To UV or not to UV. Let’s explore the pros and cons of UV filters, and when and how it can be your best friend. If you thought the Sony vs. Canon debate was loud, you might find that quiet compared to the discussion surrounding UV filters. There are photographers who believe placin

Discover how the popular new HBO docuseries explores the worlds of both comedy and documentary at the same time. In case anyone has yet to discover it, there’s a great documentary on HBO called How to with John Wilson. It’s produced by Nathan Fielder (known for his sardonic Comedy Centra

Learn more about pacing your story at every stage of production, and how can you use it to keep film and video projects at the right tempo. Pacing is something that can be hard to put your finger on. What makes one film feel fast and fun, and another slow and laborious? It’s more than si

The lure of Mumblecore: A look into the naturalistic, DIY styles of this influential subgenre of independent film. At what I would assume to have been a loud and crowded bar in Austin, Texas during the 2005 SXSW Film Festival, a sound editor who worked with the independent filmmaker Andr

We discuss the core historical tenets of Soviet Montage Theory, then explore the main types of montage for your film and video projects. In the vast history of film and video, there’s perhaps no cinematic or editing technique more recognizable or powerful than the montage. Movie-lo

Turn your documentary gear and skills into tools for narrative short and feature filmmaking. Dive in for more details. For many starting off in film and video, the dream is strictly focused on making indie shorts and big-budget features. Everyone wants to be the next Quentin Tarantino, K

Explore the hand-crafted history of stop-motion claymation and how you can use it for your own stories and projects. Regardless of how far back across cinema history that you look, chances are that some of the favorite childhood films and programs of any generation include some variation

Take a look into famous “director’s cuts” and what filmmakers can learn from watching movies the way they were meant to be seen. In a recent episode of his Team Deakins podcast, legendary cinematographer Roger Deakins opened up about his wish to revive a long-lost four-

Let’s explore the all-important “master shot” and how you can use it to tie the rest of your cinematic tapestry together. When you’re first starting out in film and video, every shot is your master shot. It makes sense if you think about it. You have your set, your actors or

Like most industries, the video gear market was inundated with new gear this year. Here are some select highlights to consider. I wouldn’t say I like opening this article by commenting on the grueling nature of 2020, as I’m sure you’ve already read it a hundred times

Looking back at how master cinematographer Caleb Deschanel launched his name and helped develop a new modern Hollywood. In many ways, Hollywood can feel like a small town. Sure, Los Angeles is one of the biggest cities in the world, and the famous neighborhood has long been known as the hotb

Every shot starts with one, but what do you really know about the iconic film clapperboard? Let’s take a look at its history and its present. In many ways, the art of filmmaking is now ingrained with how audiences watch and understand the medium. Case in point, the clapperboard is an i

Interested in becoming a noteworthy director of photography? The best place to begin is by studying the great cinematography masters. I’ll start by saying that the best way to master any part of filmmaking is to just go out and do it. Do it and fail and try again until you do it right. H

Steven Soderbergh has found an under-the-radar way to hone his cinematography while cementing his auteur filmmaker status. For many outside of Hollywood (which, let’s face it, is most of us in this industry), the concepts of pseudonyms and guild regulations don’t make a lot of sense. If you

A look into how editors can change the way directors think and can ultimately be the brilliance behind a powerful story on screen. Speaking as a filmmaker who also edits, I have to say: I love editing 1,000% more than actual production. And, it’s not for the reasons you might think. I really

Take a look at the day-to-day of the all-important television or streaming program showrunner. What can you can learn from this multifaceted role? As the film and video industry continues to find ways to adapt to changes in audience habits, television and episodic streaming content becomes a

In honor of the late Michael Chapman, let’s explore the high contrast and bright colors of the acclaimed cinematographer behind Taxi Driver and Raging Bull. Tragically, Michael Chapman passed away earlier this year. And, in the subsequent days and weeks, a flood of mourners began shari

Exploring the history of method acting and how modern filmmakers can work with this famous approach. Get the insight. Mainstream film media absolutely loves the narrative of having a film’s star perform as a method actor. We’ll get into many of the famous examples later, but just the term “m

Let’s explore the fundamentals of story and plot structure and how filmmakers can use these basics to create their own narratives. They say a film is only as good as its script. Which is true, but I’d argue that it goes further than that. A good script is only as good as the plot — or

Instead of mourning the death of movies, celebrate a new era of post-lockdown filmmaking possibilities. Here are three current trends reshaping the industry. A recent Indiewire article has been making headlines based on its sensational — but perhaps true — quote declaring that “movies are no