Film Producing
& Production
I believe that filmmaking – as, probably, is everything – is a game you should play with all your cards, and all your dice, and whatever else you’ve got. So, each time I make a movie, I give it everything I have. I think everyone should, and I think everyone should do everything they do that way. – Francis Ford Coppola
How to Break Down a Screenplay for Production
Breaking down a screenplay is one of the most important steps in pre-production. It allows the production team to identify every logistical requirement, including locations, props, cast, and special effects. Without a proper breakdown, filmmakers risk running into...
How to Interview, Assess, and Select a Cinematographer for Your Indie Film Production
The cinematographer, also known as the Director of Photography (DP), plays a crucial role in shaping the visual style and storytelling of a film. In an indie film production, where budgets are tight and resources are limited, choosing the right cinematographer can...
The Role of an Assistant Director in Small Budget Indie Films
In the world of small-budget independent filmmaking, the role of an Assistant Director (AD) is crucial for ensuring the film stays on schedule, the set remains organized, and production runs smoothly. Unlike in large-scale productions where multiple ADs handle...
12 Essential Film Crew Roles and Their Responsibilities
Filmmaking is a highly collaborative art form that requires the skills and expertise of a dedicated film crew. Each person on set plays a crucial role in bringing a director’s vision to life, from the initial script development to the final edit. Whether you're an...
How to Plan & Shoot a Music Video on a Budget
Music videos are one of the most effective ways for artists to connect with their audience, but they don’t have to cost a fortune. Independent filmmakers and musicians often face tight budgets, but with creativity and strategic planning, you can create a...
How to Get Started in Indie Filmmaking with No Experience
Breaking into the world of indie filmmaking can seem overwhelming, especially if you have no prior experience. But with passion, resourcefulness, and determination, you can start your filmmaking journey today. Whether you dream of directing, producing, or working...
How to Plan Your First Independent Film Production: A Concise Step-by-Step Guide
Embarking on your first film project is an exhilarating yet daunting task. Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker, a student, or someone with a passion for storytelling, understanding the process of planning a film is crucial to its success. A well-organized...
Location Scouting Checklist
When scouting for the perfect location to shoot an indie film, filmmakers need to take into account a myriad of factors that can affect both the production quality and the logistical feasibility of the shoot. This comprehensive list covers everything from aesthetic...
Indie Film Pre-Production Checklist
Assign crew to production team Get crew contracts signed Screenplay Breakdowns – Break down the script into scenes, shots, and sequences to help you plan the shoot. Create storyboards Scout & secure locations Cast talent Table read with cast & key crew,...
Will Movie Theaters Become Obsolete?
Throughout the decades, studio films would play in your local neighborhood theater and be released on home video. Movie goers were introduced to dollar cinemas, where you have the studio films play in major movie theater chains (AMC, Regal, etc), and then head to a...
Monday, August 8, 2016 – Connect Film Festival – Flash festival! Submit Now! Screen Monday!
Promote your feature film or best short work of all time. Features & shorts submit now! Final submission push, as low as $4 for AFM members. *This* Monday 8th August Connect Film Festival hosts a special screening & networking event for narrative filmmakers....
How to Properly Roll or Wrap a Cable
If you’re on my set, you had better know – or learn very quickly – how to properly roll a cable, that is to properly “over and under” a cable.
Film Commissions in Texas
A list of film commissions in Texas.
Honest Film Funding Advice for Your Next Film Project
Let’s be honest about film financing. Unless you have a rich uncle or family member, you are in for one heck of a time financing your film. The fact is, film production is an expensive endeavor. No matter if it’s shorts, features, or advertisements. And you, as the filmmaker, are in for a wild ride. However, it can be very rewarding, when you succeed.
But there’s hope!
Good Setiquette
Nothing is more important than know what is and is not expected when you’re on the set.
Firearms, Weapons and Prop Guns!
Live weapons are NEVER acceptable to use on a set. Learn why from the past.
Why Subway Doesn’t Count As Payment
I saw this very funny clip on YouTube where an obviously disgruntled sound person posted a conversation he had with a producer. Which if you have been around independent film making at all will sound very familiar.
Understanding Copyright & Protecting Your Stories
The Austin Film Meet Wordsmiths held their first meeting on October 12, 2010, and presented an important topic Understanding Copyright and Protecting Your Stories. Read Official Event Notice. Thanks to Don R and Tina Davis for an excellent and insightful...
