Leaving the comfort and security of a corporate gig to become your own boss can be frightening.
This week we walk with Steph Cullen, freelance filmmaker, on her transition from corporate life to freelancing. In this episode, she talks about creating legal contracts, insurance, and her favorite nonprofit.
Listen to hear how Steph has transitioned from corporate life to becoming a freelancer.
Key Points:
1:30 - How she got started
3:39 - Why she left the security of her corporate job
8:27 - Creating legal contracts
11:55 - Favorite gear
15:14 - Types of projects she takes on
16:06 - Something going wrong
20:30 - OMG Female Filmmakers
23:02 - Favorite Nonprofit to work with
24:48 - Highlight and lowlight of freelance experience
Links:
Nick Richey Episode
University of Idaho Law Clinic
Art List IO
Freshbooks
Website
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If you have a passion for metal artwork, you might be interested in becoming a props fabricator.
This week Eric Anthony Leong, Props Fabricator, shares how he started in the industry. Eric's film resume includes Black Adam, Till, and Marvel. In this episode he talks about venturing into the industry, working on set, and setting rates.
Listen to hear how you can turn your passion for creating metal artwork into a film career.
Key points:
1:30 - Becoming a prop fabricator
7:29 - Venturing into the film and television world
11:03 - Getting details on how the props are being used
11:39 - Communicating with different departments
14:10 - Who eats the cost when someone makes a mistake
16:41 - Working on set
20:15 - Union requirements
23:08 - Setting rates
28:30 - Something going wrong with materials
30:10 - What is overlooked
34:32 - Tools of the trade
37:50 - Why he's in the industry
46:06 - Average build time
Links:
YouTube
Facebook
Instagram
Website
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In 10 days, we'll be having our 2nd annual virtual mixer on the Gather platform! Go to @practicalfilmmaker on insta or thepracticalfilmmaker.com to sign up!
Filmmakers/Showcase:
-John Quinn - Editor (Horror genre, The Chosen)
-Nick Richey - Indie Writer/Director of 1-800-HOT-NITE
-Alex Goetz - outdoor filmmaker (NatGeo, BBC)
-Nina Vallado - Documentary filmmaker (Student Academy Award finalist)
-Theo Brown - Indie Writer/Director - Feature
-Lenny Leonardo - Indie Writer/Director - Series
-Sydney Tooley - Writer/Director (Sun Moon with Sony Affirm)
Giveaways/Prizes include:
-1 TB NVMe SSD
-$30 Film Tools Gift Card
-Gaffe tape galore!
-Practical Filmmaker swag!
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Should you skip film school?
This week Nick Richey, indie writer & director, shares how he went from an economics major in college to making feature films. In this episode, Nick tells how he skipped film school, making his latest project 1-800-Hot-Nite, and paying himself as a director.
Listen to learn if film school is right for you.
Key points:
1:24 - How he got started in the industry
6:45 - First feature film
9:25 - No formal education
11:34 - Something going wrong
15:14 - Investing in your career
18:54 - Latest film 1-800-Hot-Nite
23:30 - Favorite day on set
25:23 - What went wrong on set
32:50 - Screening went wrong
34:24 - Creating coming-of-age films
36:32 - Next project
38:28 - Making a distribution deal
48:34 - Paying yourself
54:06 - Favorite gear
57:29 - How to trust your guy on casting
Links:
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When starting as a freelance producer, you will make mistakes, and it's okay.
This week Bryan Fellows, a freelance producer for Nascar, Nat Geo, and Disney+, shares how he overcame his mistakes from starting out as a freelance producer. In this episode, he talks about his career pivot, getting started in producing commercials, and the tools he uses to streamline his workflow.
Listen to avoid easy mistakes when starting out as a freelance producer.
Key Points:
1:36 - How he started
4:18 - Wanting to Direct
7:10 - Starting own production company
11:54 - When a project didn't work out
15:01 - Pivot point to producing commercials
27:22 - Getting started into the commercial world
31:37 - Learning on the job
35:12 - New software to help producers
36:48 - Turn around expectations
39:30 - Bidding on a job
42:06 - How to quote for his time
45:41 - Favorite tools
Links:
Episode 6
Where Spot
Video Village
Hot Budget
Movie Magic
Set Hero
Studio Binder
Frame IO
Wrapbook
Notion
Website
Instagram
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If you have a passion for designing and like to manage large projects, becoming a set designer might be for you.
This week Cece Destefano, Production Designer, for Alias, Empire, and They/Them, shares how she got started in the industry. In this episode, she talks about how to get your big break, her favorite gear, and how to get started.
Listen to learn how to become a set designer for TV and feature films.
Key points:
1:26 - How she got started
6:03 - How to get your big break
11:08 - Big break
19:11 - Set structure for the production designer, set decorating, and art department
23:15 - Favorite set to build for Alias
29:07 - Top 5 resources
32:23 - Favorite gear
38:17 - Pay rate
40:39 - Something going wrong
43:31 - Budgeting for construction costs
47:52 - How to get into the industry
Links:
IMDB
Website
Artemis Pro
Spectro
Bosch Laser Measure
Sun Seeker
Scriptation
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If you love fashion and making films, check out the Wardrobe Department.
