The Frugal Filmmaker

Auditioning Actors

2013-06-14T11:49:00.000-07:00

I know Chris Henderson covered this topic in depth on my blog awhile back, but how to find actors is a question I get asked over and over. While it is not an expensive process, it will take a bit of time and effort to line up all of your ducks and get people interested in your project enough to want to work with you. If you already have a reputation, this might be easy. If you don't, you've got your work cut out for you.

Either way, I hope this video helps in your pre-production process.

Collection Day Audition Notice (designed by Stephanie Stephens)
Collection Day Audition Sides (attached as notes to the CD Facebook page)
Directing Actors by Judith Weston
Chris Henderson's series on "Casting Your Microbudget Film"
Thumbnail photo courtesy Morguefile.com

P.S. Don't forget to be professional during auditions. Actors (like crew) are doing you a huge favor. Treat them with the respect and professionalism they deserve, whether they are good for the part or not. This is where you will begin building a reputation with the local filmmaking community, and everyone talks. Give them good things to say and you'll always have the talent you need.

Recap Q&A: Which Editor and Why?

2013-06-10T07:23:00.000-07:00

Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/thefrugalfilmmaker
Twitter Feed: http://www.twitter.com/frugalfilmmaker

"Collection Day" Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/CollectionDayMovie

Rosco Cinefoil (black wrap)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005NEJ13A/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=thefrugfilm-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B005NEJ13A&adid=0HVXQFZB0XSKED17Y76Z&

Watch "Tip: External SD Monitor Battery"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ho9smEWrIcc

Digital Prism 7" portable television/monitor
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001W8WEGC/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=thefrugfilm-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B001W8WEGC&adid=10NVNQ2DNP68FK5SXVEJ&

Sony Vegas Video Editors (with 30 day free trials)
http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/vegassoftware

6 filmmaking tips from Richard Linklater
http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/features/6-filmmaking-tips-from-richard-linklater.php?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=6-filmmaking-tips-from-richard-linklater

DIY digital stabilized camera gimbal
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSpDA1Qv7wg

Amazon Storyteller turns scripts into storyboards
http://venturebeat.com/2013/06/07/amazon-launches-storyteller-to-turn-scripts-into-storyboards-automagically/

An actors guide to producing your own film
http://www.guerillamasterclass.com/from-acting-to-producing/

Mounting options for photography (or video) backdrops
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6cH-DHHgSU&feature=youtu.be

How to make a soft DIY LCD hood
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Diyphotographynet/~3/tpCWTH6Vb9w/how-make-solf-diy-lcd-hood

Conquering creative burnout: put down the camera
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PetaPixel/~3/5CVbpe_ZAw0/

Collection Day 5: More Auditions Tomorrow

2013-06-05T06:13:00.002-07:00

Our makeshift greenroom. The ironies abound!

I really like auditions and I love actors. They are the ones who breathe life into your characters, the ones who literally inhabit this world you have created for them. The best ones will totally commit to these characters, no matter how strange or silly the story might be. They are fearless. If they trust you, they will move in the directions you guide them. If you trust them, you will listen to their insights and feelings about the character. You don't always have to agree with them, but they are the ones living in your character's skin. Pay attention.

I was encouraged by what we saw in round one of our auditions on Saturday (despite the heavy rain). There is another audition tomorrow night and the trilogy ends this coming Saturday. I'm looking forward to seeing more local talent and very excited for callbacks when we get to start pairing people together to see how their chemistry plays out.

Casting is sort of like looking at paintings. You don't know what you'll like, but you recognize it when you see it.

--Steven Bochco

Recap Q&A: What Non-gear Storage Storage?

