‘Working as a Production Manager’ was extensively updated in mid January 2020. Can you make this post better? Please help us by commenting below. Tell us about YOUR experiences working as a Production Manager. Working as a Production Manager requires a high level of organization and attention to detail. Not to mention the ability to […]
Book Review: The Set Lighting Technician’s Handbook
Harry C. Box’s Set Lighting Technician’s Handbook is by far the most important book a Lighting Technician can own. This book is considered required reading for Lighting Technicians, Grips and Cinematographers. Buy the Set Lighting Technician’s Handbook on Amazon here. I have carried this book on 90% of the film sets that I have worked on […]
Top 12 Best Selling Digital Video Cameras
Below is our list of the best selling digital video cameras purchased by our readers! Are you looking to buy a new digital video camera? Or maybe you are looking for the perfect gift for that special filmmaker in your life? We have been compiling a list of best selling digital video cameras that our readers have […]
In 2015 I Watched 55,160 Minutes of Movies and TV
365 Movies and then some… In 2015 I challenged myself to consume as much media/entertainment/pop culture as possible. I started with a 365 movies challenge, 1 movie for every day of the year, and then I expanded from there. I wanted to watch as much television, read as many books, see as many live shows, […]
The 5 Major Mistakes Inexperienced Gaffers Make on Set
Working as a gaffer can be a very difficult and stressful job. It can be very easy to make simple mistakes or let the stress get to you. There are definitely some things you can keep in mind that will make your day easier, more efficient, ease communication, increase the possibility of a call back […]
Working as a Grip or Electric
This is an in-depth blog breaking down Working as a low level grip or electric in film and television. Please comment below. As a reader it is your responsibility to help us make this post better! What is it missing? Have any questions? This post began as two separate posts, but were merged due to […]
The 16 Sexiest Roles on a Film Set, Ranked by Sex Appeal
This is a Guest Post by Christopher Redmond of Dear Cast & Crew. DC&C is a series of open letters to the people behind some of the best and worst films of all time. Chris and the rest of the team at Dear Cast & Crew are really bringing something new and interesting to film […]
Why I’m Watching Movies to Get Better at My Job
Update: Want to see how this turned out? Check out the follow up post to this one – In 2015 I watched 55,160 Minutes of Movies and Television I have decided that this is the year of watching movies. I have become obsessed with television over the past few years and I have decided to […]
Basic Sample Budget Added to Free Film Documents
We have added a basic sample budget to the free film documents section of our website! This budget is an Excel document that is great when doing smaller budgets and can be expanded to any size. In case you don’t have or can’t afford Movie Magic Budgeting, this template will be very useful. The account […]
Working as a Television Researcher
What is a Television Researcher? A researcher can work on various film & television productions, including news & sports shows, documentaries, factual/lifestyle/reality programs, comedies and dramas. They can help with developing program ideas, researching possible content & guests, checking facts and preparing information/brief packets for writers, producers, directors and/or hosts. Working as a researcher in […]
Petition: Divide the Cinematography Academy Award into Two Categories
PETITION CLOSED **Note: I in no way wish to discredit past winners for their hard work. I just wish to start a discussion on the subject in the hopes that the Academy might rethink the current award criteria. Feel free to comment below** Avatar, Life of Pi & Gravity. What do these 3 films have […]
‘Grip It Good’, Mark Vargo Shares the Importance of Grips in this Short Doc
We started HowToFilmSchool in early 2012 with the intention of helping new filmmakers learn more about all the important jobs below the line on a film set. It has been a tough road, but we are very proud of what we have accomplished thus far. One of the often neglected departments in the film industry […]