CHALLENGE TIME! You are lent some expensive, professional grade video equipment for 18 hours and told that you may use it as you see fit in the time you have. Assuming little to no preparation beforehand, what do you do and/or film with it? Ideally you'd like the owner (or anyone else who sees your work) to be mildly impressed, knowing that you have no actual solo film making experience whatsoever. [more inside]
posted by Seiten Taisei on Oct 17, 2012 - 14 answers

Looking for help figuring out ways to teach a tween how to make films. [more inside]
posted by diabolik on Oct 1, 2012 - 4 answers

What technical film-editing component leads to "pink flashes" on transitions, like this one or this one? [more inside]
posted by circular on Dec 21, 2011 - 7 answers

When did certain film makers/producers start placing the title of the film at the very end of their film? I've noticed this tends to happen with independant/art-house style films? The film just begins and at the very end of the movie, the screen will flash the title of the film and then the credits will roll. Does someone know who started this?
posted by Fizz on Oct 30, 2011 - 3 answers

As a video editor, how can I best capitalize on a film's theatrical release? [more inside]
posted by rocco on Sep 8, 2011 - 2 answers

This is a Final Cut question: I would like to show an image with a video inside it. More specifically, so the question is clear, I would like to show (in my video) a fake website that has an embedded video. So, "the website" will be a still image, but there is video within it. I hope that's clear. Would really appreciate any help!
posted by cyberdad on Jul 29, 2011 - 3 answers

I'm an engineer wanting to explore my creative side a bit via making short films aimed at online viewing via YouTube or whatever. I've got the high-end Macintosh but I need (1) a camera (hopefully better than my old MiniDV camcorder), (2) software (Final Cut Express or similar, I suppose), and (3) skill in the mechanics of filming and editing and in the technique of story telling. In other words, I need to learn how to operate the camera and editing software but I also need to learn what I want to do with it. I'd appreciate suggestions for any of this stuff but pointers on good books or whatever for learning the skills would be really nice.
posted by LastOfHisKind on Aug 15, 2010 - 9 answers

Canon 7D/Final Cut video editing workflow: How to do it? [more inside]
posted by drjimmy11 on May 26, 2010 - 8 answers

Have any movies ever filmed scenes during regular production that were meant specifically for the purpose of being used in a TV airing? [more inside]
posted by joshrholloway on Jun 19, 2009 - 31 answers

I'm a full-time film editor and occasional composer in Vancouver, about to move to Toronto. My main work has been TV movies and short films. Because I don't have a job lined up there, I'll need to network. I also enjoy collaborating, and would love to make some new acquaintances -- I don't know many people in TO. Can anyone think of resources, groups, or organizations in Toronto that might help me achieve these goals? [more inside]
posted by gonna get a dog on Jun 16, 2009 - 3 answers

70s style character intro freeze-framey thingie? [more inside]
posted by drjimmy11 on May 16, 2009 - 7 answers

video effects! how do i get the rounded cornered, blurred edged look of a film projector (like the first 10 seconds of this)? [more inside]
posted by thatelsagirl on Dec 1, 2008 - 2 answers

What's the best handbook for guiding my Final Cut Pro 5.1 learning curve? [more inside]
posted by philip-random on Oct 8, 2008 - 7 answers

What are some examples of great slow motion in narrative cinema and experimental video? [more inside]
posted by serial_consign on Jul 10, 2008 - 18 answers

Working in the US film industry as a foreigner. Please explain... [more inside]
posted by mooza on Apr 9, 2008 - 4 answers

Any Australian mefites out there with tax accounting knowledge for film/tv workers? I am so confused about this "income averaging" thing everyone's talking about. I get the theory of why and how income averaging works, but I'm a bit confused about who is eligible, as I've been hearing conflicting stories... [more inside]
posted by mooza on Feb 26, 2008 - 4 answers

I want to find work as a film editor in the UK. Would it be better to find a permanent job, or freelance? Would I need an agent? If so, do you have any recommendations? [more inside]
posted by mooza on Oct 5, 2007 - 2 answers

Who are some people in the film industry I should be looking for in regards to Director of Photography vs. Film Editor? I've already watched movies specifically for the actors and directors. [more inside]
posted by a_green_man on Sep 26, 2007 - 27 answers

How can I build a high-def editing system on the cheap? [more inside]
posted by popcassady on Jul 7, 2007 - 9 answers

I have some home movies that I need to brighten up. [more inside]
posted by TrueVox on Dec 30, 2006 - 9 answers

If I shot in 24p advanced mode on a Panasonic DVX-100, what is the correct frame rate that Final Cut Pro should be capturing? [more inside]
posted by ArsncHeart on Jun 17, 2006 - 8 answers

Advice on non-degree film editing workshops? [more inside]
posted by catesbie on Dec 29, 2005 - 5 answers

What is the easiest way to edit video from a DVD, and then be able to burn it back to DVD? [more inside]
posted by monsta coty scott on Jul 25, 2005 - 4 answers

I am currently a freelance film editor who has worked for free or for deferred payment in the past. The editing is a side gig, since I have to work a day job as a technical writer to pay the bills. Increasingly, I don't have the energy to work both jobs. Besides, I really want to devote my energies to my true passion, editing. My work experience is mostly outside the field and therefore not applicable. Since I'll need to make a big leap to get into the field, does anyone have any suggestions for how to make the jump? Should I consider going back to school to get a film degree? If not, how do I convince a company to take a chance on me given my background? [more inside]
posted by nightengine on Jun 22, 2005 - 9 answers

TrailerFilter: So I watched Anchorman the other night. Last night, at a different film, I saw the Anchorman trailer. In it, lots of things exciting things happen that don't appear in the film - Hero takes a bullet for Heroine, they have sex on the boss's desk, he tells her that he wants to be King Of Austria and that she sounds like a mental person. What's going on there then?
posted by bonaldi on Jul 23, 2004 - 15 answers