A Script Reader’s 5 Essential Tips For Screenwriters
As someone who has worked as a Script Analyst for the past decade, I am often asked to provide useful tips for screenwriters. …
Guest Filmmaker
7 Ways To Build A Strong Filmmaking Crew (So You Can Make Your Film)
Ever notice that the same directors and producers always seem to work with the same filmmaking crew? There’s a reason for it. They know …
5 Tips To Plan Your Film Festival Strategy
As an independent filmmaker with a short documentary about to hit the festival circuit, I am faced once again with planning my film …
15 Steps to Creating Mise-en-Scene in Your Next Film
In filmmaking, the term Mise-en-Scene refers to identifying each component through analysis and explaining the respective significance while connecting them to the film’s theme. …
Crowdfunding For Filmmakers: How To Create Irresistible Incentives
Crowdfunding incentives (perks/rewards) are the muscle and might behind an indie film campaign. Lately, however, I see filmmakers getting less and less creative and …
Five Lessons I Learned Making A Low Budget Feature
Making my low budget feature film, Earshot, was groundbreaking and exciting. And it was also a huge learning experience. It was the first …
Gaffer Tape: Everything You Always Wanted to Know But Were Afraid to Ask
Marty Gage knows about gaffer tape. He teamed up with a leading tape manufacturer and in 2013 launched Gaffer Power, a company determined to create the market’s best gaffer tape.
How to Make a Micro-Budget Feature Without Spending a Fortune
A little while back, we completed a micro-budget feature called “Wake Me When I Leave.” It’s a sixty-four minute psychological horror thriller. And …
The Minimalist Guide To Leveraging Short Form Content
Making a living as a filmmaker can be a tricky thing to pull off. Sure big-name directors can afford homes in Malibu and …
How Affordable Digital Film Cameras Make Your Vision Possible (On a Micro-Budget)
Christopher Nolan’s first film, the 1998 picture Following, was shot on black and white 16mm film. To conserve money on expensive film stock, …
When Trailers Lie: A Friendly Reminder to (True) Indie Filmmakers
For years I’ve seen a disturbing trend in the true indie film community that hasn’t much abated—true of course meaning that you made …
The Tools Beeple Utilizes To Create Awesome Videos
My fascination with video began in college, where my personal style led me to abstract, weird, 3D-animated projects that were more computer-oriented than …
How To Plan Your Theatrical Release
If you’re planning a theatrical release for your film, you are not alone. Many filmmakers dream of having their movies on the big …
How To Make Your First Feature Documentary
For filmmakers interested in making a feature documentary, advancements in production technology has created the golden age. Equipped with a camera, it’s never …
A Filmmaker’s 5 Laws for Managing A Film Crew
The size of your film crew can have a huge impact on your budget and logistics. Even if you’re not paying your crew, …
How to Take Charge of Your Crowdfunding Videos
You have probably watched crowdfunding videos where filmmakers talk about the film they are going to make without showing what they are capable …
How Filmmaker J. Davis Made Manson Family Vacation
I had the good fortune of attending the Los Angeles Film Festival premiere of “Manson Family Vacation.” This quirky indie film stars Jay …
When To Upgrade Your Digital Camera
Ever wonder when you should upgrade your digital camera? A reader recently wrote in with a digital camera question related to full frame …
How To Design Your Movie Poster (For The VOD Age)
In this filmmaking article, film graphic designer, Ela Gancarz shares her best tips on how to design your movie poster. (Yes, you still need a poster.)
Thoughts On The Sigma 24-36mm Lens
Most filmmaking tech geeks (including me) get excited about new cameras without giving much thought to lenses. But before the light of our …
Indie Film Gear Guide For Entrepreneurial Filmmakers
One of the first things people ask when they decide to start filmmaking is this: What indie film gear should I get? My …
How To Shoot A Pitch Trailer
In this filmmaking article, filmmaker Kevin O’Brien shares his tactics on how to shoot a pitch trailer so you can raise money for your movie.
How Filmmaker Marah Strauch Made Sunshine Superman
Sunshine Superman is the most exhilarating documentary that you will see this summer. Released domestically by Magnolia Pictures, the movie focuses on Carl …
Thoughts On Celtx (not just) Screenwriting Software
In this screenwriting article, Michael Head shares his thoughts on how Celtx screenwriting software helps you from first draft to your last shot.
Media Mogul Phil Cooke Discusses the Importance of Branding for Filmmakers
In this article media mogul Phil Cooke discusses the importance of branding for filmmakers. Phil Cooke is a branding and marketing guru.
Thoughts On The Walimex Pro Aptaris System
Looking for a great camera support system? Check out the Walimex Pro Aptaris System. It’s an amazing little support system that is great for beginning and veteran filmmakers alike.
Thoughts On The SmallHD Sidefinder 502
One problem with DSLR filmmaking is most DSLRs have tiny screens. In this filmmaking article, Michael Head shares thoughts on the SmallHD Sidefinder 502.
How Filmmaker Mayuran Tiruchelvam Made The Girl is in Trouble
In this filmmaking interview, filmmaker Mayuran Tiruchelvam talks about how he made The Girl is in Trouble.
Blackmagic Design URSA Mini
The Blackmagic URSA Mini is designed to be smaller and lighter then the original URSA. In this camera article, filmmaker Michael Head shares his thoughts.
How I Use The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera is an amazing tool for any indie filmmaker. In this filmmaking article, Bojan Dulabic lays out the pros and cons.