25 Documentary Filmmakers to Follow on Twitter

25 Documentary Filmmakers to Follow on Twitter

Recently, we've compiled lists of 40 Female Filmmakers to Follow on Twitter and 100 Filmmakers to Follow on Twitter, but we felt it was time to highlight some of our favorite documentary filmmakers on Twitter. It's an eclectic and impressive group responsible for some of our favorite documentaries, including, most recently, "Stories We Tell," "The Armstrong Lie," "Valentine Road," "The Act of Killing" and "The Punk Singer."

Note that this isn't a comprehensive list, but that all of these filmmakers are active on Twitter -- and whether they're promoting their own projects or debating the merits of various documentary techniques, these cinematic rabble-rousers are consistently informative, entertaining and engaging.

http://www.indiewire.com/article/25-documentary-filmmakers-to-follow-on-twitter

"Amateur" Filmmakers making feature films

"Amateur" Filmmakers making feature films

The biggest reason was money. Two years ago I was laid off from a well-paying job where I was able to save a pretty decent chunk of money. I knew it would only dwindle over time if I didn't use it immediately, and since I had all this free time, it was the perfect opportunity to make a movie. I reasoned that I may never get this much money again so if I were to spend it all on a short film, the best that could happen is I have a portfolio piece that could MAYBE lead to me getting funding for a feature, but not likely.

http://www.indietalk.com/showthread.php?p=348922

Bolex goes digital with the D16 Cinema Camera

Bolex goes digital with the D16 Cinema Camera

There was a time, not all that long ago, when most independent film-makers shot their projects on relatively-inexpensive 16mm film – it wasn't as pricey as 35mm, but was definitely a step up from Super 8. The cameras shooting that film were quite often made by the venerable Swiss manufacturer, Bolex. Today, in the age of digital video, film-makers wanting to take a step up from consumer-grade camcorders are looking at some pretty expensive gear. LA-based entrepreneurs Joe Rubinstein and Elle Schneider are trying to change that, with the introduction of their Digital Bolex D16 Cinema Camera.

http://www.gizmag.com/digital-bolex-d16-cinema-camera/30239/

10 Film Distribution Essentials

10 Film Distribution Essentials

You have finished your short, feature or documentary and sent it to film festivals.

After a festival screening, a sales rep comes snapping at your heels, and tries to feel you out to see what kind of filmmaker you really are: a talented amateur or a true professional.

First thing they want to know, usually in my experience, BEFORE they talk about money, is whether or not you can stand up to the plate and deliver. By that I mean: a sales rep or distributor will want to know if you can deliver the 'deliverables.' Most so-called filmmakers can't.

Lets take a closer look:

http://www.raindance.org/10-film-distribution-essentials/

10 British Screenwriters Who Broke Into Hollywood

10 British Screenwriters Who Broke Into Hollywood

Brit Screenwriting talent is well known on these shores – Simon Beaufoy, Richard Curtis, David Hare, Abi Morgan, Tom Stoppard, Peter Morgan, William Nicholson… the list is impressive. But what about Brit talent working in Hollywood? Industrial Scripts looks at British Screenwriters who have made the leap across the pond to make a name for themselves in La-La Land…

http://www.industrialscripts.co.uk/10-british-screenwriters-in-hollywood/

16 Reasons Why Screenwriters and Film-makers Fail | Raindance Film Festival

16 Reasons Why Screenwriters and Film-makers Fail | Raindance Film Festival

On the back on the BIFA's 2013, we are reminded of the great talent the British Film industry has to offer; some of the nominees and winners were fresh new faces and others were regulars to our TV and cinema screens. Many film makers come and go through the film industry and, unfortunately, the industry is not always a kind one. However there are steps you can take to equip you with the knowledge needed to make it in the film industry, take heed of these wise words; they will be of use to you in future:

http://www.raindance.org/why-screenwriters-and-film-makers-fail/

Gear Up: The Tools Documentary Filmmakers Use Most (2013)

Gear Up: The Tools Documentary Filmmakers Use Most (2013)

As someone who is very gingerly dipping his toes into making the transition from stills to motion, I have found myself regularly overwhelmed by the sheer number of options there are when it comes to choosing the "right" gear. I love my Fuji X-Pro1, but it's really a stills camera. The video functionality is basic at best and feels more like a last minute addition to help round out a spec sheet. So, like many of you, I spend time reading reviews on various sites, hoping to glean some insight into what "kit" makes the most sense for what I want to do and how much I have to spend.

http://fadedandblurred.com/blog/gear-tools-documentary-filmmakers-use-2013/

4 Do-It-Yourself Digital Distribution Platforms

When you don't want to work with a traditional distributor -- or when they don't want to work with you -- digital self-distribution is an option for sharing your finished film with the world.

Expect each of the DIY services below to take a cut of your streaming or download revenue, but the math isn't always simple, so we asked each company direct questions about their business and why a documentary filmmaker would want to use their service over all the others.

http://www.pbs.org/pov/filmmakers/diy-digital-distribution-platforms.php#.Uq60KrsgHCQ

The Visual Story: Creating the Visual Structure of Film, TV and Digital Media

The Visual Story: Creating the Visual Structure of Film, TV and Digital Media

If you cant make it to one of Bruce Blocks legendary visual storytelling seminars, then you need his book! Now in full color for the first time, this best-seller offers a clear view of the relationship between the story/script structure and the visual structure of a film, video, animated piece, or video game. You will learn how to structure your visuals as carefully as a writer structures a story or a composer structures music.Understanding visual structure allows you to communicate moods and emotions, and most importantly, reveals the critical relationship between story structure and visual structure.

http://spookynet.org/ebooks/72832-the-visual-story-creating-the-visual-structure-of-film-tv-and-digital-media.html

A Huge Roundup of Free Tools For Film and Video Editors

A Huge Roundup of Free Tools For Film and Video Editors

Who doesn't love free stuff? Check out this round-up of free light leaks, templates, tools, presets, film grain and more to add some shine to your everyday editing tasks.

