The Indy Mogul Podcast

Ep. 57 : Day In The Life of a Hollywood Gaffer with Harold Skinner Sep 22, 2020

Have you ever wondered what work goes inside your favorite movies and YouTube videos? Then today's your lucky day! Joining us is Harold Skinner, the gaffer for Fight Club, Interstellar, and so many other classics! This episode is a little different because this is the entire YouTube breakdown, uncut for your Behind-The-Scenes curiosity. But stick around to the end to hear Harolds Hollywood gaffing tips for the Hollywood industry and what he would have told himself when he was younger. We broke down these scenes: 1. The Social Network, the beginning breakup scene. 2. The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, "I want you to catch a killer of women." 3. Interstellar, Miller's planet These scenes can be found on youtube. But for an abridged video version with graphics and animations, head over to our YouTube channel: Indy Mogul. In this episode, Harold Skinner and Ted break down classic Hollywood movies in full detail as well as going into Harolds tips for becoming a gaffer in the industry.

Ep. 56 : Deep Dive into RED Cameras with Dave Maze Sep 08, 2020

Since 2005, RED has become the dark horse of the film industry, promising insanely high resolutions and frame rates that will hold up to any camera system from ARRI to Canon to Sony. Their new RED Komodo shows the promise of a high quality 6K sensor for under $10,000, unheard of by any cinema camera brand. But how did they get this way? What were some of the steps that took them from Silicon Valley startup to near-cultish camera empire?

Dave and Ted walk through the details of the RED Komodo and the timeline of RED's history that got them to this point.

Ep. 55 : Find Yourself & Ask The Right Questions with Andy Lowe Aug 28, 2020

Finding yourself in the world of filmmaking is often an exciting adventure, then met with questions and trials. But those who stand the test of time will know it's meant for them. Today, Andy Lowe, the chief electrician for works such as Paddington and The Crown, talks with us about his experience on the sci-fi set of Annihilation. He also talks about his journey into becoming a gaffer and how he never felt the call to cinematography; in fact, he felt a greater call to lighting and gaffing.

In this episode, we talk with Andy Lowe about how he became a gaffer and how he got there, as well as how he knew gaffing was the right film position for him.

Ep. 54 : How a Hobby Turns Into Hollywood Work with Ian Phillips Jul 13, 2020

Back again with another episode about Production Design, because it really is just as important as the actors and lights you place in your scene! Joining us this time is Ian Phillips, the designer behind TV shows such as Parks and Recreation, Love, and The Good Place. For all of you hobbiest doodlers out there, you might want to listen to this one. Ian started his career pursuing medicine while drawing for fun. Then one thing lead to another and he found himself designing TV show rooms and sets. We also go into what a Production Designer does, how to break down a script as a PD, and we reveal little secrets to great set designing. In this episode, we talk with Ian Phillips about how he became a production designer through his hobby of drawing. We also talk about his process to production design, from the script to building.

Ep. 53 : Production Designing with Sam Lisenco Jun 30, 2020

You think sound goes unnoticed in film? Production Design will take that up to 11! Join us with Sam Licenso, PD for movies such as Eighth Grade, Uncut Gems and Frances Ha, as we discuss how to modify and build sets to fit all types stories, from independent to professional Hollywood. Sam relives his experience in New York pursuing film school, making indie movies and living in a chaotic community of other artists and how this became the foundation for his career. We also dive into his mindset when designing a set, and how pretty shots may not be correct. In this episode, we cover Sam Lisenco unconventional journey to becoming a production designer and his through process behind his creativity. You won't want to miss this one.

Ep. 52 : The Fast Lane into Cinematography with Alex Disenhof Jun 18, 2020

We've all been there. Heck, some of us are still there. It's that moment when you're working as a receptionist in an office wondering, "When will I have my big shot at making movies?" Cinematographer Alex Disenhof may have a few tips and tricks to get you started. From making snow boarding videos, to shorts being seen at SXSW, to landing an agent and joining the union only at the age of 25, Alex has one of the fastest journey's into Hollywood. His determination to work on projects he wanted to work on along with his attention to detail to visuals helped Alex get to where he is today. And this was all from a relationship breakup?

