If you have any jobs, internships or you're looking for work... moreIf you have any jobs, internships or you're looking for work you can post at this link and share your openings and resume: https://www.studentfilmmakers.com/jobs/
Today, I'd like to talk about advanced color correction... moreToday, I'd like to talk about advanced color correction techniques in filmmaking. As many of you know, color correction is a crucial step in the post-production process that can greatly impact the overall look and feel of a film. While basic color correction tools can help to adjust the brightness, contrast, and color balance of a shot, there are many advanced techniques that can be used to create a specific look or mood.
One of the most powerful tools in a colorist's arsenal is the use of LUTs (Look-Up Tables). LUTs are essentially presets that can be applied to a shot to quickly and easily achieve a desired color grading look. There are many different LUTs available, ranging from basic adjustments like "warm" or "cool" to more complex looks like "film emulation" or "vintage". Using LUTs can save a lot of time in the color grading process and can help to maintain consistency across a project.
Another advanced color correction technique is the use of secondary color correction tools. These tools allow... less
We all know that the process of taking a story idea from... moreWe all know that the process of taking a story idea from concept to script can be a daunting task. With so many creative decisions to make, it can be easy to get stuck or lose sight of your original vision. That’s why I wanted to start a conversation about our individual processes for developing a story idea into a full-fledged script.
So, let’s start by sharing our own approaches. When you have an idea for a story, what’s your process for fleshing it out and turning it into a script? Do you start with an outline or dive right in? How do you refine and polish your script as you go, and what methods do you use to stay focused and motivated?
For me, I usually start with a basic outline of the story, sketching out the major plot points and character arcs. From there, I’ll work on developing the individual scenes, thinking about the dialogue, pacing, and emotional beats. Once I have a rough draft, I’ll go back through and start refining, cutting out extraneous scenes and... less
As filmmakers, we know that the development process can be a... moreAs filmmakers, we know that the development process can be a rollercoaster ride of creative decisions and tough choices. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, we find ourselves needing to pivot our film’s direction in a new direction. It can be a challenging moment, but also an opportunity to grow and create something truly unique.
So, I wanted to start a discussion about pivoting your film’s direction during development. Have you ever had to do it, and what was your experience like? What led you to make the decision to change direction, and how did it impact the rest of your production?
For me, I was working on a short film that I had been planning for months. I had a strong vision for the story and characters, but as we started filming, it became clear that something wasn’t working. The pacing felt off, and the emotional beats weren’t landing the way I had hoped. It was a tough decision, but I realized that I needed to pivot the direction of the film in order to create... less
As filmmakers, we all have a story about what inspired us to... moreAs filmmakers, we all have a story about what inspired us to pursue this art form. Whether it was a particular movie, a personal experience, or something else entirely, there’s usually a defining moment that set us on the path to becoming filmmakers.
So, I wanted to start a discussion about what inspired you to become a filmmaker. Was it a specific movie that you saw and fell in love with, or did you always have a passion for storytelling? Maybe it was a personal experience that made you realize the power of film to connect with people. less
As filmmakers, we all know that cinematography can make or... moreAs filmmakers, we all know that cinematography can make or break a shot. The way we frame our shots, use light, and move the camera can all contribute to the visual impact of a scene. That’s why I wanted to start a discussion about our favourite cinematography techniques that always make a shot look amazing.
What techniques do you use to create stunning visuals in your films? Is it the use of shallow depth of field, creative lighting, or camera movement? Or is it something else entirely?
For me, I love the use of natural light in cinematography. There’s something about the way sunlight or moonlight can create dramatic shadows and highlights that adds a certain magic to a scene. I also love the use of camera movement to create a sense of motion and energy in a shot, whether it’s a slow, sweeping pan or a quick, dynamic tilt.
What about you? What’s your favourite cinematography technique to make a shot look amazing? Share your tips and tricks with the group and let’s learn... less
Lighting is an essential part of filmmaking, and it can have a... moreLighting is an essential part of filmmaking, and it can have a huge impact on the look and feel of a scene. The way we light our subjects can help to create mood, convey emotion, and guide the viewer’s attention. That’s why I wanted to start a discussion about how we approach lighting for a scene.
When you’re planning a scene, how do you decide on the lighting setup? Do you start with a specific mood or emotion you want to convey, or do you consider the practicalities of the location and available lighting? Do you prefer to use natural light, artificial light, or a combination of both?
Personally, I like to start by considering the story and the mood I want to convey. I think about the emotions the characters are feeling in the scene, and how I can use lighting to enhance those emotions. I also consider the practicalities of the location and what kind of lighting equipment I have available.
When it comes to the actual lighting setup, I prefer to use a combination of natural light and... less
As filmmakers, we all have our go-to cameras for different... moreAs filmmakers, we all have our go-to cameras for different types of projects. Some of us might prefer a certain brand or model for its image quality, while others might prioritize portability or ease of use.
That’s why I wanted to start a discussion about our favourite cameras to shoot with and what makes them so great. What camera do you prefer to use, and why? Is it the image quality, the ease of use, or something else entirely?
For me, my favourite camera to shoot with is the Sony A7S II. It’s a full-frame mirrorless camera that excels in low-light situations, which is great for shooting in challenging environments. The image quality is also fantastic, and the camera is relatively compact and easy to transport. Overall, it’s a versatile camera that works well for a variety of different projects.
What about you? What’s your favourite camera to shoot with, and what makes it stand out? Let us know in the comments below, and share your experiences with different cameras.... less
Documentaries are a powerful way to tell stories, shed light on... moreDocumentaries are a powerful way to tell stories, shed light on important issues, and create meaningful conversations. They have the power to inspire change and connect with audiences in a profound way.
That’s why I wanted to start a discussion about our favourite documentaries and what makes them so powerful. What’s your favourite documentary, and why does it resonate with you? What makes it stand out among the countless other documentaries out there?
For me, one of my favourite documentaries is “Jiro Dreams of Sushi” directed by David Gelb. It’s a beautifully shot and intimate portrait of Jiro Ono, an 85-year-old sushi master in Tokyo, Japan. The film explores Jiro’s dedication to his craft and his relentless pursuit of perfection, as well as his relationships with his sons who also work in the restaurant. What makes this documentary so powerful is how it shows the passion and dedication required to become a true master in any field, and the sacrifices that must... less
The CFC is a two week filmmaking competition... more
The CFC is a two week filmmaking competition -- with a twist!
Work together with other filmmakers and make your own short film in two weeks (May 17 - 31). Are you a writer in search of a shooter? An editor looking for a director? We help you find the people you need to execute your vision!
On May 16th, we will release the Theme Quote at the Kickoff Party in LA. You'll have two weeks to shoot your film, but there's more: In order to qualify for prizes and screening, a collaborator will need to work on your project with you and you'll have to help another filmmaker complete their film.
On June 9th, we'll screen the CFC's strongest entries to a packed house of industry professionals in LA --and our esteemed judges. After the screening, we announce the winners and hand out over $20,000 in cash and prizes!
While the CFC staff is based in LA, you don’t have to be in LA to participate.