VFX Visuals Blog

Category: Film Making

  • What is the “Golden Hour” in Photography and Film Making?

    The term golden hour refers to a time of opportunity for a photographer. To be more specific, is the period of daytime shortly after sunrise or before sunset. During this time, the daylight is redder and softer than when the sun is higher in the sky.

    Photographers will often called this period “magical hour”, due to the perfect light it gives to capture stunning photos. During this time the brightness of the sky matches the brightness form the background streetlights, signs, car headlights and lit windows. It last a mere twenty to thirty minutes.

    What is the Golden Hour?

    Golden hour is a short window of time right after sunrise and again right before sunset when the skies are filled with a short hue of lustrous gold. This phenomenal time is the perfect haven for all photographers when they can take the perfect landscape or portrait.

    In an essence, golden hour is the result of a light diffusion. The sun is low in the sky and the blue light diffuses more and more as hours pass by. During the golden hour, long shadows will fill the skyline due to the sun sinking into the distant background while contrasting the skies.

    The golden hour is a time of opportunity for not only photographers but also for cinematographers and filmmakers.

    When is the Golden Hour?

    The golden hour varies from one place to the other. It also depends on the weather and cloud foliage. To check the golden hour time for a specific place, you could check the internet or find the local times for both sunrise and sunset.

    Typically the golden hour lies between fifteen to thirty minutes. However, the time too could vary. For instance, countries nearing the latitudes tend to have far more timing of golden hour compared to other countries.

    Tips for the Golden Hour

    Only knowing about the time of the Golden award will not benefit you as a photographer. You would need to prepare for a lot of things and known which angle would be best to shoot from. Some of the tips that photographers could follow are:

    Plan Ahead: Golden hour is an opportunity that would be easy to miss. Therefore you must make some prior arrangements. Since you are short on time, it would be appropriate to find and mark your shooting location from beforehand. You should get to the location early and set up the camera before the golden hour starts. When you find the window of opportunity, capture the photographs without any hesitation.

    Wide aperture for portraits: Most people prefer to use the warm golden hue when taking photos of the golden hour. The light is complimented to be the most flattering natural light for portrait photography.  However, some minor adjustments need to be made to the camera in case of portrait photographs. If you are new to photography put your camera into Aperture Priority mode. This mode ill activate the auto ISO choosing option. When you take photographs, the camera will determine the best shutter speed for you. If you are still unhappy with this setting, some minor tweaks are needed in the exposure adjustment dial.

    Take Lots of photographs: The light during the golden hour chances every second. Human reaction time cannot keep up with this change so you should shoot more frames each second. Since you have more photographs you will have more options to work with.

    Blue Hour: People will often call the blue hour as the golden hour’s sister. The blue hour is an even briefer window of time that comes after the end of the golden hour. Just like the golden hour, photographers treat the blue hour as another phenomenal opportunity to take photographs. During the blue hour the skies become a mixture of bluish and orange hue in the horizon. It slowly transitions to a cooler and calmer color. The sky manages to reflect this transition perfectly.

    Lighting types during the Golden hour

    Finding the right lighting is important when it comes to any sort of photography. Proper lighting provides the balance between the background and subject being photographed. Besides different types of light will have different effects on your photograph giving them various view points.

    Front Lighting: As the name suggests refers to the lighting that comes directly from the front. During golden hour, the subject will be photographed while facing the sun. The subject will be lit with a warm, flattering, and even natural light.

    Back Lighting: Back lighting is the exact opposite of front lighting. Here the subject poses in front of the sun, while their back faces the sun. The major problem with this style is that you might need to increase the exposure to keep your subject visible. Since the subject will cover the sun’s light, the shadow might fall on the subject. To tackle this problem you could fill your subject with a Speedlight or reflector.

    Rim/ Edge Lighting:  Rim Lighting is similar to back lighting style. However, the picture is taken from one side of the subject with a little exposure to keep the shadows minimized. This is a great fit for photographs that capture a person’s hair or the edges of a flower, gently lit by the sun.  

    Flare: A flare is a style of photography that is achieved when the sunlight falls on the camera lens. During the golden hour, the hue could be used to add an extra visual effect on the photograph. Flares could be used to make the photo more dramatic. Repositioning the subject can be used to partially block the sun.

    Conclusion

    The gorgeous, warm golden hour light is perfect to achieve all states of photographs. As a matter of fact some professional photographers only book out-door photo sessions during the golden hour times. A lot of creative skills and techniques could be used along with the golden hue of the time period to enhance the attractiveness of the photograph.

     

  • What is a Slide Scanner and How Does it Work?

    A film scanner is a device that you can use to process photographic film into your computer. Usually, the process doesn’t require the use of intermediate printmaking measures. A slide scanner provides several benefits over the traditional flatbed scanner.

    For instance, a slide scanner can scan different types of images sizes and provides better control over image control applications. These include the controlling of metrics such as the aspect ratio and cropping metrics.

    Most slide scanners today also come with specialized software and hardware that can remove impurities from images. These include the removal of scratches, film grain and helping in enhancing the quality of films.

    Expect the traditional film scanner to be compatible with the 35 mm or 120 film types. The low-end types typically accommodate the 35mm film strips only. However, the high-end types are unique can even come with interchange film loaders.

    Such resources make it easy to perform scanning on a single platform and to suit different photograph sizes. Some scanners even feature microscope slides, which you can load to the device for scanning purposes. Other scanners come with loaders, which let users scan large amounts of documents conveniently.

    The software for scanning film is crucial as it allows users to perform color correction procedures. Usually, the correction occurs based on a specific type of film or brand maker. In some cases, the film may not consist of information one can disseminate easily. It’s usually in the form of specialized codes for image identification.

    Image Processing Details to Consider When Using Slide Scanners

    Dust and scratches on a film can compromise scanning procedures in various ways. Due to their relatively small size compared to prints, scanners can process much higher resolutions than most flatbed scanners.

    The ability to scan at high resolutions by film scanners also has its drawbacks. At such high-resolution levels, it’s easy for the user to scan details such as scratches or dirty easily, compromising image quality.

    Even small instances of dust that are not easy to see can easily compromise the image quality of slide scanners. Thus, using film restoration techniques is crucial to your success in using a slide scanner. An excellent example of an image correction resource would be the median filter.

    The tool is available in various image correction software and works to examine the pixels of an image. It then works to compensate for any compromises that might have occurred to the quality of these images based on a median value.

    Infrared Cleaning

    Infrared cleaning is also one of the effective film restoration methods for images. The tool works by cleaning images from an infrared channel and scanning them simultaneously as the other channels. The process works through a light source that creates infrared radiation during this process.

    Part of the infrared restoration will involve a set of sensors, which sit on the CCD section. The photographic film will mostly be transparent to the infrared radiation. However, issues such as dust and scratches will be visible and will come up during the detection process.

    The scanner can then use this information to calibrate the image quality and ensure that it doesn’t contain any impurities. One major setback of this approach is that it only works well with the traditional dye-based films.

    Since this technique provides a unique method for image correction, most brands have patents to regulate its use. An excellent example of a brand patenting its image processing techniques would be Canon the Developed the FARE method.

    Benefits of a Slide Scanner

    Below are some of the benefits of a slide scanner:

    1.  Lets You Digitize Old Films and Negatives

    Slide scanners often have excellent image processing measures, which makes them perfect for restoring old images. Plus, most slide scanners come with integrated infrared correction resources making them highly convenient to use.