2013-06-03T11:29:00.002-07:00

Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/thefrugalfilmmaker
Twitter Feed: http://www.twitter.com/frugalfilmmaker

"Collection Day" teaser from Fist Full'a Fedi Productions
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jre5bYSye0o

"Collection Day" teaser from Miika Was Here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldPBkG34CSk

Large pistol (shotgun mic) case
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0013RD6OG/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=thefrugfilm-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B0013RD6OG&adid=1K8TRKZP2F2AFNDHJ65V&

Interview with Brian Paulin of Morbid Vision Films
http://charlestcochran.wordpress.com/2013/05/24/an-interview-with-brian-paulin-of-morbid-vision-films/

NEX-6 with Lens Turbo converter
http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2013/05/27/my-nex-6-with-lens-turbo-converter-by-jason-wang/

Lens Turbo Full Frame adapter for NEX
http://youtu.be/HdEpBZ8sp9k

Adobe Creative Cloud Review
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgNRzGSbcP4

Review: Fotodiox macro extention tube
http://filmflap.blogspot.com/2013/05/review-fotodiox-macro-extension-tube.html?spref=fb

Tough, low cost travel tripod review
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KLfE0FBCag&feature=youtu.be

Shooting a reality show with two pocket cameras
http://rungunshoot.com/how-i-made-an-mtv-reality-show-with-two-pocket-cameras-and-a-macbook/

Macro shots on a pocket camera
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8FozYX6X5g

$1 DIY sandbags
http://youtu.be/UWYyogjC0tU

PhotaREX softbox for redheads review
http://youtu.be/1ukK-rZxdo4

Review: Fotodiox Macro Extension Tube

2013-05-30T16:42:00.002-07:00

I've never done much macro (extreme close-up) shooting, but I still think it's pretty cool. When Fotodiox offered to send me an adapter that would make any of my lenses into macro lenses, I jumped at the chance. At only $10 (for the Sony NEX version), it's a steal. It's definitely not perfect, but the low price more than compensates for the hoops you may have to jump through to get it to work properly.

PROS
Cheap
Lightweight
gives you uber-cool extreme close-up video

CONS
is only effective with manual lenses (no electronic pass-through)
adds weird tilt to camera (when used with Fotodiox lens adapter with tripod mount)
need long lens for practical use (only a con if you don't have one)

Fotodiox Macro Extension Tube
Macro Slider Rail

Recap Q&A: Have You Ever Shot on Film?

2013-05-28T07:28:00.000-07:00

Blog: http://www.thefrugalfilmmaker.com
Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/thefrugalfilmmaker
Twitter Feed: http://www.twitter.com/frugalfilmmaker

What is "Broadcast Safe"?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broadcast-safe

Belkin headphone splitter
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000067RC4/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=thefrugfilm-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B000067RC4&adid=0GCEHDBHZ2WH5DG9XTQD&

"The Gap" scene with white balance effect
http://youtu.be/x1dew4WwqEw?t=13m12s

Digital Juice Aura 3 Point Lighting Kit Review
http://youtu.be/YaNObjfwWx0

Cheap & simple teleprompter
http://youtu.be/hx9wPxR-Nuo

Danny Boyle's 15 golden rules of moviemaking
http://www.moviemaker.com/articles-directing/danny-boyle-15-golden-rules-filmmaking/

Tip: Sci-fi Hockey Puck Prop
http://filmflap.blogspot.com/2013/05/tip-sci-fi-hockey-puck-prop.html?spref=fb

Follow focus under $10
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBVgA8OqYtY&feature=youtu.be

Want people to view your videos?
http://fstoppers.com/want-people-to-view-your-videos-new-data-confirms-the-future-is-social

Making a movie without a Hollywood budget and big crew
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtMa1TW3Zig

How I color correct with DaVinci Resolve (FREE)
http://youtu.be/grN6SbGJkus

Tip: Sci-fi Hockey Puck Prop

2013-05-23T10:28:00.002-07:00

In a scene from my upcoming thesis film, a certain device is described in a very specific way--hockey puck shaped. Even though I wrote the script and had a pretty good idea about what I wanted, I went looking anyway. Who knows what better ideas I could stumble across with a little legwork?

LED Puck Light
Light Strike Mini Target
Palm Touchstone Induction Charger

P.S. If you need to turn your PDF screenplay into a JPG so you can insert a page into a video (as I did here), pdf2jpg will do it for you online.

Recap Q&A: Make a Better Teaser Contest!

2013-05-20T07:06:00.001-07:00

Didn't like the "Collection Day" teaser? Make your own!

