/r/Filmmakers

Photograph via snooOG

Filmmakers, directors, cinematographers, editors, vfx gurus, composers, sound people, grips, electrics, and more meet to share their work, tips, tutorials, and experiences. A place where professionals and amateurs alike unite to discuss the field and help each other.

NORMAL THEME


Rules

  1. Please treat all users with respect and politeness.
  2. If submitting a film, trailer, or other creative content, you must select the "FILM" flair and include a submission statement (a comment on your post) elaborating on the following:

If you are seeking advice or feedback, explain what it is you need help with, whether that's lighting, cinematography, audio, editing, or something else entirely. There are many aspects to filmmaking, so specifying what you want people to focus on will get you better results than simply asking for general feedback. It may also help if you provide some of your own thoughts on your work, such as what you see as your strengths or areas of improvement and why.

If sharing your work and not seeking advice, your post must serve an educational purpose for the rest of the community. Outline your involvement in the project and provide some insight on how it was made. For example, you can detail lighting setups, explain how a particularly complex shot was achieved, or go over any setbacks that hit production and what you did to overcome them.

All submission statements must be at least 100 characters in length and be submitted within 30 minutes of submitting your post. Please remember that simply posting your film or page for views or subscriptions is not allowed.

  • No Travel Videos or V-Log videos are allowed. Try /r/videography instead!

  • Please flair your posts correctly.

  • Piracy or advocacy of piracy is not tolerated

  • About Us

    • Join our Discord server.

    • Follow us on Twitter or join the Reddit Filmmakers Network on Facebook.

    • /r/Filmmakers is a place to meet, share work, tips, tutorials, and experiences in the field. Professionals and amateurs alike unite to discuss the world of filmmaking.

    • This is a place to learn from and share with professionals. In this spirit we encourage detailed and insightful posts, comments, and discussions on the Cinema Arts. Try to enlighten.

    Related subreddits

    Guides

    1. What camera should I buy?
    2. Are there other film subreddits?
    3. Your First Audio Kit
    4. What editing software should I use?
    5. Megathread Monday Archives
    6. Sharing Saturday Archives

    Be sure to check out our wiki


    💬 CHAT

    /r/Filmmakers

    2,813,139 Subscribers

    1

    Should i buy kit lens or just body?

    I’m looking at a Sony A6600, and the price between the 18-135 mm lens vs 18-55 mm lens is 800 dollars (out of my range). The 18-135 is about 300-400 bucks. I’m not sure if I should just buy the body and look for a lens, or buy the 18-135 lens too because it fits in my budget? Any advice?

    0 Comments
    2024/03/25
    19:51 UTC

    2

    The Unique Filmmaking Style of Robert Altman

    1 Comment
    2024/03/25
    19:22 UTC

    1

    Connecting mini Cstand to Lume Cub

    I have a matthews mini C stand which has a 3/16 pin. I was wondering if anyone makes an adapter so i can mount my Lume Cubes (which has a 1/4 20 thread) on the mini c stands.

    0 Comments
    2024/03/25
    19:12 UTC

    1

    Platform for Short Films

    A few of my filmmaking friends and I have been building a platform exclusively for short filmmakers. It's a platform for student filmmakers and industry professionals to showcase short films, connect with peers, and receive expert feedback. You can think of it as a one-stop destination for managing portfolios, learning from seasoned filmmakers, and accessing unique film insights to elevate your craft.

    If you're interested check out our site and sign up for early access. It would mean a lot to us :)

    Cinoma.live

    0 Comments
    2024/03/25
    18:23 UTC

    1

    How much should licensing footage cost?

    TL;DR: I shot a bunch of interviews for a commercial that would be great in an upcoming documentary. How much should I expect to pay the owner for non exclusive rights?

    Last year I went out to Bonneville Speed Week to cover 2 racers that were using a specific product on their car. Footage was delivered to the client and they were happy with the results, but maybe feel like the juice wasn't worth the squeeze. 1 of the racers got real close to breaking a record and is going back again this year to try and do it. I think the footage last year plus the footage I could capture this year combined would make a compelling documentary. Instead of focusing on the product itd be focused on the team, the family, and the triumph of a young racer.