    2.  Excellent Results

    Slide scanners work well for processing various types of content. These can include negatives, films, and different other kinds of images. Some scanners also can produce excellent results due to their ability to scan high-resolution photos. When coupled with the image correction software, slide scanners become highly efficient resources.

    3.  Color Depth

    The other benefit of a slide scanner is that it provides an excellent dynamic range than alternatives such as drum scanners. The dynamic range refers to the scanner’s ability to process content in places with excessive shades or whites. The ideal dynamic range ensures that the scanner can process all the colors and guarantee quality results.

    Disadvantages of Slide Scanner

    1.  Requires Image Processing

    You may have to use image correcting software or techniques such as infrared detection to correct image quality. Furthermore, the image correction process requires an informed approach to ensure the best results.

    2.  Small in Size

    Today, most slide scanners are compact, which means that processing large images or content takes up a lot of time.

    Features of A Slide Scanner

    Below is a definite list of some of the typical slide scanner features:

    • LCDs which you can use to view your images for quality issues and to perform basic editing procedures.
    • Easy load film inserts, which can include resources such as convenient loading trays. These make the process of uploading several images a simple process.
    • Availability of accessories such as cleaning brushes, USB, HDMI cables, and various other similar resources.
    • Convenient editing functions for ease of use, usually through resources such as Advanced Capture Software.
    • The data storage and upload measures the scanner supports. The standard data storage measure would be the MicroSD, which should offer expandable memory functions.
    • Design aesthetics, where you have a scanner that lets you capture your images with style and class. You also need a slide scanner that can offer longevity, especially for regular users.

    As you have seen, a slide scanner is a relatively simple but helpful device. While it can scan high-resolution images, it also requires extensive image correction functions. However, it’s the perfect resource for scanning images in high quality and in processing issues such as scratches or dust marks.

  • What is a Storyboard Artist?

    A storyboard artist takes a script (or just a concept) and turns the words into a visual story. It plays a significant role in many vital industries and media. Even as a choice of career, it comes off as very exotic and exciting. But it is also quite similar to being a comic artist. Storyboard artists are often called story artists or visualizers.

    They are an essential persona when it comes to animation, filmmaking, and many other fields. Storyboard artists’ work translates a director’s idea, probably verbal, into a visual interpretation.

    It’s a critical position because how the storyboard comes out will control what the film will become in the end. Other members related to the production of the media will take references from the storyboard and make progressions in their project.

    Storyboard artists will often be compared to comic artists due to the similarities in their work. Both of the tasks involve art and a good amount of creativity. However, what sets storyboard artists from a comic artist is that storyboard artists do not use their ideas but instead the director’s idea.

    How Do Storyboard Artists Work?

    Storyboard artists work from home and send in their final product via mail or other messaging applications. They might work as a permanent employee under a company or as a freelancer.

    Often storyboard artists are supplemented with a script from the scriptwriter. In case they aren’t, the director present’s his ideas both verbally and written. The artist draws up all important panels and fills them with different scenarios, like a comic strip, that will take place throughout the media. Often the artist will include gags or their ideas to present their visions.

    In the past, artists drew their storylines using pencil and markers. Nowadays, they do all the necessary illustration work on a tablet and computer.

    Depending on the production quality, the storyboard mind is later cleaned-up, proofread, and rechecked. It ensures that the drawings are well detailed and easy to follow up with. They may also work with other photographers and writers for follow-up assistance.

    The artist may also fill in background details and use built-in clip or custom clip arts to further elaborate scenes that the producers might find hard to understand.

    The duty of a storyboard artist generally includes:

    • Creating images using paper or computer programs
    • Researching projects
    • Developing a story by working closely with other creative staff and animators
    • Editing, adding, and eliminating scenes as the final product develops
    • Making changes to the storyboards based on feedback
    • Meeting and discussing projects with directors, clients, etc.

    Who Do Storyboard Artists Work with?

    Being a storyboard artist is a beautiful job with lots of opportunities and a convenient location since most artists work remotely. It is a productive career for anyone who seeks to work as an artist, director, or writer. Storyboard artists have different goals in different industries.

    Advertising

    When it comes to advertising, usually freelance storyboard artists are hired for a single project. The agency sends them the data or short visual interpretation, which the artist must compile and transform into a fully-fledged storyboard. Agency storyboards are usually kept to a minimum number of shots covering about one or two key-frames.

    Animation

    In animations, the projects are provided on a series of screenplays or storylines. The artist working on these projects are mainly permanently hired and, in most cases, work with a team of similar storyboard artists. The team does the entire work of creating and polishing the storyboard before submitting it to the animation committee for the final review.

    Live-action Film

    When producing films, the storyboard artist is hired at the beginning of the project and for that project only. The screenwriter or director provides the storyline, and the artist breaks down the script into shots that can be filmed.

    What Must a Storyboard Artist Be Good at?

    The storyboard artist must be good at what he is supposed to create. The necessary skills he must have in him to be good in his craft are:

    • Have excellent drawing skills and produce artwork with various styles.
    • Be creative and think of how he could improve the project
    • Know layout, composition, sequential drawing, and editing, as well as a strong understanding of framing.
    • Have a strong knowledge of narration and storytelling and put the director’s words into an exciting story.
    • Have a passion for the animation industry.
    • Take the initiative to ask questions to the employer/s if the situation arises.
    • Have good management of time.

    Training to Be a Storyboard Artist

    Becoming a storyboard artist is in no way easy. There is no degree or formal studies that teach people how to become storyboard artists. However, with enough talent and artistic skills, storyboard artists could find a successful career in this industry.

    Even if they do not get enough opportunities as a storyboard artist, they could still see work as game design or graphics design artists.

    Nowadays, most people who go into film school pursue a career as a storyboard artist. Such schools help them develop various skills, including:

    • Artistic talent
    • Communication skills
    • Computer skills
    • Drawing
    • Filmmaking, including knowledge of lighting, editing, sound, and basic acting.
    • Public speaking skills

    Also, if anyone intends to find a job as a storyboard artist, building a portfolio is a must. A winning portfolio includes some of the works you might have completed. It is practically a sample of your work style, which the employers will assess you on.

    When you do get the work being easygoing and offering ideas is a plus point. You’ll also need to be respectful under pressure. Most of all, get the work done by the time limit, or you might lose the job.

    Conclusion

    A storyboard artist is a prolific and exciting career. Most of all, it comes with various perks. Instead of sitting on a desk and working from your office, you get to work from home. Relax and make sure to follow the timeline o get your things done right.

    Even if you are under pressure, do not crumple. Try hard, and you might find the right place for yourself.

  • What is a Post Production Workflow?

    What is a Post Production Workflow?

    A post production workflow is a series of steps taken after film production and is the final leg of the filmmaking process. It involves video editing, rough cuts, video production, video files, raw footage, and visual effects; all the extremely important elements of a post production process.

    There is no singular standard workflow but there are essential concepts that have been used for the past 100 years.

    Pre-Production/Production/Post-Production techniques were developed and improved upon over time with new tools and skills replacing older ones, but the core concepts have remained the same.

    Boiled down – a workflow is an organized roadmap that’s used to increase productivity and maintain quality. Below we’ll talk about the steps and stages of the post production process:

    Step 1: Organize Your Storage Media

    With any video post production workflow the first and most important step is how to organize your media. Whether you are dealing with cans of 35mm film, or raw footage and media files stored in hard drives or cloud space – the project organization depends on the ability to find what you need and send it to where it needs to go.

