We know shooting in the rain can be tricky. Our friends at Zacuto have provided a handy 9-step guide on how to effectively prep for shooting in the rain.Continue reading A Filmmaker’s Guide To Shooting In The Rain
So you've done everything you can think of to prep during pre-production. You now find yourself on set. Here are 8 production hacks for a 2nd AD to put into practice immediately. This is a companion to piece to 7 Pre-Production Hacks for 2nd AD’s. If you haven’t had the chance to give it a read, check it out!Continue reading 8 Production Hacks for a 2nd AD Shooting on Location
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 choices you make at the start could have far-reaching consequences for your film. If you make the wrong decision, you may find yourself in unchartered waters. Your crew members may start to dictate demands of their union. I have been on both sides of this and believe unions are a necessary part of filmmaking, so it is critical to understand how they operate. Continue reading Ultimate Guide to Working with Unions: Grieved and…
Every time I finish a film, I always hear this question: “What are your next short film ideas?” Whenever I hear it, my brow furrows, my palms start to sweat, and I squeeze out an apologetic shrug. Continue reading Finding the Best Short Film Ideas that Level Up Your Career
A model release form is important to protect photographers from liability and licensing claims that may arise down the road. In this post, you'll learn how to maximize its protections and download a free model release form template to help you get you started.Continue reading The Best Free Model Release Form Template for Photography
Casting is an art of its own. At the most fundamental level, casting directors are in charge of building a team. At the most sensitive level, casting directors hold the “keys to the city,” determining who gets put forward for a gig and who doesn’t. From running auditions to negotiating contracts, CDs are the people who bring the actors to the story and are often charged with presenting out-of-the-box options that could change a story’s essence.If becoming a casting director is your dream, Backstage has you covered. It’s a tough, competitive field still rooted in an apprenticeship model, with a…
The project’s been green lit. The script’s been finalized. I’m going to hold an open casting call! Not so fast. If you’re not careful, your open casting call can be disorganized and rushed, netting you less than amazing actors.Continue reading The Ultimate Guide to Auditions [FREE Casting Sheet Template]
Pixar shorts inspire imagination. They win awards. They deliver the goods. We’ve watched and compiled the best 21 Pixar short films right here, from the first Pixar movie to the most recent. They’re sure to entertain, trigger creativity, and — for filmmakers — spark short film ideas of your own. Storytellers, take heed: there’s a lot to learn on this list of animated short films.Continue reading 24 Best Pixar Shorts That You Need to Watch
Casting websites have forever changed the production process. It used to be that the aspiring actor, with their trusty headshot in tow, would make the rounds to casting offices, not quite sure what to expect.Thanks to the wonders of technology, actors now have an abundance of online resources to find legitimate casting opportunities.Here’s a look at some of the best free casting websites out there.Continue reading The 8 Best Free Casting Websites
If there’s one thing writers will agree on, it’s that character development is super critical to writing a winning script.Continue reading Character Development: Write Stronger Characters [with FREE Worksheet]
