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 …
Film Producing
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.
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 …
3 Reasons You Will Fail In Filmmaking (Avoid The Excuses)
In this filmmaking article, LA producer Jason Brubaker points out 3 reasons you will fail in filmmaking. (Unless you avoid these excuses)
How I Got Started In Filmmaking
In the morning, I would wake up with cupcakes mashed in my hair, stare at my fat face in the bathroom mirror, and leave for my appliance sales job. When sales were slow at the store, I would order cheeseburgers, and start eating. One day, when I really felt bad about my sad existence, I decided to do something. I went into my cubicle and started writing a screenplay. Since I never wrote a screenplay, I had no idea what I was doing. But I was so frustrated, and fat, and hating my life, that it didn’t take long until I had a first draft…
Memorize The Make My Movie Mantra (Then Take Action!)
The life you live today is a result of the decisions that you made in the past. The life you live tomorrow will be a result of the decisions you make right now. Make your choices, but choose wisely. The world is waiting to watch your movies. Take action: Make your movie now!
The Shocking Truth About Making Money With VOD Distribution
In this filmmaking article, Los Angeles Producer Jason Brubaker answers the question – Is it possible to make money with video on demand distribution?
Five Filmmaker Success Tactics You Need To Utilize
If you’re filmmaker seeking practical filmmaking tips you can use TODAY, I’d like so share some thoughts with you. The world of filmmaking is changing. Producing content is getting cheaper. And distribution outlets are becoming increasingly accessible. While these changes have not fully hit mainstream Hollywood, you can rest assured that it’s only a matter of time until the ripple effect has a leveling impact.
5 Things Your Film School Degree Won’t Teach You
When I was first starting my filmmaking career, I thought long and hard about the prospects of film school. At the time, I figured a degree from one of the top film schools would increase my odds of garnering success. Now, after having worked in the game for awhile, I can honestly tell you that very few people, if any, have asked me where I went to film school.
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 …
3 Surprising Reasons Why You Need To Produce An Independent Movie
So you want to produce an independent movie? Great. I think this is the best time in history to finally make your indie movie.
How To Keep The Magic of Filmmaking Alive
There is just something totally magical about the creative process. When you’re making a movie, it isn’t about the outcome. I mean, yes, you want to do great work. And you want people to enjoy your show. But in the process, like the night before the first day of production – when you stare at your ceiling until 4AM, too excited to sleep. Wondering if you have enough equipment. Wondering if you’re crazy for choosing such a creative path in life. Dreaming of first film festival success, then a career in Hollywood when people ask you to work, instead of you asking for work… I mean, all of these thoughts flow through your mind.
What Quentin Tarantino Can Teach Us about Filmmaking
Early in my filmmaking career, I made a lot of mistakes – Many of these mistakes are attributable to a real lack of advice from people with experience. The following video offers good advice to new filmmakers who are looking for guidance. (And for those of us filmmakers who have produced a few features – this is still great advice!)
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 …
5 Feature Filmmaking Secrets Every Filmmaker Should Know
If you’re an ambitious writer, I’m going to tell you a secret. There is no better feeling in the world than the day you stop sending query letters and instead, you start producing your own work. For years and years, you have dreamed about seeing your work on the big screen. You know you’re good. So why ask for permission?
How To Grow Your Audience (For Filmmakers)
Like it or not, many social networking sites run the risk of going out of vogue. So from day one, you will want to migrate your fans off the social networking sites and get them into your own email, mailing list…
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 A Filmmaking Mentor Can Help You
As a filmmaker, establishing a mentor is invaluable. Without my mentor, I would have never gone to NYC, would have never made a movie and would have never fell on my financial face—and recovered. Consequently, I would have never made the move to California, produced features or written these words.
Crowdfunding For Your Film (So You Can Raise Money)
In this filmmaking podcast, author and Crowdfunding expert John T. Trigonis answers your most pressing questions about Crowdfunding For Filmmakers.
Thoughts On Film School
In this article, Hollywood film producer Jason Brubaker shares his thoughts on the pros and cons of film school for aspiring filmmakers currently weighing the options between traditional film school (and the price tag) or one of the many hands-on filmmaking education alternatives…
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 …
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 To Find Cheap Filmmaking Locations
When money is tight, finding filmmaking locations can be overwhelmingly expensive. Assuming this describes you, I am sure you don’t want to go …
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 …
Production Management Software
As an alternative to desktop-based software programs, there are quite a few Internet-based tools gaining popularity. One of the latest programs to enter the scene is called LightSPEED eps. In addition to being an awesome script breakdown and scheduling program, LightSPEED eps allows you to centralize your production information and provide secure access from your computer, wireless device, from anywhere in the world…
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.