Planning & Directing
Stuff You Need to Know
How to Take Your Script Idea from Concept to First Draft
If I ever balk at a huge upcoming project, my husband will say “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.”...
How to Prepare for Your First Directing Gig
Directing your first project is like getting behind the wheel of a car for the first time. You read through the manual, attended the...
Look Me in the Ear: the Psychology of Eyelines
For effective communication, begin production with a clear idea of your viewers’ role. Consider how camera angles may change the relationship your viewer has to your subject.
How to direct actors to get the best possible performance
The pre-production process is important for your entire production team. Once actors are cast, they are often overlooked until it's time to shoot, with...
How to direct an inexperienced crew
When you’re working on a tight budget, you have to take the help that you can get. Sometimes, that means relying on an inexperienced cast and crew to complete your project.
How to Apply the Three Act Structure to Nonfiction Video
We all know how important three act structure is in narrative filmmaking; it’s been used in storytelling of all sorts for eons, and if...
Why the Job of a Director Starts Long Before the Shoot
For the director, this process begins in the pre-development stage of their project. The first stage of the creative process is the script. The...
How to Evaluate a Screenplay
As an up-and-coming director, you jump at the opportunity to direct your first feature film. When you get your hands on a script being...
How to Shoot a Professional Video by Yourself
Early in my video career, I wanted to make a film to enter into a local short film festival. Just one problem: none of...
Video Courses
Special Effects Basic Training
Making movie-like special effects doesn't have to be difficult. Our experts at Videomaker show you how easy it is to make your own using...
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What's New
John Ford: The technique of one of America’s greatest directors
John Ford is one of those directors who had a profound impact in the industry.
“The best director in the world” - Ingmar Bergman
The "king of directors” - Frank Capra
"A John Ford film was a visual gratification” - Alfred Hitchcock
"I have respected John Ford...
What does a film director do?
Directing involves a plethora of skills, disciplines, and humane qualities. The director is the captain of the ship, but without experienced sailors, the vessel will inevitably sink.
Women’s History Month: Celebrating women in film
The film industry has always been a beacon of discovery and creation. The many contributions of women in the industry are influential, but have been overlooked and are less recognized than their male counterparts historically.
Everything you need to know about livestreaming
The popularity of livestreaming continues to increase and isn't slowing down. We're here to show you the best strategies and techniques.
Why pre-production is essential for all videos and films
Some consider it tedious work, but pre-production can not only save you money and time. It can also enhance the creative process.
Production planning and why it’s essential
Even the simplest program depends on planning. Production planning, or production logistics, can be so complex that Hollywood production companies devote whole departments to it. It is an essential part of the pre-production process. You can cover the essentials by wrangling just five elements:...
Everything you need to know about blocking
Writers spend most of their time worrying about the words that the characters on the screen will say. Sound engineers worry about how to...
5 Famous directors and what we can learn from them
The best way for aspiring film directors to improve their craft is to study and learn from the works of famous directors from the past and present.
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Casting calls: finding talent for your production
Casting actors and talent is an important part of the pre-production process, and it's something that shouldn't be taken lightly. There are a few...
What does a production designer do?
Before there can be any lights, cameras or action on a set, there must first be… a set! Enter the illustrious set director—better known in theater, television and film as a production designer.
How to write a treatment for your next screenplay
A treatment is a document that informs the reader about the story you are telling in your screenplay. Some writers use it as an outline to flesh out a story. Others use it to secure funding and support from producers, investors, and agents. Because there are numerous ways you can use a treatment, there are multiple formats you can use.
What is a DIT and what do they do?
Ever heard of a DIT? DIT stands for Digital Imaging Technician. With the advancement of digital cameras, this position was created to assist camera...
Why Kathryn Bigelow is a trailblazing director
Kathryn Bigelow is an Oscar-winning director best known for her films "The Hurt Locker" and "Zero Dark Thirty." She is the first and only woman to win an Oscar, which certainly solidifies her reputation as a trailblazer in the film industry. Bigelow makes a remarkable impression with her visceral aesthetic choices, which center repeatedly around violence.
The 10 Best Film Schools In The U.S.
Receiving an education in filmmaking, television production or documentary filmmaking is an important first step in starting a career in the entertainment industry.
Not...