Collection Day 4: First Teaser and Some Marketing
http://filmflap.blogspot.com/2013/05/collection-day-4-first-teaser-and-some.html

Collection Day Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/CollectionDay

Collection Day Twitter Feed
https://twitter.com/collectionday

Kevin MacLeod's "Darkness is Coming" music track
http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/?keywords=Darkness+Is+Coming

DIY Steadicam - Krotocam review
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEApLbBbo64

Redhead cheap light kit review
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3E3ktM0gnI&feature=youtu.be

This 12-year-old girl can kick your butt (at making movies)
http://nofilmschool.com/2013/05/12-year-old-girl-directing-trinity-anderson/

How to get started with Magic Lantern RAW video on your Canon
http://nofilmschool.com/2013/05/how-to-get-started-magic-lantern-raw-video-canon-camera/

How to build a "bag of tricks" you can pull from in a pinch
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/theblackandblue/~3/sSmBIqOtWHA/

16 recommendations for filmmakers for a sustainable creative life
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TrulyFreeFilm/~3/TzEsr8NVArw/1-best-practices-for-a-sustainable-creative-life.html

Sony MDR-V6 and Tascam TH02 monitor headphone review
http://cheesycam.com/sony-mdr-v6-monitor-and-tascam-th02-monitor-headphones/

DIY CFL lighting kit
https://plus.google.com/photos/112130483560390375326/albums/5696947172601334785?banner=pwa

$1 multi clamp
http://youtu.be/1erc54PJ8lE

Collection Day 4: First Teaser and Some Marketing

2013-05-16T10:39:00.001-07:00

Things are chugging along for my grad thesis film, Collection Day, and that includes some marketing moves. Last week we launched (thanks to associate producer Stephanie Stephens) an official Facebook Page and a Twitter feed. There isn't much content as of yet, but we did recently post the first of three audition notices.

I also registered an official, easy to remember domain name (collectiondaymovie.com) that, as of now, redirects to the Facebook page. I'm sure there will be a better use for it in the future, but a domain name is cheap and good to have for easily directing anyone interested to more information.

I also created a short teaser video. Even though no one has been cast and not one frame has been shot (we've only had one meeting!), a teaser video can be a good way to create interest and dole out information. Here, I reveal some key points to the story in every piece of text. I slightly animate the text to create drama (except for the title itself) and for the tagline at the end, it moves in the opposite direction (more drama!)

Of course, what really makes the teaser (if it is made at all) is the music. I used a royalty free selection ("Darkness is Coming") from Kevin McLeod over at his great site Incompetech.com. I think the piece fits really well and reminds of the score from John Carpenter's The Thing (1982), which is something I want in the final score of my film.

So what do you think? Does the teaser effectively pique your interest?

Recap Q&A: What Remote Monitor are you Using?

2013-05-13T07:39:00.001-07:00

Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/thefrugalfilmmaker
Twitter Feed: http://www.twitter.com/frugalfilmmaker

Watch "Frugal Shoulder Rig"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WR1NXqd23vU

Watch "The Frugal Floater (DIY Steadicam)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxlvULNwlpU

Digital Prism portable 7" TV
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001W8WEGC/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=thefrugfilm-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B001W8WEGC&adid=0Z6NKPZ0DS6TMGCHSG4J&

Tip: External SD Monitor Battery
http://filmflap.blogspot.com/2012/09/tip-external-sd-monitor-battery.html

The 180 degree rule
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/180-degree_rule

YouTube user who asked about "The 180 Degree Rule": The P-Cult!
http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9boXLr_-RBl1L_ILgpBVMA

7 lessons for startups from the film industry
http://ventureburn.com/2013/05/7-lessons-for-startups-from-the-film-industry/?goback=.gde_46674_member_238565399

Professional, organic, practical fx for 'The Fountain' & 'The Tree of Life'
http://nofilmschool.com/2013/05/microscopic-cosmic-organic-vfx-fountain-tree-life/

Glidecam vs Flycam
http://youtu.be/s8Oc1jMQOn8

DIY spider trax dolly track
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgbQKbZC2pQ

17 things about the film biz that should influence your behavior
http://nofilmschool.com/2013/05/17-things-about-film-biz-ted-hope/

