On a low-budget independent film with a scaled back crew, there are not too many film crew positions to keep track of. When we start looking at larger productions, however, the amount of distinct movie roles can balloon to massive numbers. Gaining an understanding of the function of each movie crew member’s role can be a confusing and lengthy endeavor without a proper guide, so we put together the ultimate guide to film crew positions to make this task as simple and intuitive as possible.Continue reading Ultimate Guide to Film Crew Positions (Jobs & Duties Explained)
Amovie montage can accomplish many things, from interweaving multiple storylines to delivering jokes. But accounting for a montage in your production schedule is no laughing matter. What can be summed up in two or three lines in a script, translates to many more minutes on screen. So how does the savvy producer or 1st AD go about making heads or tails of scheduling a montage? We'll examine a montage scene, and see how to format it in such a way that the new version lends itself to the shooting schedule nearly perfectly. And we'll do it all in StudioBinder! Let's…
Everyone loves options. Especially when it comes down to money, and as we all in the filmmaking world know, time is money. So, if you’re an AD, having multiple versions of the shooting schedule comes in handy when presenting to the higher ups. So, how do you do that? With StudioBinder’s version history manager, which lets you create multiple versions of the schedule that you can jump back and forth between. Follow along for a step-by-step guide on how to create multiple versions of the shooting schedule.Continue reading How to Create Multiple Shooting Schedules & Why You Should
Movies and television are incredible because they can transport us into a world of wonderment. Today we’re going to go over the Kuleshov Effect and how the greatest director of all time, Steven Spielberg, put his own twist on the editing technique for his personal stamp.Continue reading The Kuleshov Effect Explained (and How Spielberg Subverts it)
What is a lined script? And what does it have to do with your shot list?On the surface, a shot list is exactly what it sounds like. A list of shots that communicates to your crew what camera shots you intend to get. Yet we all know once you get to set, issues arise and something always has to give. And that something is often your favorite camera angles.But with a little forethought and a lined script, we can prepare our shoot to make sure we get everything we need. Here's how you do it.Continue reading How to Make a Lined Script…
What is a line producer? What do they do? Great question. And not uncommon, even for people well-versed in film. The role of the line producer, like many inner-workings of the entertainment industry, is shrouded in secrecy. We’ve got the “ins,” we’ve done the research, and right now we’re going to give you the ultimate answer to the question, “What does a line producer do?” We’ll also discuss line producer salary, how to become a line producer and everything you’ll need to get the job done. Continue reading What is a Line Producer — Ultimate Guide to Duties & Salary
A strong foundation is the key to a successful film shoot. But the pre production process is not a straight path.Continue reading How to Produce a Movie: The Pre-Production Process Explained
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to scheduling your film shoot. In fact, every producer has their own tried and true method to scheduling their shoot. But for as many scenes that you create, there is an equal number of possibilities when it comes to arranging them.There are many ways to schedule your shoot, this post discusses what’s most important to consider, and why. It goes through the hierarchy of considerations to have the most sensible and cost effective production. Let's jump in.Continue reading Hierarchy of Considerations When Scheduling a Shoot
Unlike painting or writing, which are often done in isolation, making a film requires a team effort. Gaffers, Cinematographers, Best Boys, PAs — but who does what and why? There are few roles in film production more valuable than a 1st AD but what is an assistant director and what does an assistant director do? In this post, we'll detail the role and provide insight into standard assistant director duties to remind you just how important they are. Or, if you're looking to become an assistant director on set, this is your first step in that direction. Continue reading…
Pre-Production can be overwhelming even for the seasoned producer. It requires knowledge of many facets of production, as well as an ability to prevent potential crises down the line. It’s not always easy but if you stay organized, it's pretty simple. So what is Pre-Production in film? When does it start and when does it end? This post will answer those questions and will give a quick rundown.Continue reading What is Pre-Production in Film — A Blueprint for Success
