In this roundup, we present everything you need to know about the films and industry trends from the 2018 SXSW Film Festival. Cover image by hxdbzxy. The SXSW Conference has once again come and gone, and now we’re left scrambling to figure out what it all means for film fans and filmma

Using nothing but wood and screws, you can measure out and build an overhead camera rig. We’ll show you how in this video tutorial. If you’ve ever seen a Tasty video, a Casey Neistat animation, or any how-to video, you’ve seen this top-down shot. Today, we’re going to

The creators of a taco travel docuseries set to appear on a new PBS YouTube channel discuss how to develop projects for digital audiences. All images via Taco Journalism. Let’s be honest. SXSW, the annual interactive, film, and music festival is really, truly only about one thing: taco

If you need affordable 3-point lighting for your film or video project ASAP, these bundles can get the job done in a hurry. Cover image by Jeff Baumgart. Lighting doesn’t have to be scary. Yes, it means more setup time on set, but it also means that elements such as color temperature, white

2018 SXSW Film Festival’s Ben Strang shares these 7 tips from his original thriller series for shooting with a camera in motion. All images via Beast. It’s strange to think, but there was a time in cinema history when a simple left-to-right camera pan was considered an incredible

Looking for filmmaking tips? Find out why you should master the art of editing while you shoot for faster and smarter video productions. Cover image by welcomia. When filming a run-and-gun project, editing while you shoot is more than just an expression. It’s as much a mentality as it is a w

Dive into the cameras and gear used to capture all of the 2018 Academy Award nominees for Best Picture and Best Cinematography. Top image: Set of The Shape of Water via K Hayes/20th Century Fox/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock. Leading up to the Academy Awards, I always love diving into the production

Some filmmakers have to do everything. So here are five tips to simplify acting and directing in your next video project. Cover Image by gnepphoto. From pioneer filmmakers like Orson Welles to classic genre stars like Clint Eastwood to modern legends like Spike Lee to crossover stars like Le

Here are nine FilmFreeway tips and tricks to give your film its best chance at success during festival submission season. Cover image by lapandr. It’s film festival submission season! There’s a whole industry full of empty lineups ready for up-and-coming filmmakers and budding film sensation

Check out these five great film festivals that are well worth the time for fans and filmmakers of short-form documentaries. For filmmakers and journalists alike, the documentary film has become one of the most important media for those looking to find and share the truth. While documentarie

Aspects ratios are more than just the shape of your visuals onscreen. They help viewers interpret and relate to what they’re seeing. When you’re planning a video project, aspect ratio is one of the first decisions you need to make. Are you going to go full frame or widescreen?  S

Impressive developments in VR content and technology mean content creators can look forward to dynamic new opportunities. Virtual Reality (VR) isn’t letting up anytime soon. In what has become one of the hottest markets in advertising and content creation, VR is making big strides with some

In which we examine five famous ending shots from filmmaking masters to discover what makes each one so effective and memorable. Cover image from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (via 20th Century Fox). There are many parts and elements of your favorite classic films that will always stand

Interested in adapting books into screenplays? Follow these professional tips to create practical adaptations for the big screen. Cover image from Trumbo (via Bleecker Street). Writing a script can be hard work. It takes a lot to put pen to paper (or even just open Final Draft) and build a s

In which we examine the “slow burn” approach to filmmaking and why you should consider this approach for your next project. For those unfamiliar with the term, a “slow burn” is a filmmaking style, usually in narrative productions, wherein plot, action, and scenes develop slowly,

The wheelchair dolly is a tried-and-true DIY tool — for projects of all sizes. Check out these 7 tips on how to use one to improve your film. Cover Image of Jean-Luc Godard on the set of Breathless (via Studio Canal). There are plenty of dolly options available for filmmakers at all levels o

Histograms can help you properly expose your projects both in-camera and in post. Find out how with this practical guide. I almost hate to admit this, but it took me a long time to really warm up to using histograms both in camera and in post. Sure, they seemed helpful, but they also looked

Need to shoot in a tight spot? Here are 5 helpful tips for getting the shot when your gear won’t fit. Some of the biggest differences between working on major productions and DIY projects ones may only seem like slight inconveniences, but they can turn into serious production problems

Working with camera gear in the cold requires a special approach. Find out what you need to know about using your equipment in cold-weather. As seasons change and temperatures drop, it’s important to know what this means for your gear. Unlike dealing with hot climates, working under c

Looking to bring a signature look to your footage? Find out how vintage lenses can improve the look of your film and video projects. For budding cinematographers and aspiring filmmakers, the allure of vintage lenses makes sense. These lenses create unique looks, due in no small part to retr