Film Production

how to make an indie film

The most often ignored consideration in location scouting for a film or video shoot is sound.

Snowboarding is a fast-paced and exciting sport and while you spend so much time whizzing down the mountain, you may want to capture the experience on video. If you use the proper equipment and...

When young filmmakers begin their careers, it is almost a given that they will be overseeing the activities of crew and cast not only older, but more experienced. Though these people have been...

Shooting a movie can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few years, depending on the length of the feature, the budget and the availability of all involved. Find out how long it takes to shoot a...

To shoot a music video, get a lot of creative coverage of the band playing the song and then create a separate narrative for the story connected to the plot of the video. Use a lot of visual...

If you have access to a video camera and editing software and are looking to gain some producing experience, you should consider producing expert videos. There are websites that will actually pay...

This article covers how to direct a short film.

Making a video is easy as pie. It can take a decent amount of time, but it's easy to get the hang of and you get better as you go. Let's make a video!

Have you ever watched a film and thought to yourself, "I can do that"? Believe it or not, it's not just dusting off your camcorder and pressing record. However, with the advancement of digital...

Making films have always been an expensive venture--until recently. With the rapid advance in the technology of home video cameras and computers with inexpensive (some are pre-installed) editing...

You don't need a barrel of cash to shoot a high-quality HD documentary. Learn how do do it for under $300.

Shooting a movie scene can be very challenging. So many things need to be taken into consideration, and shooting a poor scene can wreak havoc on the movie. Here are some basics to keep in mind...

Planning a movie shoot takes a lot of effort, but it is the most important part of the filmmaking process. A successful and well-structured plan sets the stage for a good movie. Scheduling a film...

This is a brief walkthrough on how to set up a miniature shoot. You'll learn the basics of how miniature photography works, and should get enough info to go out and experiment. Plus you get a...

American filmmakers go to foreign countries to shoot their films for many reasons. Sometimes, the script relies heavily on authentic locations in that country. Other times, there are monetary...

Steven Spielberg, Sam Goldwyn, [insert your name here]. Producing a movie used to be the province of only a lofty, chosen few, who spent years fetching coffee, carrying cable, running...

High definition is rapidly become the preferred format in which to capture in the film and television industry. This article will give you step by step instructions for the...

Learn how to shoot the double barrel shotgun in cowboy action shooting - free video.

Learn how to shoot the rifle in cowboy action shooting - free video.

How to shoot a pistol using traditional 2 handed technique, how to shoot the rifle and shotgun for cowboy action shooting - free video.

Learn the 2 handed gunfighter style of shooting in cowboy action competition - free video.

Learn how to shoot and score a cowboy action shooting match - free video.

Learn how to pick an alias for cowboy action shooting and how to shoot a competition round - free video.

Lots of people have great ideas for films and want to become the next Steven Spielberg but don't have the opportunity to direct just handed to them. In fact, virtually no one does. Hence the rise...

Clay animation is an interesting style with a lot of possibilities. Like any type of animation, it has the potential to depict events that could not possibly happen in real life. It also has a...

Learn tips and techniques on how to shoot the horizon in this free video clip on videography.

Aspiring filmmakers often have to start out small by making student films or taking matters into their own hands with an independent film. Costumes, props and film cost a lot of money, so creating...

Pro filmmaking tips! Learn how to get enough footage for an independent movie in this free video clip on indie film.

An independent filmmaker discusses the type of camera you'll need to shoot a movie in this free instructional video clip.

Being a film production assistant may not carry the glamor of being a director, but it is one of the most important jobs on the set. It offers a fantastic 360-degree view of what goes on behind...

If you are ready to shoot your dream independent film project, one of the most important people you will work with is your cinematographer. You need to find someone you can trust and rely on,...

If you have a very small budget to work with on your independent film project, there are many places you may be able to cut corners without sacrificing your vision. Here are few tips on how to...

Making a film guerilla style-i.e, VERY low budget and without any permits

Most video sound recording is done single system with the sound recorded automatically by video cameras. Sound is typically the last thing considered when setting up for a video shoot. This is...

Planning is very important when you are dealing with any kind of special effects on a film shoot. Assuming all effects will be handled in post-production is a mistake. If they turn out to be too...

The script is finished, the actors are cast, the crew has been assembled, and the locations have been found. Now, the only thing needed to begin shooting is an actual schedule of when and where to...

If you're on a shoestring budget and shooting 16mm or 8mm film titles for your student short film, going to a professional company can break your finances. With a little sweat, dedication and...

If you are shooting on location it is very important to be considerate and respectful of the neighborhood you are in, or inhabitants of the building or area. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

To keep track of everything related to your production for future reference, it is important to create a Final Production Book. This book contains all important information, contracts and lists...

Okay, we're not talking state-of-the-art CGI, here, but sometimes you just want to take your student film up a notch. Here's a down and dirty way to add that alien ship or fancy castle to the...

Want your opening title superimposed on your opening shot? Need a fast, single subtitle for a scene? For the low-budget auteur, this is a low-budget solution that saves you the cost of the title...

Scheduling a film shoot is a very important step that is done in the pre-production phase of every film’s planning. It is imperative to take your time to carefully schedule the shoot, as it will...

Pre-production is the time period before you begin shooting your movie, when you plan everything you will need for the shoot. Here is a list of what you can accomplish during your pre-production...

Daily call sheets are imperative to organizing a film shoot. They help your crew and cast to be organized, on time and prepared, and help keep your production on schedule. Essentially, it is your...

Shooting a feature length film is a lot like setting up and managing a small artistic factory. Each member of every department needs to be in sync with all the others and ready to work on cue....

Shooting a music video is the dream of many. However, what often seems glamorous and fun is a lot of hard work. A music video shoot requires a certain level of skill and commitment to turning out...

Taking on the task of producing a short film might seem like an impossible feat, but if you can assemble a good team and if you break down each stage of production down into small blocks of tasks,...