Video & Film Directing
I’m very manipulative towards directors. My theory is that everyone on the set is directing the film, we’re all receiving art messages from the universe on how we should do the film. – Jeff Bridges
The Importance of Storyboarding in Independent Filmmaking
Storyboarding is one of the most essential yet often overlooked steps in the filmmaking process. It serves as a visual blueprint for a film, helping directors, cinematographers, and production teams plan shots, sequences, and the overall flow of the story before...
Tips for Effective Communication for Directors of Indie Film
Effective communication is essential for indie film directors to ensure their vision is realized and to maintain a positive, productive environment on set. Here are some tips for honing your communication skills in the indie film context: 1. Articulate Your Vision...
Crafting the Creative Vision and Look of Your Indie Film
Crafting the creative vision and look of an indie film is a multifaceted process that involves deep consideration of various elements to ensure the film's visual narrative supports its story and themes. Here's what an indie film director should consider: 1. Story and...
9 Tips for Managing the Energy on Set for Indie Film Directors
Don't forget that cameras are actually vacuums of light. And light is energy. So, make no mistake, the camera will suck up all the energy on set. Be sure to make it what you want! This is an often-overlooked, but key ingredient in the recipe of strong filmmaking....
25 Tips for No-Budget or Low-Budget Indie Film Directors
No-budget indie film directing is a test of creativity, resourcefulness, and leadership. Here are 25 essential tips to guide directors through this challenging yet rewarding journey: Embrace Your Limitations: Use your constraints as a creative challenge. Let them...
The Nature of Directing: What to Expect
The director has the toughest job of all on a film set. A director is father, mother, brother, sister, uncle, to the cast and crew. A person has to be all that, the captain of the ship, but what happens when the journey is rough?
8 DIY Prop Gun Designs to Make Your Own
Need prop guns for as little money as possible? Try these DIY designs and make your own prop guns and weapons for your indie film. D.I.Y "Hellboy" gun prop and holster DIY MP40 Machine Gun Prop TF2 Baby Face's Blaster DIY How to Make a Replica of the Pistol From Tf2...
Good Setiquette
Nothing is more important than know what is and is not expected when you’re on the set.
Hitchcock and other bad words
Alfred Hitchcock discusses his style and why actors are kind of like cattle in an interview.
Hugo Cabret and other Books for Better Storyboarding
Filmmaker H.Cherdon talks about how illustrated children’s books and storyboarding are linked.
Austin Area Art Department Resources
A list of resources and businesses useful to the art department on a media production.
Composers Panel
Much thanks to Cynthia Stein of CUTS Austin for recording and posting these videos: And thanks to our panelists: David Pencil Justin Durban Dan Wilson Lauren Morris
Firearms, Weapons and Prop Guns!
Live weapons are NEVER acceptable to use on a set. Learn why from the past.
Austin Art Department Resources
Art department resources in Austin.
How to Direct Actors with CC Courtney
On Monday, January 18, 2010, the Austin Film Meet gathered at the Rude Mechanicals’ Off Center theatre in Austin, Texas, for an amazing presentation by Meisner instructor CC Courtney. More than 60 people attended and two scenes and one monologue were performed.