Want to boost your video production skills? These sites will teach you everything you want to know about video production, video editing, cinematography, VFX, and more.
1. PremiumBeat
Notable Article: Professional Video Editing Tips and Techniques
Although the company is best known for its expansive catalog of royalty free music, PremiumBeat is also home to The Beat—one of the best video production blogs out there. The site covers all aspects of production. Cinematography 101, video editing for advanced users, and a great list of After Effects tutorials are just a few of the things you’ll find on the blog.
2. Learning Video
Notable Article: Sony a7Rii Training Course
Learning Video (formerly Learning DSLR Video) is the blog of filmmaker Dave Dugdale. Initially a running blog of one man learning how to use his camera, the site is now an all-around great resource for anyone wanting to get started in filmmaking. The site specializes in DSLR and mirrorless cameras, so there are plenty of great resources for those using cameras like the Canon 5D, GH4, or Sony a7S. I highly recommend the in-depth individual camera courses. Though that material must be purchased, you’ll learn everything about your camera in a quarter of the time.
3. Hurlblog
Notable Article: Micro Four Thirds Lenses that add Cinematic Imagery to your GH4
The Hurlblog was founded by cinematographer Shane Hurlbut, ASC. Hurlbut and his crew share tons of great information for aspiring directors of photography. You’ll find excellent courses on lighting, camera setups, and even some basic on-set skills like knot tying.
4. No Film School
Notable Article: Cameras Used by Sundance 2016 Filmmakers & Why They Chose Them
No Film School has grown to be the place where aspiring filmmakers hang out. Their content keeps up with the latest in trends, pop culture, and all things production related. They are quick to find and share the most inspiring video content from around the web, including the best-of-the-best video essays. The site just launched a podcast at Sundance.
5. Cinema5D
Notable Article: 5 Pro Tips to Immediately Improve Your Indie Film’s Audio
Cinema5D has grown into a reliable all-around news resource for anyone interested in video production and cameras. In addition to some great tutorials, they often feature the latest gadgets that will make your job as a video producer easier. Their camera reviews are fantastic at showing off footage and in-depth technical breakdowns.
6. RocketStock
Notable Article: Free After Effects Template: Digital Distortion
In addition to having some of the best motion graphic templates in the world, RocketStock features a blog dedicated entirely to video editing and post-production. A big reason why RocketStock is one of our favorite sites is their monthly habit of giving away free tools and assets for video editors. If you’re into video editing (and you like free stuff), then RocketStock is a must-read.
7. Creative COW
Notable Article: Editing Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Creative COW has been helping video professionals for over a decade. Founded in 2001 as a peer-to-peer forum, the site now includes tutorials, articles, news, videos, podcasts, and more. This is a great community to be a part of — and you’ll often find that the questions you have are already answered.
8. Art of VFX
Notable Article: The Revenant, Nicolas Chevallier – VFX Supervisor – Cinesite
You don’t have to be a VFX artist to appreciate the hard work that goes into creating professional visual effects. Art of VFX features interviews, breakdowns, and showreels — all of it dedicated to visual effects work. While you probably wont find any actionable tips or tricks, you will find tons of inspiration for your next project.
9. RocketJump
Notable Article: What Not to Say to an Actor
What started out as a silly YouTube channel has evolved into one of the largest indie-filmmaking websites in the world. The filmmakers behind RocketJump are dedicated to helping you become a better video producer. Unlike some of the websites on this list, RocketJump entertains and informs at the same time — they even have a show on Hulu that goes behind the scenes of their unique short films.
10. Raindance
Notable Article: Warm Props: Why Did Hitchcok Hate His Actors?
In addition to throwing a film festival in the U.K. every autumn, Raindance hosts a film and video production blog on their website. While most of the articles are pretty film-centric, even readers into more traditional video production will find a lot to learn from Raindance’s bite-sized articles. If you’re looking for some quick inspiration, then you should definitely visit the site regularly.
11. Motionographer
Notable Article: Making Cute 1950s-Style Animations for a Cruel, Post-Apocalyptic World
Motionographer is a website dedicated to all things motion graphics. The site has literally thousands of original articles dedicated to helping you become a better motion designer. Most notably, Motionographer has a very active job board featuring full-time, part-time, and contract work opportunities from around the world. If you think your work has what it takes to be featured on Motionographer, you can submit any original project via their submission page.
12. Shutterstock Blog
Notable Article: 7 Tips for Seamlessly Blending Stock Footage Into Your Video Project
As you may have already noticed, the Shutterstock blog is an excellent resource for anyone interested in the world of video production. Come back frequently for the latest on video editing, cinematography, and more.