In this episode, we follow Alex' story to being a full time cinematographer from receptionist and how life events and choices impacted his career.

Ep. 51 : Working Your Way Up with Colin Watkinson Jun 11, 2020

We've all heard stories about directors like Steven Spielberg getting his start by walking on a Universal Studios set. For a cinematographer, it's quite different. Colin Watkinson, the visionary behind the Emmy-winning show The Handmaid's Tale, tells us how he started off as a runner for a film special effects company. His passion for cameras and celluloid eventually led him to where he is now.

In this episode, we cover Colin's journey from being a camera loader to learning about motion control. We also talk about film vs. digital.

Ep. 50 : Finding Your Filmmaking Path with Lachlan Milne, ACS Jun 01, 2020

How to you get into the film industry? Do you have to cut your teeth on set and work all the time? How do you find what part of the industry you should pursue? Lachlan Milne, ASC, gives us his thoughts on this ever-changing question. He started in photography and loved using a camera. He then transitioned over to narrative cinematography by accepting and just pushing for particular projects, landing him work for Stranger Things and with Taika Waititi.

In this episode, we cover Lachlan Milne's way into the film industry and finding what part of the industry he wants to pursue.

Ep. 49 : Technology VS Filmmaking with Rich Lee May 20, 2020

Let's compare a filmmaker today to the filmmaker of yesterday. Movies were created with an actual strips of film in motion, lit by bright and hot tungsten lights in studios. Today, the modern filmmaker has so many options to shoot their projects from RED digital cameras to industry standard Arri Alexas to even your own cell phone. And there's no better person to talk about how technology has affected his career path better than Rich Lee. From sculpting to working at Disney out of high school, to quitting Disney to learn CGI on his own and eventually directing music videos, Rich Lee is a visual master artist. But how do you get to his level of expertise? What kind of technology should one invest in most? It's big-brain time.

In this episode, we reflect on Rich Lee's history in the entertainment industry and how technology has influenced his filmmaking career path and modern filmmaker.

Ep. 48 : The World of Visual Engineering with Steve Giralt May 01, 2020

Visual Engineer? Most people wouldn't be familiar with that job title. It takes a very unique person to bridge the gap between machinery and art, and that's what Steve Giralt represents. He is the founder of The Garage, a production company that specializes in product-based work. While we wouldn't think of it when watching commercials and online ads, Steve says that behind every good product shot is a story. How do you find the story of a product, and how do you use programming and robotics to get you there?

In this episode, we cover everything from Steve's journey out of the still photography world to dealing with brand names and big companies.

Ep. 47 : A DP's Journey into Hollywood with Jeremy Benning, CSC Apr 27, 2020

For you up and coming camera operators and DP's out there, this one's for you. Jeremy Benning, CSC, hangs out with us to talk about his journey as a cinematographer. Based in Toronto, Canada, Jeremy started out as a steadi-cam operator for music video's and commercials and transitioned into narrative short film work later in his career. He talks about his transition and how that actually helped him land his giant gig as the cinematographer for the Amazon show "The Expanse," "The Boys" and many others. How did he do it? How did he make the big leap from small time commercials and music videos to giant high budget shows?

In this episode, we cover how Jeremy Benning, CSC, started as a cinematographer and made a name for himself in the industry.

Ep. 46 : From Indie to Hollywood with Stefan Duscio, ACS Apr 17, 2020

It may be hard to believe, but there was a time that the same filmmakers who produced the movies we watch in the theaters were also working for free on films that nobody knows the names of. For some, a little luck is required. For Stefan Duscio, the cinematographer of The Invisible Man, it was a lot of hard work and an undying passion for imagery. How does that love for cinematography translate into a career?

In this episode, we cover Stefan's cinematography career, his love for photography, and working on indie film sets.

Ep. 45 : The Journey of Freelancing with Casey McBeath Mar 31, 2020

For those of you who consider yourself as a filmmaker, there's a good chance that you didn't start off that way. For our guest Casey, he started out in the army before finding his calling as a cinematographer. To start off on the bottom floor can be daunting, but you make sure that the experiences that you gather along the way, whether it's investing in film gear or working with others on set, are all contributing to the next big thing. But how do you gather the most out of every job? How do you know what is going to be worth it, and what are the red flags?

