FILMMAKER Magazine Co-Founder & Editor-in-Chief Scott Macaulay to Step Down After 33 Years
by The Gotham Staff on June 20, 2025
New York, NY (June 20, 2025) – After more than three decades at the helm of Filmmaker Magazine, Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief Scott Macaulay has announced that he will step down from his role this fall following the release of the magazine’s upcoming 25 New Faces of Independent Film issue, which also marks Filmmaker’s 33rd anniversary. Macaulay made the announcement in his regular Friday Filmmaker newsletter.
Since co-founding Filmmaker in 1992 alongside Founding Publisher Karol Martesko and Founding West Coast Editor Holly Willis, Macaulay has overseen the publication’s evolution into one of the leading voices in independent film journalism, guiding it through transformative industry shifts — both in print journalism and film – while steadfastly keeping the magazine’s focus on emerging talent and creative innovation. Under his leadership, Filmmaker has become renowned for its in-depth interviews, production-oriented features, and its signature 25 New Faces list, which has introduced some of the most distinctive new voices in independent cinema to the global stage. And Macaulay’s long-running weekly newsletter is appreciated for its blend of personal commentary with critical observations about the various forces impacting independent filmmaking and filmmaker sustainability.
“It’s been a distinct privilege chronicling and championing the work of independent filmmakers through these 33 years of creative, technological and industry innovation and change,” wrote Macaulay. “With the magazine strong and having weathered so many of the challenges facing print publications, the timing feels right for me to direct my creative energies in new directions while shifting into the role of Filmmaker reader rather than Editor.”
Beyond his editorial contributions, Macaulay has brought his firsthand filmmaking experience to Filmmaker, producing numerous acclaimed films including The Assistant, Saving Face, Raising Victor Vargas, Julien Donkey-Boy and the Sundance Grand Jury Prize-winning What Happened Was. His dual role as editor and producer has offered Filmmaker a unique, on-the-ground perspective that has distinguished its editorial voice for over three decades.
Following his departure, Macaulay plans to continue producing through his Forensic Films shingle and develop new creative and writing projects, while continuing to stay deeply connected to the world of independent cinema.
The Gotham, which publishes Filmmaker, will be conducting a comprehensive search for a new Editor-in-Chief in the months ahead.
“Scott’s leadership and vision have defined Filmmaker Magazine for more than three decades, and his impact on the independent film community is immeasurable,” said Jeffrey Sharp, The Gotham’s Executive Director. “As we begin the search for Filmmaker’s next Editor-in-Chief, we are committed to building on the remarkable foundation Scott has created and ensuring the magazine continues to serve as a vital voice for independent filmmakers for years to come.”
About Scott Macaulay
Editor-in-Chief Scott Macaulay co-founded Filmmaker in 1992 with Karol Martesko and Holly Willis. Over 33 years, he has directed the magazine’s editorial vision, authored hundreds of interviews and articles, and overseen its flagship 25 New Faces survey. In parallel with his editorial work, Macaulay has produced a wide range of acclaimed independent films, bringing a hands-on filmmaking perspective to the publication.
About Filmmaker Magazine
Published by The Gotham, Filmmaker Magazine has been a leading voice in independent film since 1992. Known for its insightful coverage, deep industry access, and commitment to new voices, Filmmaker remains an essential resource for filmmakers and industry professionals worldwide. Filmmaker exists as a quarterly print magazine, a daily-updated website, and a digital edition on the Exact Editions platform.
About the Gotham Film & Media Institute
The Gotham celebrates and nurtures independent film and media creators, providing career-building resources, access to industry influencers, and pathways to wider recognition. The organization, under the leadership of Executive Director and award-winning producer Jeffrey Sharp, fosters a vibrant and sustainable independent storytelling community through its year-round programs, which include Gotham Week, Gotham Labs, Filmmaker Magazine, the Gotham Awards, Gotham EDU, Owning It, and Expanding Communities.
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