lighting
How to Light a Scene With One Light
One light, placed and modified correctly, can produce images that hold up against anything a six-light setup delivers. Here's how to make it work.
cinematography
Camera Gear
The Only Camera You Actually Need for Cinematic Video Is Probably One You Already Own
Filmmaker Ermia Ramez makes the case that the $2,000 Sony ZV-E1 shares the same sensor as the $7,000 FX6, and that pre-production discipline matters more than any upgrade.
filmmaking basics
Understanding Frame Rates — What They Are and When to Use Them
Frame rate is one of the first technical decisions you make on any video project — and one of the most consequential. Here's what it means and when to use each option.
cinematography
How to Shoot a One-Person Interview That Doesn't Look Like a YouTube Video
Shooting a one-person interview that feels intentional — not like a YouTube video — comes down to a handful of decisions that have nothing to do with budget.
cinematography
Curren Sheldon Makes the Case for Shooting at f/5.6
Oscar-nominated cinematographer Curren Sheldon argues that shooting wide open is overused shorthand that often hurts films more than it helps. His latest video lays out the alternatives.
indie filmmaking
StudioBinder Breaks Down How Cheap Films Can Look Expensive
StudioBinder's new video breaks down production value department by department, arguing that disciplined planning and resourceful execution outperform expensive gear for indie filmmakers.