Free stuff is one of the great benefits of the Internet – loads of great contributors willing to share their expertise and generosity with anyone who wants it. As a way of maximizing that generosity and getting you some great free stuff, here's a quick roundup of some of the best free elements for video editors and motion designers!

http://www.premiumbeat.com/blog/a-huge-roundup-of-free-tools-for-film-and-video-editors/

The Revolution Won’t Be Televised – 4 Reasons the Future of Filmmaking is Online

The Revolution Won't Be Televised – 4 Reasons the Future of Filmmaking is Online

The future is online.

In the years since the rise of big name web series like Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog following the 2007 writer's strike, when writers wanted to keep working on professional, quality productions while still supporting the unions, the medium has become legitimate platform for creators of original pieces to both showcase their talent and engage with their audience. It is this sense of community that sets the medium apart from the more traditional options.

http://www.raindance.org/the-revolution-wont-be-televised-4-reasons-the-future-of-filmmaking-is-online/

6 Filmmaking Tips from Roger Deakins

6 Filmmaking Tips from Roger Deakins

There's a moment about halfway through Denis Villeneuve's sprawling, occasionally brilliant yet sharply uneven film Prisoners that finds Jake Gyllenhaal's Detective Loki do something that we've seen so many detectives do in movies before: in a bout of frustration, he swipes his arms across his cubicle desk, violently sending his evidence and other materials into a labyrinthine clutter. But this fit of anger ends up leading to a serendipitous discovery – the chaotic new arrangement of papers on the floor reveals for the detective a clue that had been hiding under his nose in plain sight the whole time.

http://filmdirectingtips.com/archives/8604

Bryan Smith: Adrenaline Filmmaking

Bryan Smith: Adrenaline Filmmaking

Jaw-dropping footage in stunning locations doesn'​t come free. Find out why extreme adventure filmmaker Bryan Smith says that "​the suffering co-efficient is my key to success."​

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KILquzkJLE

How Many Films Does The Average Low-Budget Filmmaker Make?

How Many Films Does The Average Low-Budget Filmmaker Make?

Independent filmmaking is the land of the never-ending benchmark. If you're not heaving a sigh after finally completing your film, you're praying it's accepted into a festival, that someone buys it, that it finds its audience, that you reap a modicum of returns, before daring to do it all over again. Or maybe, not.

With the assistance of BFI, British producer Stephen Follows managed to fashion a list of all UK films budgeted at under £500k since 2008, and over £500k since 2003, for a data comparison on the career trajectories of filmmakers behind 2,737 films. His findings, while vaguely depressing, are nonetheless intriguing. Only 15% of writers, directors, producers and actors continue to work on either side of the budget margin, while just 13% of producers who produced a low budget film go on to make another one. Shocking still, a mere 3% of directors who make their first film go on to make two more.

http://filmmakermagazine.com/82715-how-many-films-does-the-average-low-budget-filmmaker-make/

Filmmaker's Journey: A Conversation with Dimi Nakov

Filmmaker's Journey: A Conversation with Dimi Nakov

Filmmaking is a dream career and a difficult journey. I recently interviewed New Zealand's Dimi Nakov, a filmmaker, to find out about his journey in film, and where it has taken him this far.

1) Dimi, your love of film began when you first received a stills camera at a young age, do you feel that filmmakers today don't understand the value of film as much as they should? Thank you Ric. It would be impossible for me to put everyone in the same box and speak for everyone else's values when it come to this amazing craft.For me making movies is a way of life, not a job, It's who i am. I still remember it like it was yesterday how happy I was when my grandfather gave me a small manual stills camera. It was s Zenith, black and white, 24 frames of film. My grandfather was a teacher and as well as teaching mathematics, physics and chemistry he also ran photography workshops, which I attended. I remember how fascinating it was to develop photos on my own and see how the white paper transformed to the still I had taken a week earlier. It was like magic for me back then. This experience stayed with me and it's the core of my passion.

http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1064803/

Afghanistan: filmmaker's experience embedding with soldiers in 'living hell'

Afghanistan: filmmaker's experience embedding with soldiers in 'living hell'

Anthropologist and filmmaker Chris Terrill, the only civilian to have won a Royal Marines green beret, was on the front line in Afghanistan at the same time as the Marine A incident took place.

Not only that, he was embedded with the marines at the same place as it occurred – a remote patrol base deep in the Helmand valleys and set in what was described at the time as "the most dangerous square mile in the world".

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/afghanistan/10483702/Afghanistan-filmmakers-experience-embedding-with-soldiers-in-living-hell.html

Digital SLR Video and Filmmaking For Dummies

Digital SLR Video and Filmmaking For Dummies

Step-by-step guide for using your digital SLR to make quality video

With digital SLR cameras becoming more and more popular as replacements for standalone video cameras, this book helps photographers become better videographers and shows videographers how to incorporate DSLRs into their work. The book includes an overview of the DSLR video tools and process and shows how to establish camera settings for effective capture, light a scene, get sound, and achieve the film look. The book also offers the basics on editing footage into a final product using common video editing tools.

http://www.wowebook.com/book/digital-slr-video-filmmaking-dummies/

‘Licking Your Wounds: Dealing With Critics’ by @JasonBrasier

'Licking Your Wounds: Dealing With Critics' by @JasonBrasier

Malcom X once said, "If you have no critics, you'll likely have no success." These words are very true, but the process of dealing with criticism can be a bit of a beast for anyone. There is always a constructive way to say something, but it's even harder to take constructive criticism on something you've poured your heart into. This basically boils down to all of us simply being human.

http://filmcourage.com/content/'licking-your-wounds-dealing-with-critics'-by-jasonbrasier

I'm Off To Film School!

