At Filmmaking Stuff, we are dedicated to providing filmmaking articles related to production, production equipment (cameras, lighting, audio), film scheduling, budgeting, casting and directing. From time to time, we will also include articles from guest filmmakers. We have provided the following ideas and filmmaking tips so that you can take action and make your movie.
If you’re new to Filmmaking Stuff, welcome. If you’re a frequent reader, then you know that my major mission is to help you make your movie now! For about the last six months, I have been working to update our Filmmaking Stuff sister resource – I wanted to create a storefront where I could offer more advanced information.
Do you want to come meet and ask questions about Video On Demand and internet marketing for your movie?
On November 11th, I’ll be speaking and participating in the 2010 Indie Film Finance And Production Conference in Los Angeles.
The traditional independent filmmaking business was defined by a filmmaker finding a script, locating investors, raising money, making the movie and then landing an awesome distribution deal – and living happily ever after. Over the last few years, the entire model of indie filmmaking has gone Topsy-Turvy…
Your friendships with other filmmakers dictate the scope and scale of your movies. And while not everyone you meet in the movie industry is going to become your best friend, it’s always great to know who to call, to help you make things happen.
Carole Lee Dean is an industry legend. As an entrepreneur, producer and supporter of independent film, her influence has had a positive impact on filmmaking around the world. Most notoriously, 30 years ago, Carole took a $20 bill and created the $50 million a year short end industry. Her company was instrumental in the birth of the Hollywood independent film community because she offered film to Indies at prices they could afford. Customers like Cassavetes took chances with her raw stock and succeeded.
Since publishing the modern moviemaking manifesto, some of you have written, requesting an online community where you can share ideas with other filmmakers involved in our movement. So I have taken the initial steps to creating the modern moviemaking community. If you want to be among the first to know about it (because it’s exclusive), make sure you get on the list.
Over the weekend, I met with some key members of my film production crew, including my writer friend. He, myself and a core group of filmmaking friends are working a rough idea into a fine-tuned movie, complete with a marketable hook and an established, niche target audience. (If you’re just tuning into filmmaking stuff, you’ll quickly learn that starting with a defined target market in one strategy I use to hedge my eventual need for return on investment – more on this in the distribution and finance articles found at Filmmaking Stuff.)
Since starting Filmmaking Stuff, this site has grown to attract thousands of filmmakers, globally. And for me, the growing popularity of this filmmaking website is equal parts exciting and humbling. As a result, I feel I have an increased obligation to make your visit more meaningful. And to that degree, I have decided to provide you with well over $100 dollars worth of filmmaking products, for FREE.
The world of filmmaking is changing. I believe we are in one of the biggest paradigm shifts in this industry, ever. In short, production is less expensive than ever, and distribution options are wide open. To help you navigate this ever changing brave new world of filmmaking, I am giving away downloadable copies of my free filmmaking book.
When your in the filmmaking process, getting a website up and running is one of those things that filmmakers oftentimes forget. Please don’t. Given the ways in which distribution is changing, having a great website for your movie is probably one of the most important aspects of your eventual movie marketing campaign.
For those of you seeking filmmaking software, Brubaker Unlimited LLC is pleased to announce the acquisition of – www.FilmmakingSoftware.com. When complete, this site will be your premier filmmaking software outlet.
Here is the official Filmmaking Stuff list of the top 3 filmmaking books! (I didn’t put them in order. Rather, I just listed the one’s that really resonate with me.)
A few years back, while flying aboard a loud propeller driven airplane somewhere over the snow capped mountains of Colorado, I heard the …
The following video, aptly described as “Filmmaking Techniques” is a totally genius way of demonstrating a variety of camera techniques. It comes from a high school student at Darwin High School. It is about three years old – and I only hope this student has gone on to bigger and better filmmaking projects.
Before you make a feature, you should create a whole bunch of short movies. This advice is nothing new for the up-and-coming filmmaker. …
When venturing into new areas of understanding, it is essential to seek out filmmaking advice from people who have real-world experience.
For those of you considering producing your first feature, Film Scheduling is an invaluable part of the process. Your 1st AD is in charge of taking your screenplay, breaking it down and providing the initial schedule. That information is later used to budget your movie.
MovieMaker Magazine has published a list of the “50 Best Blogs for Moviemakers.” And out of the gazillion filmmaking websites out there, Filmmaking Stuff made the cut.
Norman C. Berns is an Emmy-winning producer and director. Beginning as a stage director, the full scope of his production work includes features and documentaries, TV series and commercials. As a member of DGA, SAG and Actors Equity, Norman has been creating films and preparing budgets, schedules and business plans his long career. Today Norman stopped by Filmmaking Stuff to share his thoughts on filmmaking…
This filmmaking article reminds us that what you hear is often times more important than what you see.
Have you ever thought about using the Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR for Filmmaking?
Haitian Filmmakers Lose Their Film School but Keep Shooting
Dear Filmmaker, When I was starting out, I was probably a lot like you. I wanted to make movies but I had no …
As a filmmaker, I assume your primary goal is to make movies. But as you know, making a movie requires many steps. So to plan your next movie as well as some of other big whoppers you wish to accomplish, I suggest breaking your goals into smaller and smaller chunks… And then finally break them into small enough chunks so you can include them in your list of daily tasks.
Richard Abramowitz is president of Abramorama, a consulting firm specializing in the production, marketing, distribution and representation of independent films. Earlier this week, Richard took a few minutes to chat with Filmmaking Stuff and answer questions regarding the current state of independent movie distribution…
This is a very informative interview with Kevin Smith. I always think Kevin is interesting based on where he came from and where he’s at now. For many filmmakers, he’s an inspiration. He talks about the merge between the “indie look” and the studio system.
In the essence of “Write it, Shoot it, Work it,” Jason Brubaker of Filmmaking Stuff chatted for about an hour or so on the mindset of an Independent Filmmaker… We focused on filmmaking in the New Digital Era as well as helping Filmmakers get their projects to the world. I shared the airwaves with Terence Dudley of Queinten Entertainment and Stanley Lozowski, Producer.
As a filmmaker, there are some very specific apps you can add to your own iPhone. Many claim to make your movie making process run more smoothly. And many claim to replace otherwise (bulky and expensive) film and video equipment with something that will fit in your pocket.
Rick Schmidt has written, directed and produced over 20 features which have premiered at major national and international film festivals all over the world, including Sundance, Berlin and London. His best selling filmmaking how-to books, Feature Filmmaking at Used-Car Prices and Extreme DV at Used-Car Prices have influenced countless up-and-coming filmmakers and many noted indies, including Kevin Smith and Vin Diesel. In this filmmaker interview with Filmmaking Stuff, Rick Schmidt offers filmmaking advice to up-and-coming filmmakers on how to go out and make a feature now!
If you have not signed up for the complementary Filmmaking Stuff 21 Part MovieMaker Mini-Course, now is a great time to do so. We’ve completely revamped the content and have worked to make the content more robust. Just look to the upper right of your screen. You’ll see a little box where you can sign up.