Introducing Top-of-the-Line, IndieWire's Craft Newsletter for Recognizing Film and TV Artisans

Hello and welcome back to Top of the Line, IndieWires dedicated newsletter spotlighting the artistry behind film and television! This year, our newsletter is evolving. Were moving from a simple list of recent articles to a format that feels more like a modern newsletter but still fully hosted by IndieWire.

Im Sarah Shachat, Craft Editor, and Ill be sharing insights on everything from cinematography and VFX to music and costume design. My goal is to highlight the incredible talent behind the scenes and reflect on the trends shaping these crafts.

What to Expect

Top of the Line wont focus on award predictions thats covered elsewhere. Instead, well celebrate standout work in anticipation of Guilds, Oscars, and Emmys. Youll find thoughtful observations on projects and creators, from Max Richters Hamnet score to VFX achievements in films like Sinners.

The newsletter aims to go beyond individual projects, offering reflections on broader trends and the often-overlooked details that make productions exceptional. Expect in-depth looks at tools, techniques, and even specific machine learning applications in modern filmmaking.

Spotlight on Craft

Every film is a remarkable achievement thanks to the enormous efforts of the crew behind the scenes. Top of the Line is a quick dive beneath the surface, celebrating the artistry that makes movies and TV shows possible. Costume design, editing, and sound work will all get the recognition they deserve and yes, one carefully curated meme per issue may appear.

Recent discussions have highlighted how critical costume design is, proving that even when directors miss the mark, the craftsmanship stands strong. From animated features to live-action productions, well explore how technical and creative work contributes to the audience experience.

Looking Ahead

Upcoming editions will focus on projects like Pluribus and explore standout winter TV shows. Whether its exploring new sound techniques, editing choices, or emerging visual effects, Top of the Line aims to honor the unsung heroes of production.

Sign up for the updated Top of the Line newsletter to get this behind-the-scenes perspective delivered straight to your inbox.

Author: Lucas Grant