Mastering color correction means understanding the color channels that make a good image. Here’s how to isolate the chroma and luma channels in Premiere. I’ve covered noise reduction somewhat extensively over the past few months. In my article on manual noise reduction in Resolv

Low-angle shots are a common cinematography technique, but are you really getting all you can out of these shots? Find out with these 4 examples. Low-angle shots are fundamental for any filmmaker. A perfectly executed low-angle shot can reveal key parts of a narrative, explain the emotional

Thinking of making a feature film? Here are 5 things every filmmaker should know before diving in to a big film or video project. Back in 2015 I buckled down and created the most significant project I’ve ever made, Dead Rush. Dead Rush is a first-person (POV) zombie apocalypse feature entire

Extra time is perhaps the hottest commodity on any film set. Here’s why you should always fight for the chance to pre-light your set. Let me paint a picture for you. It’s the night before a big shoot, and you have to wake up at 5 a.m. and slog your way an hour and a half into the

ShareGrid just released their end-of-year report detailing the most popular gear rentals of 2018. Let’s take a look at the most-used pieces of equipment. One of the best resources for filmmakers right now is ShareGrid. Their platform is simple: rent gear owned by other filmmakers. They

In this video tutorial, learn how to get the most out of your LUTs by using the Lumetri Color Panel in Adobe Premiere Pro — plus, free LUTs! Using LUTs is a great way to get started color-grading video footage. However, you may notice that LUTs frequently yield mixed results when you first a

The Hitchcock shot is a tricky maneuver, but its results are powerful. So what are the secrets behind this famous filmmaking technique? The Hitchcock Shot (technically the Dolly Zoom), originated in Vertigo. It was the culmination of smoother zoom lens technology and the creativity of Hitchc

Shooting a project on film is an ambitious undertaking. Here are six important lessons I learned from my own 16mm experience. In the digital age, it can be refreshing to take on an analog project. As a filmmaker, there’s a lot you can learn by simply shooting on film. Recently, I had this op

Research and documentary filmmaking go hand-in-hand. So what resources can you use to find the most accurate information for your next project The process of researching a documentary subject can unveil fascinating details in your film’s narrative. Documentary research can develop undi

Are you getting your demo reel ready for newer and bigger projects? Here are three considerations you should keep in mind when showcasing your work. As we head into another new year, cinematographers and DPs are taking inventory of the work they did last year. Despite the stock filmmakers ta

Another new year, another round of juicy camera conjectures. Here’s your officially unofficial 2019 camera rumor roundup! 2018 was a relatively solid year of new camera releases. We saw big releases from Canon, Blackmagic, Nikon, Panasonic, and others. So what’s in store for 2019? We r

New to filmmaking or video production? Here are a few tips for how to approach creating tension or suspense in your next project. Tension, in filmmaking or video production, usually refers to mental or emotional strain. It can take an interesting plot twist and make it a poignant moment. It

Like any film or video project, low-budget projects require effective planning and smooth production. Here are some tips to get you started. You’re an up-and-coming filmmaker. You’ve got big dreams, but currently you’ve got small means. So you’re going to have to wear a few hats to pull off

We’ve all got our frame rate habits, but all film and video projects are different, so one size does not fit all. Here are a few elements to consider. I’m not the only shooter who instinctively sets their frame rate to 120 fps when arriving at an epic location. It’s easy. It’s beautifu

Proper data protection during production is critical, and Pixar almost learned this the hard way with Toy Story 2. Here’s the story. I recently stumbled across a story from the history of film from YouTuber Austin McConnell that I had never heard before. In 1998, less than a year befor

How do you create six unique, realistic sets for the same western film? Production designer Jess Gonchor has the answers. the Coen Brothers’ new Netflix western anthology presents the struggles of living out West in six short, provocative vignettes. It’s one of their most ambitio

Need to find promotion for your latest film project? Let’s take a look at the kinds of opportunities you should be exploring. Even imaginative, timely film promotion strategies fail to get the most compelling independent films the attention they deserve. Some artists start to feel like

In our latest video tutorial, learn how you can create dynamic motion graphics in Adobe After Effects with this simple morphing technique. For this project, I’m creating some basic infographics and working with Adobe Illustrator files of each state in the U.S.A. Each graphic will quickly tra

Want to make a short clip pop out of frame without a 3D camera? Learn how you can easily create stunning 3D videos in After Effects. Split-Depth videos and GIFs have been a staple on the internet and social media for quite a while now. There’s even a whole community dedicated to creati

Full-time film production opportunities are more common today than ever before. So does that mean you should stop considering freelance work? Just a few short years ago, finding a full-time, in-house production job wasn’t nearly as feasible as it is today. With a surge in video content creat