This week we have Ashley Heathcock to share how she went from working for a local designer in New Orleans to designing costumes for TV shows and movies. In this episode, she talks about how she got started, the rules of the trade, and joining the costume guild.
Ashley has worked on Magnum PI, Bright, and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.
Listen to learn how you can turn your love for fashion and filmmaking into a full-time gig.
Key points:
00:00 - Intro
2:05 - Getting started
5:49 - Wardrobe Dept terms
7:15 - Modifying and creating pieces
8:46 - What happens to costumes after the shoot
10:27 - Rules of the trade
11:21 - Aging and dyeing process tips
16:34 - Difference between a bad and good job
18:10 - How to get started
21:30 - How early in the process are you brought in
22:12 - Pay rate for costumers
22:44 - Prepping costume truck
26:21 - Expectations for pay
27:55 - What does it take to get into a union
32:38 - Getting started in the union
33:44 - Finding other costume designers
35:04 - Favorite Gear
39:35 - Something going wrong
43:55 - Weaving personality into the design
44:41 - Best places to get materials
Links:
IMDB
Local 478 Union New Orleans
Costume Desing Guild
Sync on Set
Mood Fabrics
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Website
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What happens when you question your career in film?
This week Corey and Emily Critser share their journey of leaving LA for the South East and launching a commercial photography business. In this episode they share what skills transitioned from film to photography, bidding on jobs, and setting their rates.
Listen to hear how their risk paid off.
Key points:
1:09 - Transitioning from filmmaking to commercial photography
8:37 - Blending and photo and video projects
12:50 - What skills transitioned from film to photography
16:14 - Bidding jobs
22:23 - Working with an agent
26:35 - Setting rates
31:22 - Full-day shoot price range
34:45 - Favorite gear
37:37 - Something going wrong
42:59 - Managing work-life balance
Links:
Lanewood Studio
Instagram
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Don't be tempted to jump straight into DPing your first gig.
This week Bryan Folwer, DP & Steadicam Op, shares how you can get started as a DP. In this episode, he talks about setting your daily rate, unions for DPs, and skills needed to be a DP other than knowing how to light.
Listen now to learn how you can get paid to be a DP.
Key points:
1:55 - How he got started
7:04 - Question to ask a DP when hiring
12:02 - Daily rate when getting started
18:40 - BBC Documentary
20:25 - Favorite types of shoots
23:27 - Unions for DP's
25:27 - Setting up benefits
30:41 - Favorite Gear
32:30 - Using a steady cam
34:29 - New gear
41:58 - Something going wrong
46:21 - How to get started as a DP
Links:
Fowler Films
Covert Coffee
Prolycht Orion 300 FS Kit
Godox Parabolic 128 Reflector Kit
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If you give your art department the time and resources they need, they can turn a flat set into a dynamic space that will transport your audience into the world you’re trying to convey.
This week Clifton Chandler, Production Designer, shares his experience from working in the art department and what resources producers need to provide to make their sets look amazing. In this episode, he talks about the must have basics, how to stay organized, and how to hire for the art department.
Listen now to learn how to better work with your production designer.
Key points:
3:01 - Getting started in the art department
5:00 - Take-aways after first project
7:14 - Must-haves
10:08 - How to stay organized
12:05 - What to look for when hiring the art department
14:55 - Day rates for art department
18:31 - What if director doesn't like your work
26:17 - Rules to live by for art department
29:33 - Favorite gear
32:23 - Something going wrong
37:35 - Why the art department
Links:
Instagram
Website
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Don't give away all your rights to a film distributor.
This week, Anthony Hackett, Director & Actor, shares his experience of getting burned in his first distribution contract. In this episode, he talks about the contract process, what to avoid in contracts, and working with investors.
Listen to avoid giving away your film rights to a distributor.
Key points:
1:28 - Journey into filmmaking
8:20 - Becoming a niche filmmaker
11:24 - Contracting process
14:48 - What to avoid in a contract
18:32 - Budgeting for indie films
25:54 - Working with investors
33:40 - Directing and acting
38:05 - What role did you need help with
39:47 - Favorite Gear
42:25 - What went wrong
Links:
SONset Friday
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Thank you so much for joining us on our adventure.
We're taking a summer break to rest, recover, and get more great guests booked for the future.
We will be back in August. Enjoy your summer!
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It can be tough finding time to work on passion projects after spending a day working on a commercial project. Myriad Video has found a way to merge their commercial work with their passion projects.
In this episode, Alysse Campbell, Manager of Orginal Content for Myriad Video, shares how they balance commercial work with narrative filmmaking. Alysse shares about pitching projects, self-funding passion projects, and her favorite gear.
Listen to hear how Myriad balances commercial work and narrative filmmaking.
Key points:
1:20 - Journey to becoming a filmmaker
4:15 - Current agency work
4:58 - Client budgets
7:54 - Pitching projects
11:06 - Self-funded passion projects
14:07 - Freelancer path
17:43 - Apprenticeship program at Myriad
20:53 - Favorite gear
25:34 - Something going wrong
Links:
Myriad Video
Myriad on Instagram
Film Freeway
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Breaking down a script and scheduling scenes can take time away from being creative.
