Filmmaking Stuff Filmmaking Stuff provides resources for independent filmmakers. The website includes articles on how to take a story idea from script to screen, including articles on scriptwriting, producing, finance, shooting, editing, directing, marketing, distribution and how to build an audience. Filmmaking Stuff also has articles detailing how to make money making movies – including interviews with Hollywood Producers, Directors, writers and other filmmaking professionals.

Here is some information about HDCameraGuide.com – I posted this press release because I think some of you might benefit from an informative site on HD Camera information:

Imagine watching a video online, and being able to contact the featured speaker. You can on HDCameraGuide.com. The site, which features broadcast and professional HD cameras, lenses, and accessories – and which has a complete reference and review guide for consumer camcorder and digital cameras – has added a new feature that lets the viewer “Ask This Speaker a Question.”

The feature is available on all broadcast and professional product videos, as well as the site’s exclusive Learning Center videos at http://hdcameraguide.com/guide/faqs/learning-center-videos. Viewers can use this feature to ask television technology consultant Mark Schubin to elaborate on a point he made during his video tutorial on HD camera-imager sizes.

They can submit their question to Larry Thorpe of Canon’s Broadcast Division’s HD optics authority, while watching his video on the importance of quality camera optics. They can even reach out to veteran director of photography James Mathers to ask which HD cameras are gaining popularity for Hollywood feature production.

“Interacting with our exclusive Learning Center videos is one more advantage we offer at HDCameraGuide.com,” states Bob Richards, Director of Video Services. “It’s not a real-time podcast, which means you don’t have to sit at your computer and wait for an answer. You can watch the Learning Center videos anytime, email your question for the experts, and read the email reply at your convenience.” Visitors can also register for Learning Center video updates free and easy.

Since its launch less than a year ago, HDCameraGuide.com has become the fastest growing online guide to broadcast/professional and consumer HD cameras. The site is video-rich and includes tutorial videos – as well as product videos – from such companies as Sony, Canon, Panasonic, Ikegami, Grass Valley, and many more. HDCameraGuide.com also features three unique Interactive Selector Guides.

The first is an interactive Teleprompter Selector. It enables visitors to select their camera brand and model, type of lens, pan/tilt head brand and series, and then receive first- and second-choice teleprompter model recommendations. The user can then find out more by clicking on either recommendation for complete details. An interactive Camera Selector lets site visitors search by brand or application to find the camera that’s right for their particular needs.

Using the HD Lens Selector, visitors can chose the right lens for their camera brand, model, and intended use (news, documentary, digital cinematography, sports, etc.). HDCameraGuide.com continues to generate Page One results on the leading search engines for a wide range of industry-specific keywords including “HD camera,” “best HD camera,” and many other brand/model-specific searches. The site also enables visitors to go to manufacturer websites without leaving HDCameraGuide.com.

Posted under FILMMAKING

Here is how it happens. You plan everything out for your movie months in advance. You get the locations, picture vehicles, actor contracts, crew, stunt professionals — And then for some reason, two days before you begin production, some crazy series of events takes hold and locations fall apart, picture vehicles disappear, actors quit the project, crew members take on another job that pays more and stunt people…

But the thing is, if you can maintain a good attitude and roll with these kinds of set backs, you’ll soon find it’s just another day in paradise. That being said, you can eliminate a lot of frustration if you prepare for these unexpected events in advance – just in case.

PLAN B

Once you have everything free, compile a PLAN B list. Whatever could go wrong, will go wrong! It’s your job to plan for it.

ACTIONS

1. How is your budget looking now? If you’ve followed the previous instructions, you’ve probably figured out how to maintain a high production value with limited cash.
2. Create backup locations… Just in case.
3. One more thing, talk with some insurance professionals about insurance for both your workers and equipment. While you’re at it, make sure you talk with a qualified attorney regarding legal protection. Never know.

If you’re interested in checking out a popular resource devoted to making action movies on the cheap, you might get a few ideas on how to preserve or raise your production value by checking out The DV Rebel’s Guide: An All-Digital Approach to Making Killer Action Movies on the Cheap.

Posted under 21 Part Filmmaking Mini-Course