Visual FX pionneer Ray Harryhausen dies at 92
http://movies.yahoo.com/news/visual-effects-pioneer-ray-harryhausen-dies-92-050000837.html?cache=clear

10+ steps to becoming mega successful in video production
http://philipbloom.net/2013/05/03/10-steps/

Execute your video content strategy in 8 steps
http://contentmarketinginstitute.com/2013/05/execute-video-content-strategy/

$10 budget: Watch, Stylus, Army Men!
http://youtu.be/Blma0AiMj2w

Matrix effect with a ceiling fan and a GoPro
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=OEd5lTmeAH8

Collection Day 3: First pre-production meeting
http://filmflap.blogspot.com/2013/05/collection-day-3-first-pre-production.html

Speed up renders in Sony Vegas and most editing programs
http://youtu.be/QKhfSK3GQUE

TED Talk: The key to success? Grit
http://www.ted.com/talks/angela_lee_duckworth_the_key_to_success_grit.html

The history and science of color temperature
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HnhIRPLWsM

Collection Day 3: First Pre-Production Meeting

2013-05-10T10:24:00.001-07:00

This past Wednesday, the core crew for my grad thesis film, Collection Day, got together to go over a basic production timeline and discuss how we're going to get this project made. Producer Scott McEntire had already broken down the script and had a list of characters, locations and props. He is very thorough and had lots of questions for me, which is great. Movies don't get made in a vacuum and there needs to be interactions between the producer and all the department heads to make sure things get rolling.

We also talked about the uber-important (and often neglected) marketing aspect and how we plan to raise the money for this mini-monster. Our associate producer, Stephanie Stephens, is not only an accomplished makeup fx artist (which will come in handy), but also a graphic artist (she's the one that came up with our first teaser graphic). She is wise to the marketing ways of Facebook and Twitter and was placed in charge of the upcoming Kickstarter campaign. Smaller productions often have people wearing many hats and Collection Day is no exception.

It's in print, so it must be real!

We established some very important dates and deadlines, especially auditions. I'm a big fan of actors and really want to find some great ones to fill these roles. Our lead is a complex character and will need to have a certain range, both physically and emotionally, to be convincing. I know we can find her, but don't yet have any idea of who she might be. Auditions and callbacks will remedy this.

Another important landmark we set was the month of shooting. While it is still too early to set specific dates, it looks like the coming October will be when the camera starts rolling. It seems like a a long time from now, but so much has to happen in the meantime, that it will be upon us very soon.

I say something "relevant", while co-producer Michael Carpenter looks on.

This meeting was very productive. Everyone had good input, important dates were agreed on, and we all parted with confidence that not only will the movie get made, but that it will be a good movie, worth watching. Okay, that's how I felt when the meeting was over.

*Special thanks to Eric White for taking the meeting photos.

$10 Budget: Watch, Stylus, Army Men!

2013-05-09T10:46:00.004-07:00

Today I roundup a few items from eBay, Dollar General, and (of course) Dollar Tree. I've been looking for some near-future props for my thesis film Collection Day, and have been very interested in cheap digital watches from China. They have some interesting designs and some could easily pass for wrist-worn communicators, which is exactly what I want.

Also in the show, I spend not much on a bunch of plastic army men, cowboys and indians, and buccaneers. While it may seem like I'm just a giant child (which is very possible), I actually think we could use these for actor blocking and quick and dirty storyboards.

The last item is just a cheap pen/stylus you can use on your smartphone. I find that trying to use my finger when trying to draw anything, just doesn't work. Using your whole hand with a drawing instrument works much better. Even though the pen on this combo device is terrible, the stylus will come in handy if you do any sort of diagramming (such as overheads) on your phone.

Mayday! Mayday!

Recap Q&A: Where was the Episode Last Week?

