Storyteller - becoming a film director: Recent Episodes
Nick LaRovere
If you want to direct films, this podcast is for you. We don't shy away from tough topics & real life.
We explore different routes to become a director, including how to improve yourself, navigate the ever-changing industry of filmmaking, and forge a career even if you work full-time.
We also discuss directing craft: how to tell compelling stories, visual storytelling (lenses, light, camera, movement, etc.), directing skills (working with actors, leading a crew, etc.), and the biggest question of all; how to fund your movie, sell it, and make another.
Find us at www.totalstoryteller.com.
In this episode of the "Don't Suck at Video!" podcast, Nick discusses what camera and lights to buy when starting out in filmmaking, breaking down the what and why of picking certain equipment, and suggesting specific equipment for your first camera and lighting package. He emphasizes the importance of considering whether you actually need to buy equipment at all, as learning can be done with minimal equipment such as a smartphone. However, if you feel the need to take your skills to the next level, he provides recommendations for cameras and highlights the key features to look for. He also stresses the significance of investing in lighting, as it can greatly impact the visual quality of your films. On a lower budget project, working with existing lighting and enhancing it is key.
Takeaways:
- Consider whether you actually need to buy equipment when starting out in filmmaking, as learning can be done with minimal equipment such as a smartphone.
- If you feel the need to invest in equipment, focus on the key features of a camera such as sensor size, resolution, focus assist tools, exposure tools, recording time limit, log option, removable lens, simple menus, and good battery life.
- When choosing a camera, consider the brand and lens compatibility, as well as the forgivingness of the footage for beginners.
- Invest in lighting, as it can greatly impact the visual quality of your films. Focus on learning how to use and control light effectively.
- Create a small versatile lighting kit that gives you flexibility and options, but don't expect to compete with natural sunlight. On a lower budget project, work with existing lighting and enhance it
- Look for used lights on platforms like Facebook Marketplace and ShareGrid
- LED lights are versatile and affordable, but not as bright as tungsten lights
- Fluorescent lights are soft and great for specific lighting situations
- Tungsten lights are bright and sturdy, but require color correction for daylight
- Recommended lights include Aputure Amaran 200X, Aputure Amaran 200D, and Aputure Amaran P60X
- Consider fixed focal length lenses or a zoom lens covering 24mm, 50mm, and 75mm or 85mm
- Find someone to handle audio or use a boom mic
- Get a tripod for camera support and use sandbags for safety
- Be mindful of power limitations and use household electrical cables
Network with others in the industry to learn and gain access to equipmentChapters:00:00 Introduction: Equipment in Filmmaking01:03 Considering the Need for Equipment03:38 Features & Price to Look for in Your First Camera16:30 Specific Camera Recommendations26:03 Creating a Versatile Lighting Kit27:56 Enhancing Existing Lighting on a Lower Budget Project30:19 Choosing the Right Type of Light: LED, Fluorescent, or Tungsten43:15 Recommended Lights for a Lower Budget Kit48:01 Selecting the Right Lenses for Your Camera48:57 Handling Audio: Find a Partner or Use a Boom Mic49:50 Camera Support: Tripods for Stability50:16 Ensuring Safety on Set with Sandbags51:16 Understanding Power Limitations and Cables53:14 Avoiding Gear Acquisition Syndrome (GAS)54:40 Networking and Learning from Others in the Industry
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In this conversation, Nick LaRovere interviews Sean Campbell, a freelance independent journalist turned corporate news journalist. They discuss their favorite movies, Sean's career path, and offer advice for those starting out in the media industry. Sean shares his experience covering the revolution in Egypt and emphasizes the importance of finding your niche and becoming excellent at it. They also discuss the challenges of juggling a full-time job with freelance work and the need for budgeting and financial planning. To get started in freelance journalism, it's important to put your work out there and create visibility for yourself. Share your work on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. While monetization on YouTube may be challenging for independent journalists, it's still a great platform for getting your work seen. Building a network of contacts in the industry is also crucial. Start by giving away a few packages of your work to get your foot in the door and establish relationships with reporters, journalists, and producers. Additionally, it's important to know your limitations and whether you're built for the challenges of frontline journalism.
