Tips for Film and Production Professionals - Page 4 of 15

Steve Stockman In Tips and Tricks, Video Marketing, For Pros

Just Don’t: 6 Ways NOT to Shoot Video Interviews

I’ve written a lot about how to shoot video interviews (here, here and here, for example) but not a lot about how NOT to shoot video interviews. Here are some advanced “don’t do this” tips for you to go out and not do immediately:

1. Don’t tell them what to say. In commercial focus groups a few years back, we showed two different sets of “testimonial” type spots. One set featured absolutely real people, who said real things about the product. The other featured people saying more positive things about the product, but they were actors, and … Read the rest

Steve Stockman In Teaching and Training, Feature Film, Television, For Pros, Your Questions Answered

Video as a Collaborative Art

I just shot my first video ever, and had some trouble getting the actors to do what I wanted.

When you’re directing, how much of the performance is up to you, and how much do you let the actor come up with?

-Nick

How much do I let the actor come up with? All of it. As much as I’d sometimes (fortunately rarely) like to climb inside an actor’s head and push all the buttons myself, I can’t. Nobody can. The actor has to do all the work. I may try to help guide or manage, but you really can’t … Read the rest

Steve Stockman In Video Marketing, Teaching and Training, Feature Film, Television, For Pros, Your Questions Answered

Getting Started in a Video Career

Hi Steve,

My Dad gave me a copy of your book to help my roommates (all of whom are filmmakers at NYU) make great films in their classes. It’s been a really helpful guide for them! I was just wondering, since I’m majoring in acting, if you have any tips for actors trying to get into these “videos that don’t suck”.

Do you have any advice on how to find projects to work on without being one of those desperate wannabe actor people who annoy every agent and production company in the city trying to get some kind of work?

… Read the rest

Steve Stockman In Video Marketing, Teaching and Training, Feature Film, Television, For Pros, Your Questions Answered

Get Serious to Attract Actors

I have an idea for a short film. I have a camera, I have a story, and I have a job, so filming and money aren’t a problem. My problem is that I have no idea where to find a cast that can make the film what I want it to be.

Any advice on where to find actual actors/actresses who will take my project seriously and listen to what I tell them?

–Jack

The way to get actors to take your project seriously is to present them with a serious project. That may seem simplistic, but it really isn’t.… Read the rest

Steve Stockman In Video Marketing, For Pros, Press

Respect the Process Podcast

I just discovered commercial director Jordan Brady’s podcast, Respect the Process. I discovered it when he invited me to be on it, but it turns out I’m late to the party– he has a ton of subscribers and some really great guests.

The podcast is now up. Jordan’s beat is creativity and (surprise!) process in film, video and entertainment, which I’m always happy to talk about and learn more about. We covered a lot of information– about shooting video, how to get started in unscripted television, and how he once shot a spot in my garage.

You can see … Read the rest

Steve Stockman In Tips and Tricks, If you’re new to video, Video Marketing, Feature Film, Television, For Pros, Your Questions Answered

Shooting like the Pros

I am a professional videographer, and your advice to “shoot short shots” is totally misguided. Pros shoot more than they need so they can make their video perfect in the editing room. Turning the camera on and off is an amateur move. How have you made a living in this business?

–Chris F., New York

Watch any film or TV show and you’ll see a series of very short shots (read why here). I argue that most people should get out of the habit of running the camera non-stop when shooting. And every so often I get a letter … Read the rest

Steve Stockman In Tips and Tricks, Video Marketing, Teaching and Training, For Pros

Free Download: The Power Of Story

Have you had this experience?

You grudgingly agree to watch a friend’s video. You click on the link. The first few shots are good. Cute kids. But about 10 seconds in you start to get a sinking feeling. This video isn’t about anything. It’s a bunch of shots that aren’t leading anywhere. And you’re stuck having to watch enough of it to lie to your friend about how much you loved it.

You are watching a video without a story. Your friend took out a camera or phone, pointed without thinking, and shot for a while, also without thinking. The … Read the rest

Steve Stockman In Tips and Tricks, Feature Film, Television, For Pros, Your Questions Answered

Adding Information to Your Video

What’s the best way to shoot a stunning place, like a summit with great views in all directions?

I have tried slow panning for 360 degrees a couple of times, but I am not satisfied. If we pan slowly for better view, the whole 360 takes substantial time– if we pan fast…not good either. If we just record short clips 5 secs each in several directions, people might not get the idea of how stunning the place really is.

What do we do?

–Milosh

Instead of shooting stories like most people, you shoot a genre we in the business call … Read the rest