Directing your first project is like getting behind the wheel of a car for the first time. You read through the manual, attended the driving courses in a classroom, and absorbed all of the advice and instructions from licensed and seasoned drivers, but when it comes time to sitting behind that wheel

So, you got yourself a camera and you’re all set to go make your mark on the video industry. Not so fast! The video landscape is littered with folks who went out in the world and failed. That said, this doesn’t have to happen to you if you follow some easy steps that will develop you into a video pr

Here we’ll focus on the pre-production aspects of producing a video commercial. We’ll discuss all the steps that must be completed before you press your camera’s record button. Video commercial pre-production can be viewed as a four step process. Step 1: Meet the Client Do you have a favorite restau

A short film, at first glance, looks a lot like a feature film — it’s just … shorter, right? It’s true: Both narrative short films and narrative feature films aim for a cinematic aesthetic. They are well planned and painstakingly executed. They both rely on dedicated cast and crew, and a dire

As videographers, we tend to focus on the creative side of video production. However, if you want to take your videography to the next level and turn your skills into a profitable business, you will need to know a few things about accounting and budgeting. Accounting doesn’t have to be challeng

Finding the right crew can be a challenge. However, finding the right cast can be even more daunting. A solid cast is incredibly important to the success of your production. So, here’s how to find the right actors for your project. The casting call In order to find talent, you’ll first need t

It turns out there is a formula that describes the structure of many dramas: Freytag’s Pyramid. Here we explore how to write compelling stories using time-tested dramatic structure techniques. Stories for the big or small screen all use it. This classic structure promises big payoffs in the s

Many movie terms are obvious to any video producer. However, terms like red herring and McGuffin might seem obscure, yet they play a major role in films. Movie terms define an action, a shot type, a character or a piece of gear. Every movie term is meant to help the plot move along, instruct the

Many filmmakers have had successful careers by making camp films. However, even more filmmakers have tried and failed miserably, resulting in some of the worst films ever. I don’t think anyone sets out to intentionally make a bad film, but there is a fine line of distinction between a camp movie an

An outline for your screenplay is a great way to start, but developing strong characters will engage viewers in the story you’re telling. Would Darth Vader’s iconic “I am your father” reveal have been as impactful if you didn’t care for the characters? They’re the driving force behind any story, and

When you first start out in video production, you’ll most likely find that your videos don’t always match the vision you started with. Continued practice, of course, is the best way to develop your video production chops, but pointed, critical feedback is one of the best ways to determine where you

Everyone has felt the stress of a fast-approaching deadline. Maybe you’re a habitual procrastinator or maybe you took on more work than you could handle. No matter the reason, that stress is something everyone hopes to avoid whenever possible, so we’ve collected these seven tips to help you keep you

If you go back and look at your early work, it probably looks like it was directed by someone who needs a guide dog. What’s missing? Why planning, of course. Specifically, a shot list. Want to have a smoother, cheaper, happier shoot? Read on, filmmakers. My First Shoot Like many a tyro director, whe

We all know how important three act structure is in narrative filmmaking;  it’s been used in storytelling of all sorts for eons, and if you’re making a movie or tv show you will probably use the three act structure as well. But what if you’re working on a documentary, YouTube content, or some o

Although you won’t need to go to a special school or take any college courses to become a location scout, you will need a very specific skill set to do the job well. 1. Carry a Notebook The first skill that you will need is an acute attention to detail. The best location scouts take notes almo

Stop motion is one of the oldest and most beloved forms of animation, and to many directors, it was a starting point in their journeys as filmmakers. Its dream-like quality works well in fantasy and horror genres by bringing the inanimate to life. To this day, studios such as Laika have excelled at

Early collaboration with your cast is often easier said than done, but the results and impact on your project are well worth it. Working alongside actors is a vital part of the process of getting better performances and memorable characters. The project is your creation and your vision, but bringing

If I ever balk at a huge upcoming project, my husband will say “How do you eat an elephant?  One bite at a time.” I would never want to literally eat an elephant, but it is an excellent axiom for our purposes. The same idea applies to taking a script idea from concept to first draft. If you put

 What makes a good­ story? For that matter, how many opportunities do we have to create a lasting piece of literature that transcends the lines of genre distinction and categorization? The answer to the latter is speculative, of course, but in order to truly understand your story, the spine

Before starting VEDA, I did some research. To my surprise, many vloggers create videos shot, edited and posted using their phones. With that as a major encouragement, I realized I already had the tools; the key to vlogging was to persistently find the time in my day to shoot and post a video not muc