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Leaving the comfort and security of a corporate gig to become your own boss can be frightening. This week we walk with Steph Cullen, freelance filmmaker, on her transition from corporate life to freelancing. In this episode, she talks about creating legal contracts, insurance, and her favorite nonprofit. Listen to hear how Steph has transitioned from corporate life to becoming a freelancer. Key Points:1:30 - How she got started3:39 - Why she left the security of her corporate job8:27 - Creating legal contracts11:55 - Favorite gear15:14 - Types of projects she takes on16:06 - Something going wrong20:30 - OMG Female Filmmakers 23:02 - Favorite Nonprofit to work with24:48 - Highlight and lowlight of freelance experience Links:Nick Richey EpisodeUniversity of Idaho Law ClinicArt List IOFreshbooksWebsite Connect with the Practical FilmmakerFollow The Practical Filmmaker on InstagramWatch more episodes on YouTubeFind more filmmaking resources

If you have a passion for metal artwork, you might be interested in becoming a props fabricator.This week Eric Anthony Leong, Props Fabricator, shares how he started in the industry. Eric's film resume includes Black Adam, Till, and Marvel. In this episode he talks about venturing into the industry, working on set, and setting rates.Listen to hear how you can turn your passion for creating metal artwork into a film career.Key points:1:30 - Becoming a prop fabricator 7:29 - Venturing into the film and television world11:03 - Getting details on how the props are being used11:39 - Communicating with different departments14:10 - Who eats the cost when someone makes a mistake16:41 - Working on set20:15 - Union requirements 23:08 - Setting rates28:30 - Something going wrong with materials 30:10 - What is overlooked 34:32 - Tools of the trade37:50 - Why he's in the industry46:06 - Average build timeLinks:YouTubeFacebookInstagramWebsite Connect with the Practical FilmmakerFollow The Practical Filmmaker on InstagramWatch more episodes on YouTubeFind more filmmaking resources

In 10 days, we'll be having our 2nd annual virtual mixer on the Gather platform! Go to @practicalfilmmaker on insta or thepracticalfilmmaker.com to sign up!Filmmakers/Showcase:-John Quinn - Editor (Horror genre, The Chosen)-Nick Richey - Indie Writer/Director of 1-800-HOT-NITE-Alex Goetz - outdoor filmmaker (NatGeo, BBC)-Nina Vallado - Documentary filmmaker (Student Academy Award finalist)-Theo Brown - Indie Writer/Director - Feature-Lenny Leonardo - Indie Writer/Director - Series-Sydney Tooley - Writer/Director (Sun Moon with Sony Affirm)Giveaways/Prizes include:-1 TB NVMe SSD-$30 Film Tools Gift Card-Gaffe tape galore!-Practical Filmmaker swag! Connect with the Practical FilmmakerFollow The Practical Filmmaker on InstagramWatch more episodes on YouTubeFind more filmmaking resources

Should you skip film school? This week Nick Richey, indie writer & director, shares how he went from an economics major in college to making feature films. In this episode, Nick tells how he skipped film school, making his latest project 1-800-Hot-Nite, and paying himself as a director. Listen to learn if film school is right for you. Key points: 1:24 - How he got started in the industry 6:45 - First feature film 9:25 - No formal education  11:34 - Something going wrong  15:14 - Investing in your career  18:54 - Latest film 1-800-Hot-Nite 23:30 - Favorite day on set 25:23 - What went wrong on set 32:50 - Screening went wrong 34:24 - Creating coming-of-age films 36:32 - Next project 38:28 - Making a distribution deal 48:34 - Paying yourself  54:06 - Favorite gear 57:29 - How to trust your guy on casting Links: Low Low Trailer 1-800-Hot-Nite Trailer Studio Binder Studio Binder YouTube Shot Deck Atlas Lens Twitter Instagram Connect with the Practical FilmmakerFollow The Practical Filmmaker on InstagramWatch more episodes on YouTubeFind more filmmaking resources

When starting as a freelance producer, you will make mistakes, and it's okay. This week Bryan Fellows, a freelance producer for Nascar, Nat Geo, and Disney+, shares how he overcame his mistakes from starting out as a freelance producer. In this episode, he talks about his career pivot, getting started in producing commercials, and the tools he uses to streamline his workflow.Listen to avoid easy mistakes when starting out as a freelance producer.Key Points:1:36 - How he started4:18 - Wanting to Direct7:10 - Starting own production company 11:54 - When a project didn't work out15:01 - Pivot point to producing commercials 27:22 - Getting started into the commercial world31:37 - Learning on the job35:12 - New software to help producers36:48 - Turn around expectations 39:30 - Bidding on a job42:06 - How to quote for his time 45:41 - Favorite tools Links:Episode 6 Where SpotVideo VillageHot BudgetMovie MagicSet HeroStudio BinderFrame IOWrapbook NotionWebsiteInstagram Connect with the Practical FilmmakerFollow The Practical Filmmaker on InstagramWatch more episodes on YouTubeFind more filmmaking resources

