Who We Are
SVEN SOUKUP | FOUNDER
Sven Soukup is a cinematographer, filmmaker, and founder of The Peoples Cinema — a community-driven movement dedicated to keeping cinema alive by supporting filmmakers, crews, and artist-driven storytelling.
Beginning in the indie world before moving into larger productions and the International Cinematographers Guild, Sven has spent 20+ years studying visual storytelling from every angle — camera technology, movement, lighting, and color. His work spans narrative films, music videos, and creative development, with projects reaching hundreds of millions of viewers online.
Beyond the technical craft, Sven’s passion has always centered on protecting the human side of cinema.
The Peoples Cinema was built on the belief that filmmaking should belong to artists, crews, and audiences — not gatekeepers, formulas, or systems driven purely by algorithms and trends. Through TPC, Sven hopes to help create a sustainable ecosystem where filmmakers can produce bold, meaningful work while creating ongoing opportunities within the film community.
Known for ambitious ideas, relentless creativity, and a belief that impossible things can still be built when people stand behind them, Sven sees filmmaking as both an art form and a movement. His vision for The Peoples Cinema is not simply to make movies, but to help shape a future where audiences and filmmakers build cinema together.
SHANE HURLBUT | COFOUNDER
With over 35 years in the film industry, Shane Hurlbut, ASC has built a career defined by innovation, passion, and an unwavering commitment to cinematic storytelling. As the cinematographer behind films such as Terminator Salvation, Act of Valor, Need for Speed, and We Are Marshall, Shane has consistently pushed the boundaries of what cameras, lighting, and visual storytelling can achieve.
Beyond the screen, Shane is also the founder of Filmmakers Academy, one of the world’s leading online communities for film education, where he has dedicated years to mentoring and empowering the next generation of filmmakers. His passion for cinema extends far beyond production, it lives in education, collaboration, experimentation, and the belief that great storytelling comes from constantly evolving the craft.
Known for taking on challenges others consider impossible, Shane has built a reputation for pushing forward when ideas seem unlikely, difficult, or never attempted before. Whether pioneering new camera techniques, embracing emerging technology, or mentoring young artists, his approach has always been rooted in the same philosophy: cinema moves forward when filmmakers are willing to take risks.
At The Peoples Cinema, Shane brings not only decades of industry experience, but a deep belief in community-driven filmmaking and the future of artist-led storytelling.