I'm Off To Film School...

I've been part of this community for about three years now, so I've become pretty familiar with many of you, and have even had the chance to work with a couple of you on some wonderful projects. Though I've popped in and out the past three years, I've tried to maintain a decent presence within our wonderful community.

I know that many of you are down on film school, as per many of the posts I've read regarding it here on the forum, but I am pretty excited to let you all know that I have been accepted, and plan to attend, Columbia College Chicago for directing and cinematography.

http://www.indietalk.com/showthread.php?p=345886

Hey Filmmakers, You Guys Are Next: A Word of Warning from the Music Industry

Hey Filmmakers, You Guys Are Next: A Word of Warning from the Music Industry

I feel most filmmakers are looking at this moment in time as an age of opportunity. But having gone through this revolution already in the music business, I feel compelled to tell you why right now we should be questioning everything.

There are countless comparisons between the music and film industries. On the critical side, both traditionally have had an extremely insulated network of good old boy executives who know little or nothing about the creative process, yet try to tell you how to make your art. Both have a history of obnoxious fat cats living in excess. Both still have an endless string of gatekeepers that have a stranglehold on the means of distribution, and who rarely showed much love for independent creators except with lip service at the cool film festivals.

http://trulyfreefilm.hopeforfilm.com/2013/11/hey-filmmakers-you-guys-are-next-a-word-of-warning-from-the-music-industry.html

Phillip Bloom, the Sony FS700, and 4k Video

Phillip Bloom, the Sony FS700, and 4k Video

One of the best ways to learn any craft is to observe the masters. Filmmaker Philip Bloom is a master of videography. He takes the latest technological advances in camera gear and runs them through the test of an artist's eye.

Vivid imagery of real life scenarios is a trademark of Philip Bloom and he has shown his mastery again through his latest work with the Sony FS700. The Sony FS700 has a mixed reputation amongst videographers, the camera is awkward to use but is able to shoot incredibly rich footage at high frame rates. One of the knocks against the Sony FS700 was its previous lack of 4k video, a feature that was toted as coming soon. The day has arrived and the Sony FS700 is now capable of shooting 4k video.

http://www.videomaker.com/videonews/2013/11/phillip-bloom-the-sony-fs700-and-4k-video

video interview with Panasonic's manager on the future of 4K!

video interview with Panasonic's manager on the future of 4K

If you are interested in 4K cameras and displays, here's a video that was recorded at InterBEE 2013. In this interview you will see Dan Chung of The News Shooter and Neil Noriaki Ugo from Panasonic. As you must be aware Panasonic, as well as many other important camera producers, believes that 4K (and beyond) is the future of the industry and if you are a pro shooter you will be pleased to find out that a new 4K Varicam should make a working appearance at next year's NAB. The website reminds that at last year's show the company presented a mock-up of a modular camera that was going to be equipped with a 4K Super 35mm sensor recording in AVC Ultra at 4:4:4. Then Panasonic also unveiled that the camera should be able to shoot 120fps.

http://www.motionvfx.com/mblog/interbee_2013_-_video_interview_with_panasonics_manager_on_the_future_of_4k,p2942.html

Notable Filmmakers Who Work In Both Documentary & Fiction Features

Notable Filmmakers Who Work In Both Documentary & Fiction Features

Truth may or may not be stranger than fiction, but both impulses certainly exert a powerful pull on the filmmaking instinct. With so many established narrative directors over the years turning their hand to documentaries, whether it's "making of," band documentaries, or passion projects that they use to create greater awareness of the issues that are closest to their hearts, it's a well-trodden path. And while they're treading that path, they get to wave at the men and women coming in the opposite direction: documentarians make the crossover into narrative just as frequently.

http://filmdirectingtips.com/archives/8556

BitTorrent Is Changing The Face Of Self Distribution For Independent Films With This Disruptive New Platform – Could Your Film Be Next?

BitTorrent Is Changing The Face Of Self Distribution For Independent Films With This Disruptive New Platform – Could Your Film Be Next?

Right now I'm in the process of developing an online distribution plan for my first feature film 'Footsteps', and it's led me to discover a completely new platform called BitTorrent Bundles. Up until now I've primarily been looking at the major players as options – iTunes, Netflix, Vimeo On Demand, Hulu, etc. And while all of these platforms are excellent, they're also fairly similar to each other in their approach (with the exception of how revenue is generated). But BitTorrent Bundles is offering a very different way of distributing content that is completely unmatched by anyone else in terms of it's concept and potential.

http://noamkroll.com/bittorrent-is-changing-the-face-of-self-distribution-for-independent-films-with-this-disruptive-new-platform-could-your-film-be-next/

Lucy Walker’s Advice to Documentary Filmmakers

Lucy Walker's Advice to Documentary Filmmakers

The following is an extract from Jessica Edwards' book Tell Me Something, which collects together advice on non-fiction filmmaking from 50 of the world's most prominent documentarians, in whichtwo-timeOscar nominee Lucy Wakler shares her wisdom. Tell Me Something is also available as an e-book.

This piece of advice has been my lifeline, my mantra, my toehold on sanity and encouragement, the bandage for when I am kicking myself so hard I can't stand up.