In this episode, we cover Casey's start as a cinematographer and how to make the most out of every opportunity.

Ep. 44 : Today's Modern Filmmaker with Mike Pecci Mar 27, 2020

Filmmaking can be such a bizarre career to pursue; schedules are crazy, your income fluctuates constantly, friends can change, and sometimes you fall on your head and make a feature. That's Mike Pecci's story, a feature filmmaker in the indie world. From Boston to New York, then back to Boston and now LA, Mike Pecci talks us through his journey as a filmmaker and gives his advice to young artists today. The film industry always changes, so the best way to find success is to stay up to date with what's happening, so you can become the best artist you strive to be. Whether you're in LA, Boston, or some random town, you can make your story happen.

In this episode, we talk about the best tips young filmmakers can do around the world to get their careers going, and we go through Mike's journey into the bizz.

Ep. 43 : Trials of a Music Video Director with DAPS Mar 14, 2020

Here's a story you haven't heard before. You're playing NCAA basketball, only to have your leg injured which will cost you your livelihood and force you down a different path. You sell water coolers for a couple of years after school because all your money went into starting a rap blog you thought was going to blow up. But after some long, tumultuous years, you find yourself in LA writing music video treatments and directing low budget videos until a big act gives you your first Hollywood gig. That is the story of DAPS, acclaimed music video director who has worked with the Migos, Iggy Azalea, and Kendrick Lamar.

In this episode, we cover DAPS' career and how he was able to make a name for himself in LA.

Ep. 42 : The Art of Production Design with Guy Hendrix Dyas Feb 21, 2020

Cinematographers will often say that the key to their success is their collaboration with production designers. After all, it's hard to make a good-looking image without good-looking set pieces of fill the frame. As filmmakers, it's can be hard to communicate the visual world of your story in terms of design. Guy Hendrix Dyas, the acclaimed production designer for Inception, Steve Jobs, and X2, breaks down the very fundamentals of production design while uncovering the journey he took to get to Hollywood.

In this episode, we talk about production design, film school, Guy's career, and what it was like to work under Hollywood's top directors.

Ep. 41 : The Golden Age of Cinematography with Richard Crudo, ASC Feb 11, 2020

The American Society of Cinematographers. To many, it's just a fancy title at the end of many prominent names. To some, it's a brotherhood. Richard Crudo, ASC, cinematographer of many well-known films and commercials, remembers the clubhouse fondly as he recounts his interactions with some master cinematographers of his time and how he eventually became president of the prestigious organization.

In this episode, we talk about the American Society of Cinematographers, Richard's career, and the duties as president.

Ep. 39 : On the Subject of Camera Gear with Illya Friedman Jan 22, 2020

One of the first questions that you may get asked about your movie is, "What camera did you shoot on?" Is that meant to take away from your artistry and everything else that you did on a movie? To some, maybe. To others, it can be a sign of respect. Learning about the technology and applying it to storytelling is the very basis of filmmaking. With new gear having so much of an impact today on the medium, how can you tell if you're focusing on the right thing?

In this episode, Illya Friedman, founder of Hot Rod Cameras, sits down with us to talk about cameras and when it is and isn't important to a film.

Ep. 38 : The Humanistic Approach to Horror with Michael Fimognari Jan 10, 2020

Sometimes, we mischaracterize horror as a genre with its entirely own set of rules to follow. The truth is, horror can come from anywhere, in any form. Michael Fimognari, the cinematographer to many successful horror films such as Doctor Sleep and Oculus, tells us that the horror in his latest project The Haunting of Hill House comes from our innate wishes and desires, and that he dives deep into the human psyche before adding the spirits and visions.

In this episode, we talk about Michael's journey as as filmmaker, how to collaborate effectively, and the behind-the-scenes stories of his most recent films.

Ep. 37 : Life of a Music Video Director with Joseph Kahn Jan 02, 2020

Joseph Kahn, legendary music video director for artists such as Britney Spears and Taylor Swift, has led an incredible life. From dropping out of film school to working on gangster rap videos, he scrapped together everything he could to be where he is now, and the journey has been nothing if not unforgettable. CAUTION: Wild stories ahead.

