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.
If you have ever seen me at speaking events, you know that one of my core philosophies is to make a movie you can make this year. The reason I push this is because way too many filmmakers never do anything! But…
Have you ever known a filmmaker who sent their demo reel into the Hollywood abyss? Maybe they sent it to an agency or a production company in hopes someone would discover their talent and hire them. Similarly, many screenwriters and aspiring actors have been known to employ this strategy too.
Without a defined market or an established sales channel, it is difficult to justify financing, which makes it very difficult to pay cast and crew – which, by the way, makes it difficult to produce a movie.
As a filmmaker, you probably spend most of your time watching movies, discussing movies and thinking of ideas for your next movie. If you’re new to filmmaking, you probably dream of Hollywood fame. And if you’re a veteran filmmaker, you probably dream of making enough movie money to pay your mortgage. But regardless of how you define success in your own filmmaking life, I can tell you there is one trait that is essential…
A few years ago, I had an issue with my computer that was concerning enough that I needed to call Apple to help …
Filmmaker Alexandra Boylan has gone from a homeless struggling actor to an award-winning film producer. She’s produced, wrote and starred in numerous films …
What we are experiencing is the film industry equivalent of sweat shop labor flooding the market with cheaply produced product. And as a result of these diminished margins, filmmakers must now think in terms of volume. So instead of putting 100% focus on simply making one movie, the model must now involve planning for, and creating a library for a minimal budget.
I completed a zombie feature film Project: Eugenics for only $5000. That’s right. It is an eighty-minute zombie feature film with various location …
For those of you planning to crank out some movies, I recommend you start small. Find a few collaborators and assign jobs based on interest. Then grab a camera and complete some micro projects such as music videos, short films and funny sketches for YouTube.
If you want to get ahead in the crazy industry of movies, you would be best to follow the following 5 tips for movie industry success:
For horror and sci fi, creating the element of suspense and danger, you should create a large amount of shadows. Creating silhouettes with the characters is another option. Create a sense of mystery with your lighting…
One thing I have observed is that every filmmaker (and photographer) understands lighting is an essential part of their work, but many indie …
Once you finish your masterpiece script, the question of “what’s next?” invades your life. Whether you want to raise the money to make …
When making a documentary, when and how you contact people for an interview depends on the person, their interest in your project, your …
If you find yourself faced with filmmaking self doubt, you’re not alone. The important part is that you at least get a picture of what you want that is very specific. Then you should take time to work backwards. And who knows, maybe a decade from now we will be working on movie projects together.
Your filmmaking “Audience List” is your most important asset. And let me give you 5 reasons ALL filmmakers should start building their audience list (based on our mistakes) today!
Regarding buying camera lenses, some are better for photography, and some are better for cinema. You are choosing a particular lens, an aesthetic …
Planning your first feature can at times seem overwhelming. In this guest filmmaking article, filmmaker provides some useful tactics.
If you want become a filmmaker, desire and ambition is not enough. Your ability to get a movie made, seen and sold relies …
In this article, we explore mobile filmmaking and how you can make short films on your smart device. Read this article to learn more.
If you ever feel stuck in filmmaking, this article for you. You will discover simple life hacks so you can achieve your filmmaking goals fast!
I recently upgraded my camera to the Sony A7S II. And if you are like me, the last thing you want to do …
If getting a name attached to your movie is difficult, you’ll need to emphasize your hook. And if you’re lucky, your hook will be memorable. Do you have any controversy in your story?
“Where is the murder?” Complicated emotions arise when you hear one of the most infamously polarizing directors of a generation is making a big budget horror …
I don’t give a crap about the idiot Hollywood snobs who would much rather ignore you and your HD camera. And so what if you never worked with Spielberg or for that matter any “name” talent. And who really cares if some band of ivy league film school graduates spent their 30k making an 8 minute, 35mm short, when you decided to make a feature?
In this movie marketing article, Jason Brubaker helps you avoid the 5 movie marketing mistakes that make you look dumb.
The feature iPhone film Tangerine premiered at Sundance and was picked up by Magnolia Pictures. I loved how these filmmakers took it upon …
In Donald Cried Jesse Wakeman plays Peter Latang, a slick Wall Street mover and shaker who returns home to working-class Rhode Island for …
If you’re looking for more camera gear and you haven’t yet made a film, you need to stop what you’re doing right now. Your priorities …
We met on the hard courts of Venice Beach to ball. Paddle ball. Not familiar? The game is basically miniature tennis meets ping …