If you have a passion for designing and like to manage large projects, becoming a set designer might be for you.This week Cece Destefano, Production Designer, for Alias, Empire, and They/Them, shares how she got started in the industry.  In this episode, she talks about how to get your big break, her favorite gear, and how to get started. Listen to learn how to become a set designer for TV and feature films. Key points:1:26 - How she got started6:03 - How to get your big break11:08 - Big break19:11 - Set structure for the production designer, set decorating, and art department 23:15 - Favorite set to build for Alias 29:07 - Top 5 resources  32:23 - Favorite gear38:17 - Pay rate40:39 - Something going wrong 43:31 - Budgeting for construction costs47:52 - How to get into the industry Links:IMDBWebsiteArtemis ProSpectroBosch Laser Measure Sun SeekerScriptation  Connect with the Practical FilmmakerFollow The Practical Filmmaker on InstagramWatch more episodes on YouTubeFind more filmmaking resources

If you love fashion and making films, check out the Wardrobe Department.This week we have Ashley Heathcock to share how she went from working for a local designer in New Orleans to designing costumes for TV shows and movies. In this episode, she talks about how she got started, the rules of the trade, and joining the costume guild.Ashley has worked on Magnum PI, Bright, and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.Listen to learn how you can turn your love for fashion and filmmaking into a full-time gig.Key points:00:00 - Intro2:05 - Getting started5:49 - Wardrobe Dept terms7:15 - Modifying and creating pieces 8:46 - What happens to costumes after the shoot10:27 - Rules of the trade11:21 - Aging and dyeing process tips16:34 - Difference between a bad and good job18:10 - How to get started21:30 - How early in the process are you brought in22:12 - Pay rate for costumers 22:44 - Prepping costume truck26:21 - Expectations for pay27:55 - What does it take to get into a union32:38 - Getting started in the union 33:44 - Finding other costume designers 35:04 - Favorite Gear39:35 - Something going wrong43:55 - Weaving personality into the design 44:41 - Best places to get materials Links:IMDBLocal 478 Union New Orleans Costume Desing GuildSync on SetMood Fabrics Connect on InstagramWebsite Connect with the Practical FilmmakerFollow The Practical Filmmaker on InstagramWatch more episodes on YouTubeFind more filmmaking resources

What happens when you question your career in film?This week Corey and Emily Critser share their journey of leaving LA for the South East and launching a commercial photography business. In this episode they share what skills transitioned from film to photography, bidding on jobs, and setting their rates.Listen to hear how their risk paid off.Key points:1:09 - Transitioning from filmmaking to commercial photography 8:37 - Blending and photo and video projects12:50 - What skills transitioned from film to photography 16:14 - Bidding jobs22:23 - Working with an agent 26:35 - Setting rates31:22 - Full-day shoot price range34:45 - Favorite gear37:37 - Something going wrong42:59 - Managing work-life balance Links:Lanewood StudioInstagram Connect with the Practical FilmmakerFollow The Practical Filmmaker on InstagramWatch more episodes on YouTubeFind more filmmaking resources

Don't be tempted to jump straight into DPing your first gig.This week Bryan Folwer, DP & Steadicam Op, shares how you can get started as a DP. In this episode, he talks about setting your daily rate, unions for DPs, and skills needed to be a DP other than knowing how to light.Listen now to learn how you can get paid to be a DP.Key points:1:55 - How he got started7:04 - Question to ask a DP when hiring 12:02 - Daily rate when getting started18:40 - BBC Documentary20:25 - Favorite types of shoots23:27 - Unions for DP's25:27 - Setting up benefits 30:41 - Favorite Gear32:30 - Using a steady cam34:29 - New gear41:58 - Something going wrong 46:21 - How to get started as a DPLinks:Fowler FilmsCovert CoffeeProlycht Orion 300 FS KitGodox Parabolic 128 Reflector Kit Connect with the Practical FilmmakerFollow The Practical Filmmaker on InstagramWatch more episodes on YouTubeFind more filmmaking resources Connect with the Practical FilmmakerFollow The Practical Filmmaker on InstagramWatch more episodes on YouTubeFind more filmmaking resources

