filmmaking Articles

Filmmaking (often referred to in an academic context as film production) is the process of making a film. Filmmaking involves a number of discrete stages including an initial story, idea, or commission, through scriptwriting, casting, shooting, editing, and screening the finished product before an audience that may result in a film release and exhibition. Filmmaking takes place in many places around the world in a range of economic, social, and political contexts, and using a variety of techn...

MōVI Cam Stabilizer Is Pricey, But Video Showing It Off Is Awesome

The new MōVI cam stabilizer is still going to be well out of most people's price range, but the video showing it off is perfect for those who can afford it, because it not only informs, it entertains. So even those of us who can't spend $14,995 on an accessory like this can still enjoy it.

10 Lessons I Learned on My First Major Video Production

Recently, we put the wraps on post production on my Not So Super pilot episode. I thought, since this was my first major video production, I would share what I learned while shooting it. This won't be of interest to those of you who have ...

Learn How to Conquer Depth of Field, One F/Stop at a Time [Reel Rebel #21]

On this week's Reel Rebel video production tip, Stephen follows up on our first depth-of-field (DOF) overview to dive a bit deeper into how to control depth of field using your DSLR camera's f-stop. Remember, a shallow depth of field is often desirable as it can produce a more ...

ZoomTilt TV Reset Finalists Vie for Branded Video Content Gold

ZoomTilt, which I wrote about a while back, is in the business of finding talented filmmakers who have got financially sustainable web series they want to make. In order for them to be financially sustainable, they need to appeal to brands who will sponsor them ...

A Case Study in How to Release Your Short Film Online

This week, Vimeo reprinted an article from Short of the Week creators Andrew Allen and Jason Sondhi called "How We Launched Our Film Online: The Thomas Beale Cipher."  These filmmakers wanted their film to be seen by a larger audience after 8 months of festivals, ...

The Importance of the Match Cut in Video Editing [Reel Rebel #24]

This week on Reel Rebel, we discuss another important film editing technique that's important to understand when shooting for the edit, called a match cut.  When we talk about shooting for the edit, we're talking about the need to plan your shots in advance, keeping ...

The Importance of Eyeline Matching for Smooth Video Storytelling: Shooting for the Edit [Reel Rebel #23]

Before planning any video shoot, it's important to have a good understanding of how the footage is going to be edited as this can make a big difference in how you approach the shoot.  There's a big difference between shooting and then editing versus shooting for the ...

First Cameraman: Insider Secrets to Marketing the Obama Presidency on YouTube

Run, don’t walk, to your favorite bookstore and buy First Cameraman: Documenting the Obama Presidency in Real Time. Or, if there aren’t any bookstores left within running distance, then bike over to your local library and check out this new hardcover book by Arun Chaudhary. ...

Frame Your Shots the Easy Way with SL Director's Digital Viewfinder App [Reel Rebel #19]

For this week's Reel Rebel video production tip, in an effort to dispel the myth that holding your hands in an L-shape for a shot makes you look like a professional filmmaker, we discuss and review the merits of the SL Director's Viewfinder app.  This ...

Improve Your Video Interviews - Body Language Tips for Marketing Pros

Video is the best communications medium we have today. It is also the trickiest to master because it has a language all of its own. That point is often lost on many untrained marketers who shoot their own video interviews. Even with a great guest ...

Learn Filmmaking and Celebrate Creative Video at Vimeo Festival + Awards in June

To be sure, YouTube is the most-visited place for videos, but it's good to know that there's a place like Vimeo out there that is a little more focused on the techniques of video creation.  Recently Vimeo announced the nominees for the Second Annual Vimeo Festival + ...

Creating A Successful Web Series Requires Patience, Planning & Fun

Web series are no different when it comes to video marketing.  You basically have to follow the same rules as outlined in the YouTube Creator Playbook as they're for the most part good guidelines to follow for any online video project.  But web series might take ...

Be Like Bamboo Sushi: Let Video Tell Your Small Business Story

Throughout the course of my typical week, I talk to all kinds of individuals and businesses hoping to succeed online with video, including a lot of small businesses. Unfortunately, a lot of small businesses think they're "too small" for video. With a local focus and ...

How Machinima Generates Content Through A Filmmaker & Directors Community

On my recent trip to Machinima headquarters, I got a chance to speak with CEO Allen DeBevoise. One of the things I was interested in talking with him about is how Machinima goes about generating their wide range of online video content. Turns out they ...

Canon C300 Vs RED Scarlet-X

A few nights ago, both Canon and RED announced cameras in the heart of filmmaking land, only 10 blocks apart from each other. Judging from the specs you could easily say that RED blows Canon right out of the water. 4k resolution at 1-25fps, 2k ...