Just curious: What DVD commentaries absolutely enhance the movie they're attached to? [more inside]
posted by the NATURAL on Nov 9, 2009 - 30 answers

I'm trying to re-find an irreverent filmmaking tutorial-video site I never bookmarked. In one memorable video, to show how a camera captures photons, they dropped a hundred tennis balls and tried to catch them in a plastic bucket. Anyone seen this? [more inside]
posted by scrowdid on Nov 5, 2009 - 1 answer

Screenwriters - advice for coming up wirth effective short film scripts QUICKLY! [more inside]
posted by Cantdosleepy on Oct 19, 2009 - 11 answers

Here's a fun one: can you think of any films that have good, usable -moving background- shots / tracking shots, that I could use as a fake "driving" backdrop for a movie I'm making? [more inside]
posted by wavejumper on Sep 19, 2009 - 13 answers

I'm looking to rent a fake cop car for a quick, no-budget film shoot. My question is, how the hell do I transport it without getting pulled over for impersonating an officer or getting similar attention from law enforcement? [more inside]
posted by ambulance blues on Aug 16, 2009 - 5 answers

Anyone know of some good freeware film scheduling software or templates? [more inside]
posted by Bobby Bittman on Aug 4, 2009 - 2 answers

I want to get into filmmaking as a hobby, but I'm not sure where to start. [more inside]
posted by fishtacos on Feb 5, 2009 - 10 answers

Submitting a student film for a local festival. Unlicensed music used. How should I clear this? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Nov 13, 2008 - 13 answers

Looking for short films with a narrative structure and extremely short running time, no more than 90 seconds that I can watch online on vimeo or some other video site. [more inside]
posted by ilike on Nov 10, 2008 - 5 answers

Where to list my video equipment for rental? [more inside]
posted by JMB1138 on Nov 6, 2008 - 4 answers

Am I crazy to try shooting a motion picture on a still camera? [more inside]
posted by drjimmy11 on Oct 5, 2008 - 15 answers

I need to create a website for a fake invite-only torrent community to feature in a short movie centering around said community. What's the easiest way to set up a customizable tracker? [more inside]
posted by JMB1138 on Sep 29, 2008 - 2 answers

I've been asked to teach a one time, one hour high school class on the fundamentals/elements of film making. What aspects of film making would be most exciting for them and with no film making gear how would one go about teaching it? [more inside]
posted by glasskey on Sep 23, 2008 - 12 answers

I've just found out second-hand that someone is planning on making a film out of one of my short stories. Which is fine, I suppose, presuming he actually does ask my permission, and presuming it's strictly an amateur not-for-profit film. My question is -- if I do give my permission, will that harm any rights I have to the story? Suppose I wanted to sell the rights to a "real" movie of the story someday -- will giving my permission here mean I've given up the film rights entirely?
posted by webmutant on Sep 6, 2008 - 16 answers

[FilmmakingFilter] Can someone tell me how this music video was made? [more inside]
posted by Bobby Bittman on Aug 22, 2008 - 19 answers

I want to make films. What equipment do I need, and what do I need to know? [more inside]
posted by nulledge on Aug 14, 2008 - 11 answers

What are the challenges that independent filmmakers + people working in the industry (actors, crew, etc) face today? What tools do you use currently for the different stages of your production? What do you like about them, what do you wish for? [more inside]
posted by seeminglee on Jul 4, 2008 - 3 answers

How do I age someone for a film? Looking for something relatively cheap/easy. We don't have any proper makeup experience. [more inside]
posted by es_de_bah on Apr 22, 2008 - 11 answers

Suggest online or DVD resources for a new filmmaker to learn about lenses, film formats, shot composition, camera moves, dialogue staging, and other aspects of cinematography & directing? [more inside]
posted by pseudostrabismus on Apr 17, 2008 - 7 answers

What is the scariest horror movie scene - but taken out of context? [more inside]
posted by markovich on Apr 16, 2008 - 81 answers

Can I use my computer monitor as an HD production monitor? [more inside]
posted by UnnotciedTypo on Feb 21, 2008 - 5 answers

