The Ultimate Guide to Call Sheets (with FREE Call Sheet Template)
A well-made call sheet is the difference between a successful shoot, or production hell. And the quality of the call sheet comes down to the quality of the call sheet…
The Ultimate Close Up Shot Guide [with Examples]
As we’ve talked about in our film theory post, what shots you choose to use as a director have a huge impact on your film. Every director and DP has the same…
Cinematography Advice from SNL Director of Photography Alex Buono
Moviemaking is a visual medium, and so many of the visuals are determined by the skill of a cinematographer. And who better knows how to become a cinematographer than a…
6 Cinematography Tips from Roger Deakins That You Need to Know
I don’t know about you but I have my Oscar speech ready. I practice it in the shower every morning using a bar of soap as my microphone. It would…
The Best DIY Fake Blood Recipe [with FREE Blood Spectrum]
Some directors are very particular about their fake blood (*cough* David Fincher). Others just want something that looks realistic enough without staining the set and wardrobes. If there will be…
The Visual Techniques Used In Darren Aronofsky Movies
Darren Aronofsky movies bring us to the most complex regions of the human psyche. As the Black Swan director says, “Because we are filmmakers, we can show where a person’s…
Production Lighting: The Best Video Lighting Kits for Filmmakers
Finding a video lighting kit for an upcoming film can be a daunting task. There are many different kinds of lights you can use, and each have their own strengths…
How Alfonso Cuarón Makes Every Shot Count
Director Alfonso Cuarón once said, “I’m interested in new worlds, new universes, new challenges.” Like his compatriots Alejandro Gonzalez Iñárritu and Guillermo del Toro, the Gravity director has dazzled viewers…
Film Lighting Techniques: How to Make Your Film Look More Cinematic
Shooting projects on a budget can mean limitations on your gear. So how can you maintain a “cinematic” look without a cube truck full of lighting equipment? In today’s post,…
How to Become a Location Scout (and Find Better Film Locations)
If you’re a filmmaker, you’re always hunting for great filming locations. But, as you know, time and resources don’t always allow for the focus you need for this complex task….
The Best Up-and-Coming Directors Every Producer Needs to Know
If you’re a producer, you likely pay close attention when noteworthy film festivals post their schedules. Among other things, you’re probably looking for the best up-and-coming directors for your own…
How To Make An Intro For Your YouTube Video [FREE Template]
First and last impressions are life and death on YouTube. But luckily there are some excellent YouTube intro templates that will prove that your video is a quality watch. In…
How To Master A Storyboard Like Jordan Peele: Get Out
Stephen King said, “We make up horrors to help us cope with the real ones.” Although horror movies have been effective outlets for entertainment, they have also been the ideal…