In this episode, we talk about Joseph's filmmaking process and his views on the music video scene.

Ep. 36 : Finding a Visual Style with Natasha Braier, ASC Dec 16, 2019

A cinematographer, like a painter or musician, is an artist, and every artist has their own personal tastes. It's easy to fall into the artistic trends of the decade, but what's more important is what the artist brings from within, according to Natasha Braier, ASC. For the acclaimed cinematographer of indie classics such as Neon Demon and Gloria Bell, it's all about being able to experiment with fantastical colors and techniques on a film to leave an imprint, encouraging others to be more free within the medium.

In this episode, we talk about the difference between indie and Hollywood films, colored lighting, and what it means to be a cinematographer.

Ep. 35 : How to Make Connections with Jakob Owens Dec 03, 2019

If you thought moving your entire life to Los Angeles to pursue filmmaking as a career was scary, you're absolutely right. It can be grueling to make it as a director or cinematographer on your own, which is why it's important to connect with the filmmakers around you. Jakob Owens, a director/cinematographer who founded the YouTube channel TheBuffNerds, was in this exact position too, and he tells us all about how he was able to make films and find collaborators, both successfully and unsuccessfully at times.

In this episode, we talk about Jakob's journey to Los Angeles, creating a social media following as as filmmaker, and establishing his company PrismLensFX.

Ep. 34 : Creating a Show's Visual Style with David Mullen, ASC Nov 28, 2019

Shooting a TV show is vastly different from shooting a movie. Period. Instead of a director, you are met with the visions of show runners and producers. Instead of one cinematographer, there could be multiple working on the show at once. As the director of photography for the pilot and/or first season of a show, establishing the look is everything, but how does it happen?

Cinematographer David Mullen, ASC, who has show episodes of Mad Men and Westworld, educates us on the pre-production process of a television show, specifically for his latest work Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

On this episode, we go over David's upbringing, his studies in camera and lighting, and the difference between film and digital.

Ep. 33 : The Cinematography of HBO's Chernobyl with Jakob Ihre, FSF Nov 22, 2019

The popular, Emmy-winning series Chernobyl is hailed for its commitment to realism and historical accuracy, and the cinematography makes sure to uphold such values.

On this episode, Jakob Ihre, the show's DP, talks about his career leading up to the production of Chernobyl.

Ep. 32 : The Rise of an Independent Artist with Shawn Corrigan Nov 18, 2019

Everyone ha a different story. The struggles, the victories, the golden days, and the failures. Shawn talks about his path to become a creative photographer and cinematographer. This story can give inspiration & hope for others on similar roads.

Ep. 31 : The Dos and Don'ts of Music Videos with Justin Jones Nov 15, 2019

Think about your favorite music videos. What do they have in common? Whether they're hip hop, electronic, or country music videos, they follow at least one of these few tenants that we talk about. Justin Jones, who has shot more than 400 music videos, knows what makes a good video and bad video, so we invite him into the studio to learn exactly what that is.

On this episode, we talk about music videos, and what you should avoid when producing one.

Ep. 30 : Cinematography of JoJo Rabbit with Mihai Malaimare Jr. Nov 11, 2019

This week, cinematographer Mihai Malaimare Jr., a renowned filmmaker for his work with Francis Ford Coppolla and Paul Thomas Anderson, sits down with us in the studio to talk about his latest project, JoJo Rabbit. We also cover his journey as a cinematographer and what it was like shooting films in Europe.

Ep. 29 : The Post-Film School Blues with Todd Banhazl Nov 07, 2019

The road for filmmakers and cinematographers is a long one, full of obstacles and setbacks along the way. This was true for Todd Banhazl, a successful commercial and feature DP who has worked with artists such as Lorde and Janelle Monae. While talking about his preeminent work, he comforts us with stories about what it was like out of film school and the challenges he faced.

In this episode, we learn about Todd's journey as a cinematographer leading up to the production of the movie Hustlers.