    Nomenclature and Naming Conventions

    In order to stay organized and be able to find things quickly, especially working with a post production team or when you aren’t familiar with the material, the best tool is nomenclature. An ideal post production process would have a standardized naming convention for media assets (video files, audio files, etc) which may include descriptors such as:

    • Dates
    • Types of media
    • Sub-Labels such as:
    • “Revised”
    • “WIP (work-in-progress)”
    • Etc.

    Storage

    The other most important factor for a post product workflow is storage. Without storage you cannot have a post production workflow.

    Storage is an absolute necessity – not only for the footage and materials from Production – but also for all the inevitable offshoots derived from the source media, such as:

    • Backup Copy of Raw Footage
    • Dailies
    • Copy of Dailies for Editors and Assistants
    • Rough Cuts
    • Breakdowns and String-outs of Selects
    • Etc.

    All of these materials require lots of storage capacity in order to work efficiently. A good rule of thumb when determining how much storage capacity you need is to calculate what you think you need and then triple it (with consideration of budget of course).

    Step 2 – Coordinate with Production Team

    Now that we have our storage and a file naming convention – we can receive footage from production. Post production technically begins when Production teams and Post Production teams get together and share footage.

    Professional Post Production Workflows take raw source media and create ‘lower quality’ media so once editing is complete we can replace all the shots with the original raw source media. This is because the media is incredibly large and cumbersome to work with. Not that it’s impossible – and many people are finding workflows that incorporate Raw Media – however – when considering using a Raw workflow you must be aware of the massive sizes of the media we are talking about. Not only is the Raw Footage obviously higher quality but the unedited footage contains all of the footage. Even a thirty second commercial typically shoots 6-10 hours of footage – even more if it’s VFX heavy. For a typical job nearly 90% of the footage is never used or seen again. So why would a professional enterprise waste so much storage space (see above) when an efficient workflow can be streamlined to accommodate more jobs and increase productivity.

    Post Production wants to manipulate the footage as easily as possible – so dailies are created. In the past, dailies of the footage would be reviewed- every day during production – the day after. It took considerably more time to process film and the only way to make sure what you shot was correct – this was the way. Once approved – these dailies would then be copied multiple times as Workprints.

    Film editors would take these workprints and make selects using bins – actual garbage cans with a metal frame on top to hang strips and stringouts of film.

    While this might seem like an archaic practice in the days of purely digital video editing, as recently as the early 2010s commercials were still shot on 35mm film. Dailies were sent to Post Production houses who would send the dailies to be telecined or transferred onto physical tape which in turn would be digitized or transcoded into ProRes to edit on a workstation computer.

    Step 3 – ‘Offline’ Process

    Here is where the workflow is the most important – once Post Production has the footage and dailies – they first go through an Offline process. This is the part most are familiar with – actually editing footage. Offline will start making string-outs and rough cuts – the Editors, Assistants, and Producers work with Production to create what was envisioned in Pre-Production.

    But they will not be the only ones working on this footage. They need to collaborate with multiple teams and vendors, including:

    • Audio House – The audio or sound team consists of sound engineers that work on things such sound editing, audio quality, background noise, sound mixing, sound effects, etc.
    • Color House – Colorists are specialists that work on color correction/color grading and creating a ‘what the footage should look like’-look for the footage.
    • Graphics (Offline) – A team, either in house or third-party vendor, of designers working to create 2D/3D assets including titles, legal, endcards, comps, offline VFX.
    • Conform/Flame House (Online) – Flame Artists and Online Editors are Visual Effects wizards that make all the final graphics and final picture. They ‘Online’ the ‘Offline’ edit replacing the edit and redoing VFX – but now with the Color Corrected Source Media and with more expectations to ‘make it work.’

    This is also where the exact steps of a post production workflow gets very muddy. In todays digital environment changes are able to be addressed much faster than in the past, allowing for simultaneous steps by multiple teams.

    In the past all these steps required one to be done before the next, making it a more clear-cut step-by-step process. But now, we can do several steps at once and can even revert back to a previous version more easily.

    This however also makes the post production workflow extremely important – as we are now handling multiple versions of media files and video post production workflows are all about organization.

    For instance, the concept of a “Locked Cut” used to be set in stone. Locked Cut means when the picture is ‘locked’ meaning no more changes to the picture. This allows audio/color/conform to work on their aspect of the full job without worrying if their work is being used on the wrong version.

    In the past, once you handed the Locked Cut to Audio or Color teams, you couldn’t change anything. Nowadays Locked Cut is more of a suggestion and it is possible to make changes to a job practically minutes before delivery to the a client or going to air.

    Now, just because we can always ‘go back to any version’ does not mean it’s ideal. Deadlines still exist and you’d rather spend as much time making sure everything is moving rather than always stopping and reverting back and double and triple checking that you didn’t (or someone else didn’t) make a mistake.

    The reason the Locked Cut is so important is to ensure that the Audio Mixer and the Colorist and Visual Effects (VFX) teams are all working on the correct part needed for the whole. There is nothing scarier than realizing all the hours of work and money spent on the wrong version after the fact.

    Audio Mixing

    Ideally the Locked Cut would go to an Audio Engineer for a proper mix. They take the offline mix from the original rough cut and isolate audio tracks by type. Voice-Over, Sound FX, Music, and Dialogue and balance them to create the best sound possible. If the video is intended for broadcast – the Audio Mixer will also ensure the levels are CALM act compliant (adhering to -24 dB standard for broadcast).

    Once complete, the Final Mix and Splits are generated and given back to Offline or Online editors depending on the Post Production Workflow.

    Colorists and Color Correction

    The Colorist is a specialist that manipulates the source media to enhance the representation of light and color of the footage (i.e. color correction/color grading).

    In the past – once the film was shot there wasn’t many options to alter it’s look. The look had to be composed on set with some tweaking possible during telecine to ‘crush the blacks’ or ‘open it up.’

    Now, thanks to digital sensors – a camera RAW image can contain much more data allowing a Colorist more options to manipulate the image, even after shooting. Many of these RAW images look ‘flat’ which looks unappealing and you can go into a rabbit hole about LUTs – but that ‘flat’ image contains millions of bits of data imprinted with all the red, green, and blue values of each pixel.

    The Colorists then Grades the footage, called “color grade”, and utilizes the actual original camera footage from set. Thanks to a Post Production Workflow – they can take the rough cut and match it to the original footage so they make sure they are using the right shots.

    Once the Colorist “Grades” the footage – the Conform happens – this is also when VFX happens.

    Step 4 – Conform and Visual Effects (VFX)

    Conform is the final part of Post Production Workflow – it’s when all of the elements are ‘conformed’ into a single Final Cut or Final Picture.

    When an Online Editor or Flame Artist ‘conforms’ a job – what they are essentially doing is recreating the Offline Edit, using a reference Work Picture or WIP from Offline, and using the now Color Corrected high res source media. After a base conform is complete – they now have a Online Edit that matches the Offline Edit with higher quality footage. Then they begin doing the VFX – sometimes they work in conjunction with Offline Graphics – who can make higher res versions that the Conform can incorporate into the Online Edit. Or, more typically, the graphics are ‘redone’ using the Offline Graphics as a reference.