It was told to me by Barbara Kopple, the legendary two-time Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker. One of my greatest strokes of luck in life was that she came to teach for a year at my film school. The graduate film program at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts is entirely fiction — or it was in my day — with this one exception. And that one class I took changed everything. In that tiny class we also had the insanely talented future Oscar nominees Brett Morgen and Nanette Burstein and future Oscar winner Keiko Ibi. I'd say it wasn't a coincidence, but an outstanding instructor who inspired us all in Barbara.

http://filmmakermagazine.com/82556-lucy-walkers-advice-to-documentary-filmmakers/

Why Do Filmmakers Pick Indiegogo Over Kickstarter? Roger Ebert Doc Latest to Head to the Crowdfunding Site

Why Do Filmmakers Pick Indiegogo Over Kickstarter? Roger Ebert Doc Latest to Head to the Crowdfunding Site

The latest high-profile project to take the crowdfunding route is the Roger Ebert documentary "Life Itself," to be directed by Steve James ("Hoop Dreams," "The Interrupters"). But unlike Spike Lee, Zach Braff or the "Veronica Mars" project, "Life Itself," based on Ebert's memoir of the same title, is heading to Indiegogo.

As of writing this, the "Life Itself" campaignhas raised a bit over $7,000 in its second day of funding. Creativity has clearly gone into its conception, with a cool goal of hitting 7,202 backers -- the same number of reviews Ebert wrote throughout his lifetime. As part of the thank you process once the campaign is over, each backer will be notified of which review number their backer number corresponds to. And will get an early shot at streaming the movie --before everyone else.

http://blogs.indiewire.com/thompsononhollywood/why-do-filmmakers-pick-indiegogo-over-kickstarter-roger-ebert-doc-latest-to-head-to-the-crowdfunding-site

Here are the First Five Things Filmmakers Who Have Never Cast a Film Before Must Do

Here are the First Five Things Filmmakers Who Have Never Cast a Film Before Must Do

As the saying goes, 95% of directing is casting. Speaking from personal experience, I can confirm that a well-chosen actor not only brings a character to life, but can also make your shoot more enjoyable and relaxed. A hastily-chosen actor, on the other hand, can turn it into a nightmare.

http://www.indiewire.com/article/here-are-the-first-five-things-filmmakers-who-have-never-cast-a-film-before-must-do

5 Daily Tech Stories That Filmmakers (and Film Fans) Must Read: Amazon Gets 'Spring Breakers,' Crowdfunding Ebert Doc and More

5 Daily Tech Stories That Filmmakers (and Film Fans) Must Read: Amazon Gets 'Spring Breakers,' Crowdfunding Ebert Doc and More

Amazon.com has formed an exclusive multi-year content licensing agreement with indie distributor A24 which includes the company's recent releases "Spring Breakers," "The Spectacular Now," "Ginger & Rosa" and "The Bling Ring," as well as upcoming releases, A24announced. The new deal brings these films to Prime Instant Video. "We are always looking for new ways to bring our Prime Instant Video customers, unique, exclusive movies and TV that we think they will love," said Brad Beale, Director of Digital Video Content Acquisition for Amazon.

http://www.indiewire.com/article/5-daily-tech-stories-that-filmmakers-and-film-fans-must-read-crowdfunding-ebert-doc-oldboy-gifs-and-more

Independent Film and the Reshoot

Independent Film and the Reshoot

If you ask me what's the biggest difference between studio and independent productions, I wouldn't answer the length of the shooting schedule or luxuriousness of the craft service. No, I'd say it's the ability to do reshoots. While studio films can hone their stories through test screenings and additional photography, changing endings (Fatal Attraction) and even entire third acts (World War Z), too many independents wind up with depleted contingencies and unwilling investors when additional photography needs arise in post.

http://filmmakermagazine.com/77333-independent-film-and-the-reshoot/

6 New Documentary Films That Defy Expectations

6 New Documentary Films That Defy Expectations

The mid-November Montreal International Documentary Festival draws its programming from filmmakers entrenched in global issues of war, religion, and politics — yet many films similarly concern themselves with the artistry of the medium. Moving beyond conventional journalistic images and linear narrative, these films push documentary into a self-reflexive realm, exploring the possibilities for representation and challenging the boundaries of cinema. Among the innovative films at this year's festival come interactive NFB-New York Times co-production "A Short History of the Highrise" and "Who 
Is 
Dayani 
Cristal?," the second documentary from Mexican 
actor, director, and producer Gael
 García 
Bernal("Amores 
Perros," "Y tu mamá también") andMarc Silver. The film tackles the U.S. war against Mexican immigration, featuring García 
Bernal as the titular semi-fictionalized protagonist who attempts to cross the border in the Sonora desert, known as "the corridor of death." BLOUIN ARTINFO Canada selects six more films that apply an artistic or experimental edge to timely topics.

http://ca.blouinartinfo.com/news/story/986635/6-new-documentary-films-that-defy-expectations

6 Filmmaking Tips from Spike Lee

6 Filmmaking Tips from Spike Lee

To watch Spike Lee's feature narrative films is to only understand a fraction of his career as director. If you count his documentaries, Spike Lee has, when next week's Oldboyremake hits screens, helmed 32 features in the 27 years since She's Gotta Have It. And that doesn't even include the numerous shorts, music videos, commercials, and TV pilots he's directed. Of all the things that are misunderstood about Spike Lee, his largely under-recognized and uniquely prolific output of work might be chief among them.

http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/features/6-filmmaking-tips-from-spike-lee.php

Rethinking the Value of the Short Film: an Open Letter to Vimeo by Robin Schmidt

Rethinking the Value of the Short Film: an Open Letter to Vimeo by Robin Schmidt

"Do short films have monetary value?" Filmmaker Robin Schmidt, who after many short films and music videos recently completed his first feature film, digs in and offers some intriguing observations in the guest post below, as well as his idea for a solution with the help of Vimeo. After reading the post, we'd also like to know what you think. Do short films have monetary value? If so, what solutions can you come up with that will allow filmmakers to monetize their shorts?

http://nofilmschool.com/2013/11/value-short-film-vimeo-robin-schmidt/

London Feminist Film Festival: 24-30 November in Hackney

London Feminist Film Festival: 24-30 November in Hackney

The festival has been extended to a whole week this year and over the seven days you can enjoy 10 feature length films and 21 short films from 18 different countries, including seven UK premieres.

