Think of some of your favorite films or television series of all time. Whether they are rooted in fantasy or made to be naturalistic, odds are they required some special effects. To bring those effects to life, a Special Effects Supervisor got the job done. And in this article, we’ll dive into the role and… Continue reading What is a Special Effects Supervisor — Job Description & Role Explained
One of the great things about cinema is its ability to transport audiences to far and remote places. These places are often a character themselves within the story of a film. Finding these locations is an incredibly important component of filmmaking that is put on the shoulders of a location scout. What is a location… Continue reading What is a Location Scout — Duties & Job Description Explained
Shooting a documentary is very different from shooting a narrative film. In many ways it can be on the cuff, guerilla style shooting. Documentaries can also be made of properly planned and composed shoots. Great documentaries are made of both and thus require an organized documentary shooting schedule. Creating a documentary shooting schedule is an effective… Continue reading How to Create a Documentary Shooting Schedule
What is meal penalty? Well, meal penalty is something cast/crew are sometimes subject to – and it’s certainly something producers don’t want to incur. Meal penalty is the disincentive that keeps producers from overworking their employees – but it’s also something more than that. We’re going to break down meal penalties at the union, state,… Continue reading What is Meal Penalty — CA Lunch Penalty Law Explained
Camera & Lighting DepartmentOpen menu Director Of Photography Camera Operator Focus Puller Key Grip Gaffer Dolly Grip Ultimate Guide to Film Crew Positions Free Film Crew Management Software → If you’re the kind of person who waits through the credits of movies (and if you are, thank you for acknowledging the crew), you’ve probably asked… Continue reading What is a Key Grip — Definition & Job Description Explained
One of the first (and most exciting) parts of starting your own film production company is creating your film production company name. This name is going to reflect your groundbreaking style, show off your professional and one-of-a-kind brand, and set the tone for the projects you’ll take on as your company takes off. It also… Continue reading Film Production Company Names — Creative Ideas & Examples
A film production agreement is an important legal document for writers, directors, producers, and financiers – but what is a film production agreement? We’re going to answer that question by defining the term and its associated contracts. We’re also going to explore some real world examples. By the end, you’ll know why film production agreements… Continue reading Film Production Agreement — A Primer on Film Prod. Contracts
Congratulations! You’ve put together most of the cast and crew for your next project. Director? Check. Heads of departments? Got ‘em. But your lead actor is the highly-coveted [insert your favorite actor here], and they’re not too sure they want in. Yet. What safety net can you offer, say, Jeff Goldblum, in exchange for—you hope—his… Continue reading Pay or Play Contract — How Does It Affect Your Production?
BasicsOpen menu What is a Green Screen? Blue Screen vs Green Screen DIY Green ScreenOpen menu How to Make a Green Screen How to Use a Green Screen Green Screen Color Green Screen Lighting EditingOpen menu Best Green Screen Software Best Green Screen Background Videos How to Use a Green Screen in iMovie Looking to… Continue reading How to Use a Green Screen — Setup, Lighting and Creative Uses
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 Actors far and wide travel to the Big Apple… Continue reading Best Casting Agencies NYC Edition — An Actor’s Guide
What would you consider the most versatile tool on a set? Most filmmakers and grips would probably come to the same conclusion — the C-Stand, otherwise known as the workhorse of a film production. They are the humble heroes that can impact both the quality of a shot as well as the safety of a… Continue reading How to Use a C-Stand — Parts, Functions & Proper Usage Tips
Directorial DepartmentOpen menu What Does an Assistant Director Do What Does a 2nd Assistant Director Do What is a Casting Director What is a Second Unit Director What Does a Director Do Ultimate Guide to Film Crew Positions Free Film Crew Management Software → Unlike painting or writing, which are often done in isolation, making… Continue reading What Does an Assistant Director Do? Defining the 1st AD
Film is a uniquely visual storytelling medium. Everything you see within the frames of a shot is carefully thought out by someone behind the scenes. More often than not, these details in the frame come from the art department. An art department is responsible for the larger creation of a film set as well as… Continue reading The Art Department in Film — Guide to Positions, Duties, Salary
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 What Is a Production Coordinator? Salary & Job Description
BasicsOpen menu What is a Green Screen? Blue Screen vs Green Screen DIY Green ScreenOpen menu How to Make a Green Screen How to Use a Green Screen Green Screen Color Green Screen Lighting EditingOpen menu Best Green Screen Software Best Green Screen Background Videos How to Use a Green Screen in iMovie Have you… Continue reading Green Screen Color — Ideal Shades for Paint, Fabric and Screens
BasicsOpen menu What is Post-Production What is VFX What are Special Effects What is Virtual Production What is CGI What is Matte Painting ProcessOpen menu How to Move the Anchor Point in After Effects How to Mask in Premiere Pro Best After Effects Plugins Best Free After Effects Templates Inception Special Effects How They Shot… Continue reading What is Chroma Key Technology — The VFX Process Explained
Animation BasicsOpen menu What is Animation Types of Animation What Does an Animator Do What is Cel Animation What is Anime What is Claymation ResourcesOpen menu How to Direct an Animated Movie Animation Storyboard Tips Unreleased Aladdin Animatic Best Animated Music Videos Best Animation Software Best AnimationsOpen menu Best Animated Movies of All Time Best… Continue reading Best Animation Software — 2D, 3D, Paid, and Free Options
EssentialsOpen menu What is Sound Design Sound Editing vs Sound Mixing What is Voice Over What is Diegetic Sound What is Non-Diegetic Sound What is a Film Score TechniquesOpen menu Ultimate Guide to Sound Recording Filmmaker’s Guide to Sound Effect Techniques What is a Sound Bridge What is The Shepard Tone How to Design a… Continue reading 10 Best DSLR Microphones — Shotgun, Lav, and More
Create a call sheet with the click of a button. Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, it’s not too far off. Now, there isn’t a button that will do all of your pre production work for you, but there is a button that will populate 90% of your call sheet, given you’ve done… Continue reading Setting up a Call Sheet for Success in StudioBinder
You think you know what gaffer tape is, but do you really? In this post we’re going to explain everything you should know about gaffer tape: what is gaffer tape, how does it work, and why is it so bloody expensive. You’ll learn how to tear it off the roll, how to make cables safe for… Continue reading What Is Gaffer Tape Used For? A Film Set Essential Explained
