Film Production 101: From Pre-Production to Post

4 Important Stages Of Film Production For Beginners

Lights, Camera, Knowledge! Ever dreamt of transforming your wildest ideas into a captivating short film? Welcome, aspiring auteurs, to the thrilling world of film production! Taking that first step can feel like diving headfirst into a cinematic abyss. Been there, done that (with shaky camerawork to boot) during my own 48-hour film festival frenzy. Let’s … Read more

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

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

Mastering Horror Shots: A Beginner’s Guide

a couple sitting in a movie theater

Step into the eerie world of horror filmmaking, where crafting a precise horror movie shot list becomes the roadmap to evoke spine-tingling fear. This comprehensive guide is your key to unlocking the secrets behind essential shots for crafting terrifying scenes. Tailored for novice horror directors, we’ll unravel the mysteries of mastering the chilling craft of … Read more

Smartphone Photography: Unmasking the Magic Hidden in Plain Sight

anonymous person photographing city with smartphone

Ditch the bulky DSLR, swap expensive workshops for your pocket rocket – your smartphone! This ultimate smartphone photography guide unlocks 15+ secrets to transform your everyday snaps into jaw-dropping masterpieces. Leave “auto” mode behind and dive into the enchanting world of mobile photography – all with the trusty device you already carry. Here’s how we’ll … Read more