A Guide to Crowdfunding Films: Part 1 — Choose the Best Crowdfunding Platform

The barrage of successful film crowdfunding stories may lead many filmmakers to believe crowdfunding is easy money. The truth is that it requires the same level of research and prep a film production requires. In this post we’ll compare some of the top crowdfunding platforms geared for film projects so you can identify the best… Continue reading A Guide to Crowdfunding Films: Part 1 — Choose the Best Crowdfunding Platform

13 Steps Towards Green Film Production We Can All Take

Filmmaking by its very nature is very counteractive toward sustainability. Sets and props are temporarily built, special effects cause chaos, and don’t get us started on plastic water bottles. But green film production is not a myth. Being sustainable with your productions may seem like a daunting task, but with the right steps, it’s very… Continue reading 13 Steps Towards Green Film Production We Can All Take

How Call Sheets are Approved on Short Form, Music Videos, and Commercials

Call Sheet EssentialsOpen menu What is a Call Sheet Anatomy of a Call Sheet Ultimate Guide to Call Sheets How to Make a Call Sheet Call Sheet Templates Call Sheet Tutorials TipsOpen menu How to Create a Better Call Sheet Best Practices for Sending Call Sheets Staggering Call Time Formulas How Call Sheets are Approved… Continue reading How Call Sheets are Approved on Short Form, Music Videos, and Commercials

“Hidden Elements” in a Script Breakdown: How to Read Between the Lines

The screenplay is a black and white blueprint for what you’ll see on screen. Every single element of the film must first be on the page. But the long journey from script to screen is a road paved with many decisions. Those decisions start in the script breakdown. The process of breaking down a script is… Continue reading “Hidden Elements” in a Script Breakdown: How to Read Between the Lines

Breaking Down and Scheduling the Epic Black Panther Fight Scene

Staging a fight scene is an undertaking all its own. But once the vision is realized, incredible preparation and planning goes into filming action scenes. Your entire shooting schedule could be affected by these fight scenes and what they demand. There are hidden elements that could prove to be a nightmare in the scheduling process.… Continue reading Breaking Down and Scheduling the Epic Black Panther Fight Scene

How to Break Down A Music Video Treatment When Short on Details

Music videos aren’t always easy to plan. It can be a challenge to translate the poetry in the music to screen. But music videos are like mini films, and they all start with a treatment.A producer’s or director’s experience in writing a treatment is invaluable. Treatments can plan and plot the visuals in detail needed… Continue reading How to Break Down A Music Video Treatment When Short on Details

Travel Hacks for Your Next Production

Managing travel for a film production can be a messy process. It calls for a high level of organization and a workflow that can scale to meet all production sizes and budgets. We’ve created a list of 9 ways to better book flights for your film crew.Continue reading Travel Hacks for Your Next Production

Fiscal Responsibility on a Short Film (with FREE Petty Cash Template)

ProcessOpen menu How to Make a Short Film Short Film Schedule Tips Write a Short That Gets Noticed How to Storyboard a Short Film Phases of Short Film Pre-Production How Whiplash Went From a Short to a Feature ResourcesOpen menu Best Short Films of All Time Best Short Film Ideas Crowdfunding Movies The Ultimate Film… Continue reading Fiscal Responsibility on a Short Film (with FREE Petty Cash Template)

What Does a Production Designer Do? A Crash Course with Examples

Art DepartmentOpen menu Art Director Production Designer Prop Master Storyboard Artist Concept Artist Set Dresser Ultimate Guide to Film Crew Positions Free Film Crew Management Software → Making a visually stunning film is no easy feat. The goal of a production designer is to immerse you in the world they have created. That’s the magic… Continue reading What Does a Production Designer Do? A Crash Course with Examples

How to Properly Identify Cast When Breaking Down a Script

In every script, there are elements that can go unseen. Sometimes even hiding in plain sight. If overlooked for too long, this misstep could affect your scheduling and budget. Hidden elements can make a huge impact on your bottom line and schedule. It is the producer’s job to find these elements before they become a surprise… Continue reading How to Properly Identify Cast When Breaking Down a Script

11 Ways to Become a Better Producer or Director on Set

Production DepartmentOpen menu What Does a Producer Do What Does an Executive Producer Do What Does a TV Producer Do What is An Associate Producer What is a Line Producer Ultimate Guide to Film Crew Positions Production ResourcesOpen menu Ultimate Location Scout Cheat Sheet Shooting Schedule Template Production Crew Contact List Template Film Budget Template… Continue reading 11 Ways to Become a Better Producer or Director on Set

4 Things To Consider Before Signing a Film Contract

Signing film contracts may feel like a formality on smaller productions, a Crew Deal Memo, Producer/Director Contract or Talent Release has real meaning. It is a legally binding employment agreement and should be drafted and signed with care. Here are some best practices to guide you through the process.Continue reading 4 Things To Consider Before… Continue reading 4 Things To Consider Before Signing a Film Contract

Tales From the Trenches: An Insider’s Hack to Casting Background Talent

Casting TipsOpen menu Ultimate Guide to Auditions Guide to Holding Auditions Best Casting Tips Indie Film Casting Casting Background Talent Casting ResourcesOpen menu Actor Release Forms Model Release Form Photo Release Form Best Talent Agencies What is a Casting Director How to Become a Casting Director Background talent has been a staple of the movie… Continue reading Tales From the Trenches: An Insider’s Hack to Casting Background Talent