    All this is planned ahead of time. For example, if you have a camera that can shoot at 4K, and make dailies at 1920×1080, edit in 1920×1080, you can then take your edit and match it back to the 4K source footage – to then conform a new 4K sized edit that’s higher quality. If you shoot at 1920×1080 and just blow it up to 4K – it won’t look as good.

    VFX can be done in Offline but most of the time that is used as a reference for the Conform to then recreate using the color graded source media from the Colorist. And it gives the client more time to make further tweaks and adjustments they were unable to in Offline.

    The VFX process includes multiple steps, including:

    • Cleaning up defects from set which can be anything from Starbucks cup a la Game of Thrones, or a wrinkled shirt on an actor, lens glare on a window, client decides an actor’s teeth are too crooked, a sign or logo not cleared, etc
    • Removing safety rigging/greenscreens/rotoscoping – all considered ‘painting out’
    • Adding special effects such as:
    • Comps – replacing screens on phones/tvs with a ‘composition’ of another shot or piece of media and or adding GUI overlays onto already shot footage.
    • Split Screen
    • Mattes – Literally cutting out and cropping pieces of an image to be used in a more complicated ‘composition’, also includes Sky Replacement
    • Head Replacement/Alt Take swaping – Use an actor’s line from an earlier take and make it seem like it was in-fact a later take, or for stunt-double replacement
    • Time-warping – speed ramps and speed changes from Offline edit needed to be recreated for the base conform to match
    • Graphics and titles created by a dedicated Graphics team.

    Step 5: Final Picture – Marrying Conform and Final Audio Mix

    Once the Conform is complete you now have to marry it with the Final Mix from the Audio team. The resulting product is the “Final Picture”.

    When the audio house makes their Final Mix using a DAW (a Digital Audio Workstation like Pro-Tools) – they almost never have good quality picture – they need a locked cut – not a high quality cut. So when the Final Mix is approved – the Audio house would ‘bounce’ (or export) several types of files for Post Production to then ‘marry’ the mix to the Final Picture. These would include the Mix and Splits. The Mix is the audio all together into one file whereas the Splits are all the separate audio tracks of the Mix split out. So a track for just Sound FX, another for VO, another for in-camera dialog, etc. If the edit is expected to be broadcast – the audio house would have to ensure that the mix adheres to the broadcaster’s regulated standards.

    Step 6: Master – Final Tweaks and Approval for Broadcast

    The Final Picture, while sounding like the final part of post-production, still needs approval and tweaks before being approved. This is always different depending on the exact type of industry but typically a Post-Production house is a vendor to a client that wants a video/film made. And that client is also answering to investors (or another client). And then the Post House will hire vendors to do specific tasks for a job. Each company involved have Producers – whose job is to make sure things go smoothly and liaisons between client/vendor as needed.

    And with the revolution of digital workflows – this entire approval process has changed. An utter impossibility not 15 years ago – but last second changes are becoming more the norm. The very concept of a ‘locked picture’ have almost disappeared now being replaced with a cutesy “soft lock.”

    After these approvals to Mix, Picture, and Conform it becomes a Master and is ready for broadcast – if it passes the Broadcaster’s or Digital Platform’s Quality Control.

    Step 7: Post-post Production – Final Platform Deliverables

    This is typically where most Post Production Workflows end – but lately many digital platforms have decided to have their own specifications for media output.

    So the Final Picture gets made into a Master which is used to create deliverables for all the various platforms they will inevitably live on.

    These can include video files specifically for Social Media Platforms (Facebook, Spotify, Instagram, Tik Tok), Digital Billboards on buildings, Taxi Cab tops, anything outside of just Broadcast.

    Step 8: Archiving Project Files and Media

    After it’s delivered the Post Production company will then archive the Masters and Deliverables as well as all the project files and media used – so that if at some point – we need to go back to this job and use a part of it for a new one – thanks to a proper Post Production Workflow – that can be easily retrieved and worked on.

    Conclusion

    That’s a Post Production Workflow, an organized way to process media from Production to Broadcast. Following all the elements of this workflow you can stay organized and manage your video production and video editing process in a smooth and timely manner.

  • The 4 Best Cameras for Teenagers in 2024

    The 4 Best Cameras for Teenagers in 2024

    Teenagers are overly curious beings whose interest changes every now and then. Lately, with the rise of social media, their interest in photography has been piqued in levels that were unprecedented. If you’ve noticed that your teenager has developed an interest in photography, you may have considered getting them a camera, but given the numerous models available in the market you are unsure of what to get them. To help you figure out the ideal camera for your teenage son or daughter, we have created the list below of the best cameras for teenagers. After all, it is never too early to start developing their photography skills as they could be the next Steve McCurry.

    Nikon D3400

    Nikon D3400

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    Intro

    This award-winning camera is a great entry-level DSLR camera for teenagers as it spots countless features including its most notable 24.2 megapixel CMOS sensor and 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens which enables users to capture fantastic images with top tier quality that will blow away any beginner users teenagers notwithstanding. Teenagers whose interest in photography will enjoy exploring the different features and learning how to use the camera in various settings. They can, for example, shoot in low light conditions without a flash by fidgeting the camera’s ISO setting. While you may overlook the D3400 for say a mirrorless camera that is lighter and less bulky, you should know that the D3400 is surprisingly lightweight and small that it can be carried around all day.

    Pros

    • The battery life is among the best we have seen as it can take well over 900 plus photos on a single charge.
    • Transferring photos and images from the camera to a smartphone is easy, thanks to the SnapBridge technology.
    • Users can opt between getting the camera with a 70-300mm or an 18-55mm ‘kit’ lens.
    • It is competitively priced.

    Cons

    • It does not have Wi-Fi connectivity

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    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II Digital Camera

    Sony RX100 for Teenagers

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    Intro

    Taking over from its successor the RX100, the DSC-RX100 II is perfect for teenagers a sit is packed with a myriad of amazing features that will help teenagers develop their photography skills while optimizing its mirrorless design. Fitted with a 1-inch sensor, the camera delivers exceptional image quality. Unlike the RX100, Sony included a hot shoe/data port, Wi-Fi sharing, multi-layered patented t-coating, and smart remote-control features that will be beneficial through a teenager’s photography journey. Finally, it is possible to increase the camera’s light sensitivity thanks to its image sensor technology that facilitates using the camera in low light.

    Pros

    • The DSC-RX100 II camera is highly portable, and teenagers can carry it with them everywhere they go and even put it around their necks.
    • It is effortless to use thanks to its smart remote-control feature that facilitates navigation of camera settings via a smartphone.
    • Its resolution is high, which makes the photo quality great.

    Cons

    • Several users have complained of red-eye issues with the camera.
    • Accessing the camera’s HDMI port is challenging as it is weirdly located at the bottom of the device.

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    Fujifilm X70 Digital Camera

    Fujifilm X70

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    Intro

    If your teenager is conscious about their image and does not want their “cool kid” ratings to go down, there is no better camera than the vintage-looking Fujifilm X70. This camera is not only handsomely designed, but it is portable and has a myriad of features that a teenager will enjoy using. Equipped with an 18.5mm f/2.8 wide-angle fixed lens, it captures great photos and is ideal for daily use. The X70 is run by an EXR II processor, and it has six unique types of high-precision and high-speed autofocus modes, X-Trans II Sensor, and 3.0-inch tilting touchscreen. The touchscreen is a great selling point for teenagers as it has a 180-degree tilt and they can use it for selfies should they so wish.

