Follow this step-by-step process of transforming a less-than-ideal interview location into something visually pleasing to the eye. On a recent shoot, I was presented with an exciting and all too common challenge. I was tasked to transform a drab, dull, and boring office location into som

From being prepared to checking your ego, here are a few industry lessons to help you stand out and always make the cut. I’ve had the pleasure to produce and direct in many genres of production. I started in how-to lifestyle television and moved through scripted live action, primetime co

Want to add punch to your logo animation? Check out this After Effects tutorial showing you how to create a cool ripple effect! Learn how to simulate a ripple effect using the tools within Adobe After Effects. In the tutorials below, we’ll learn how to work with logo animation (in

While Hollywood was able to navigate the pandemic to get productions running again, is it wise for no-budget filmmakers to do the same? Despite 2020 being the dumpster fire we all know it was, we did see several exciting photography and filmmaking additions enter the market. However, whi

There are many moving parts in the world of screenwriting. Let’s explore rewrites by examining this role in any screenplay’s development. In the world of screenwriting, there are many, many moving parts. You might think writing a script is as easy as sitting down and putting

Plan out all your day’s shots by creating a shot list document and never miss that important closeup again. Download the free template here. Great planning and pre-production is vital to a successful project. By creating a free shot list document, you can plan out all your day’s sh

An interview with Already Been Chewed on using animation to help Wolverine launch rough and rugged products in a whole new way. Wolverine is mainly known for making tough work boots, which they promote in traditional ways. Recently, though, the company partnered with Already Been Chewed (ABC

3D artists, musicians, and a swarm of drones combine to create a monolithic performance high in the Michigan sky. See how it was done. Here’s something you don’t see every day. Detroit-based design and animation studio Hobbes teamed up with musicians VWLS and Firefly Drone Shows

Let’s explore the important elements you’ll need to know to make a successful short film using Zoom technology. Storytelling has always been adaptive. From etchings on caves to radio airwaves. From the big screen to the small screen to the portable screen, one thing is constant—peo

Whether writing on a Windows, macOS, Linux, or an Android device, this is the software you need to write a screenplay—free and paid. To start writing a screenplay, all you need is an idea and somewhere to put one word after another. Although it’s possible to write a screenplay on just ab

Filmmaking may seem like a beast. However, you can learn every aspect of this storytelling medium. Let’s start by picking up a camera. How to Capture Video Now that you’ve got your hands on your paintbrush (the camera), time to learn how to paint with it. We’ll d

Let’s explore the art of camera operating by examining what a film looks like without one. As you’ll see — the camera operator’s role is critical. There are a lot of roles on a film set. And, while they all might be important in their own right, none is perhaps more critica

Here are a few takeaways related to the recent theft of almost all of my video editing equipment. #lifelessons Two weeks ago, I moved across the country. I loaded up my car with the bags and equipment I felt needed to remain close to my person, and I hit the road. I started my journey in Phi

The Mandalorian turns to a tried-and-true special effect — hand-crafted miniature models. Here’s how they did it. While you’ve likely seen the hundreds of articles on how the Mandalorian’s pioneering Volume pushes the boundaries of onset capture in front of live digital set

Shows and movies that mix different genres often produce captivating content that feels fresh, pushing the envelope on how stories can be told. Here are some notable examples you can watch today. It seems that with all the new streaming platforms and networks, there’s just too much con

Here’s how you can expertly use slow motion and high frame rate in your film and video projects. Dive in and learn to use it. Let’s face it, slow motion is cool. There’s just something undeniably awesome about the slowing down of time. Whether it’s in a giant action sequence on an IMAX

Finishing your film or video project is always an accomplishment, but the work doesn’t stop there. Here’s how to write a tagline that will attract viewers. A tagline is a short phrase marketers use to sell a product experience to a customer. They’re usually pithy or clever,

Looking to get in on live streaming? Here are a few ways to get started job done. See how to set up a live performance stream professionally and on a budget. While it may be some time before we get to experience in-person live performances again, many performers, musicians, and other artists

You’ve seen the First Assistant Director listed in the credits. Now let’s take a look at what actually goes into the role. In an effort to get a better grasp on the production duties of the first assistant director, I asked one of my recent collaborators for some insight. Kevin W

Take a behind-the-scenes look at the impressive, innovative superhero VFX featured in the newest Netflix film, Project Power. Project Power just debuted at the top of the Netflix Top Ten list, and the the film is absolutely packed with slick VFX. I fired up Project Power last night, and, tru