What exactly goes into a call sheet? Which producers’ names go on top? Where do you put the parking details? Is the lunch menu listed? Fret not, gentle reader. Here is everything you need to know about how to make a call sheet for film and television productions. In this article (and videos), we break down all the components that should be included and best practices to follow. Continue reading How to Make a Call Sheet for Film & TV (Free Example)
You may have heard the term “call sheet” many times. But if you’ve never sent one out yourself, you may not know everything they need and why they are so essential to every production. So what is a call sheet and what goes on it?In this post, we’ll walk you through the document, and provide a call sheet template and example. If you’re now at a point in your career where it’s time to make one, and you don’t know the basics, then you may not be fully prepared for shoot day.Continue reading What is a Call Sheet — Everything…
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, compelling and original storylines, great characters, and innovative execution of craft reign supreme. The best independent films of any given year continue to duke it out against much-hyped CGI explosions, superheroes, and space creatures in theaters and at home. So what are the best indie…
How would it feel to watch your perfect scene play out on the big screen? You’re one step closer, because you’re about to learn one of the most important methods to help your scene achieve a big, cinematic look. The complex master shot.By following five key steps, you’ll gain more control over the viewer’s attention, because understanding how to stage, schedule, and capture a complex master shot will transform your film into a tour de force.Continue reading The Master Shot — 5 Steps to Shooting a Complex Master
Looking for funding for your film is often harder than making the actual movie. Waiting on your agent, producers, or anyone else to show up and give you the funds you need can leave you demoralized. But, finding film funds doesn’t have to be impossible! Because there are film grants for every filmmaker. Not only are they attainable, but you don’t have to exhaust yourself looking for them. Today, we’re discussing finding and applying for the perfect film grants for your project, and we've included the most exhaustive film grants list, just for you. Let's dive in! Continue reading…
Making a feature-length movie is no easy feat, but with the right preparation and dedication, anyone can do it. Learning how to direct a movie can be an intimidating process, so this blog post will give you the tips and tricks you need to produce a professional quality project. Discover what resources are available to help you build your dream movie from pre-production all the way through to festival submissions and marketing. Continue reading How to Make Your First Feature Film — Tips for First Time Directors
Nowadays, there are many kinds of media you can consume to get new information about your favorite topics, or just to enjoy pure entertainment. Besides blogs or YouTube channels, podcasts have been gaining a lot of popularity during the last few years.Continue reading The 12 Best Filmmaking and Screenwriting Podcasts
Many aspiring cinematographers ask the question “what are the best schools for cinematography?” So what are the best cinematography schools? Like all of our articles on the “best schools for film education,” the answer is subjective. For some people, the best cinematography schools may be online; for others they may be at private institutions. If the latter is your focus, we’ve got you covered. These are the schools regarded as the best cinematography schools in the country. Note: *The listed tuition rates vary by entry. Some are listed by semester, some by year, and some by total. This is because all…
Broad City. Burning Love. Childrens Hospital. Before these shows made it onto TV, they began as web series. Making your own series to publish online is a great way to get your voice out there. You can make precisely the show you want without network interference, and you may even end up getting more work out of it. It’s no wonder why so many filmmakers want to learn how to make a web series.In this blog, we’ll break down the four major steps to make your own web series. Of course, each step is easier said than done. It takes…
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