    Pros

    • The single-lens camera is perfect for teenagers to learn more about photography and how to, for example, compose perfect shots quickly.
    • The image quality is incredible despite it being an entry-level mirrorless camera.
    • It has Wi-Fi connectivity for quick and effortless transfer of images.
    • It can be charged via USB, which means that teenagers can use power banks to charge the camera.

    Cons

    • It does not have a viewfinder.

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    Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic

    FujiFilm Instax Instant Film Camera for Teenagers

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    Intro

    Instant gratification is a complex that has also shifted to photography, and some teenagers will appreciate being able to instantly see the images that they have captured. The Instax Mini by Fujifilm is an excellent choice for teenagers who do not intend to pursue photography professionally but are interested in the fun side of the field. Equipped with features and functions such as a 60mm lens, high-performance flash, double exposure, and macro mode, teenagers can keep themselves occupied with this stylish, and retro camera that produces credit card-sized prints instantly. To shoot their images a teenager simply has to direct the camera in the direction of the shot, and it will detect the environments brightness and adjust the shutter speed and amount of flash to ensure that the photo quality is maximized.

    Pros

    • It can be ported about easily and brags a fun form factor that is unmatched.
    • Its learning curve is low in comparison to other cameras we’ve discussed.
    • It is well built and has a stylish design.

    Cons

    • The camera’s film is sold individually, and the cost can run pretty high after a while.
    • The camera is somewhat expensive for an instant film camera.

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    The Bottom Line

    Several factors should be on top of your mind whenever you choose a camera for teenagers. They include the camera’s ease of use, photo sharing abilities, the size of the camera, its optical zoom, and features. This is because the ideal camera for teenagers should provide a great balance between photo quality and the camera’s cool factor. All the cameras discussed above perfectly strike this balance and are cameras that they can use even when they grow older, and their interest in photography increases. We hope that you have found something that your teen will appreciate and enjoy using.

  • The 4 Best Drones for Film Making in 2024

    The 4 Best Drones for Film Making in 2024

    Today, the quality of videos shot using drones is far beyond what a lot of people imagined it could be. No one anticipated the unique take on filmmaking that these devices were capable of, and as technology evolved and drones were used to capture videos, it is impossible to imagine it being done in any other way. Before making your drone purchase, we know that you have to conduct research on the different models available in the market. However, to relieve you of the boredom and help you save on time, we have curated a list of the best drones in the market

    Parrot PF728000 Anafi Quadcopter

    Parrot Anafi Drone for Filmmaking

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    Intro

    One of the first drones to give DJI a run for their money is the Anafi quadcopter by Parrot. This drone is well designed and easy to maneuver, allowing users to capture 4K quality videos and stills of 21 megapixels. Its camera additionally, supports Adobe DNG/RAW formats and HDR (High-Density Range) shooting and making post-production editing more efficient. Boasting a notable 3 axis hybrid gimbal and 180-degree tilt users will enjoy capturing stable unprecedented shots with its 1/2.4-inch Sony CMOS sensor. Providing filmmakers with up to 25 minutes of filmed flight this drone delivers great performance that cinematographers can appreciate.

    Pros

    • It is lightweight and extremely portable.
    • Despite its lack of obstacle avoidance sensors, the Parrot Anafi drone flies quite steadily.
    • Users can stream videos directly to their phone as they fly the drone.
    • It is affordable in comparison to other drones discussed in our list.
    • It flies quite stably, which was a pleasant surprise, given that it did not avoid obstacles automatically.

    Cons

    • The drone is not equipped with obstacle avoidance sensors.
    • The battery takes a long time to charge up.
    • In comparison to apps used in conjunction with other drones, the Parrot FreeFlight 6 app for Android and iOS is limiting in terms of the gimbal, camera, and tweaks that can be made.

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    DJI Mavic Air Quadcopter

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    Intro

    It is impossible to create a list of best drones without featuring the award-winning Mavic Air quadcopter from DJI. This drone excels at every task thrown its way to deliver impressive 4K quality videos, which is more than abundant quality for film making.

    It boasts an impressive 3 axis mechanical gimbal camera system that does an excellent job of ensuring the drone is steady enough to capture spectacular shots. To control the drone, filmmakers can do so remotely from their phones or via palm gestures on the hand controller. Unlike some of its competitors, the Mavic Air features obstacle avoidance sensors at the front, back, and underside of the drone, which makes flying it such a delight for most users.

    Pros

    • It shoots incredible 4K video and can also capture stills of up to 23 megapixels
    • It is extremely portable thanks to its foldable features, lightweight and small size.
    • It flies brilliantly, unlike some of its competitors.
    • It is capable of taking panorama images in four unique styles and angles.

    Cons

    • The drone makes a high-pitched noise while you fly it, but this is a small price to pay for all the wonderful features you get from it.

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    DJI Inspire 2

    DJI Inspire Drone for Filmmaking

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    Intro

    The Inspire 2 by DJI is the ultimate professional grade drone for filmmakers. It is the only drone out of the ones we tested that was able to reach speeds of up to 58mph. Users can use the Inspire 2 to shoot 360-degree panoramic videos as the drone’s landing gear are retractable. The drone is unique as it can be used with up to 5 cameras including Zenmuse X5 and X5R to produce the best cinematic videos that brag top-notch quality of 5.2K as well as stills with a 24-megapixel quality. Its 27-minute flight time is also quite appealing to filmmakers. Additionally, it has GPS hovering capabilities that work alongside other features such as HD 360 deg rotating gimbal and video transmission system.

    Pros

    • Its carbon fiber and magnesium construction make it very durable.
    • It has obstacle avoidance sensors which make flying it quite fun and easy.
    • It can be controlled by two people at the same time.

    Cons

    • It is quite heavy, especially if you are a cinematographer who treks quite a bit.
    • It is costly

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    DJI Mavic 2 Zoom Drone

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    Intro

    The Mavic 2 Zoom Drone is the perfect drone for filmmakers looking for a drone that can provide the longest flight time. With a flight time of 31 minutes and a 5-mile transmitter range, this drone is best suited for professional filmmakers. The Mavic 2 Zoom has a 3-axis gimbal that ensures the footage captured by the drone is smooth and stable regardless of the situation it is being used in.

    Additionally, it is powered by a 1/2.3-inch 12-megapixel CMOS sensor; the drone can effortlessly and effectively shoot different video qualities. It shoots 1080p HD videos at 120fps, 2.7K at 60fps and 4K at 30 fps all while still being capable of capturing RAW stills at 20 megapixels. To control the drone, users can use its remote control, which controls the drone with great throughput and range.

    Pros

    • The drone has impressive tracking and omnidirectional obstacle avoidance capabilities.
    • Its battery life is one of the best in the market.

    Cons

    • It is rather heavy in comparison to other drones.
    • Filmmakers can only zoon 2x when shooting 4K videos.
    • Videos shot in Hyperlapse are shaky as they are not stabilized and can only be hot up to 1080p HD quality.

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    The Bottom Line

    Drones are a brilliant tool for taking video and filming as they are capable of reaching places that people could previously not reach by themselves. The drones discussed in our list above do a great job of providing a perspective that cannot be found elsewhere! They are the best filmmaking drones, and you are unlikely to go wrong on your next project should you choose to work with them. Nevertheless, before deciding on which of the drones you should purchase, review your filming needs, and make a decision based on that.

