Making It: The Casting Process — Pre-Production Process: Ep4

EPISODE 4Mission: AuditionSetting up casting calls and actor auditions are one of the most exciting parts of the pre-production process, but this is where things begin to get real. See us cast our short film below. Subscribe for more filmmaking videos like this. Subscribe on YouTube ← Episode Guide Next Episode → EPISODE 4To live… Continue reading Making It: The Casting Process — Pre-Production Process: Ep4

The Kuleshov Effect Explained (and How Spielberg Subverts it)

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… Continue reading The Kuleshov Effect Explained (and How Spielberg Subverts it)

How to Write Dialogue Like Quentin Tarantino — Kill Bill Analysis

Best Tarantino MoviesQT’s Directing StyleQT Directing Tips QT DialogueOnce Upon a Time AnalysisBasterds Breakdown Quentin Tarantino is known for many things as a filmmaker. His films have unpredictable violence and masterfully-crafted scenes. But above all else, Tarantino is known for his dialogue.  It’s not easy holding an audience’s attention for even two minutes, but Tarantino somehow… Continue reading How to Write Dialogue Like Quentin Tarantino — Kill Bill Analysis

How to Shoot the Best Fight Scenes Like Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes

You grew up watching the best fight scenes and loved every bone-cracking minute of them. They are one of the reasons you became a filmmaker, and perhaps you’ve already put together a few of your own. But for some reason… they just don’t play the way you had hoped. It’s not like you don’t know how… Continue reading How to Shoot the Best Fight Scenes Like Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes

What is B-Roll: The Difference Between A-Roll vs B-Roll Footage

B-Roll BasicsBest B-Roll WebsitesHow To Shoot B-Roll What is B-roll footage in Film and TV? Furthermore, what is A-roll vs B-roll? Filmmakers of all types, whether they make documentaries, wedding videos, music videos, movies, or television NEED to have a keen understanding of both A-roll and B-roll footage.  So, what does B-roll mean and why is… Continue reading What is B-Roll: The Difference Between A-Roll vs B-Roll Footage

How to Write a Fight Scene in a Screenplay: John Wick Fight Scenes

You want to learn how to write a fight scene in a screenplay, but it seems that each writer takes their own unique approach. How then can you determine the ‘right way’ to write compelling fight scenes? No worries.  This post will take you through the process of writing the best fight scenes for different… Continue reading How to Write a Fight Scene in a Screenplay: John Wick Fight Scenes

Writing and Directing for Suspense: Inglourious Basterds

Quentin Tarantino has created some of the most memorable scenes in film history. However, none are quite so impactful, tense, and amazing as the Inglourious Basterds opening scene.The scene lasts for just under 20 minutes, but during that time, Tarantino employs a vast array of framing techniques and angles to help tell the story to… Continue reading Writing and Directing for Suspense: Inglourious Basterds

Blocking and Staging a Scene like Spielberg, Kubrick, and Inarritu

Watching a scene is easy, but blocking and staging a scene effectively is a complex dance between actors and your camera. When deciding where to position your actors and your camera, you’re essentially solving a puzzle — a puzzle with more than one solution. So, how is it done? In this post, we’re going to show you… Continue reading Blocking and Staging a Scene like Spielberg, Kubrick, and Inarritu

Making It: Location Scouting — Pre-Production Process: Ep3

EPISODE 3Location LockdownA film is only as good as the locations. Finding a great filming location that fits inside your budget isn’t easy, especially when you need areas for lunch, parking, and staging equipment.  Subscribe for more filmmaking videos like this. Subscribe on YouTube ← Episode Guide Next Episode → EPISODE 3Set scouting beginsFinding a… Continue reading Making It: Location Scouting — Pre-Production Process: Ep3

Making It: Key Hires — Pre-Production Process: Ep2

EPISODE 2Department Head HuntingThe first step to building a great film crew is securing department heads. Watch as the team hires their DP and 1st Assistant Director and discusses crew and camera budgets. Subscribe for more filmmaking videos like this. Subscribe on YouTube ← Episode Guide Next Episode → EPISODE 2Assembling the A-TeamNow is the… Continue reading Making It: Key Hires — Pre-Production Process: Ep2