    The footage I'm after from last year is owned by this product manufacturer. They don't have plans to do anything with the bulk of the footage anymore but they're using clips here and there in ads.

    My question is, what should I expect to pay to license last year's footage from them (about 1TB, shot across 3 days). What can I offer them that is not monetary? (Sponsored in part by: company name title card?)

    I have all the footage backed up on my hard drive, so getting it isn't a problem. I don't want to straight up ask them how much without having the ability to jump on it ASAP, as they might start to see more value in the footage if I don't get them to sign it over quickly.

    Let me know your thoughts or anything else I should look out for.

    1 Comment
    2024/03/25
    16:56 UTC

    1

    Any filmmakers need music?

    I'm a music producer and composer and I'd love to work on creating compositions for films! So let me know if anyone is interested I want to make specific compositions based on the vibe of the film and I can give anyone interested like a "trial composition" to see if you work fits your vibe! :)

    0 Comments
    2024/03/25
    16:40 UTC

    2

    Seattle film meetups and groups

    I am looking for any type of meetup, groups, or locations in the seattle and surrounding areas for film professionals and enthusiasts. Also looking for discords, slacks, whatever community members use to communicate.

    0 Comments
    2024/03/25
    16:21 UTC

    8

    How and Why to Use Light Meters

    1 Comment
    2024/03/25
    15:01 UTC

    7

    My first client edited the video I made for them

    I'm a new filmmaker just breaking onto the scene. After a few years of teaching myself thru YT and self-practice, I figured I'd start by shooting some free social media clips for local businesses to get my name in the game. I shot and edited my very first clip for a local cafe's Instagram, and I just saw it this morning, but... To put it bluntly, they kinda ruined it by adding their own edits.

    I put a lot of time into choosing music and edits that fit the vibe of the place (they have a strong retro theme going) while still being engaging enough to catch the attention of Instagram's algo. I intentionally chose calm music and smooth transitions, but they cut it together with crazy shake transitions and some EDM remix of a Dua Lipa song. Very happy that my work is now public, but also kinda miffed that they didn't post my work as is. Do I ask them about it? Is that unprofessional? Frankly I wouldn't care at all if this was a paid gig, but I did this purely for experience and I almost wish they didn't tag me in it cuz that's not reflective of my work. Also I'm almost certain it would perform better untouched. I still plan on posting the original to my website's portfolio at least.

    TL;DR Venting about how a business edited my work for their page. Wondering if I should ask them about it or just move on.

    27 Comments
    2024/03/25
    14:58 UTC

    1

    Green Screen Roll Up System

    Can anybody recommend a roll up mounting system for fabric green screens??

    All I find is the Neewer Backdrop Mount (https://amzn.eu/d/eGcd9db) but to be honestest it's just a bad product and not worth 100$...

    0 Comments
    2024/03/25
    14:44 UTC

    2

    Any filmmakers in The Netherlands?

    Hi, I just graduated my filmschool in Canada and moved to Netherlands. I want to make connections with other filmmakers in the Netherlands and potentially get a job here. I am specialized in editing films and also experienced in commercial video editing (real estate,YouTube ,reels...etc). Please comment or DM me if any of you guys know where I can meet people in film in the Netherlands. Thank you.

    0 Comments
    2024/03/25
    14:14 UTC

    1

    Neo noir colors

    I’m making a neo noir short film and I’m wondering how do you get the bright colors that are seen in these films? Do you need filters lenses or other lights in these colors?

    1 Comment
    2024/03/25
    14:06 UTC

    1

    Light meter or other methods to get the correct exposure

    What is your favorite method to get a correct exposure reading for any given shot. Do you use a cine light meter, grey card, or any of the tools built in to the camera, such as false color, zebra pattern, waveforms, or histograms?

    0 Comments
    2024/03/25
    14:05 UTC

    1

    Smallrig tripod issue

    I have a smallrig freeblazer ad 100 and while trying to tighten the ruber ring on it to make the panning less resistant it got stuck. Now I can't untighten it and make it go smoother. Does anyone have a solution?