Film Producing
& Production
I believe that filmmaking – as, probably, is everything – is a game you should play with all your cards, and all your dice, and whatever else you’ve got. So, each time I make a movie, I give it everything I have. I think everyone should, and I think everyone should do everything they do that way. – Francis Ford Coppola
How to Break Down a Screenplay for Production
Breaking down a screenplay is one of the most important steps in pre-production. It allows the production team to identify every logistical requirement, including locations, props, cast, and special effects. Without a proper breakdown, filmmakers risk running into...
How to Interview, Assess, and Select a Cinematographer for Your Indie Film Production
The cinematographer, also known as the Director of Photography (DP), plays a crucial role in shaping the visual style and storytelling of a film. In an indie film production, where budgets are tight and resources are limited, choosing the right cinematographer can...
The Role of an Assistant Director in Small Budget Indie Films
In the world of small-budget independent filmmaking, the role of an Assistant Director (AD) is crucial for ensuring the film stays on schedule, the set remains organized, and production runs smoothly. Unlike in large-scale productions where multiple ADs handle...
12 Essential Film Crew Roles and Their Responsibilities
Filmmaking is a highly collaborative art form that requires the skills and expertise of a dedicated film crew. Each person on set plays a crucial role in bringing a director’s vision to life, from the initial script development to the final edit. Whether you're an...
How to Plan & Shoot a Music Video on a Budget
Music videos are one of the most effective ways for artists to connect with their audience, but they don’t have to cost a fortune. Independent filmmakers and musicians often face tight budgets, but with creativity and strategic planning, you can create a...
How to Get Started in Indie Filmmaking with No Experience
Breaking into the world of indie filmmaking can seem overwhelming, especially if you have no prior experience. But with passion, resourcefulness, and determination, you can start your filmmaking journey today. Whether you dream of directing, producing, or working...
How to Plan Your First Independent Film Production: A Concise Step-by-Step Guide
Embarking on your first film project is an exhilarating yet daunting task. Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker, a student, or someone with a passion for storytelling, understanding the process of planning a film is crucial to its success. A well-organized...
Location Scouting Checklist
When scouting for the perfect location to shoot an indie film, filmmakers need to take into account a myriad of factors that can affect both the production quality and the logistical feasibility of the shoot. This comprehensive list covers everything from aesthetic...
Indie Film Pre-Production Checklist
Assign crew to production team Get crew contracts signed Screenplay Breakdowns – Break down the script into scenes, shots, and sequences to help you plan the shoot. Create storyboards Scout & secure locations Cast talent Table read with cast & key crew,...
Will Movie Theaters Become Obsolete?
Throughout the decades, studio films would play in your local neighborhood theater and be released on home video. Movie goers were introduced to dollar cinemas, where you have the studio films play in major movie theater chains (AMC, Regal, etc), and then head to a...
Monday, August 8, 2016 – Connect Film Festival – Flash festival! Submit Now! Screen Monday!
Promote your feature film or best short work of all time. Features & shorts submit now! Final submission push, as low as $4 for AFM members. *This* Monday 8th August Connect Film Festival hosts a special screening & networking event for narrative filmmakers....
How to Properly Roll or Wrap a Cable
If you’re on my set, you had better know – or learn very quickly – how to properly roll a cable, that is to properly “over and under” a cable.
Film Commissions in Texas
A list of film commissions in Texas.
Honest Film Funding Advice for Your Next Film Project
Let’s be honest about film financing. Unless you have a rich uncle or family member, you are in for one heck of a time financing your film. The fact is, film production is an expensive endeavor. No matter if it’s shorts, features, or advertisements. And you, as the filmmaker, are in for a wild ride. However, it can be very rewarding, when you succeed.
But there’s hope!
Good Setiquette
Nothing is more important than know what is and is not expected when you’re on the set.
Firearms, Weapons and Prop Guns!
Live weapons are NEVER acceptable to use on a set. Learn why from the past.
Why Subway Doesn’t Count As Payment
I saw this very funny clip on YouTube where an obviously disgruntled sound person posted a conversation he had with a producer. Which if you have been around independent film making at all will sound very familiar.
Understanding Copyright & Protecting Your Stories
The Austin Film Meet Wordsmiths held their first meeting on October 12, 2010, and presented an important topic Understanding Copyright and Protecting Your Stories. Read Official Event Notice. Thanks to Don R and Tina Davis for an excellent and insightful...