2013-05-06T06:56:00.003-07:00

Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/thefrugalfilmmaker
Twitter Feed: http://www.twitter.com/frugalfilmmaker

XLR to 1/8" audio adapter cable
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000068NZG/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=thefrugfilm-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B000068NZG&adid=149PSKJ44SGP75YMFN7B&

Zoom H1 Handy Recorder
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003QKBVYK/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=thefrugfilm-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B003QKBVYK&adid=0CSQ8GAC6A1X922ZWCND&

Tascam DR-05 digital audio recorder
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004OA6JW0/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=thefrugfilm-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B004OA6JW0&adid=01D1BWMBMHX5PNVT3PMB&

Tascam DR-40 digital audio recorder (with XLR inputs)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005NACC6M/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=thefrugfilm-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B005NACC6M&adid=1WRKQ8CP7EP3MMQBTD65&

XLR-PRO dual channel XLR adapter/mixer
http://signvideo.com/xlr-pro_xlr_adapter-audio-mixer.htm

Budget Light Kit
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXMI8_o6VTc

Audio Crate
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AzsGgtuBLw

Soderbergh: Studios only gamble on openings, not filmmakers
http://nofilmschool.com/2013/04/steven-soderbergh-state-cinema-2013/#more-51196

5 sci-fi gadgets (props), really everyday objects
http://www.cracked.com/quick-fixes/5-sci-fi-gadgets-that-are-really-just-everyday-objects/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=fanpage&utm_campaign=new+article&wa_ibsrc=fanpage

How to carry a DSLR slider in your pocket
http://www.learningdslrvideo.com/carry-a-dslr-slider-pocket/

Best DIY slider on the planet(?)
http://youtu.be/5RCINVOxyiU

Minolta MD mount lenses on Canon EOS
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6t3G9KssVE

Collecton Day 2: Early Teaser Graphic
http://filmflap.blogspot.com/2013/05/collection-day-2-early-teaser-graphic.html?spref=fb

Proaim MB-600 mattebox review
http://youtu.be/WrarbC7NnvY

Collection Day 2: Early Teaser Graphic

2013-05-04T19:59:00.001-07:00

Next Wednesday night is our first pre-production meeting for my grad thesis film: Collection Day. Our associate producer, Stephanie Stephens, is also a graphic and effects makeup artist. On her own, she came up with the above teaser graphic which incorporates several elements from our sci-fi action drama.

She also had a wonderful marketing idea of creating temporary tattoos that we could pass out and use as a form of advertisement. By that time we should have a registered web address that will either lead to our web site or Facebook page. She even speculated about creating a tattoo with a QR code that could be scanned by a smartphone for similar results. All good ideas.

Anyway, the meeting on Wednesday will feature all main department heads, with the goal of creating a timeline leading up to our shoot in September. Producer Scott McEntire sent an email to everyone with the prediction "everyone will walk out of this meeting with something to do".

I think I like where this is going.

Recap Q&A: How do you Stealth Shoot?

2013-04-29T06:44:00.003-07:00

Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/thefrugalfilmmaker
Twitter Feed: http://www.twitter.com/frugalfilmmaker

Suction Cup Camera Mount
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=876FGzgzcXA

Cheap suction cup mounts on eBay
http://www.ebay.com/sch/?_nkw=suction%20cup%20camera&clk_rvr_id=473886859394#

The Frugal Floater (DIY Steadicam)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxlvULNwlpU

CCTV lenses for consumer cameras
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X00HXk_ZSXY&feature=youtu.be

How to install ProRes codecs for Mac and Adobe Media Encoder
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSFIQSXJ4RE

Sky replacement/enhancement in After Effects
http://youtu.be/7J9NKKhl5Cs

GoPro Hero 3 protective slip on lens
http://www.dslrfilmnoob.com/2013/04/24/hero-3-protective-slip-lens-protector/

Turn a window in a cool background for less than $5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTl-zGvlV4w

Why you should create content with a hook
http://contentmarketinginstitute.com/2013/04/create-unique-hooks-for-content/

Roger Deakins to aspiring cinematographers
http://nofilmschool.com/2013/04/roger-deakins-advice-aspiring-cinematographers/

Frugal Shoulder Rig
http://filmflap.blogspot.com/2013/04/frugal-shoulder-rig.html

Collection Day 1: First Sketches
http://filmflap.blogspot.com/2013/04/collection-day-1-first-sketches.html?spref=fb

Laing P-03 stabilizer/steadycam review
http://youtu.be/M7Q2Z2wapUk

Collection Day 1: First Sketches

2013-04-27T11:36:00.003-07:00

Collection Day is my MFA thesis film, which I plan on shooting in the fall of this year. A sci-fi action drama, it follows near-future government agent Taylor Glass and her awakening to who she really is and what she does to stop being that person. The film is my favorite type of movie: well-drawn characters and an interesting story, all in a genre wrapper.

