This is the 18th instalment of this feature here on Filmmaking Lifestyle, where we chart the best-of-the-best from around the filmmaking and video production world. This article covers the best posts from March 2017.
Every month, I post a round-up article featuring the best things I’ve found around the web on filmmaking and video production. If you missed one, we have a complete archive here.
We’re talking articles, videos, infographics, all sorts. Anything that stands out to me and that I think is worth keeping in an archive, I’m going to include in these reports.
I post these articles at the end of each month, along with all the regular posts you get on Filmmaking Lifestyle.
The Best Posts Of March 2017
Welcome to another monthly roundup post here at Filmmaking Lifestyle. Always great to take a look at what’s happening around the web and post some of the best links, videos and images that I find here.
First, a little admin stuff.
I recently had an article featured on Zacuto’s blog. Some of you might have some me promoting the article on social media. Really awesome to have my work featured on the site of one of the top filmmaking equipment manufacturers out there!
Also, if you missed it, I reviewed a couple of Zacuto products not too long ago. Here’s the article, it’s a must-read if you’re thinking about purchasing something new for your DSLR anytime soon.
On a side note, Filmmaking Lifestyle has really been picking up some steam here in the early part of 2017. The first few months of the year have seen a large increase in traffic. We’ve never had so many visitors, and lots of people seem to be coming back for more, too.
So just want to thank readers old and new for supporting the site and being the reason this place exists in the first place!
All that is to say, I’m considering writing a semi-regular post here that will detail the behind-the-scenes going ons of this site. Would be interesting to peel back the curtain (maybe every 3 months) and let you into the traffic stats and really how I run this place.
Would be really interesting, especially for anyone considering owning and running a website. It would be a separate feature to this monthly roundup post.
Let me know in the comments below (or via email) if you are interested in reading a semi-regular feature like this.
With the admin stuff out of the way, let’s get to the links this month!
Filmmaking & Video Production
In filmmaking news, Sundance report that Sundance filmmakers self-distribute their film and make more money in the first month than the highest distributor offered them.
Meanwhile, on Filmmaking Lifestyle this month, we had an article on the 9 Tips for Starting a Business & Becoming Self Employed. This one’s a must-read for anyone considering taking the leap into starting their own business.
We also featured 19 of the Best Filmmaking Instagram accounts to follow. Know someone who should have made the list? Drop me a line.
Then, we had a post on the top tips for Making Travel Films That Rock. Nathan Buck is a really cool dude, and he was nice enough to drop some serious knowledge in this article!
Finally, towards the end of the month, it was time to look into how to create a video studio on a budget. If you’re considering creating a home studio (perfect for product shoots!) this one’s for you.
Also, I was contacted by Mads Beier of Mads Productions, who’s doing some pretty cool things in London right now. In his words:
“Thought you guys might be interested in using a video like this one for blog posts or the likes.
I am trying to raise awareness of mental health issues and how to overcome them through a feature length documentary called Awaken The Giant Within. The video below is meant to be a promotion of the larger project.”
Here’s his video:
Let’s finish this section this month with an advanced filmmaking technique. Fan of Michael Jackson? Check this out:
Software, Hardware & Visual Effects
There’s news that the BBC used a Sony a7s to capture nightlife in Planet Earth 2, amazing how even though they have access to high budget cameras, this small mirrorless camera is their primary choice.
If I said the words “20GB+ of high-quality sound effects – free download” would you be interested? Well, that’s exactly what Timothy McHugh is offering. Check it out.
Here’s something that will blow you away. It’s an online camera simulator that lets you play with settings. If you’re just starting out in videography (or photography) and want to understand the basics of shooting, this is awesome!
Here’s an absolutely amazing lighting tutorial from Joel Dryer. Check out How To Light Like a Cinematographer:
If you’re not following wolfcrow’s YouTube breakdowns of famous cinematographers, then you’re missing out. Here’s one this month on Robert Elswit:
Here’s a funny explanation of video quality. Get ready with the LOLs:
Picture Of The Month
This month’s Picture of the Month is an interesting infographic from LensVid covering camera industry facts from 2009-2016. Lots to learn here:
Video Of The Month
Video of the Month is a about 8 cheap Prisms to use for adding creative effects on your footage (not just for photography applications, you can use them with video):
And, as a bonus, here’s Tim Sessler using some of them in his film EROSION:
Find anything else out there that you feel is worth mentioning? Let us know in the comments below!
Until next month’s article, make sure you stay shooting! Cheers!
Matt Crawford
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You’ve captured this perfectly. Thanks for taking the time!
Thanks, Indy.
Hey, thanks for the article.Much thanks again. Will read on…
Thanks, Mark.