  • The 4 Best Cameras for Beginner Filmmaking (Under $1000)

    The 4 Best Cameras for Beginner Filmmaking (Under $1000)

    As a beginner in the filmmaking industry, it can be quite challenging to find the perfect camera that meets all your needs and still stay within the budget that you have set for yourself. As a novice filmmaker, there are lots of considerations and compromises that you need to make as you try and decide which of the many models in the market you should opt for. Taking some of these factors into account, we conducted our research trying and testing numerous cameras so you wouldn’t have to. Below is our curated list of cameras that will give you excellent service and capture high-quality videos without having to spend a single cent over a thousand dollars.

    Sony Alpha A6300 Mirrorless Camera

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    Intro

    If your preferred camera type is mirrorless cameras, the Sony Alpha A6300 is one of the best cameras you could opt for as a beginner filmmaker. Despite it being the camera with the lowest specs in the Alpha, it still holds down its weight unencumbered. Operated by a BIONZ X Image Processor, it brags a 3.0? tilting LCD monitor, Inbuilt Wi-Fi with NFC, a 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Zoom Lens by Sony, XGA OLED electronic viewfinder and the most notable feature of them all its 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS Sensor which facilitates shooting in low light environments. With the ability to shoot 4K and full HD videos at 60 frames per second and 120 frames per second, respectively. From the price to the size and footage quality, beginners will appreciate the Sony Alpha A6300.

    Pros

    • Its magnesium alloy body makes it extremely durable and gives it a stylish appearance.
    • The camera is weather sealed which protects it from environmental elements such as dust, and moisture amongst others.
    • Its compact nature makes it easily portable.

    Cons

    • Several users have complained about the camera’s onboard audio claiming that it does not capture sound.
    • The camera tends to overheat, especially when it is being used under direct sunlight.
    • The battery life needs some improvement as a single charge lasts for a few hours.
    • It lacks a dedicated headphone jack.

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    Canon EOS REBEL T7i

    Canon EOS Rebel T7i

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    Intro

    Beginners looking to acquire a DSLR camera without breaking a bank should consider the EOS Rebel T7i that can capture full HD videos at up to 60 frames per second. This highly customizable and easy-to-use camera brags a myriad of features including a 24.2MP CMOS (APS-C) sensor, 3.0? vari-angle touchscreen, DIGIC 7 image processor, dual pixel autofocus, and various wireless connectivity options. The T7i’s AF system is its most impressive feature as all its 45 points are vertically and horizontally sensitive, making it easy to use the camera through its viewfinder and LCD.

    Pros

    • It is compatible with a variety of EF-S and EF lenses by Canon.
    • Its autofocus system is high-speed and very accurate, especially in live view.
    • It is easy to use.

    Cons

    • Filmmakers are limited to 1080p video quality as the camera is incapable of capturing 4K video.
    • The camera’s 95% viewfinder is rather small.
    • It is impossible to change the automatic minimum shutter speed.
    • It lacks some crucial features such as a second SD card slot, AF fine-tune, and a second command dial, which are perks available on other DSLR cameras.

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    Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera

    Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera

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    Intro

    The Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema is a camera intended solely for videos and not for multipurpose use. Most filmmakers rarely consider this camera, but its specialized features are extremely impressive, making it perfect for beginners. Equipped with a Super 16mm-sized image sensor, 3.5? LCD Display, micro four-thirds sensor Lens Mount amongst other features, this camera can effortlessly capture native 4K videos up to 60 frames per second. Beginners can capture full high-definition videos in their RAW 1920 x 1080 format and then edit the videos later.

    Pros

    • Unlike a lot of other cameras in the same range, the Design Pocket Cinema is capable of shooting RAW videos.
    • It extremely durable thanks to its carbon fiber composite build.
    • It is easily portable.

    Cons

    • It does not have continuous autofocus, and therefore, beginners will have a hard time shooting moving objects.
    • The camera does not include a lens, and users must buy it separately from the camera.
    • It cannot be used for shooting anything else other than videos.

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    Panasonic Lumix GH7 Mirrorless Camera

    Panasonic Lumix GH7

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    Intro

    Capable of capturing 4K cinematic video plus 4K QFHD video, the Lumix GH7 delivers value for money and is worth every dollar. Boasting features and specifications such as magnesium alloy body, OLED live viewfinder, high-speed autofocusing, uncompressed HDMI and a variety of connection terminals amongst others, beginners will consistently get videos that are of exceptional quality. This camera is ideal for beginners looking to substitute or downsize from their regular DSLR cameras.

    Pros

    • It is incredibly durable and long-lasting as it is made using magnesium alloy.
    • The camera’s shutter lag is tremendously low.
    • Its vari-angle OLED touchscreen monitor has a responsive touch panel and is to read even in sunlight.
    • It is weather sealed to protect it from external elements, i.e., moisture and dust.

    Cons

    • Operating the 4-way control dial can be challenging as one inadvertently ends up pressing the directional buttons.
    • It has a slot for only one memory card, unlike some of its competitors.
    • In comparison to other mirrorless cameras, the Lumix GH4 is not as compact.
    • When shooting 4K videos at 24 and 30 frames per second, the camera’s rolling shutter is quite noticeable.

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    Conclusion

    As a beginner filmmaker, your first camera should be one that will help you learn most if not all of the basics of filmmaking and hone your skills until you can secure gigs that will get you the money you need to upgrade your equipment. All the cameras discussed above are great for novice cinematographers as they try to expand their horizons. Nevertheless, we hope that you have found your ideal camera in our list or we have at the very least put you in the right path as you try and identify the beginner camera that is ideal both the filmmaking industry and your budget.

  • The 4 Best Cameras for Filmmaking in 2024

    The 4 Best Cameras for Filmmaking in 2024

    Filmmaking standards have evolved over time, and now, regardless of whether you are a professional or hobbyist cinematographer, everyone expects for your videos to be of the best possible quality. If you are entirely clueless on what camera you should opt for, the variety of filmmaking cameras in the market can quickly become inundating when one must make the decision of which device they should opt for. To assist you make the best use of your time, we have curated a list of the best filmmaking cameras, so you won’t have to scour the internet for endless hours.

    #1 OverallFujifilm X-T3 Mirrorless Digital Camera

    Intro

    The Fujifilm X-T3 is often assumed to be a stills camera, but it is extremely capable of shooting some impressive videos in 4K. Unlike most of the other camera in the market, this one aptly captures both normal and wide format videos at 60 frames per second and also has a slow-motion effect. With an extremely impressive color sampling quality of 4:2:2 for videos saved externally and 10-bit for videos saved internally, users will certainly enjoy creating films from this camera.

    It includes over 16 film simulation models with the most notable ones being the hybrid log gamma mode and the F-log gamma mode which are usually not available on some of the cameras or require for users to pay extra in order to have it as part of their camera. The Fujifilm X-T3 is one of the few mirrorless cameras to come with a large sensor that can achieve some of the previously mentioned standards.

    Pros

    • It can capture 4K quality videos at twice the speed of other regular cameras.
    • The HLG and F-log modes give it an edge over some of its competitors

    Cons

    • It does not have an in-body stabilization like other cameras do, which forces users to invest in either a motion soothing gimbal or a tripod.