While the core crew is mostly assembled and very basic pre-production has begun, I really wanted a concept artist to work with me and come up with character designs that I could show the other departments instead of trying to explain everything. After some inquiry, I found college Senior Haley Tynes, a theatre major with costume design experience.

After an initial meeting to go over what I was looking for, Haley came back with the above sketches. We had discussed a comic book style (with possible scene renderings), which explains the Manga look, though I’ve asked her to change it to a more realistic version in the future. This is why you have meetings and give notes. You tell your people what you want, let them breathe their talent into it, and then you make suggestions. Repeat until you get what you are looking for.

For me, this is a very exciting first step. I love seeing what other people (and their expertise) can bring to something I have written. Shooting in the fall is not that far away, so continue to tune in for updates and news concerning Collection Day, a project that should be the best thing I have ever produced.

Frugal Shoulder Rig

2013-04-26T10:29:00.000-07:00

Probably the most requested item since the Frugal Crane, a DIY shoulder rig seems to be at the top of everyone's list. I know these things are everywhere and I still wasn't sure I wanted to make one (after putting it off over and over), but after making the Frugal Stabilizer II, I caved. Building nice looking rigs out of flash brackets is just stupid easy and requires no tools. A shoulder rig seemed like a perfect fit for my recent building spree, so I submit this one for your approval.

PARTS LIST

Frugal Stabilizer II
Dual straight flash bracket
2x Small camera grip handles
large camera grip handle
22x 1/4"x2" fender washers
1x 1/4" bolt or screw 2" in length
1/4" thumb nut (regular nut works also)

ACCESSORIES FEATURED AT END OF VIDEO

Sennheiser ME66 shotgun mic
Sign Video XLR-Pro XLR interface/mixer
$10 mic shockmount review
Zoom H1 Handy Recorder
Mini ball head
Frugal Fast Release
Nanguang video light review

Recap Q&A: Which Compositor do you Use?

2013-04-22T06:58:00.000-07:00

Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/thefrugalfilmmaker
Twitter Feed: http://www.twitter.com/frugalfilmmaker

$15 DIY suction cup camera mount
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elAC44Sra4A

What goes into a great trailer?
http://www.diyfilmschool.net/what-goes-into-a-great-trailer/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=what-goes-into-a-great-trailer

Use AVCHD files with any editor
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sX0FOiTXB-k&feature=youtu.be

DIY LCD sunshade
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=YINjOA6uK2c

Frugal Fail? prop rifle recoil simulator
http://filmflap.blogspot.com/2013/04/frugal-fail-prop-rifle-recoil-simulator.html?spref=fb

Cheap tablet mount for your DSLR (eBay)
http://www.dslrfilmnoob.com/2012/09/04/cheaper-nexus-7-mount-option-dslr-rig/

Same tablet mount on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007S6L1QQ/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=thefrugfilm-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B007S6L1QQ&adid=015Z9Y9W5FB944Z6QNER&

Frugal Fail? Prop Rifle Recoil Simulator

2013-04-18T11:02:00.000-07:00

For my upcoming thesis film, Collection Day, there is some gunplay involved. One scene features a shootout involving an assault rifle and I wanted to add some realism to this scene. Though I won't be using blanks (I don't want the danger or the noise), I still wanted more from the rifle than just the "actor shakes the prop" effect.

To attempt this effect, I first tried installing a vibrating motor into a smaller prop gun as a test. The above video shows this attempt, which was only sort of successful. In my opinion, the gun doesn't vibrate enough and this lends to problems when I try it on a heavier, full scale G36c replica.

I would still like to pull this off, but need some suggestions. Any ideas?

Recap Q&A: How Do You Shoot Solo?