    1 Comment
    2024/03/25
    14:01 UTC

    0

    Filming buskers performing and interviewing them (night and day) on iPhone 15 - any devices you'd suggest?

    Hi, I have this project in mind and want to solely use my phone and upgrade it with devices for the purpose. I'm looking into SnapGrip atm. Do you have any suggestions for mics, lighting, or any cool things for the genre (music, street style, etc)? Thanks!

    3 Comments
    2024/03/25
    13:49 UTC

    1

    *Academic Survey* Evaluation of AI-Generated Content in the Film and Animation Industries (professionals or independent artists working in Film and Animation)

    I am a student at Edinburgh Napier University, studying Digital Media and Interaction Design. For my honours project I am conducting a study on the potential benefits of using generative AI tools in the Film and Animation industries in pre-production. The online survey is completely anonymous and should take approximately 3 to 6 minutes to complete. Thank you in advance!

    Link: https://forms.gle/sbQdBtFTsEYHnvqz7

    0 Comments
    2024/03/25
    13:49 UTC

    6

    Would love feedback for my Experimebtal Film

    I've just released my first experimental film, and I'm really happy with it, but I would love some constructive criticism!

    4 Comments
    2024/03/25
    12:48 UTC

    1

    I’m looking for music videos with dashcam footage.

    Hi! I'm looking for a project videos (mostly music videos) that contains scenes with dashcam footage (or something similar), like in carpool karaoke, and I'm also open to videos with people partying in/around a car, etc. Thanks!

    2 Comments
    2024/03/25
    11:56 UTC

    1

    SEEKING ADVICE TO OTHER PRODUCERS: on communicating about shifted timeline date to talents as a new producer when it has shifted 2-3 times

    I prefer to discuss this issue with direct message with another producer (as i am rather new)

    but im uncertain as to whether it’s a good idea to tell them again about shifted dates or not through text/voicenote/call to 2 talents helped out (1 is a cousin and another is someone also in our indigenous culture) since I haven’t updated them about when it’s gonna come out since last Dec 2023… and due to changes and circumstances the video isn’t out yet. And this pilot episode was actually shot in 2021…

    Would love the need of help today so pls Comment or DM ASAP So that I can give the full scenario… cuz I would need to decide to tell them or not today - should i even be telling/updating them before the social media post tmr or after? or not at all and let them spectate the post and have them come to me to ask?

    2 Comments
    2024/03/25
    11:53 UTC

    0

    Buying my first videocamera

    Hello, i've been wanting to buy my first video camera for side business, mostly for filming wedding and events like this. I am employed as a cameraman on local TV station, the cameras we use are Sony HVR S270e. I've had some weddings filmed with this camera, what i like about it is servo zoom, and xlr ports so i can also record 2 audio tracks. I also like that i can film with camera on my shoulder but it is too heavy for filming with camera in one hand. So i would like a model (preferebly Sony) which can be used on shoulder, from tripod or from just one hand carry, with good stabilization, has IT mic aswell as xlr ports for another audio. I prefer doing with manual focus as i feel like gives me more freedom but would also like a good and realiable auto focus. Obviously the picture quality should be as good as possible for my price range, and i would also like a high FPS feature for occasional slo mo shots, 120 or atleast 60fps. My budget is 2000€ max, for camera and lens to go with it. Ours lenses are 4.4 to 52.8mm which i found to be good enough, with apperature of F 1.6. All the other equipment i can borrow from my boss, so tripod, external microphone, xlr cable, lights are not needed.

    Thanks for any suggestions i might get, still very new in filming business :)

    2 Comments
    2024/03/25
    11:34 UTC

    0

    What do you think sets photojournalism apart from other forms of storytelling?

    Hey Reddit community,

    I've been pondering about the unique qualities of photojournalism lately and wanted to hear your thoughts. What do you believe distinguishes photojournalism from other forms of storytelling? Is it the immediacy of the visual medium? The ability to capture raw emotions in a single frame? Or perhaps it's the way photographs can transcend language barriers and evoke universal understanding?

