Shooting a live event? Cover all your bases, and maximize your workflow with these practical approaches to film or video production. Shooting events can be stressful, especially when you’re not entirely sure how much coverage you need to capture.  How many wide shots of a wedding do you nee

Lighting a scene inside a tent can be a real challenge, but we have the solution. Check out these tips to make your next tent scene shine. Lighting a tent scene is no easy task — it’s quite . . . in-tents. Ok, that was a terrible dad joke, but in all seriousness, lighting a scene inside of

Take an in-depth look at the lenses used on hit shows like Stranger Things — and why you should consider using them on your next shoot. The Leica Summicron-C series of lenses are a constant staple for cinematographers on a variety of productions. The Summicrons’ superb image performan

Shopping for LED lighting fixtures can be a headache. However, there a few things you can do to streamline the process and get the right gear. Buying any new piece of filmmaking equipment is usually a fun and enjoyable process. However, at times, it can also be confusing. This is especially

Check out the new Immersive Video effects in After Effects and Premiere Pro CC 2018 in this tutorial. Including free 360 footage! Adobe has been committed to offering content creators more options when it comes to editing 360 video and VR content. Adobe backed up that commitment this year by

In which we explore everything from the brainstorming to the post-production behind Netflix’s acclaimed series “Mindhunter.” David Fincher, the director of films such as Gone Girl and Se7en, is one of the undisputed legends of dark thrillers. He first began his relationshi

Jump cuts are an effective way to speed up a montage or a sequence in Adobe Premiere Pro — without deleting any key moments. The jump cut is a great way to move through a sequence without playing back everything you’ve actually recorded. They come in handy for music videos, event cover

Here’s an in-depth look at the brilliant sound design and the incredible score that created the evocative tone of Blade Runner 2049. Above image via Soundworks Collection. A few of the minds behind the recent sci-fi neo-noir masterpiece, Blade Runner 2049, take us behind-the-scenes in

Integrating a wireless follow focus system with your gimbal rig brings you longer focal lengths and shallower depth of field. Sticking with an 18mm lens for your gimbal work is an easy and comfortable trap to constantly find yourself in. Yes, this load-out makes working as a solo operator m

Do you need some budget-friendly lights for your next video project? Check out these handy practical lights for under $10. All Images via Amazon. “Low-budget” and “lighting” are two words that do not normally yield impressive results together. While you won’t be

Learn how to easily use color gels to modify light and create breathtaking imagery for your film or video project. When it comes to cinematography, the easiest way to create color contrast is by using gels. Typically, a filmmaker will work with either tungsten- (3200k) or daylight (5600K) ba

Trying to jump into the 4K world without the 4K Budget? These five cameras will get you started without breaking the bank. Top Image via Shutterstock. 4K footage opens up a whole new world when it comes to editing. It allows you to record full 4K for a 4K monitor, or it gives you a wide crop

Sooner or later, solo shooters and producers will need bigger crews. Here’s what you need to know about working with a first assistant camera.  Cover image via Shutterstock. Many of us, earlier in our filmmaking careers, have hired a friend as a “1st  AC” to carry some of o

Working with film grain for your next YouTube project? Find out what not to do if you want a clean image. Over the past five years, YouTube has made significant advancements in bringing higher quality uploads to the platform, including 60fps, 2k, 4k, and now even 8k. However, we may be a fe

A film’s rating ensures a certain kind of audience. Here, we discuss the logic and thought process behind making a summer action film. Every producer working on a summer action film must make an R-rated film with a strong adult appeal or create something more accessible for larger

Fading to black is the smoothest dissolve transition there is, but it’s good for more than just endings. Let’s take a look at what it can do. If you’ve read any editing textbook, you’ll learn that editing should be invisible. If an editor has done their

In this tutorial, learn how to quickly create an eerie stare and smile effect during a fade out transition. In this video tutorial, we’re going to learn how to create an effect that I call “The Cheshire Cat Effect.” This is because it gives our subjects a eerie stare an

Short films showcase your talent—and tell a story. Here are a few tips on writing a practical (and successful!) short film script. The short film is, perhaps, one of the most straightforward showcases of a filmmaker’s talent. Obviously, they’re shorter than features, so there

Every writer is different, but if you’re looking for some tried-and-true hits when it comes to writing dialogue, this list is for you. You’ve done everything you’re supposed to. You’ve watched all the formative films, you’ve taken notes about the world aroun

In this video tutorial, learn how to create a retro VHS look entirely with Adobe Premiere Pro. Includes free VHS effect presets! I’m a big fan of the VHS look. This nostalgic style was one of 2019’s biggest creative trends, and it remains just as popular today. Most VHS look tuto