2013-04-15T07:02:00.000-07:00

Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/thefrugalfilmmaker
Twitter Feed: http://www.twitter.com/frugalfilmmaker

ND filters on Amazon
http://tinyurl.com/bw5jdm9

3 Point Lighting
http://filmflap.blogspot.com/2010/05/3-point-lighting.html

Multi-purpose Mic
http://filmflap.blogspot.com/2010/08/multi-purpose-mic-for-27.html

How to build the Krotocam (DIY Steadicam)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByI6Ajncs6c

DIY barn doors for you shop light
http://youtu.be/YPmNOKyNFjA

How you may be sabotaging your film through (lack of) marketing
http://nofilmschool.com/2013/04/sabotaging-your-film-through-lack-of-marketing/

10 (more) tips to a better Kickstarter campaign
http://www.nobudgetfilmschool.com/id11.html

DIY shoulder pad
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151568913572526.1073741826.561202525&type=1

Vivitar VT4 tripod steady
http://filmflap.blogspot.com/2013/04/frugal-friday-vivitar-vt4-tripod-steady.html?spref=fb

How to make a portable video light
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYrraJ-9TrE&feature=youtu.be

Frugal Friday: Vivitar VT4 Tripod Steady

2013-04-12T09:32:00.001-07:00

While I do have several larger episodes in the works, sometimes the crush of life just won't let you get them out on time! That's why I'm going with a quickie today under the moniker "Frugal Friday". Since my normal episodes come out on Thursday, Friday is a good day for a light snack just before the weekend.

I'm starting the series with a look at the Vivitar VT4 Tripod Steady, which is currently on sale on Amazon for $5. It's a handy little device that gives you a little "tripod" (actually closer to a stand) whose legs fold up into an angled pistol grip. The 1/4-20" thread lets you attach your camera, audio recorder, lights, shockmounts, or anything else that fits on this standard thread size.

Yesterday, while shooting stills with my tiny Sony NEX 5n, I found an altogether new use for it. Press play to find out what that was...

Recap Q&A: What Do You Want in a Shoulder Rig?

2013-04-08T07:03:00.001-07:00

Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/thefrugalfilmmaker
Twitter Feed: http://www.twitter.com/frugalfilmmaker

Frugal Stabilizer II
http://filmflap.blogspot.com/2013/01/frugal-stabilizer-ii.html

Frugal Filmmaker now in other languages
http://filmflap.blogspot.com/2013/04/frugal-filmmaker-now-in-other-languages.html

Growing your YouTube channel
http://filmflap.blogspot.com/2012/02/growing-your-youtube-channel.html

Secrets of YouTube success
http://www.rocketjump.com/blog/the-secrets-of-youtube-success-updated

The YouTube Snowball
http://filmflap.blogspot.com/2011/08/youtube-snowball.html

Light socket and umbrella holder for $5.45
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004X4B1CU/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=thefrugfilm-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B004X4B1CU&adid=1THX2PAM4AAS0BHA4VWH

Free iPad Final Cut X controller app
http://nofilmschool.com/2013/04/procutx-ipad-control-app-final-cut-pro-x/

How to make an LED "ice light"
http://www.diyphotography.net/led-flashlight-photography-how-to-make-an-ice-light

Mini DSLR shoulder rig camera stabilizer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RYSObOaPKg&feature=youtu.be

How camera angle affects body shape
http://fstoppers.com/how-camera-angle-affects-the-body-shape?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+fstoppersfeed+%28fstoppers%29

Targus monpod for $9.99
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001AK2VQ0/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=thefrugfilm-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B001AK2VQ0&adid=0993MSMC5G4QZDNYWFY8&

$10 Budget: Handle Mustache Wheel Level!
http://youtu.be/GV7FnMdcuMQ

Quick release system for smaller cameras
http://youtu.be/d1YtoYD3Oc0

Frugal Filmmaker now in other languages
http://filmflap.blogspot.com/2013/04/frugal-filmmaker-now-in-other-languages.html?spref=fb

iPhone 4s 72mm wide angle lens
http://youtu.be/UYIolsxpeUg

Waste basket matte box
http://www.diyphotography.net/how-to-convert-a-waste-basket-a-drawer-organizer-and-a-sprinkler-donut-to-a-pro-mattebox

The Frugal Filmmaker now in Other Languages

2013-04-05T08:39:00.002-07:00

Always pondering over how I can increase the reach of my ideas, I recently came across an idea that should have been obvious a long time ago. With a growing international audience for this information, why am I not translating everything into other languages? In the past, the answer would have been "I don't have those kind of resources", but now there are many forms of automatic translation that can easily be integrated into your blog and YouTube uploads.