Looking for recommendations/opinions about programs in digital media, such as Boston University's Center for Digital Imaging Arts (CDIA). [more inside]
posted by nightengine on Feb 2, 2008 - 0 answers

What do I buy a 15 year old kid who wants to make movies? He already has a camera, lenses and Final Cut. [more inside]
posted by rocco on Jan 8, 2008 - 36 answers

Can anyone identify a specific documentary that details a film maker's work with wolves? [more inside]
posted by bonobo on Dec 30, 2007 - 9 answers

wanted: help with the source of and exact wording for a quote. [more inside]
posted by ancamp on Oct 28, 2007 - 3 answers

A question for camcorder experts: Tell me what camcorder has these precise characteristics... [more inside]
posted by letahl on Oct 4, 2007 - 10 answers

What I should buy for $1,000 in the way of equipment to make a decent-quality documentary film? [more inside]
posted by letahl on Sep 27, 2007 - 10 answers

What would be a good, compelling subject for a short (7-15 minute) documentary film on an (for all intents and purposes) average college campus that hasn't been done a million times before?
posted by The Esteemed Doctor Bunsen Honeydew on Sep 5, 2007 - 20 answers

Why do dumb videos have a knack of being popular online? [more inside]
posted by Ajit AP on Aug 3, 2007 - 13 answers

We, a group of amature filmmakers, are in post and looking for festivals. [more inside]
posted by Roman Graves on Jul 11, 2007 - 13 answers

What stories (short or otherwise) are begging to be adapted into a low-budget film? And, what camera should be used to film it? [more inside]
posted by nervestaple on May 13, 2007 - 34 answers

I'd like to sell some HD footage. Are there stock libraries that deal in video? [more inside]
posted by popcassady on Apr 9, 2007 - 4 answers

How do I become a great video freelancer in NYC? I graduated from college last year with a degree in filmmaking. I know how to make videos - I've used decent cameras (vx2100, pd150) and I know my Final Cut Pro. Through personal connections, I was recently approached by two non-profit organizations asking me to submit proposals to do their promotional videos. I did and I am waiting to hear back. In the meantime, I'm freaking out that I may be in over my head. Any Advice? [more inside]
posted by prophetsearcher on Mar 14, 2007 - 9 answers

Which movies have the most interesting moments of specific, sudden dramatic turnarounds/"surprises"? (PLEASE, TITLES/RECOMMENDATIONS ONLY -- please keep this thread spoiler-free, thanks!) I'm interested in watching these movies with an eye toward what happens in design terms (sound design, camera movement, lighting, etc.) both during and just before the turnaround/revelation. [more inside]
posted by lorimer on Nov 29, 2006 - 142 answers

Does anyone know of a good book for info on getting short animations funded? [more inside]
posted by snarfois on Nov 28, 2006 - 3 answers

I recently bought a used Bolex H16 Reflex Motion Film Camera. Now my problem is. . .I have no idea how to load the film. [more inside]
posted by visual mechanic on Jul 26, 2006 - 6 answers

How have different tv shows or movie franchises dealt with the death of actors between episodes/seasons/films? [more inside]
posted by Robot Johnny on Apr 17, 2006 - 53 answers

For people interested in film-making, which DVD's come with director's commentaries that are truly insightful and a cut above the norm? [more inside]
posted by nthdegx on Nov 16, 2005 - 41 answers

GonzoFilmakingFilter: So I am a student filmmaker with a script and actors and a camera and a crew and lights and... [more inside]
posted by FearAndLoathingInLJ on Aug 2, 2005 - 14 answers

Resources for student or amateur filmmakers. I'm updating [my film site] to list useful resources or little known tips such as DIY equipment, free music scoring, free software, how to articles, etc. What can you recommend that is helpful? [more inside]
posted by FakeOutdoorsman on Jun 26, 2005 - 4 answers

Can anyone point me to a helpful movie glossary that has a list of movie shots (pan shot, establishment shot, close-up, etc)? Looking for as comprehensive a list as possible with good explanations. Thanks.
posted by Slimemonster on May 30, 2004 - 4 answers