Budgeting

Poor budgeting can put a swift end to a great project. Oftentimes, expenses for production crews, talent, video equipment, and location permits are overlooked, underestimated, or unexpected. Thorough budget planning can help keep your project afloat and your camera rolling.

Sub-categories

How to Write a Proposal that Sells

Jordan Claverie - Wed, 05/15/2013 - 4:40pm

The good news for video producers - there’s lots of money out there to fund your production. The bad news - to get it, you have to work hard and follow the rules exactly as requested.
What is a McGuffin? Movie Terms Defined

Jennifer O'Rourke - February 01st, 2013

Movies terms define an action, a shot type, a character or a piece of gear, and all of these are meant to help the plot move along, or help the crew know which device to use next, or to help someone like a camera operator prepare for the next shot or scene. One unusual term is "McGuffin". The plot of many movies will maneuver around the McGuffin - so what IS it exactly, and why would video producers want a McGuffin appearing in their movie?
Documentary Tip Answers the Question - Do I Really Need to Use Release Forms?

Jackson Wong - December 31st, 2012

Do I Really Need to Use Release Forms? The answer is YES; if you're making a documentary that uses a person's image or voice, you need to be sure they sign a release form, plain and simple.
What to Charge - Freelance Video Hourly Rate Calculator

Anonymous (not verified) - Mon, 10/01/2012 - 12:00am

The video business is so unlike most businesses when it comes to "how to pay" and "how to charge" for services. "It depends" is a big factor - shooting rates or editing rates? Do you charge for set up and pre-planning time or not? A rate calculator will at least get you started.
Why do You Need Release Forms?

Anonymous (not verified) - Thu, 03/01/2012 - 12:00am

There's been a lot of talk lately in blogs, websites and magazines about the need to get releases whenever you step outside to shoot.
From Music Video Maker to Hollywood Director

Anonymous (not verified) - Wed, 02/01/2012 - 12:00am

Editing music videos isn't too hard... all you need is a band, a camera or two, some editing software and a lot of patience! Music video editing is all about the pacing and the genre, and is the one place where you get creative and crazy!
The Video Editing Log Jam

Anonymous (not verified) - Sun, 05/01/2011 - 12:00am

Whether you use film, flash files, or videotape, every editor needs to have the footage on their editing machine before they can start cutting the project. Keeping that transfer route organized will cut your editing time tremendously.
Tripods, Dollies, and Other Essential Accessories for Documentary Shoots

Though shooting, audio, and lighting gear are incredibly important, they're not the only items that make make your documentary look great. That's why we'll go over what to look for in stabilizing equipment like a tripod or a sled, arm and vest system, dollies, and lastly essential grip gear for any shoot.
Choosing the Best Lighting Equipment for Your Documentary

Good lighting defines the difference between great looking footage and poorly made home movies. Knowing the lighting technology and gear, such as fixture designs and lamp types as well as the best equipment for blocking, diffusing and reflecting light, can help your footage look like it belongs on the big screen.
Delivering a Great Pitch to Convince Investors to Fund your Documentary

Now that you've put together a great prospectus, it's time to pitch it. Effective pitching involves doing research on your subjects, knowing how to approach them, and putting in a bit of practice. We'll show you some great ways to pitch so that you capture your investor's attention.