An integral part of the festival will be the post-film panel discussions. These will give filmmakers and audiences a chance to discuss the films, the feminist issues raised by the films, and wider issues of women's representation behind and in front of the camera. Panellists will include directors of the films we are showing, academics, critics and women's rights activists.

http://www.thefword.org.uk/blog/2013/11/london_feminist_film_festival_2013

Free Filmmaking Wisdom

Free Filmmaking Wisdom

The global filmmaking community is an invaluable resource for established and aspiring filmmakers alike. Bookmark these great online resources for insightful filmmaking wisdom.

If you're just starting out on your filmmaking career then learning from those who have gone before you is a fantastic way to help find your feet in an ever changing industry. Today's technology opens the doors to anyone who wants to make a film, even just on their iPhone, as long as they have the will to make it happen.

We all need wisdom, encouragement and inspiration along the way so it is well worth dipping in and out of these great resources on a regular basis for an extra boost to keep pursuing your filmmaking dreams.

http://www.premiumbeat.com/blog/free-filmmaking-wisdom/

MysteryExec Speaks Out; Urges Filmmakers to Take Risks & Kick Crotches

MysteryExec Speaks Out; Urges Filmmakers to Take Risks & Kick Crotches

Every once in a while you come across a piece of advice that just kicks you right in the crotch and leaves you weak and heaving in the middle of a crowded mall or desolate highway — in a good way. This is what @MysteryExec does for filmmakers daily. If you're an avid Twitter user, you might've come across this mysterious individual who dispenses sardonic wisdom 140 very honest words at a time, but recently Tribeca gave him/her the opportunity to not only expound on his/her "kick someone in the crotch" message, but also how taking the anonymity route brings back some of what he/she thinks cinema has lost.

http://nofilmschool.com/2013/11/mysteryexec-speaks-out-take-risks-kick-crotches/

On show this week: the future of mobile filmmaking

On show this week: the future of mobile filmmaking

The future is mobile, and mobile is the cornerstone for a series of events at AUT this week exploring mobile technologies in film, education, business and creativity.

Films from all across the globe will be displayed at the third International Mobile Innovation Screenings this week, showing the amazing filmmaking that can be done just off a smartphone.

http://www.idealog.co.nz/blog/2013/11/show-week-future-mobile-filmmaking

Advice to Doc Filmmakers from Albert Maysles: Establish an Empathizing Relationship

Advice to Doc Filmmakers from Albert Maysles: Establish an Empathizing Relationship

A documentary filmmaker needs to be patient and believe in the process of discovery. Orson Welles described the observational method of allowing things to happen on their own, as divine accidents. We have so much freedom in shooting now; cameras can run eight hours before you have to change cards. It's good to let shots run a little longer, especially if you feel that there maybe more things to come. In "Salesman," the opening scene, it seems to be all over, you can see that he isn't going to make the sale. Suddenly, on her own, the little girl gets up off of her mother's lap and goes to the piano and plays a number that is so appropriate to the salesman's down and out emotional state. We would have lost that if we had cut earlier.

http://www.indiewire.com/article/advice-to-doc-filmmakers-from-albert-maysles-establish-an-empathizing-relationship

Canon Cameras, Final Cut Pro, Swiss Army Knives and Other Equipment Documentary Filmmakers Can't Live Without

Canon Cameras, Final Cut Pro, Swiss Army Knives and Other Equipment Documentary Filmmakers Can't Live Without

POV recently surveyed 147 documentary filmmakers (directors, producers, cinematographers and editors) to find out what equipment and documentary tools filmmakers find indispensable in the field.

"Whether you're a novice or a veteran, this unique resource will help you make some big decisions," POV writes on its web site.

Only 8% of the filmmakers surveyed selected a film camera as their top choice for "specialty camera." The vast majority of respondents (76%) use FinalCutPro as their editing tool while 69% of respondents rely on Adobe After Effects for their animation/special effects software. 

http://www.indiewire.com/article/canon-cameras-final-cut-pro-swiss-army-knives-and-other-equipment-documentary-filmmakers-cant-live-without

Filmmakers' Advice from the Fiercely Independent Woodstock Film Festival

Filmmakers' Advice from the Fiercely Independent Woodstock Film Festival

Video and film festivals are challenging ways producers can get their work seen by those who matter, and see other entries to aspire to. We take a look at the recent Woodstock "Firecely Independent" film festival and get some sage advice from the filmmakers and documentarians who were there.

http://www.videomaker.com/videonews/2013/11/filmmakers-advice-from-the-fiercely-independent-woodstock-film-festival

6 Filmmaking Tips from Roger Deakins

6 Filmmaking Tips from Roger Deakins

There's a moment about halfway through Denis Villeneuve's sprawling, occasionally brilliant yet sharply uneven film Prisonersthat finds Jake Gyllenhaal's Detective Loki do something that we've seen so many detectives do in movies before: in a bout of frustration, he swipes his arms across his cubicle desk, violently sending his evidence and other materials into a labyrinthine clutter. But this fit of anger ends up leading to a serendipitous discovery – the chaotic new arrangement of papers on the floor reveals for the detective a clue that had been hiding under his nose in plain sight the whole time.

http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/features/6-filmmaking-tips-from-roger-deakins.php

Creative master's degrees: they're not just for art students

Creative master's degrees: they're not just for art students

Creative industries – from advertising and fashion to film and video games – employ 2 million people in the UK, according to the Confederation of British Industry, which says it is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the country.