The first thing I tried was Google's translation widget that you can incorporate into any Blogger blog. It was okay, but any one who doesn't speak English maybe wouldn't know what it was when they saw it. That was a problem, as was when it was used, it would strip all the page formatting. After a quick search (on Google ironically), I found GTranslate which provides HTML code easily integrated into your blog, no matter what platform. It does the same thing (a dropdown menu that lets you pick another language), but has a graphic of international flags (which tips off the reader) and keeps the formatting of what it translates. Nice.

The second thing I tried was captioning on YouTube. I understand the importance of captioning to the hearing impaired (which is another audience you can reach), but considering you had to upload a script, I wasn't very enthused. I ad lib most of my shows, so creating a script to upload meant transcribing--not interested, thank you.

Now, you can go into your settings and click on "captions" which lets YouTube create a script from your audio and generate captions for you. Of course it's riddled with typos, buy you can download the script, make corrections, and re-upload. Once captions are activated, you can click on the "CC" button on the bottom of the playback window and change the captions to another languages. Perfect!

So this is what I've done. The GTranslator is active on my blog and I've turned captioning on every one of my videos. Almost all are still in the messed-up initial translation (except one), but it's a start. I now have the Herculean task of fixing most of them (I'm going to leave the Recap vids the way they are and tweak everything else), which will take awhile.

I think this is an important step. Now anyone speaking a language other than English can take part in learning about micro-budget film, which may have been out of their reach previously. It's exciting to reach more viewers, but even more exciting that the goal of reaching a global audience (something the internet always promises) is that much closer to reality.

$10 Budget: Handle Mustache Wheel Level!

2013-04-04T10:21:00.001-07:00

Ten dollars can go a long way, right? This month I gather up a bundle of stuff that could help hold your cold shoe accessories, roll your camera on a table, check the balance of your floating stabilizer and make you look older. What are these mysteries you ask? Press play to find out!

Recap Q&A: How Would You Do an Aerial Shot?

2013-04-01T06:48:00.000-07:00

Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/thefrugalfilmmaker
Twitter Feed: http://www.twitter.com/frugalfilmmaker

Simply Scripts - unproduced shorts
http://www.simplyscripts.com/unpro_short.html

Cheap shotgun mic on eBay
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-Professional-Interview-Uni-Directional-System-EM-320E-Microphone-MicPhone-/190804377083?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c6cd3bdfb

Audacity - free audio software
http://audacity.sourceforge.net/download/

SocialBlade - The Frugal Filmmaker YouTube channel stats
http://socialblade.com/youtube/user/thefrugalfilmmaker

De-click your manual still lenses on a budget
http://nofilmschool.com/2013/03/de-click-manual-still-lenses-budget-diy-tutorial/

The process of crowdfunding to help you run a successful campaign
http://nofilmschool.com/2013/03/indiegogo-field-guide-crowdfunding/

Cool hazy/light leak effects with a sandwich baggie
http://www.diyphotography.net/make-cool-hazy-light-leak-mystical-photos-with-a-sandwich-baggie-and-a-colored-marker

EOS to NEX adapter with aperture + autofocus + stabilization
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JafpFm163H8

Tip: lav mic tricks
http://filmflap.blogspot.com/2013/03/tip-lav-mic-tricks.html?spref=fb

Slider to bowl mount adapters for fluid heads
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZ8m0P1AFNo

EOS transcode utility for Windows
http://youtu.be/0wC_oZI28iI

Lumix LX7 - a tool for beginner filmmakers
http://danielrutterfilms.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/lumix-lx7-tool-for-beginner-film-makers.html