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    #2 Canon EOS C200B

    Canon C200

    Intro

    This camera is one of Canon’s best videography cameras as it provides filmmakers with all the things, they would need to create a beautiful film. The camera offers impressive dual pixel CMOS AF and brags a 35mm CMOS image sensor. It has the ability to shoot both 4K and HD videos at 60 fps and 120 fps respectively. It is equipped with features such as two XLR Inputs, a rotating 4-inch LCD Monitor, integrated electronic viewfinder, inbuilt ND filters and the most notable feature of them all being the Cinema RAW Light. This camera is ideal for individuals who are not constrained by budget and are looking for a solid machine that does not cost as much as the C300 Mark II.

    Read our full Review of the Canon C200.

    Pros

    • Capable of shooting stunning 4K videos
    • The camera’s touch screen is much improved than that of its predecessors, and it provides users with the ability to choose different autofocus modes.

    Cons

    • It is expensive
    • The camera’s color sampling rate of 4:2:0 is slightly lower than that of other cameras such as the Fujifilm X-T3 whose color sampling rate is 4:2:2.
    • Several users have complained that the camera’s touchscreen could use some improvement as it begins to tilt after it has been used a couple of times.
    • The Cinema RAW light feature comes with limited support.
    • It does not have a ProRes capabilities which can be inconveniencing, particularly for experienced users.

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    #3 Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera

    Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera

    Intro

    While it might not be the go-to camera for most cinematographers, the Blackmagic camera features on our list because it is one of the few cameras that are solely intended for videos. Its compact rangefinder design can easily fool you into thinking you can use it for stills, but that is not the case as it is a specialized camera.

    This camera can effortlessly capture native 4K videos up to 60 frames per second and brags an 8.8-megapixel sensor. To use the camera, users require a lens mount and a micro four-thirds sensor which are available in plenty in the market. Users who wish to capture high-quality videos in their RAW format can do so and edit the videos later. The camera features 4 inbuilt microphones and a 5″ LCD touchscreen for operation.

    Pros

    • It can shoot RAW videos, unlike some of its competitors.
    • Its carbon fiber composite build makes it extremely durable and long-lasting.

    Cons

    • It lacks continuous autofocus, which makes shooting moving objects difficult, especially for inexperienced cinematographers.
    • It is limited to only shooting video, making it less than ideal for users who need a camera for multipurpose use.

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    #4 Sony Alpha A6400 Mirrorless Camera

    Sony Alpha Camera for Filmmakers

    Intro

    The Alpha A6400 appears on our list because it features Sony’s high-tech autofocus system and a flip-over screen that can be used for capturing selfies as videos. Cinematographers and more particularly vloggers will appreciate the flip over screen that may leave still photographers unfazed. This camera can capture 4K quality videos at up to 30 frames per second, and it has autofocus eye-tracking capabilities. It is the perfect all-round camera for vloggers or cinematographers whose focus is action subjects.

    Pros

    • It is extremely affordable.
    • Videographers can self-film without having to mount the camera on a tripod.
    • It is perfect for users who require complex autofocus.
    • It has various connectivity options such as Bluetooth, NFC, and Wi-Fi, which come in handy for filmmakers.

    Cons

    • It lacks an in-body stabilization which forces users who need stabilized images to cough up more money.
    • The camera’s electronic viewfinder and the rear screen could use some improvement as they are extremely old-fashioned.
    • In comparing some of its competitors, the camera’s build and handling could do with some improvement.

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    Conclusion

    From a financial standpoint, cameras are a serious investment for anyone and not just filmmakers. This is why it’s extremely important to have the right one that is capable of meeting your needs and does not influence the kind of film you have to shoot. The list above consists of the best cameras for most budget ranges that you can consider for filmmaking. Each of the cameras in the list brings a set of amazing features that make filmmaking effortless and effective.

  • Filmmaking Equipment List

    Filmmaking Equipment List

    Whether you are a film school student, a newbie into the filmmaking world or are a professional, choosing the right filmmaking equipment is very important. Making the right filmmaking equipment list can be quite exhausting especially if you are on a tight budget. While a list is important, it also varies from one person to the other given that every filmmaker tells their story uniquely, which impacts on their budget, location, production needs among others.

    Ask any filmmaker, and they’ll tell you how expensive filmmaking is given that the equipment don’t come cheap. While a film school student might need to own their own gear, a newbie might consider renting the equipment first as it is a lot more affordable this way and you can save money. Along the way, you can gradually start acquiring the gear you need in order to start brushing up on your skills a lot faster. Besides, you can rent them out and make some extra cash.

    Depending on your skill level and needs, we have put down an essential filmmaking equipment list for beginners and professionals alike. Read on to see some of the essential filmmaking equipment you will need for your filmmaking venture.

    Camera

    The camera is usually the first gear that most filmmakers invest in. Today, there is a new digital camera being launched in the market almost every other month making the digital camera market a very competitive one. When looking to buy a camera, ensure you get a state of the art camera. While the investment might be expensive, you won’t regret it years down the line. Ensure you do proper research on the different cameras that are available, factor in what your projects will be before deciding on the type of camera to pick. While today’s smartphones can be used to take dope pictures and videos given that some of them come with 4K HD resolution, they still have a long way to go and long term, they may not be the best solution for you.

    Lens

    By now, you must have heard that a camera is a zilch without a lens. The lens is the most important part that gives color and depth to images taken. Although lenses are expensive, it’s important that you invest in a zoom and prime lens. Wide lenses are great for maintaining a uniformed focus throughout the shoot and establishing scenes while long lenses help in making the visuals more cinematic while adding more character to the screen. As mentioned lenses are expensive, however, their prices don’t depreciate as fast, and you can sell it at a reasonable price when you need to upgrade your lenses.

    Sound recorder

    Fifty percent of the film is made of sound. This means that sound is very important in the film as it has the ability to engage the audience. While it’s okay to make great visual videos, it’s not enough to make them with crappy sound. Bad sound has the ability to alienate the audience from the story you are trying to tell ruining the whole viewing experience. While most of the DSLR cameras can record sounds, they are weak. It’s important to, therefore, invest in quality sound recording devices which you can find online. In the event, you settle for an external digital audio recorder that will let you record audio separately from the video, ensure that you sync the video and audio properly in post-production.

    Headphones

    Headphones may seem like a luxury to other people but not to filmmakers as they have a very important role when one is shooting. When recording sound, it’s important to do so while wearing quality headphones. Although your camera comes with a microphone, you cannot assume that the sound your microphone is catching is flawless. Microphones have the ability to pick mediocre sounds that your ears may not be able to recognize once the filming is done. With good quality headphones, you are able to catch any noise that disrupts the critical sound you need for your film. Get yourself a good set of headphones and always use them when you are recording sound.

    Laptop

    There are quality laptops out there that you can buy for your editing needs. Once you have your footage, you will need to edit them using whatever program you enjoy using to edit your film. Whether you go for a laptop or desktop, ensure that they have a fast processor, enough storage space among others. Several brands produce the best editing laptops for filmmakers so ensure you find one that works for you.

    Lighting tools

    Depending on what kind of projects you are working on, you might need to invest in lighting tools. If you are shooting outdoors and the weather is nothing short of amazing, you won’t need the lights. However, you need to consider that the weather won’t always be favorable and investing in lighting tools will allow you to shoot indoors on days you can’t shoot outdoors. Different gears make up your lighting arsenal so choose wisely.

    Tripod

    For you to get excellent shots, you can’t rely on your arm to always be your tripod. Your camera needs to have the right support that allows you to tilt and pan smoothly and that is what tripods are built for. Tripods are also excellent for beginners especially if you are not a professional with experience in using your arm as your tripod so to speak. Quality tripods not only provide lots of stability to your camera when shooting but are also durable.