If you give your art department the time and resources they need, they can turn a flat set into a dynamic space that will transport your audience into the world you’re trying to convey.This week Clifton Chandler, Production Designer, shares his experience from working in the art department and what resources producers need to provide to make their sets look amazing. In this episode, he talks about the must have basics, how to stay organized, and how to hire for the art department. Listen now to learn how to better work with your production designer.Key points:3:01 - Getting started in the art department5:00 - Take-aways after first project7:14 - Must-haves10:08 - How to stay organized 12:05 - What to look for when hiring the art department 14:55 - Day rates for art department 18:31 - What if director doesn't like your work26:17 - Rules to live by for art department 29:33 - Favorite gear32:23 - Something going wrong 37:35 - Why the art department Links:InstagramWebsite Connect with the Practical FilmmakerFollow The Practical Filmmaker on InstagramWatch more episodes on YouTubeFind more filmmaking resources Connect with the Practical FilmmakerFollow The Practical Filmmaker on InstagramWatch more episodes on YouTubeFind more filmmaking resources

Don't give away all your rights to a film distributor.This week, Anthony Hackett, Director & Actor, shares his experience of getting burned in his first distribution contract.  In this episode, he talks about the contract process, what to avoid in contracts, and working with investors. Listen to avoid giving away your film rights to a distributor. Key points:1:28 - Journey into filmmaking8:20 - Becoming a niche filmmaker 11:24 - Contracting process 14:48 - What to avoid in a contract18:32 - Budgeting for indie films25:54 - Working with investors33:40 - Directing and acting 38:05 - What role did you need help with39:47 - Favorite Gear42:25 - What went wrong Links:SONset FridayConnect with the Practical FilmmakerFollow The Practical Filmmaker on InstagramWatch more episodes on YouTubeFind more filmmaking resources Connect with the Practical FilmmakerFollow The Practical Filmmaker on InstagramWatch more episodes on YouTubeFind more filmmaking resources

Thank you so much for joining us on our adventure. We're taking a summer break to rest, recover, and get more great guests booked for the future. We will be back in August. Enjoy your summer!   Connect with the Practical FilmmakerFollow The Practical Filmmaker on InstagramWatch more episodes on YouTubeFind more filmmaking resources

It can be tough finding time to work on passion projects after spending a day working on a commercial project. Myriad Video has found a way to merge their commercial work with their passion projects.In this episode, Alysse Campbell, Manager of Orginal Content for Myriad Video, shares how they balance commercial work with narrative filmmaking. Alysse shares about pitching projects, self-funding passion projects, and her favorite gear.Listen to hear how Myriad balances commercial work and narrative filmmaking.Key points:1:20 - Journey to becoming a filmmaker 4:15 - Current agency work4:58 - Client budgets7:54 - Pitching projects11:06 - Self-funded passion projects14:07 - Freelancer path17:43 - Apprenticeship program at Myriad 20:53 - Favorite gear25:34 - Something going wrong Links:Myriad VideoMyriad on Instagram Film Freeway Connect with the Practical FilmmakerFollow The Practical Filmmaker on InstagramWatch more episodes on YouTubeFind more filmmaking resources Connect with the Practical FilmmakerFollow The Practical Filmmaker on InstagramWatch more episodes on YouTubeFind more filmmaking resources

Breaking down a script and scheduling scenes can take time away from being creative.This week Ruslan K joins us to talk about his new software, Filmustage, that uses AI to help filmmakers save time breaking down scripts and scheduling scenes.  In this episode Ruslan talks about his software, Filmustage, and how is using AI to help filmmakers save time. Listen to see if FIlmustage would work for you and get a discount code.Key Points:1:24 - How he got started 3:02 - Replacing Movie Magic4:35 -  What is Neural Network Technologies8:25 - Studio Binder integration 10:06 - Fixing issues11:49 - Testing software13:09 - Something going wrong 16:39 - Favorite Gear18:12 - Views on AI20:20 - Upcoming changes20:57 - Pricing23:07 - Starting a startupLinks:YouTube Channel Matt Hadley Episode Filmustage use Discount Code Practicalfilmmaker30Connect with the Practical FilmmakerFollow The Practical Filmmaker on InstagramWatch more episodes on YouTubeFind more filmmaking resources Connect with the Practical FilmmakerFollow The Practical Filmmaker on InstagramWatch more episodes on YouTubeFind more filmmaking resources

It's cutting together and it looks good. This week we follow up with Sydney Tooley in part 4 of her journey to completing her first feature, Sun Moon. She gives you an update on her progress and the struggles she's going through in post.Watch to Sydney's latest update on her first feature.Links:Part 1Part 2Part 3Connect with the Practical FilmmakerFollow The Practical Filmmaker on InstagramWatch more episodes on YouTubeFind more filmmaking resources Connect with the Practical FilmmakerFollow The Practical Filmmaker on InstagramWatch more episodes on YouTubeFind more filmmaking resources

