The Production Assistant Survival Guide: Everything a Beginner Filmmaker Needs to Know

two person pulling gray cart

Picture this: you’ve spent years in film school, dreaming of directing the next big hit. You imagine yourself behind the camera, calling the shots, and collaborating with talented crew members. But then, your first real gig on a professional film set is…  fetching coffee and setting up chairs. Welcome to the world of the Production … 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

Time on Your Side: Unveiling the Untapped Powers of Smartwatches for Filmmakers

smartwatch

Reasons To Buy A Smartwatch For Those On The Go – A smartwatch is a computerized wristwatch with functionality that goes beyond timekeeping. While early divisions can perform basic tasks, such as calculations, translations, and game-playing, 2018s smartwatches are effectively wearable computers. Many run mobile apps, using a mobile operating modus operandi. Some smartwatches function as…

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 the Art of Travel Vlogging: How Storytelling Transforms Your Journey

Storytelling Vlogging - smartphone beside watch and camera

Embark on a thrilling journey into the captivating realm of travel vlogging – a digital wonderland where wanderlust and storytelling intertwine. Picture exploring distant lands, immersing yourself in diverse cultures, and witnessing the breathtaking beauty unfold on your screen. Join us as we unravel the magic binding travel vlogging and filmmaking. It’s more than documenting … 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