This week Ruslan K joins us to talk about his new software, Filmustage, that uses AI to help filmmakers save time breaking down scripts and scheduling scenes. In this episode Ruslan talks about his software, Filmustage, and how is using AI to help filmmakers save time.
Listen to see if FIlmustage would work for you and get a discount code.
Key Points:
1:24 - How he got started
3:02 - Replacing Movie Magic
4:35 - What is Neural Network Technologies
8:25 - Studio Binder integration
10:06 - Fixing issues
11:49 - Testing software
13:09 - Something going wrong
16:39 - Favorite Gear
18:12 - Views on AI
20:20 - Upcoming changes
20:57 - Pricing
23:07 - Starting a startup
Links:
YouTube Channel
Matt Hadley Episode
Filmustage use Discount Code Practicalfilmmaker30
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It's cutting together and it looks good.
This week we follow up with Sydney Tooley in part 4 of her journey to completing her first feature, Sun Moon. She gives you an update on her progress and the struggles she's going through in post.
Watch to Sydney's latest update on her first feature.
Links:
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
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Trying to make a film in a different country can bring a unique set of challenges such as language barriers and cultural differences.
This week, Sydney Tooley joins us for part 3 of her journey into making her first feature film. In this episode, she shares her journey to getting into Taiwan, how she connected with the crew, and how she tried to stay true to the culture.
Listen to hear how Sydney worked with an international crew, and her next steps to getting her film finished.
Key Points:
1:28 - Getting into Taiwan
2:40 - Filming in Taiwan
9:45 - Connecting with crew
12:47 - Bridging cultures
15:00 - Miscommunication
20:49 - Working with producers
21:09 - Working with studio
22:48 - Staying close to culture
31:51 - Delivery to Studio
Links:
Part 1
Part 2
Sonscreen Panel
Sun Moon Film Instagram
Sydney Tooley Instagram
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The SkyPanel is more expensive than the Vortex 8, but is it worth it?
This week, David George compares the Cream Source Vortex 8 vs. the SkyPanel S60-C. In this episode, he reviews the features of each light, their pros & cons, and light output.
Watch to see what light you should use for your next project.
Links:
Vortex 8
SkyPanel S60-C
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It can be hard balancing school and shooting your first feature film as a student filmmaker.
This week we talk with a panel of filmmakers live from the Sonscreen Film Festival, our sponsor, about how they were able to make their first features. The panel includes three former students and one current professor from Southern Adventist University. In this episode, they share how their project was funded, what their biggest expense was, and how they've transitioned into full-time filmmaking.
Listen to learn how these former students made their first feature film.
Key Points:
1:55 - After 95 (Production Company) Latest Production
4:24 - Michelle Noland Feature Filmmaker
5:42 - Nicholas Livanos Feature Filmmaker
8:46 - Sydney Tooley Feature Filmmaker
12:14 - How they raised funds for their projects
17:10 - Biggest Spend
19:18 - Transitioning from student to full-time filmmaker
28:13 - Managing life & filmmaking
31:11 - Working with an international crew
35:15 - Favorite gear
41:49 - Something going wrong
53:42 - Other jobs to pay bills
55:17 - Future plans with filmmaking
58:55 - Merging music & filmmaking
59:48 - Where to watch the panels' projects
61:42 - What would you do over again
Links
Michelle Noland Film
Voices Rising
Jared Jamison
Michelle Noland
School of Visual Art & Design at Southern Adventist University
Sydney Tooley
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The Nanlux Evoke 1200 is cheaper than the Arri M18, but will it be reliable?
This week David George compares the Nanlux and Arri lights to help determine what kit you should use. In this episode, David goes over the features of each light, the color temperature, as well as the flood and spot.
Listen to see what light kit will work for your next project.
Links:
Nanlux Kit
Arri M18 Kit
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Landing your first editing gig can be tricky, but there are a few ways you can stand out.
This week, John Quinn, editor, shares his tips on getting started as an editor in Hollywood. In this episode, he talks about working union vs. non-union, the benefits of having an agent, and tips on how to get into the industry.
John's resume includes Windtalkers, The Chosen, and The Grudge 3.
Listen to learn how you can get started as an editor in Hollywood.
Key Points:
1:18 - Why get into editing
4:19 - Getting the job for Windtalkers
6:55 - SciFi Channel Movies
9:03 - Cutting horror films
10:27 - Cutting the Chosen
14:28 - Why edit horror and faith-based films
18:50 - Comparing Union vs. Non-union
23:28 - Kappa Studios
25:42 - Are agents helpful
32:27 - How to stand out as a beginner
36:10 - Favorite Gear
38:01 - When something goes wrong
49:39 - Creative vision different from the director
54:30 - Best advice for cutting dialogue scene
55:55 - When to hire the sound house
58:24 - What would you tell your younger self
59:44 - The power of networking
62:08 - Getting fired
Links:
Kappa Studios
Christian Film Finishing Fund
Art Of The Cut
John's IMDB
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