    0 Comments
    2024/03/25
    11:28 UTC

    1

    Tips for mounting a camera on a racing wheelchair

    We'll be mounting an R5 or C70 on a wheelchair like the one pictured, our plan is to clamp two magic arms on the central and rear axels, supporting the camera from two angles. Does anyone have any experience with this?

    https://preview.redd.it/6y49nhllggqc1.jpg?width=800&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2e52e44dde9c78eac1ce26735447a59372e8d379

    0 Comments
    2024/03/25
    10:13 UTC

    0

    Reason for blurring license plate?

    I’m currently working on a low budget/independent music video. I have some b-roll that features the musician’s car, and shows his license plate.

    I understand that in documentary/reality tv, plates are blurred for privacy reasons. However my question is… is their any reason we should avoid showing his plates? Could this be a potential liability?

    Also, the musician is a friend of mine. He is fine with showing the license plate in the video, however I feel like it’s my responsibility to make sure this doesn’t present any potential issues.

    16 Comments
    2024/03/25
    09:21 UTC

    1

    Looking to do practical gun muzzle flash off camera

    So I don't want to play with guns or have to deal with VFX, but I have a shot where two characters are in a car, one gets out and you see them walk behind the car. They fire behind/obscured by the car and I want to hear the gunshot and only see the bright flash of light from where the camera will be, but not see an actual muzzle flash if that makes sense.

    I'm wondering the best quick flash that would look most like somebody shot a gun juust off camera or just obscured, should I just trigger a digital camera flash?

    1 Comment
    2024/03/25
    09:03 UTC

    0

    Great sound design in small/mid-budget movies

    I'm really interested to hear any thoughts/comments on great sound design in small/mid budget movies. Yes, we can all appreciate the sound design that goes into the blockbusters but i'm fascinated to hear anyone who can point to more subtle sound design that really fits/works within the overall theme of the movie or within any one particular scene. One film that springs to mind for me with amazing sound design - Pan's Labyrinth. Thanks.

    3 Comments
    2024/03/25
    08:06 UTC

    0

    Opinions on buying equipment from Temu (yes I said it)

    Equipment can get pretty expensive as we all know. I’m a beginner film maker, shot a couple personal projects but I really wanna up my game with better lighting.

    I don’t plan on buying from Temu right away, because I still wanna price check across other platforms. There could be better deals on other sites.

    In the past I’ve used lens rental.com which is such a great resource to rent equipment for very cheap. But I want to own my own equipment.

    Im a college student, and I work part time, so I don’t make a lot of money. But I’d be willing to take suggestions for inexpensive lighting, lamps, lenses, etc!

    My current camera is the Panasonic LUMIX G7 micro 4/3

    15 Comments
    2024/03/25
    04:31 UTC

    49

    English is not my first language and I suck at articulating. Could someone describe this shot in detail? With respect to the camera's position, placement, angle, etc? Thanks in advance.

    37 Comments
    2024/03/25
    02:21 UTC

    0

    What is an official film credit and how do you get one?

    I was wondering what is a credit and is there a difference between a big time movie credit or a credit on a friends video?

    9 Comments
    2024/03/25
    02:17 UTC

    3

    How much do NYC rental houses usually pay full-timers?

    Typically I wouldn't feel comfortable asking a whole community something like this, but as someone who wants to leave freelancing as an AC to work full-time at a rental house in NY, I'm curious how much they generally pay an hour if anyone's familiar.

    Nearly every company I've contacted has told me to wait to apply since business hasn't picked up enough to bring on new hires, but since I'm feeling ready to reach back out to some of them as we head into the spring, I'm wondering if it would even be worth it. Should I expect anything less than $20 an hour from most of them?

    The houses that are considering me the most are Handheld Films, That Cat Rentals, NYC Camera, and Schiempflüg. By "considering me the most," I mean that some are actively looking to bring more people onboard once our slow-season begins to lift a little more (according to them at least). I've already gained some rental house experience in Philly (I couldn't stay with them because we were in the thick of the pandemic before the company went in a whole different direction), and although they couldn't pay much above the minimum wage (partly because of how low the federal minimum wage is in PA), I wasn't sure if I should expect much more out of NYC in general.

    0 Comments
    2024/03/25
    01:44 UTC

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