Trying to make a film in a different country can bring a unique set of challenges such as language barriers and cultural differences. This week, Sydney Tooley joins us for part 3 of her journey into making her first feature film. In this episode, she shares her journey to getting into Taiwan, how she connected with the crew, and how she tried to stay true to the culture. Listen to hear how Sydney worked with an international crew, and her next steps to getting her film finished. Key Points:1:28 - Getting into Taiwan2:40 - Filming in Taiwan9:45 - Connecting with crew12:47 - Bridging cultures 15:00 - Miscommunication 20:49 - Working with producers21:09 - Working with studio22:48 - Staying close to culture 31:51 - Delivery to Studio Links:Part 1Part 2Sonscreen Panel Sun Moon Film Instagram Sydney Tooley InstagramConnect with the Practical FilmmakerFollow The Practical Filmmaker on InstagramWatch more episodes on YouTubeFind more filmmaking resources Connect with the Practical FilmmakerFollow The Practical Filmmaker on InstagramWatch more episodes on YouTubeFind more filmmaking resources

The SkyPanel is more expensive than the Vortex 8, but is it worth it?This week, David George compares the Cream Source Vortex 8 vs. the SkyPanel S60-C. In this episode, he reviews the features of each light, their pros & cons, and light output. Watch to see what light you should use for your next project.Links:Vortex 8SkyPanel S60-CConnect with the Practical FilmmakerFollow The Practical Filmmaker on InstagramWatch more episodes on YouTubeFind more filmmaking resources Connect with the Practical FilmmakerFollow The Practical Filmmaker on InstagramWatch more episodes on YouTubeFind more filmmaking resources

It can be hard balancing school and shooting your first feature film as a student filmmaker.  This week we talk with a panel of filmmakers live from the Sonscreen Film Festival, our sponsor, about how they were able to make their first features. The panel includes three former students and one current professor from Southern Adventist University.  In this episode, they share how their project was funded, what their biggest expense was, and how they've transitioned into full-time filmmaking. Listen to learn how these former students made their first feature film. Key Points:1:55 - After 95 (Production Company) Latest Production 4:24 - Michelle Noland Feature Filmmaker 5:42 - Nicholas Livanos Feature Filmmaker 8:46 - Sydney Tooley Feature Filmmaker12:14 - How they raised funds for their projects17:10 - Biggest Spend19:18 - Transitioning from student to full-time filmmaker 28:13 - Managing life & filmmaking 31:11 - Working with an international crew 35:15 - Favorite gear41:49 - Something going wrong 53:42 - Other jobs to pay bills55:17 - Future plans with filmmaking58:55 - Merging music & filmmaking 59:48 - Where to watch the panels' projects61:42 -  What would you do over again LinksMichelle Noland Film Voices Rising Jared JamisonMichelle NolandSchool of Visual Art & Design at Southern Adventist UniversitySydney TooleyConnect with the Practical FilmmakerFollow The Practical Filmmaker on InstagramWatch more episodes on YouTubeFind more filmmaking resources Connect with the Practical FilmmakerFollow The Practical Filmmaker on InstagramWatch more episodes on YouTubeFind more filmmaking resources

The Nanlux Evoke 1200 is cheaper than the Arri M18, but will it be reliable? This week David George compares the Nanlux and Arri lights to help determine what kit you should use. In this episode, David goes over the features of each light, the color temperature, as well as the flood and spot.Listen to see what light kit will work for your next project.Links:Nanlux KitArri M18 KitConnect with the Practical FilmmakerFollow The Practical Filmmaker on InstagramWatch more episodes on YouTubeFind more filmmaking resources Connect with the Practical FilmmakerFollow The Practical Filmmaker on InstagramWatch more episodes on YouTubeFind more filmmaking resources

Landing your first editing gig can be tricky, but there are a few ways you can stand out.This week, John Quinn, editor, shares his tips on getting started as an editor in Hollywood. In this episode, he talks about working union vs. non-union, the benefits of having an agent, and tips on how to get into the industry. John's resume includes Windtalkers, The Chosen, and The Grudge 3. Listen to learn how you can get started as an editor in Hollywood.Key Points:1:18 - Why get into editing4:19 - Getting the job for Windtalkers6:55 - SciFi Channel Movies9:03 - Cutting horror films10:27 - Cutting the Chosen 14:28 - Why edit horror and faith-based films 18:50 - Comparing Union vs. Non-union 23:28 - Kappa Studios25:42 - Are agents helpful32:27 - How to stand out as a beginner 36:10 - Favorite Gear38:01 - When something goes wrong49:39 - Creative vision different from the director 54:30 - Best advice for cutting dialogue scene55:55 - When to hire the sound house58:24 - What would you tell your younger self59:44 - The power of networking 62:08 - Getting fired Links:Kappa StudiosChristian Film Finishing FundArt Of The CutJohn's IMDBConnect with the Practical FilmmakerFollow The Practical Filmmaker on InstagramWatch more episodes on YouTubeFind more filmmaking resources Connect with the Practical FilmmakerFollow The Practical Filmmaker on InstagramWatch more episodes on YouTubeFind more filmmaking resources