Career opportunities in media and the arts have never been better, and universities have been quick to seize the moment, adding hundreds of new courses.

http://www.theguardian.com/education/2013/nov/12/media-masters-creative-courses-postgraduate

Get Your Kit On: Some Low Budget Options for Filmmakers

Get Your Kit On: Some Low Budget Options for Filmmakers

Earlier this year I set out on a rather mad adventure to make a feature documentary about an audacious and provocative protest against the world's flagrant attempts to sexualise and commodify childhood. The film follows award-winning performance artist Bryony Kimmings and her 9-year-old niece Taylor, who decided to take on the global tween machine at its own game by inventingCatherine Bennett, a dinosaur-loving, bike-riding, tuna-pasta-eating pop star (yes, really). They vowed to make her world famous to prove that an alternative was possible, and I vowed to document their journey.

https://shootingpeople.org/blog/2013/11/get-your-kit-on-some-low-budget-options-for-filmmakers/

14 Inspiring 1-Minute Films About the Environment

14 Inspiring 1-Minute Films About the Environment

TVE (Television for the Environment) presents the videos of 14 finalists in its global environmental film competition.

http://globalvoicesonline.org/2013/11/12/14-inspiring-1-minute-films-about-the-environment/

Don’t Do This!: 12 Mistakes Commonly Made on Independent Film Productions

Don't Do This!: 12 Mistakes Commonly Made on Independent Film Productions

The mixture of risk-taking, cost-cutting and pure enthusiasm that is independent film production can lead to great movies but also, all too frequently, poorly thought-out productions. Here, from producer Maureen A. Ryan (Man on Wire), is a list of 12 mistakes often made by new filmmakers and their producers as well as many who should know better. It originally appeared in our Winter, 2012 issue.

http://filmmakermagazine.com/70138-dont-do-this

Making a Documentary

Making a Documentary

When it comes to making a documentary, many filmmakers have similar questions. And when it comes to getting answers to those questions, very few people are more qualified than Faith Fuller. She is a seasoned documentary producer and she stopped by filmmaking stuff to answer some frequent documentary questions.

http://www.filmmakingstuff.com/making-documentary/

AFM’s Surprising 5 Lessons For Filmmakers

AFM's Surprising 5 Lessons For Filmmakers

The annual film market in Los Angeles is over. Film buyers and sellers alike agree that the film market place has become more competitive than ever. According to The Hollywood Reporter veterans at the market complain that film buyers can't find enough high profile projects, and film sellers merely shrug.

So what does that mean for indies struggling to get their film made, and more importantly, what to do to get your micro budget film sold? I am entering this zone right now with our first Raw Talent feature: Deadly Virtues: Love.Honour.Obey.

http://www.raindance.org/afms-surprising-5-lessons-for-filmmakers/

Meet Amateur Film-Maker Who Became Self-made Multimillionaire (PHOTOS)

Meet Amateur Film-Maker Who Became Self-made Multimillionaire (PHOTOS)

Jamal Edwards made his way from a teenager on a council estate in west London to self-made multimillionaire in a very short space of time.

This amateur film-maker turned media boss, as his capital now exceeds £8m (N2,030,500,000), and counts famous entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson (pictured) as one of his friends.

http://m.naij.com/news/51840.html

The Reel Britain

The Reel Britain

"The American film industry presents one of the greatest threats to the continued survival of British cinema." This, and variations thereof, was a common answer we received during the filming of our documentary, The Reel Britain (http://toskaproductions.com/). Yet curiously, British film inspires endless enthusiasm and passionate love among American artists and filmmakers.

http://www.raindance.org/the-reel-britain/

Samyang Europe launches video-specific lens kits

Samyang Europe launches video-specific lens kits

Nikon's just-announced, retro-styled Nikon DF digital SLR may buck the trend by forgoing movie recording capabilities, but for many professional photographers, video capture is now an important part of their business. Where formerly photo shoots were still only, clients now frequently expect video as well -- and what the client wants, the photographer needs to be ready to provide.

http://www.imaging-resource.com/news/2013/11/05/samyang-europe-launches-video-specific-lens-kits

Canon EOS C300 on the set of low-budget film "Straight Outta Tompkins"!

Canon EOS C300 on the set of low-budget film "Straight Outta Tompkins"!

Today it is much easier to shoot a low-budget movie. Many filmmakers are able to deliver some astonishing stuff done with a DSLR, but also professional cameras are becoming more and more affordable. The Canon EOS C300 can be a good example. Zephyr Benson recendly did a film called "Straight Outta Tompkins" - it tells the story of a young drug dealer and the movie was done on a very tight budget, with a shooting schedule of just 21 days. Without an affordable but high-performance camera, it wouldn't be possible to achieve this task. For Zephyr what was important was to get a camera that would allow him to record good-quality footage in low-light conditions. The C300 was perfect for the job. Brandon Roots, the DP of the movie said:

http://www.motionvfx.com/mblog/canon_eos_c300_on_the_set_of_low-budget_film_straight_outta_tompkins,p2905.html

Five Filmmaking Lessons from Woody Allen

Five Filmmaking Lessons from Woody Allen

Love him or hate him, there's no denying Woody Allen is one of, if not THE most prolific feature filmmaker of this and the last generation. His messed up personal life aside (hello, dating then marrying your adopted daughter?), he has made some of the most iconic classics of all time.

http://daredreamermag.com/2013/11/06/five-filmmaking-lessons-from-woody-allen/

Great video tutorial for beginners on how to shoot video with a DSLR!