Making It: Wrapping Up Production — Pre-Production Process: Ep6

EPISODE 6Finale: Mental MistakesThe wait is over! In our final episode, we take a quick look back at the production and discuss takeaways. At the end, you’ll see the fruits of our labor with the premiere of Mental Mistakes. Subscribe for more filmmaking videos like this. Subscribe on YouTube ← View All Episodes EPISODE 6It’s go… Continue reading Making It: Wrapping Up Production — Pre-Production Process: Ep6

Amazon’s The Boys: Mise En Scene, Production Design, and Costumes

What is Production Design What Does a Production Designer Do? Amazon’s The Boys Production Design Production Design Tips Academy Award for Best Production Design You’re a filmmaker who wants to get the most out of your production design, mise en scene, and scene elements, but you’re not sure how to plan and maximize your visual… Continue reading Amazon’s The Boys: Mise En Scene, Production Design, and Costumes

Making It: Script Breakdowns and Budgeting — Pre-Production Process: Ep1

EPISODE 1Budget BombshellMeet the team and watch how they must rework their script so that it will fit inside their limited budget. Subscribe for more filmmaking videos like this. Subscribe on YouTube ← Episode Guide Next Episode → EPISODE 1Art meets commerceYou have a great idea for a TV show. You’ve already written the pilot,… Continue reading Making It: Script Breakdowns and Budgeting — Pre-Production Process: Ep1

Making It: Wrapping Up Production — Pre-Production Process: Ep6

EPISODE 6MAKING ITThat’s a wrap!The official premiere of ‘Mental Mistakes’The wait is over! In our final episode, we take a quick look back at the production and discuss takeaways.  At the end we show you the fruits of our labor with the premiere of Mental Mistakes. SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE ← WATCH PREVIOUS EPISODE VIEW ALL… Continue reading Making It: Wrapping Up Production — Pre-Production Process: Ep6

Making It: Final Preparation — Pre-Production Process: Ep5

EPISODE 5MAKING ITThe Californian JobFilm Crew Jobs, Equipment, and Production Insurance It’s time to build your entire film crew for various jobs and duties, and secure your production equipment. This means camera, sound, and design. Don’t forget deal memos and production insurance.  SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE ← WATCH PREVIOUS EPISODE WATCH NEXT EPISODE → MAKING IT: EPISODE… Continue reading Making It: Final Preparation — Pre-Production Process: Ep5

Making It: The Casting Process — Pre-Production Process: Ep4

EPISODE 4MAKING ITTo Live & Cast in L.A.Auditions, Actors, and Table Read ThroughsSetting up casting calls and actor auditions are one of the most exciting parts of the pre-production process, but this is where things begin to get real. See us cast our short film below. SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE ← WATCH PREVIOUS EPISODE WATCH NEXT… Continue reading Making It: The Casting Process — Pre-Production Process: Ep4

Making It: Free Pre-Production Process Masterclass – Series Page

6 EPISODE SERIESMaking It: Pre-Production to PostStory development and film production aren’t easy. On the road to learning how to make a movie, the first stop is Pre-Production. Our series takes you step-by-step through the Pre-Production process. WATCH TRAILER 6 EpisodesEach episode tracks the Pre-Production process, from script-to-screen. Free TemplatesGantt charts, location scout checklists, actor… Continue reading Making It: Free Pre-Production Process Masterclass – Series Page

The Only Shot List Template You Need — with Free Download

A good shot list maximizes shooting time and limits downtime across all departments. In this post, we lay out the essentials of a shotlist with pro-tips on best practices. We’re also going to walk you through StudioBinder’s shot list module so you can maximize your productivity. In the end, we’ve provided a shot list template… Continue reading The Only Shot List Template You Need — with Free Download