Recent Articles
The Essential 10 Step Guide to Shot Lists (Free Shot List Template & Examples)
A good shot list is one of the first and most important steps to creating great videos. Whatever the size of your production, working with other people requires consistent and clear communication, whether it’s cast or crew. That’s why I’ve developed a shot list that...
10 Tools, Tactics & Tips from World Class Filmmakers
“We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master.” - Ernest Hemingway Filmmaking is very different to most subjects. Technology pushes it forward every day, and if you’re not on the cutting edge then you’re nowhere to be seen. Books become easily...
The 9 Most Useful Apps for Filmmakers
Filmmaking has often sat at the forefront of digital technology, so it won’t come as a surprise that there are hundreds of apps built just for us. Over the years, I’ve swarmed my iPhone with more downloads than it can handle, trying out everything in the app store...
What Frame Rate to Choose (FPS) and Can You Mix Them?
The world of video production can be quite confusing at times, particularly when it comes to tech. Simply having a high-end camera by no means ensures high-end shots, so learning how to make the most of your kit - be it a beat up hand-me-down or your priceless...
My 5 Step Process for Achieving Cinematic Shots
I remember when I first started making films how I worked so hard to try and create beautiful cinematic shots. The reality is that there are a lot of moving parts and they all have to be fine tuned to work in harmony. It's no easy task ensuring every setting and...
Picture Profile’s Vs. LUT’s: What You Need To Know
Picture Profiles Picture profile (or picture style) settings determine the characteristics of your image, including colour tones, brightness, and contours. Their primary uses are: • To maximise the dynamic range in an image • To achieve a specific look Although...
“Don’t worry, we can fix that in post” (What It Really Takes to Be a Great Editor)
I’ve had a troubled relationship with editing over the years. On the one hand I've often felt trapped in a dark room staring at a screen while time dissolves and my hair goes grey. On the other hand, it can be a hugely rewarding creative process where months of hard...
The Overlooked Art of The Film Treatment
The Treatment A film treatment is essentially a means of communicating your idea and director’s vision to other people. It will give you a chance to: • See if what you're thinking is actually viable • Develop your idea • Iron out any flaws • Or leave the whole thing...
What Camera & Equipment Do You Need to Shoot Video?
What Video Camera Should You Buy? If you want to be a writer, all you need is a pencil and paper. If you want to be a painter, you just need a brush and a canvas. Filmmaking, on the other hand, requires a carefully chosen selection of highly technical equipment. Over...
Technical Considerations When Buying a Video Camera (from Resolution to Bit-rate)
This article is a supplement to 'How to Choose The Right Camera' and covers the key technical terms involved. Resolution Resolution refers to the number of pixels in an image. Just like in photography, resolution determines the level of detail and how well an image...
10 Steps to Set Up Premiere Pro Correctly (& Never Lose A Project Again)
Editing workflow is the method you use and the steps you take to go from import (start) to export (finish). It's not the sexiest topic, but a good workflow will save you time and headaches. Overlooking seemingly small details can cost you hours of work further down...
