Master Wide Angle Photography: Essential Tips for Beginners

daytime image of a big buildings

Ready to unlock the cinematic power of wide-angle photography? Hi, I’m Trent Peek, a filmmaker and photographer obsessed with capturing the world’s epic beauty – from sweeping landscapes to buzzing cities – with my wide-angle lenses. If you’re ready to add drama, scale, and a unique edge to your photos, you’re in the right place! … Read more

Tripod Tips for Filmmakers: Level Up Your Videos Beyond Handheld

digital camera on tripod beside hand rail

Tripod Tips For Filming – How To Get The Most Out Of Your Tripod  A video tripod has been the standard for maintaining stability for camera gear with photography and videography for many years. While a tripod has seen some competition in many years with the introduction of gimbals and the Steadicam’s for handheld stabilization, … Read more

How to Make Your First Short Film: A Beginner’s Guide

man fixing microphone with stand

Lights, Camera, Action… Panic! Ah, the shimmering allure of independent filmmaking. You dream of crafting your cinematic masterpiece, but reality has a way of throwing the unexpected your way.  My story? Let’s just say my first short film experience was like trying to film a scene with a rambunctious puppy – adorable chaos with hilarious … Read more

The Cinematic Magic of Anamorphic Lenses: Your Guide to a Unique Visual Style

Close-up of vibrant yellow bokeh lights, creating a mesmerizing and atmospheric effect.

From iconic blockbusters to indie gems, anamorphic cinematography has shaped the look of cinema. But what exactly is it, and how can filmmakers harness its power to create breathtaking visuals? Visual Specificity: Imagine the vast desert vistas of “Lawrence of Arabia”, the neon-soaked streets of “Blade Runner”, and the sweeping battles of “The Lord of … Read more

Top Screenwriting Books on Amazon: Master Your Craft (Beginner to Pro)

filmmaking books

Screenwriting has the power to transport audiences to new worlds, make them belly-laugh, or leave them breathless with suspense. But turning a spark of an idea into a polished screenplay takes more than inspiration. I’m Trent Peek, a filmmaker with 15 years of experience. After directing several short films (and hitting plenty of walls along … Read more

Filmmaking Mistakes to Avoid: Lessons from the Low-Budget Trenches

filmmaking mistakes

Picture this: me, a teenager armed with a camcorder and dreams of action movie glory, convinced my filmmaking mistakes – namely, a lack of explosions – were why my zombie comedy got rejected from the school film festival.  Clearly, the ketchup-splattered bedsheet “blood” wasn’t the issue… Cue a backyard VFX disaster involving dubious online tutorials, … Read more

Filmmaker Vlogging: The Secret Weapon for Your Career

Filmmaker vlogging Beginner Vloggers woman in black tank top and blue denim jeans sitting on brown wicker ottoman

Introduction Your Secret Weapon: Filmmaker Vlogging In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, the significance of vlogging has become increasingly apparent, especially for filmmakers aiming to establish their presence in the industry. But what exactly constitutes vlogging, and why is it imperative for filmmakers to embrace it as a potent catalyst for growth? Imagine this scenario: … Read more

Learn Camera Angles to Instantly Craft More Cinematic Videos

11 Basic Camera Angles & Shots Every Filmmaker Needs To Know

In the realm of filmmaking, where stories are brought to life through a delicate interplay of visuals and narratives, camera angles stand as silent yet powerful storytellers. They possess the remarkable ability to shape our perception, evoke emotions, and guide us through the intricate landscapes of cinematic storytelling. Much like the strokes of a painter’s … Read more

The Ultimate Guide to DJI Products for Filmmakers: Elevate Your Visuals in 2024

dji

Introduction: The Success Story Imagine yourself as an amateur filmmaker with a great idea and a shoestring budget. You’re passionate about storytelling and visual expression, but you’ve always felt limited by the tools at your disposal. Your smartphone captures moments adequately, but when it comes to bringing your cinematic visions to life, you find yourself … Read more

Box Office Busts: 30 Franchise Flops Where Blockbusters Failed to Launch Epic Series

box office busts - seats in a movie theater

Welcome to the wild world of Hollywood, where dreams soar as high as the stars and crash just as spectacularly as a CGI spaceship. In this riveting journey, we’ll explore 30 cinematic misfires where big-budget blockbusters failed to ignite the epic series they promised. From misunderstood monsters to ill-fated adventurers, these tales of box office … Read more