Ep. 28 : Filming a Feature Movie with Nigel Bluck Oct 17, 2019

Not all movies are made for hundreds of thousands of dollars, and the case of The Peanut Butter Falcon, Nigel Bluck, the cinematographer, had to be aware of his limitations and utilize the classic phrase, "Less is always more" to make, what is now a new Classic American Film. A true minimalist filmmaker, Nigel talks about his upbringing and the important essentials of a working cinematographer.

Ep. 27 : The G&E Department with Martin Torner Oct 08, 2019

Directors and actors aren't the only people needed to make a movie. You have the unsung heroes of the grip and electric department, whose job it is to set up complicated lighting schemes and heavy rigs. It's often a thankless job that requires being on set for long days without very much idle time. That's why we have Martin Torner, union grip for movies such as Iron Man 2 and Thor, to illuminate this side of the industry with on-set horror stories and what is required to get into gripping.

On this episode, Ted and Martin talk about gripping on Hollywood sets and what you need to know to start working in G&E.

Ep. 26 : The Problem with RGB Lights with Tim Kang Oct 01, 2019

You may notice LED lights popping up on your film sets more and more often as RGB lights are becoming a normal lighting staple. With so many options out there, it's hard to differentiate the look and color accuracy between them. Companies like to use a measurement called CRI (Color Rendering Index) and TLCI to measure how accurate the color is to everyday daylight, but what if we told you that it's actually an indicator of how bad an RGB light is? There is so much we don't understand about RGB lights yet, so we invited Tim Kang, color scientist at Quasar lighting, to talk to us about the fundamentals of color science and what the problems are about RGB lighting today.

In this episode, we talk about the way we perceive color, color science, and how we should measure color accuracy.

Ep. 25 : Shooting on Second Unit with Jaron Presant, ASC Sep 27, 2019

Second Unit - they're the unsung heroes who shoot the extras, inserts, and secondary inserts for a film or TV show. They're the ones who provide the editors with stuff to cut to. They're the ones that have to use their creativity to blend their visual style to the vision of the cinematography. Jaron Presant, ASC cinematographer who has shot second unit on Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Looper, tells us what goes on in his mind when he's shooting alongside Steve Yedlin, director of photography for those movies, and what it's like to be on second unit.

In this episode we talk about Jaron's early beginnings in cinematography, his crazy obsession with VFX and lighting, and what it's like to shoot on second unit.

Ep. 24 : The Music of Film Editing with John Ottman Sep 20, 2019

Everyone knows that music is important in a film, but just exactly how does it influence the way the film is edited? There are not many people that can say they have edited and composed a big Hollywood film besides Oscar-winning editor John Ottman, who has edited and composed for films such as X-Men: Days of Future Past, Superman Returns, and most notably, Bohemian Rhapsody. John talks to us about his start in filmmaking, how to navigate the studio environment, and what every editor should know.

In this episode, we talk about tips on becoming a professional editor and break down the music and editing of Bohemian Rhapsody.

Ep. 23 : How to Produce Music Videos with Moses Israel Sep 06, 2019

We tend to talk about music videos a lot at Indy Mogul - how to light them, how to make them for no money, etc. Today, we go over a bigger question - how do we produce them? With so many filmmakers out there wanting to shoot music videos and gain exposure for their work, the knowledge of how to conduct a set and production can get lost in translation. Not everything is just what you see in front of camera, so we sit down with seasoned music video producer, Moses Israel, to learn what first-time producers need to know before they step on set.

On this episode, we talk about music videos, producing, and tips on how to manage a film set.

Ep. 22 : The Best Way to Move Your Camera with Dan Kneece Sep 02, 2019

Ted sits down with Dan Kneece to learn more about why Steadicam can still be better than gimbals, what makes good steady shots cinematic, and why shot lists don't always help a movie.

Ep. 21 : How to Break into Hollywood with Matt Enlow and Oren Kaplan Aug 26, 2019

In the film industry, there aren't a lot of sure-fire avenues towards success. Many dreamers have wondered - do you go to film school? Do you make a smash hit at Sundance? Do you find an agent right away? It's not that making Oscar-worthy feature films is inconceivable; it's that the road to it often comes across as a mystery. That's why Matt Enlow and Oren Kaplan, represented commercial and narrative directors in LA, break down the journey of numerous successful filmmakers and summarize the five different ways to "make it" as a key creative in the industry.

