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/