    Camera bag

    Filmmaking equipment doesn’t come cheap. And when you work and save to buy your gear, you want to be sure that they are protected and safe at all times. A quality camera bag or backpack can hold lots of accessories besides the camera and has several compartments for your items. Besides, depending on your style, camera bags come in different sizes, shapes, and styles and you can pick one that fits your needs and can accommodate all your filmmaking arsenal without causing any damage.

  • Ron Howard Masterclass Review

    Ron Howard Masterclass Review

    What is the Ron Howard Masterclass Program?

    The Ron Howard Masterclass program is a film making program that provides useful information on advanced filmmaking. While the program is available at subscription prices, it is taught and developed by Ron Howard himself. Most of the concepts in the program are based on his immense experience working in the entertainment industry. Besides that, most of the content is also sourced from other leading filmmaking companies that Ron has worked with, in the past. He has customized a unique program that is suitable for both novice and advanced filmmakers. Consisting of as many as 30 parts, this all-inclusive program is the best filmmaking class online.

    Who is Ron Howard?

    Born in March 1954, Ron Howard is among some of the big names in the professional entertainment industry. He is famous for playing various high profile roles in multiple shows and movies. More so, he is also popular for making appearances in various other forms of entertainment and his contribution to the film industry. He first came into the foreground when playing the role of “Opie Taylor” on the sitcom The Andy Griffith Show. Furthermore, both of his parents were also active names in the entertainment scene. Howard is also notably known for directing the movie Solo: A Star Wars Story, which featured Han Solo. Ron produced his film within a span of 3 weeks, and with a relatively low budget.

    However, he has developed over the years to become one of the best filmmakers in the world. In fact, all of his movies have grossed well over the $2billion mark. In his online classes, the award-winning director provides in depth detail about the techniques he uses to produce movies. The lessons consist of workshops, downloadable material and face to face consultations. These are all developed to provide students with an all-inclusive approach for learning about film making.

    What you get in the Ron Howard Masterclass

    The program is categorized in a specific structure, to help students and filmmakers get the best value. Currently, the program contains an average of 6 hours of video footage. Most of the content involves Ron Howard consulting with various directors, actors, and cameramen. Through this approach, the students get first hand access to the film making techniques that Ron uses. Furthermore, the movie also contains unique content from a host of movies such as Apollo 13, A Beautiful Mind and more. He does well to provide in depth explanations about the specific techniques he use in the development of these movies.

    Broadly speaking, the entire program contains an average of 32 videos.The videos are then classified into specific, topics which are listed in the primary site. Some of them include:

    • Evaluating a script- over the years, Ron has come up with a specific checklist that can be used to improve a script. According to Ron, the main aspects of the ideal screenplay are similar. The ideal music composer has to be aware of these aspects an incorporate them into their entertainment content.
    • Refining a script- the ideal script must relate to creative and intellectual factors. According to Ron, there are no shortcuts to rewriting music content. He goes further to share information on how he ensures that a script is “camera ready” before the production process.
    • Working with Cinematographers- the point of view of photography can surpass the capabilities of new directors. Ron does well to talk about finding the appropriate partner to work on a project. He also identifies how you can rely on each other, and work together to define the movie`s visual tone.
    • Cinematography- thinking about cinematic choices is important because it helps in the overall plot development. According to Ron, being able to think about a cinematic decision like a character in the movie is essential. In this lesson, students learn about lighting, stylistic preferences and adding visual power to film.
    • Production Design- in this section, Ron works to search for the correct production designers. He has developed a unique technique to help inspire them to establish sets that can tell a story effectively. Ron mentions that the use of mosaic palettes and color is highly crucial in the process.
    • Editing- the editing section is highly essential. According to Ron, the editing process is the point in time when you have to work on the final rewrite of a movie. You will learn how to locate the proper editor, and work on a specific editing approach for your needs. More so, he mentions that early cuts can compromise the quality of a movie. However, he also knows that editing offers an excellent way to uncover the story of the movie.
    • Sound design- this perspective on a subliminal level. In some cases, taking sound away from a movie can be as effective as including it. Therefore, the ideal filmmaker and composer has to learn to incorporate music effectively for the best impact.

    Features

    The Ron Howard Masterclass program contains various important concepts that can take your film making skills to the next level. Categorized into several conclusive structures, students can move from novice to advanced artists within just a few weeks. Among some of the critical concepts taught in the program includes:

    Scripts, story, and deletion

    The program teachers the importance of reviewing the quality of a script before making decisions. Among some of the crucial questions to ask include “who conflicts” and “is it a head turner?” According to the program, being able to ask the appropriate questions is the first step in film making. An important aspect of the answers relates to your intuition and the responses others have to your content. The reaction should relate to emotional factors and also in relation to asking the appropriate questions. More so, Ron also does well to share personal anecdotes that relate to how he selects projects. To promote optimal learning, Ron recommends several books that can suit your learning progress. For instance, “the Art of Dramatic Writing” by Lajos Egri.

    Handling the Pressure of Filmmaking

    Broadly speaking, the editing room is perhaps one of the most critical places for making films. However, Ron suggests that the editing room is only necessary during the editing process. Ron does well to provide in depth information on the integration of various departments in filmmaking. According to Ron, the combination of these departments is crucial in developing high-quality film content. At one point, Ron does well to underscore the tension that can occur between the heads of the film making departments. For instance, the issues that can arise between the Production Designer and Director of Photography. In particular, the Director of Photography might feel the pressure of producing quality scenes. However, the quality of their work on relates to the content provided by the other departments.

    Therefore, realizing the importance of the relationship between these departments is important in the film making process. Similar issues can easily arise in between the sound designers, editors, VFS supervisors and more.

    Either way, having an understanding of the challenges that other departments face is crucial in the film making process. Ron suggests that fellow directors should also take acting classes, to realize the feelings of being on the spot to produce results. In essence, the filmmakers have to realize the challenges that actors face such as stage freight and understand the wave of emotions that can occur at such points.

    Building Sequences not Just Scenes

    According to Ron Howard, building scenes involves classifying the sequences into 10-minute sections. He also goes on to mention that identifying a rhythm within the script is essential. The ideal sequence should have a unique beginning, middle and end section. However, the sequence should also relate to the overall plot of the movie, but on an individual level. Being able to incorporate such scenes with some level of tension, curiosity or a climax is also beneficial. In lesson 20 where he explains a scene from a movie, where he identifies the importance of sequencing. According to him, the director has to sequence scenes in a structured approach. Following this, the editor has to structure these scenes and introduce unique movements and rhythms to the film.

    Pros

    • The Program is developed by a certified and professional filmmaking expert
    • It also contains concepts that are simple to understand
    • The classes are available in categorized structures
    • Students gain access to an open discussion forum
    • The concepts are based on Ron’s firsthand experience

    Cons

    • It takes time and practice to master all the film making concepts
    • The responses on the discussion hub are sometimes late

    Overall

    Becoming a good filmmaker is all about having the appropriate values, and gaining access to useful information. In particular, the Ron Howard Masterclass is an excellent way for students to improve their filmmaking skills. Based on the immense experience of a proven actor and film maker, the program contains useful information. Besides that, the program is also classified into coherent categories that are simple to understand and incisive. Even more, Ron also offers responses to questions posted by students. As such, the Masterclass program offers an excellent learning experience for any budding film maker.