsCo / IPCo structure
  • 50 projects in 60 months
  • Workforce, infrastructure, IP
Learn more →

Production Futures

Innovation Lab

Developing practical solutions for the future of production: story development, workflow, visualization/simulation, G-splats and smarter tools.

  • Portable power systems
  • LED / battery innovation
  • Iterative hybrid workflows
Learn more →

Betty Luminous Reflectors

Reflected Light

Reinventing reflected light. Lightweight, durable, and beautiful, built by hand in Portland and used by filmmakers around the world.

  • Patented optical technology
  • Film, TV, commercials, docs
  • Made in Portland
Learn more →

The Cinematography Podcast

CinePod

Weekly conversations with the artists and craftspeople behind the images we love. Practical, honest, and made for working filmmakers.

  • New episodes every week
  • On YouTube and all platforms
  • 10+ years and counting
Listen here →

These projects are connected.

Better tools, better systems, better stories. Each one informs the others.

Interested in collaborating?

I’m always open to talking with thoughtful people who want to build something meaningful.

Get in touch

Ongoing Work

  • Refining the Oregon Farm financial model and investor materials
  • Building out the Production Futures lab and power system prototypes
  • Growing the Betty Lights team and expanding distribution
  • Developing iterative hybrid workflows with creative partners
  • Recording conversations and building the CinePod community

Essays in Progress

  • The Studio Is Not a Building. It Is a System. View →
  • Soft Light and Flattering Light Are Not the Same Thing View →
  • Lessons from Pixar for Live Action Filmmaking View →
  • Why Most Productions Fail and How to Improve the Odds View →
  • The Next 10 Years of Independent Film View →
See all essay ideas and drafts →