How to Develop and Shoot Memorable Character Introductions
Filmmakers use various ways to introduce their heroes (and their villains) by shaping the audience’s subconscious judgment.
Learn Francis Ford Coppola’s Signature Dolly Move
Let’s take a look at the dolly Francis Ford Coppola developed for some of his most revered films — and how it affected the overall aesthetic.
How to Shoot a Training Montage for a Sports Film
Training montages are central to every sports film. In this video tutorial, we find out what goes into shooting a great one.
Is Autofocus Finally Ready to Take The Filmmaking Field?
Autofocus has long been a part of documentary filmmaking, at every budget level, since they often lack the budget for a dedicated focus puller.
FIZ Systems (Focus, Iris, Zoom) and How to Use Them
In this article, we take a look at the evolution and application of the FIZ system — including their unparalleled ability to control the camera remotely.
In-Camera or in Post: How to Get the Same Effects as Expensive Lenses
In this article, we take a look at three common effects and whether the post-production version lives up to the in-camera effect.
Will Buying Your Own Camera Get You Work as a DP?
We take a look at the owner-operator model of cinematography — including the pros and cons of buying your own camera rig.
Making Cinema Lights and Practicals Work Together
Practical lighting vs. cinematic lighting — this article examines how to use practical lighting to create a cinematic look.
How to Maximize Your Time and Productivity as a Filmmaker
These tools can help you dramatically increase your filmmaking productivity and achieve more than you ever thought possible.
How DPs Make the Shift from Commercials to Features and Back Again
Can you develop skills shooting commercial work that’ll serve you well on feature films, or do you have to start from scratch?
Ridley Scott’s Secret Weapon: The Graduated Neutral-Density Filter
Capture powerful images with a signature look. In this write-up, we’ll look at how a graduated ND filter can make your shots look amazing.
The Right In-Air Diffusion for Your Project: Haze vs. Fog vs. Smoke
Today, we’ll take a look at which in-air diffusion best emphasizes dramatic light in your scene — as well as adding production value to your set.