Great video tutorial for beginners on how to shoot video with a DSLR!

Mike Browne is the author of many great video tutorials and I always admire his way of presenting topics, his knowledge and his ability to explain things. Mike focuses mainly on photography and on how to shoot great pictures and take full profit of your hardware, but a few days ago he also uploaded a very nice material on how to make a video with a DSLR camera. Of course the video is for beginners, but if you plan to start shooting videos with your DSLR, this tutorial not only features everything you need to know, but also all topics are very well explained.

http://www.motionvfx.com/mblog/great_video_tutorial_for_beginners_on_how_to_shoot_video_with_a_dslr,p2896.html

Elevate your camera: DSLR Video Tips

Elevate your camera: DSLR Video Tips

A great way to create more interesting video perspectives is to raise your camera higher. Positioning the camera above any scene gives a unique view—and putting the camera into motion from that position can result in really dynamic shots.

http://blog.lynda.com/2013/11/01/get-camera-higher-dslr-video-tips/

Killer tips for guerrilla filmmakers

Killer tips for guerrilla filmmakers

Making a movie on a shoestring is easier than ever. Follow these pro tips to get started.

We are living in exciting times. You no longer have to have be a Hollywood big-shot with multi-million dollar investment to make a movie. The success of low-budget movies such as Kevin Smith's Clerks has given rise to a movement dubbed 'guerrilla filmmaking', involving low budgets, skeleton crews, simple props and a can-do attitude.

http://www.creativebloq.com/audiovisual/killer-tips-guerrilla-filmmakers-10135103

Blackmagic Design Cinema Cameras: Production Workflow Roundup

Blackmagic Design Cinema Cameras: Production Workflow Roundup

With the Blackmagic Design Pocket Cameraavailable at less than $1000 and theBlackmagic Cinema Camera's offering 4k for $4k you can't really beat those kind of prices. As more Blackmagic Design cameras find there way into filmmakers hands we should continue to see more productions taking advantage of Cinema DNG workflows. Here are some great tips on making the most of your shiny new camera!

http://www.premiumbeat.com/blog/blackmagic-design-cinema-cameras-production-workflow-roundup/

10 Exciting New Tools For Indie Filmmakers

10 Exciting New Tools For Indie Filmmakers

The future has arrived! Check out a selection of the best new cameras, gadgets and equipment aimed at making it easier than ever to make your own movie.

The invention of the stills camera that can shoot video, the HDSLR, has played a huge role in the continuing democratization of the filmmaking process. Quick definition: a Digital SLR or DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera uses mirrors to direct light from the lens to the viewfinder. An HDSLR is a DSLR that is capable of capturing high definition video.

http://www.creativebloq.com/audiovisual/10-exciting-new-tools-indie-filmmakers-10135050

Budget DSLR Video Tip: Using Old Canon FD Lenses On Your Digital SLR

Budget DSLR Video Tip: Using Old Canon FD Lenses On Your Digital SLR

Did you know that you can save a ton of money and grow your video lens collection by buying old Canon FD lenses? You can find these for very cheap, I just saw a 50mm F/1.4 for under $100, that is a huge savings over the current Canon 50mm f/1.4 at around $400. The catch is that these old FD lenses require an adapter to use with your Digital SLR and they are manual focus only.

http://www.slrlounge.com/budget-dslr-video-tip-using-old-canon-fd-lenses-digital-slr

DSLR Video Camera Equipment Guide

DSLR Video Camera Equipment Guide

Introduction to DSLR Camera Lenses

Choosing a lens is one of the most important decisions you make as a filmmaker. Your depth of field, distortion, and overall composition are dependent on the lens you choose. But how do you go about shopping for camera lenses with so many brands and options out there? We'll break it down for you in our Video Camera Equipment Guide.

http://www.slrlounge.com/school/dslr-video-camera-equipment-guide-lenses

Learn How You Can Improve the Efficiency of Your Workflow

Learn How You Can Improve the Efficiency of Your Workflow

If you are considering or have already switched to Adobe Premiere Pro for your video editing, then you may want to take advantage of new hardware technologies to improve the efficiency of your workflow. Whether you are a wedding /corporate videographer or indie film maker the demands for delivering great quality, more creative projects with a short turn-around time are high. Attend this informative session on how to get the best hardware performance so you can deliver more projects in less time through a combination of production techniques using Adobe Premiere Pro and Production Premium with Dell and NVIDIA hardware.

http://filmmakeriq.com/2013/10/learn-how-you-can-improve-the-efficiency-of-your-workflow/

Cinematographer Reed Morano on Climbing the Ladder

Cinematographer Reed Morano on Climbing the Ladder

Waitressing, temping and working as a grip and electric intern were some of the odd jobs Reed Morano had on the way to becoming a d.p. In this latest Craft Truck video, Morano makes the case that grip and electric is "not putting the light up, it's what you do with it once you get the light up." You can watch the full Craft Truck interview here.

http://filmmakermagazine.com/76891-cinematographer-reed-morano-on-climbing-the-ladder/

5 Daily Tech Stories That Filmmakers (and Film Fans) Need to Read: Biz Stone's First Movie, Editing on Vine and More

5 Daily Tech Stories That Filmmakers (and Film Fans) Need to Read: Biz Stone's First Movie, Editing on Vine and More

1. Biz Stone, Director: The founder of Twitter has made "Evermore," a short film that's part of Ron Howard and Canon's Project Imaginat10n. Stone is one of five celebrity directors (the others are Eva Longoria, Jaime Foxx, designer Georgina Chapman and musician James Murphy) and ten directors overall who created films inspired by user-generated photos. Learn more about the project here and see the film here.

http://www.indiewire.com/article/5-daily-tech-stories-that-filmmakers-and-film-fans-need-to-read-biz-stones-first-movie-editing-on-vine-and-more

Indy Filmmaking from JPR's POV

Indy Filmmaking from JPR's POV

So we had a talk in a previous post regarding the filmmaking process, we talked about the beginning, the principles and a little of what happens.

