At Filmmaking Stuff, we are dedicated to providing filmmaking articles related to production, production equipment (cameras, lighting, audio), film scheduling, budgeting, casting and directing. From time to time, we will also include articles from guest filmmakers. We have provided the following ideas and filmmaking tips so that you can take action and make your movie.
Norman C. Berns is an Emmy-winning producer and director. Beginning as a stage director, the full scope of his production work includes features and documentaries, TV series and commercials. As a member of DGA, SAG and Actors Equity, Norman has been creating films and preparing budgets, schedules and business plans his long career. Today Norman stopped by Filmmaking Stuff to share his thoughts on filmmaking…
This filmmaking article reminds us that what you hear is often times more important than what you see.
Have you ever thought about using the Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR for Filmmaking?
Haitian Filmmakers Lose Their Film School but Keep Shooting
Dear Filmmaker, When I was starting out, I was probably a lot like you. I wanted to make movies but I had no …
As a filmmaker, I assume your primary goal is to make movies. But as you know, making a movie requires many steps. So to plan your next movie as well as some of other big whoppers you wish to accomplish, I suggest breaking your goals into smaller and smaller chunks… And then finally break them into small enough chunks so you can include them in your list of daily tasks.
Richard Abramowitz is president of Abramorama, a consulting firm specializing in the production, marketing, distribution and representation of independent films. Earlier this week, Richard took a few minutes to chat with Filmmaking Stuff and answer questions regarding the current state of independent movie distribution…
This is a very informative interview with Kevin Smith. I always think Kevin is interesting based on where he came from and where he’s at now. For many filmmakers, he’s an inspiration. He talks about the merge between the “indie look” and the studio system.
In the essence of “Write it, Shoot it, Work it,” Jason Brubaker of Filmmaking Stuff chatted for about an hour or so on the mindset of an Independent Filmmaker… We focused on filmmaking in the New Digital Era as well as helping Filmmakers get their projects to the world. I shared the airwaves with Terence Dudley of Queinten Entertainment and Stanley Lozowski, Producer.
As a filmmaker, there are some very specific apps you can add to your own iPhone. Many claim to make your movie making process run more smoothly. And many claim to replace otherwise (bulky and expensive) film and video equipment with something that will fit in your pocket.
Rick Schmidt has written, directed and produced over 20 features which have premiered at major national and international film festivals all over the world, including Sundance, Berlin and London. His best selling filmmaking how-to books, Feature Filmmaking at Used-Car Prices and Extreme DV at Used-Car Prices have influenced countless up-and-coming filmmakers and many noted indies, including Kevin Smith and Vin Diesel. In this filmmaker interview with Filmmaking Stuff, Rick Schmidt offers filmmaking advice to up-and-coming filmmakers on how to go out and make a feature now!
If you have not signed up for the complementary Filmmaking Stuff 21 Part MovieMaker Mini-Course, now is a great time to do so. We’ve completely revamped the content and have worked to make the content more robust. Just look to the upper right of your screen. You’ll see a little box where you can sign up.
Robert Rodriguez shares his advice with filmmakers in his 10 minute film school. I found this to be totally inspirational when I first started. His advice is classic.
As you probably know, there are several different types of movie producers in the industry. With all the different titles, sometimes trying to figure out who does what and why, can be a little confusing. Today, I’m going to provide an overview of the different types of movie producers and what they do.
When I was in college, I took a sales job, selling spas at local carnivals to raise money for my first 16mm film.
If you make a mistake, fess up to it fast. Make amends. In Hollywood, relationships are everything.
Editing your movie is the final rewrite of your film. This is the time when you add all sorts of amazing layers to …
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As a new filmmaker, I would suggest shooting HD video over film. While shooting film is cool – the added expense of film stock and film processing, not to mention eventual video transfer can greatly diminish your bank account.
Publicity is great. Especially when it’s free. And especially when the publicity is international. When we produced our first zombie movie, we had …
I’m here today to remind you that whenever you’re producing a movie, a whole lot can change between development and prep. Assuming you …
As I mentioned in previous lessons, the name of the game in your first feature is to cut the need for hard cash, …
Jason Brubaker of Filmmaking Stuff caught up with Peter D. Marshall for a few minutes earlier this week to ask him about his new online filmmaking course.
Chris Ward is an independent filmmaker currently residing in Stamford, Connecticut, which is about 35 miles outside New York City. Chris spent many years producing documentaries for Network television. He also teaches filmmaking at Quinnipiac University and the Maine Media Workshops. Fog Warning, his second feature, was just picked up by Wonderphil Productions and he has agreed to share his experience with Jason Brubaker of Filmmaking Stuff…
I just wanted to let you know I’m in development on a new project. As such, check the Twitter updates (found on the …
Shoot your first feature in high definition, not DV and not Film. Why? DV looks like crap and film is way too expensive and in my opinion, too risky for a first feature with a limited budget.
If you’re not a huge film production company with a big budget, then getting your movie in the can sooner, rather than later, could mean the difference between success and failure.
If you’re lucky enough to work for a heavy hitter or someone doing something cool, you must absorb everything you can about their strategies for success. But you must also make sure that everything you do, makes their lives easier.
I have a pretty good network of friends who can help me find film and video jobs when necessary. Some of you have asked for tips how to meet friends and get jobs. So I’ll give you a little recap.