Filmmaking Tips
Welcome to Filmmaking 101, where we offer some tips on how to go about creating your movie masterpiece. Read on to discover suggestions for your pre-production, production, and post-production phases.
Pre-Production
Scriptwriting
You have your idea for an arthouse masterpiece or an action-based blockbuster; now how do you translate that into a script―the backbone of your production? You can use MS Word, Google Docs, or another document program. But using dedicated screenwriting software provides the standard formatting, outline tools,
0 Views ·Posted 04/28/2023
Would you like to film yourself but not sure where to start? If you're going solo, Aisha Kamara has advice to ensure that you have a successful shoot.
0:00 - Introduction
0:30 - Tip 1
1:06 - Tip 2
1:29 - Tip 3
1:57 - Final Thoughts
Ready to film yourself? Let us know if these tips were helpful in the Comment section, below.
0 Views ·Posted 09/01/2022
Whether you're making an independent film, YouTube video, or vertical video, understanding framing and composition can help improve your video's quality. Nick Brigadier explains how, when, and why to use these seven basics rules of video composition.
0:00 - Introduction
0:28 - The Rule of Thirds
1:10 - Leading Lines
1:37 - Balance
2:12 - Symmetry
2:43 - Depth of Field
3:11 - Distracting Elements
3:38 - Frame Within a Frame
4:03 - Final Thoughts
0 Views ·Posted 09/08/2022
This is your beginner's guide to filming in LOG! What is LOG? How do you properly expose your footage? When and why should you use it? Watch to find out the answers to all these questions, and others.
0:00 - Introduction
0:16 - What is LOG?
0:51 - How to Expose LOG Footage
2:45 - Is Shooting in LOG Better?
3:20 - Final Thoughts
0 Views ·Posted 09/03/2021
Director and VFX Artist Cache Bunny shares her advice for video content creators, especially those who are just starting out, such as how to build a strong community, how to overcome your fear of creating content, and more.
What are your questions about video creation? Post them in the Comments section, below.
0 Views ·Posted 08/20/2021
If you’re looking for a beginner filmmaking camera, it might be in your hands right now. Create amazing, cinematic footage using your own smartphone! Full-time filmmaker and director Andy To teaches you how to shoot cinematic video with your phone, discussing topics such as which frame rates to choose and what equipment to use.
Tell us about your experience applying Andy’s tips, in the Comments section, below.
0 Views ·Posted 05/29/2021
In this B&H Online Video, Jenny Alice discusses how she remains motivated as a freelance videographer. Freelancing and running your own business can be difficult, but Alice shares the ways that she finds new clients and stays creative during difficult times.
Are you a freelancer? What are some of the strategies you use to stay afloat in lean times? Let us know in the Comments section, below.
0 Views ·Posted 03/12/2021
Cinematographer Shane Hurlbut really lights up a room, literally! In this video, he takes you step-by-step through his process, covering topics such as which types of lights to use for foreground and background, adding color, and best placement of equipment, as he shares his cinematography techniques and tips for lighting a room.
Share your takeaways from this video, along with your own tips and tricks for lighting a room, in the Comments section, below.
0 Views ·Posted 07/18/2020
Sony Artisan of Imagery Tony Gale gives a crash course in video recording for photographers who are unfamiliar with video production. He goes over the camera's video settings, audio recording, the best video editing software for your needs, and more.
0 Views ·Posted 06/02/2020
Perhaps you’re thinking of starting a YouTube channel or podcast. Either way, we have you covered! Doug goes over his basic content creation tips and offers some suggestions on what gear you can use to get started.
Learn the basics from Doug, then turn to these videos for more content creation tips:
How to Start a Podcast
0 Views ·Posted 05/07/2020
In this video, AB breaks down the five basic elements of film sound: dialogue, background or ambient sound, sound effects, Foley, and music. Did you know that most of the movies and shows you watch contain sound that wasn't recorded at the time of the shoot? Learn these and other interesting facts about filmmaking by clicking into our Audio for Video Series. Questions or comments? Send them to us just below, in the Comments section.
0 Views ·Posted 04/17/2020
Want to capture cinematic footage and improve your visual storytelling? In this filmmaking tutorial, Jake Estes discusses when to use a camera gimbal and details the tracking shot, the crane and jib, the low-angle shot, and the rotation shot.
Also check out these videos for more filmmaking tips and gear advice:
- How to Choose Your Beginner Video Camera
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4,024 Views ·Posted 03/15/2016
In this B&H video clip, go behind the scenes to learn about shooting and producing a videotaped interview. Watch the B&H crew as they document the work of stop-motion artist Meagan Cignoli—from preproduction to follow up. Whether it’s shooting B-roll or engaging the subject, you’ll discover that it’s not as simple as lights, camera, and action. You’ll learn tips, such as moving the furniture to create distance between the subject and the wall, and discover how using multiple cameras and lights to capture complimentary angles can help