As an Indy production company, we are always challenged with money when we dive in to a project done by us. This with time has forced us to think effectively, and to us the trick has been, how do we use what we already have, own or have access to, to the maximum potential.

http://www.indietalk.com/showthread.php?p=342107

Midlands film-maker Drew Roper seeking funds to keep animation project moving

Midlands film-maker Drew Roper seeking funds to keep animation project moving

An award-winning animator is hoping to raise £10,000 to allow him to finish his latest short film.

Drew Roper, aged 26, has launched a campaign on crowd-funding website Kickstarter, urging members of the public to donate at least £1 towards his film, At-Issue.

http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/local-news/midlands-film-maker-drew-roper-seeking-6232003

What Filmmakers Can Teach Entrepreneurs

What Filmmakers Can Teach Entrepreneurs

Making a film, like running a business, is a collaborative process. The greats have vision but also the smarts and the guts to get those around them to help improve it. In this new book, The Designer Says: Quotes, Quips and Words of Wisdom (Princeton Architectural Press, 2013), writer Jamie Thompson Stern compiles thoughts from famous directors about inspiration, instinct and bringing a big idea into the world. We've pulled out our favorites in this slideshow.

http://www.entrepreneur.com/slideshow/228560

Producing a Low-Budget Short Film and Pitching a Movie: Run Like Hell

Producing a Low-Budget Short Film and Pitching a Movie: Run Like Hell

Red Giant has unveiled their latest low-budget, effects-rich short; Run Like Hell. It's billed as a short film, but it's really intended to be a teaser for a full-length movie director Stu Maschwitz hopes to make. Maschwitz is a visual effects wizard who worked at Industrial Light & Magic before co-founding effects house The Orphanage. He is also the author of The DV Rebels Guide, but that doesn't mean Hollywood is beating down his door to make a movie.

http://filmmakermagazine.com/76877-producing-a-low-budget-short-film-and-pitching-a-movie-run-like-hell/

How to connect with filmmakers, community, find interest in a story?

How to connect with filmmakers, community, find interest in a story?

Synopsis: Recently, I stumbled across the story of Randy Kraft, a very prolific (67+ victims) serial killer who was operating in California in the 70's and 80's. He would gain his victims trust and ply them with alcohol and drugs until they were incapacited, then he would torture and kill them, then dump their bodies on the highway. In his other life, he was an educated, prosperous, and well-liked person, active in the Long Beach gay community. A significant proportion of his victims were Marines. He liked taking pictures of his victims.

http://www.indietalk.com/showthread.php?p=342023

5 Daily Tech Stories That Filmmakers (and Film Fans) Must Read: The Future of 3D Filmmaking, How 3D Printing Will Change Filmmaking and More

5 Daily Tech Stories That Filmmakers (and Film Fans) Must Read: The Future of 3D Filmmaking, How 3D Printing Will Change Filmmaking and More

http://www.indiewire.com/5-daiy-tech-stories-for-filmmakers-3d-filmmaking-3d-printing

Sony RX10 – A bridge camera with exciting video features

Sony RX10 – A bridge camera with exciting video features

Another Sony camera release, this time it's in the form of a bridge camera - The Sony RX10. You may ask why a camera of this sort receives any form of acknowledgement from a filmmaking blog – a fixed lens 1″ stills camera. But it holds some very interesting features that not only looking exciting for video but offer groundbreaking technology for any sort of video-able stills camera.

http://www.cinema5d.com/news/?p=21490

Veteran and Indie Producers Offer Tips to Young Filmmakers at Santa Fe Independent Film Festival

Veteran and Indie Producers Offer Tips to Young Filmmakers at Santa Fe Independent Film Festival

In addition to its 100+ screenings, the Santa Fe Independent Film Festival has been hosting a number of educational panels for independent filmmakers in attendance. At the Production Panel, veteran and independent film producers came together to discuss the state of American film making today. Indiewire asked the panelists what tips they had for young, up and coming filmmakers. Here's what they had to say.

http://www.indiewire.com/article/tips-for-young-filmmakers-from-producers-at-the-santa-fe-independent-film-fest

How Safe Is Drone Filmmaking?

An interesting article on the uses of drones and filming.

How Safe Is Drone Filmmaking?

Local New York news recently featured the story of an unmanned aerial vehicle (a UAV or drone) with a camera attached to it that crashed to the ground near Grand Central Station, in the middle of a busy part of midtown.

The drone's pilot, David Zablidowsky, was charged with a Class A misdemeanor for reckless endangerment. As the local ABC affiliate reported, "The FAA has yet to come up with concrete rules for unmanned aircraft systems, known as UAS or drones, but has said that 'UAS operations are currently not authorized in class b airspace which exists over major urban areas.'"

http://www.indiewire.com/article/how-safe-is-drone-filmmaking

John Hawkes’ Tips For Surviving The Film Industry

John Hawkes' Tips For Surviving The Film Industry

Oscar-nominated film and TV actor John Hawkes had some advice to share for filmmakers on surviving in the film industry.

In an article published by Movie Maker Magazine, Hawkes said he has no formal education in moviemaking, but that he's picked up helpful hints through his profession by observing others on set and learning via filmmaking books. Considering the varying nature of the projects he takes on, from HBO's comedic "Eastbound and Down" to the more serious tone of Spielberg's film "Lincoln," Hawkes wisdom is well-earned.

http://www.screencraft.org/blog/john-hawkes-tips-surviving-film-industry/