Takeaways
- Finding your niche and becoming excellent at it is crucial for success in the media industry.
- Juggling a full-time job with freelance work requires prioritization and time management.
- Budgeting and financial planning are important for those pursuing a career in freelance or independent work.
- Putting your work out there and networking with others in the industry can lead to opportunities and growth.
- Capturing history and telling human stories, even on a local level, is an important aspect of journalism. Put your work out there on social media platforms to create visibility for yourself
- Build a network of contacts in the industry by giving away some of your work and establishing relationships with reporters, journalists, and producers
- Know your limitations and whether you're built for the challenges of frontline journalism
- Consider pursuing a degree in journalism or communications and intern with news organizations to gain experience
- Being a successful filmmaker doesn't necessarily mean leaving the military, as there are benefits and opportunities for growth within the National Guard
Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Background03:32 Navigating the Media Industry08:33 Transitioning to Freelance Journalism23:35 Balancing Full-Time Work and Freelance30:22 Marketing Yourself and Getting Started32:07 Freelance Journalism and Licensing33:19 Building a Network and Giving Away Packages35:17 Challenges of Transitioning Between Photography and Videography37:37 Journalism in Conflict Zones45:37 Knowing Your Limitations in Journalism47:40 The Benefits of Being in the National Guard
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"The last thing you want to be worried about on your wedding day is how your video is being recorded"Christina Flaaen, a wedding videographer and photographer, shares her insights and tips on providing video services for weddings. She emphasizes the importance of being able to anticipate and adapt to the fast-paced and ever-changing nature of weddings. Christina recommends building relationships with other vendors in the wedding industry and utilizing online platforms like Facebook groups to find new clients. She also highlights the significance of effective communication and timely responses to client inquiries. In terms of technical skills, Christina suggests mastering the basics of camera settings, focus, and stability. Lastly, she emphasizes the importance of capturing the authenticity and emotions of the wedding day in a documentary style.
Takeaways:
The importance of capturing authentic moments in wedding videography and photography
Maintaining strong communication with clients is crucial for success in the wedding industry
Understanding the challenges and joys of working in the wedding industry
The significance of mastering technical skills and developing a personal style in wedding videography and photographyYou can find Christina's company at www.christinaflaaen.com.Chapters:
00:00 Discovering the Passion for Video and Photography01:12 The Joys of Working in the Wedding Industry02:58 Adapting to Changes and Communication in Weddings05:02 The Importance of Professionalism in Wedding Media06:08 Key Factors for Success in Wedding Videography and Photography#weddingphotography #weddingvideography #videoproduction #filmmaking #videomarketing #entrepreneurship #businessowner #videopodcast #marketingpodcasts
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In this conversation, Nick LaRovere interviews Marcus Pittman, the CEO of LOOR TV, a streaming platform that incubates new filmmaking talent and allows subscribers to fund and watch exclusive stories. They discuss their favorite movies and TV shows, the importance of storytelling in reality TV, the challenges of the film industry and the Christian movie genre, and the vision behind LOOR TV. Nick shares his journey in creating the post-apocalyptic world of Esotera and his plans to expand the universe. They also discuss the process of pitching and working with LOOR TV.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to LOOR TV and Marcus Pittman
03:24 The Impact of Better Call Saul on Breaking Bad
10:09 Challenges in the Movie Industry
28:49 The Vision Behind LOOR TV
39:23 Building the World of Esotera
45:11 The Goals of Esotera and Future Plans
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In this episode, Nick LaRovere answers questions from the Arizona filmmaking community. He discusses topics such as securing an agent, funding for films, becoming a skilled producer, and the future of content and independent filmmakers. He emphasizes the importance of building a body of work and a strong brand to attract agents. He also explores various funding options, including crowdfunding, personal financing, and seeking investors. Nick advises filmmakers to gain experience by working on their own projects or collaborating with others. He suggests that independent creators focus on building their own audience and leveraging that audience to attract investment and opportunities. He also acknowledges the challenges and changes in the traditional Hollywood system and encourages filmmakers to forge their own path.
