The Best Independent Films to Inspire Your Craft Right Now

The independent film landscape has monumentally shifted since Spike Lee, Quentin Tarantino, and Steven Soderbergh were the collective mavericks of independent cinema. And what qualifies as independent is still changing. What is an independent film? Even though the definition fluctuates with time and fashion, key characteristics persist.  No matter how top independent films are financed,… Continue reading The Best Independent Films to Inspire Your Craft Right Now

5 Best Film Budgeting Software of 2023

One of the first things independent filmmakers look for when budgeting their projects is free film budgeting software. Getting the numbers right and in the proper format can make life easier for the filmmaker when putting a price on any film or video project. It’s especially important when you prepare a film business plan.Continue reading 5… Continue reading 5 Best Film Budgeting Software of 2023

What is a Script Doctor — How to Become a Script Consultant

One job in Hollywood without a clear career path is that of the script doctor. More behind-the-scenes than most well-paid positions in Hollywood, the script doctor has an enormous influence on whether a film moves forward into production. Short-term and often uncredited, no one ever says getting a script doctoring gig is easy. In fact,… Continue reading What is a Script Doctor — How to Become a Script Consultant

The 27 Best Film Cinematographers That Everyone Should Know

The best cinematographers are artists, technicians, diplomats, and accountants. Choosing the best cinematographers is tough and extremely subjective but this list is full of talented people. If you want your film to look like it was shot by one of the world’s best cinematographers, read on. We’ve broken down the key cinematic techniques that the… Continue reading The 27 Best Film Cinematographers That Everyone Should Know

Cinematography and Film Terms Every Working Filmmaker Should Know

BasicsOpen menu What Does a Cinematographer Do What is Cinematography What is Digital Cinematography Cinematography Terms What is Motion Blur ResourcesOpen menu Essential Cinematography Books Top 100 Cinematography Films DP Advice from Alex Buono Videography Contract Template Best Cinematography Schools Cinematography Jobs How to Join the Cinematographer’s Guild Best Cinematography Online Courses E-BooksOpen menu FREE… Continue reading Cinematography and Film Terms Every Working Filmmaker Should Know

20 Mise en Scène Elements Every Filmmaker Needs to Know

Mise en scène can seem foreign, even to filmmakers, film critics, and movie buffs. Why is it important? How do you pronounce it? And what is mise en scène anyway. Grasping mise en scène is critical for anyone who makes or seriously watches any kind of visual content. For directors and producers, mise en scène… Continue reading 20 Mise en Scène Elements Every Filmmaker Needs to Know

What is a Table Read? Pro-Tips on Hosting a Read-Through

When your pre-production work heads for production, your project’s table read is often the first in-person meeting for key players. Even though it’s an exciting time, it’s crucial for you to take a breath, prepare, and make the most of every opportunity your table read presents.Continue reading What is a Table Read? Pro-Tips on Hosting… Continue reading What is a Table Read? Pro-Tips on Hosting a Read-Through

How to Find and Hire the Best Film Crew: The Definitive Guide

Production DepartmentOpen menu Producer vs Director What Does an Executive Producer Do What Does a Producer Do What Does a Co-Producer Do What Does a TV Producer Do What is An Associate Producer What is a Line Producer What is Production Assistant What is an Entertainment Lawyer What Is a Production Coordinator Ultimate Guide to… Continue reading How to Find and Hire the Best Film Crew: The Definitive Guide

Ultimate Guide to Working with Unions: Grieved and Flipped

WGAOpen menu What is WGA How Do You Join the WGA WGA Minimums SAG-AFTRA IATSE Local 600 ResourcesOpen menu Complete Guide to Movie Unions Guide to Working with Unions Choosing to work with Hollywood’s unions is a major decision for any filmmaker or producer. There are pros and cons to joining or not joining. The… Continue reading Ultimate Guide to Working with Unions: Grieved and Flipped

How to Plan a Film Shoot: 10 Tips for Estimating Times on a Schedule

Shooting Schedule EssentialsOpen menu What Is a Shooting Schedule How to Plan a Film Shoot How to Create Multiple Shooting Schedules How to Create a One Line Schedule What is the Dood Report DOOD Report Explained Shooting Schedule Pro-TipsOpen menu How to Make a Better Shooting Schedule How to Schedule a Musical How to Find… Continue reading How to Plan a Film Shoot: 10 Tips for Estimating Times on a Schedule

The 49 Best Short Films of All Time That Every Filmmaker Can Learn From

ProcessOpen menu How to Make a Short Film How to Write a Short Without Dialogue Short Film Schedule Tips Write a Short That Gets Noticed Making a Short Film How to Storyboard a Short Film Phases of Short Film Pre-Production Ari Aster Short Films How Whiplash Went From a Short to a Feature ResourcesOpen menu… Continue reading The 49 Best Short Films of All Time That Every Filmmaker Can Learn From

24 Best Pixar Shorts That You Need to Watch

Animation BasicsOpen menu What is Animation What is Pre-Production in Animation What Does an Animator Do What is Cel Animation What is Pixilation Animation What is Tweening in Animation What is Anime What is Claymation What are Keyframe What is Persistence of Vision What is Stop Motion Animation What is Rotoscope Animation What is Character… Continue reading 24 Best Pixar Shorts That You Need to Watch

How to Write a Car Chase Scene in a Screenplay [with Examples]

T here’s something about a car chase that captivates an audience.  Maybe it’s the need for speed, or, perhaps it’s the knowledge that at any moment the scene can come to an abrupt end that gets the heart racing. But is it easy to pull off?  Nowadays, sophisticated audiences require more from their action scenes.  Car… Continue reading How to Write a Car Chase Scene in a Screenplay [with Examples]