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

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

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

Directing Dialogues: Tips for Crafting Authentic Conversations

Directing Dialogues: Tips for Crafting Authentic Conversations-grayscale photography of standing man in studio

What makes a movie dialogue truly unforgettable? Those whispered exchanges that linger long after the credits roll, the witty banter that cracks you up, the raw emotions that leave you breathless – these are the hallmarks of authentic dialogues, the lifeblood of cinema. As Sidney Lumet aptly said, “Dialogue is the engine of a film. … Read more

Exploring GoPro’s Filmmaking Potential in 2024: Can It Deliver Quality Films?

black action camera with stand

Are you ready to turn your adventures into blockbuster masterpieces? Whether you’re conquering mountains, vlogging your daily escapades, or dreaming of the next big film, GoPro has your back. Get ready for a guide that’s as thrilling as your wildest adventures – we’re diving deep into the world of GoPro filmmaking, where action meets cinema, … Read more

Top Tools For Mobile Photo Post-Processing

close up of camera over black background - photo post-processing

The Ultimate Guide to Photo Editing on the Go: Becoming a Pro at Portable Post-Processing One of the many exciting things about being a photographer is that you can do it from just about anywhere. This creates many opportunities for travel and schedule flexibility, which is great news for any creative professional who appreciates a fast-paced, … Read more