Takeaways
- Building a body of work and a strong brand is important to attract agents.
- Funding options for films include crowdfunding, personal financing, and seeking investors.
- Gaining experience can be done through personal projects or collaborating with others.
- Independent creators should focus on building their own audience and leveraging it to attract investment and opportunities.
- The traditional Hollywood system is changing, and filmmakers should consider forging their own path.
00:00 Introduction and Q&A Format
00:59 Securing an Agent: Building a Body of Work and a Strong Brand
08:55 Becoming a Skilled Producer: Gaining Experience and Networking
16:18 The Future of Content and Independent Filmmakers: Building Your Own Audience
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Nick speaks with Joseph Mbah, a 6-time feature filmmaker and business owner who runs Paradox Universe with his wife Amber.
We talk about the process and learning on his 6th feature film that made it a joyful process to make the film, what filmmakers can do to get their first feature film made, and general tips for overcoming obstacles in film and business.
Find Joseph on Instagram @joseph_mbah and online at paradoxuniverse.net.
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Nick and Joe talk about - at least for video production businesses - there is a tendency to not want to do marketing and sales, only focus on the work itself. Being artists at heart, it's only natural. However, taking charge of marketing and sales is absolutely essential because you will be the strongest advocate and champion of your business.
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Nick and Joseph talk about the effort and perseverance that it takes to make your dreams a reality. Joe shares his filmmaking journey and talks about the fact that because filmmaking is very difficult and making films is often long hours, it can cause burnout. Joe shares things he has learned from a few rough experiences.
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Welcome to episode 4 of the Storyteller podcast. This is our New Year's episode. Traditionally, most people use New Year's to think about the past year and how they will carry themselves into the next year. It's a good time to think about what you did that worked and didn't work.
That's exactly what I did for this episode. I condensed everything I talked about and wrote about this year into 15 key lessons we can take to heart for 2020 to become better filmmakers and better humans.
Enjoy.
Interested in getting more content like this? Check out the Storyteller community:
Join the weekly newsletter to get weekly tips/motivation at http://bit.ly/StorytellerNewsletter
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This episode, I have a discussion with writer/director Joseph Mbah. Joseph has directed 4 feature films and written 2 of the 4. We discuss his experience making his first feature film and what he recommends for those who want to do the same, including how to approach filming, funding, and distribution.
We also talk about his experience getting his recent film "Expo" on Netflix, and how that came about as well as what filmmakers can expect when looking to get better noticed for their work.
This episode is full of experience and wisdom from Joe - so don't miss out, especially if you've been feeling 'stuck' and unable to get enough wind under your sails to get your first feature film off the ground.
You can find Joseph's film "Expo" here. Follow him on Instagram @Joseph_Mbah.
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Today, I discuss 19 attributes I think are important for the director who wishes to be truly great, in all senses of the word.
What does the ideal film director look like? What values/skills can we aspire to master? I have some (possibly) unpopular opinions when it comes to filmmaking and modelling certain behaviors.
How can you be the type of person who can tell moving stories, but also be one whose behavior inspires and commands respect with whom you work? Why should you even strive for such a thing? How will doing so help you in the long-term, practically? Let's talk about it.
This podcast episode is based on a previous article of mine, located here: https://totalstoryteller.com/19-attributes-you-need-to-be-a-great-film-director/
Interested in getting more content like this? Check out the Storyteller community:
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Welcome to episode 1 of the Storyteller podcast. Today, I discuss what the 5 barebones essentials of a good story are.
What are the bare-bones essentials of a good story? What makes for a good story?
I was recently reading “The Working Film Director” by Charles Wilkinson, and something he said really stuck with me. This is one of the clearest explanations of good storytelling I’ve ever heard:
“Here’s what Aristotle said about the basics of Western-style storytelling. You need a sympathetic hero on a vital quest against insurmountable obstacles. In addition, the ending needs to be surprising, but inevitable.” (Charles Wilkinson)
Does your story meet all of those elements? Let's discuss it. Based on the Storyteller article here: https://totalstoryteller.com/5-elements-of-a-great-film/
Interested in getting more content like this? Check out the Storyteller community:
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