On this episode, we talk about directing, filmmaking, and the many pathways toward producing a feature film or commercial hit.

Ep. 20 : Cinematography Breakdown with Larry Fong, ASC Aug 23, 2019

From the cinematographer that brought you 300, Super 8, and Batman v. Superman, Larry Fong sits down with us to talk about camera, lighting, and that extra bit of "secret sauce" that makes his films look unique. He tells us about his first encounters with renowned directors such as JJ Abrams, and his humble beginnings in Hollywood.

On this episode, we talk about visual storytelling and how to communicate certain emotions and moods through Larry's past films.

Ep. 19 : How To Maximize Your Rentals At Any Budget with Magnanimous Rentals Aug 09, 2019

From the indie short film to the Hollywood blockbuster no one can afford to own every single piece of equipment they use. That's where rental houses come in. But with all the options out there it can be a daunting task to rent equipment, so we asked Mike Grady, the General Manager at Magnanimous Rentals, to break down several go-to rental packages at three different budget levels as well as why you would want certain gear for your type of production.

On this episode we talk to a rental professional to figure out the best way to maximize your rental package at any budget you may find yourself at.

Ep. 18 : How to Shoot and Sell Stock Footage with Luke Neumann Aug 02, 2019

Stock footage has always been trivial in the eyes of filmmakers, mostly because nobody wants to shoot solely for stock and not much money can be made from it. But what if we told you that you can just upload the stuff that you are going to shoot for that future narrative film and make passive income on the side? Well, Luke Neumann, founder of Neumann Films and commercial cinematographer, tells us that we as filmmakers should look at stock footage differently and start making money off of the stuff that we have today.

On this episode, we learn how to successfully shoot and sell stock footage, namely lifestyle and aerial footage.

Ep. 17 : How to Use Water in Filmmaking with Phil Rhodes Jul 05, 2019

Water - could it be the best free tool to up your filmmaking game? It's something you often don't notice in your favorite sci-fis and dramas, but you'll start to see it everywhere once you begin to notice. Water has a specular quality to it that brings out the texture of surfaces and instantly increases contrast the moment you spray it onto your setting. Of course, you can produce steam with water to add visual interest into your backgrounds as well.

On this episode, we explore with writer Phil Rhodes the ways you can use water in cinematography to make any shot look better.

Ep. 16 : How We Relaunched Indy Mogul with Minh Bui Jun 04, 2019

A year ago, a young Ted had a dream to see one of his favorite YouTube channels come back to life again. So what does he do? He goes on a national tour with his talented editor friend, Minh Bui, to create 15 episodes from a 13-day trip to 10 cities. If that sounds near impossible to you right now, then trust us - the feeling was mutual. But thanks to their efforts to create an entertaining travel show for filmmakers, Indy Mogul is back and better than ever.

On this episode, we sit down with editor Minh Bui to get his take on the trip, and learn what he learned while shooting throughout North America nonstop.

Ep. 15 : How to Make Music Videos Fast with Justin Jones May 28, 2019

Producer walks in. He has this big-name artist. They need a music video. You're the guy. He gives you $40,000. You go out and rent the Alexa Mini, 10 Skypanels, and a technocrane. Meanwhile, production gets a dance crew, picture vehicle, animal wrangler, wardrobe truck, makeup department, and large studio. All for one day of shooting. What do you do? Justin Jones, who has shot music videos for Jaden Smith, Hopsin, and Wiz Khalifa, has been in these scenarios before and assures us it's all going to be okay - if we just follow these key tips.

On this episode, Justin reveals his top music video secrets and go-to lighting setups when there's almost no time to shoot.

Ep. 14 : Intro to DIY Filmmaking with Erik Beck May 16, 2019

Everyone has probably made a DIY shoulder rig for their camera at one point or another. Nothing can replace the pride of using a homemade softbox that only costs $15 to make and works like the real deal. With gear being as cheap as it is nowadays, is it really necessary to make that dolly or glidecam out of PVC pipes anymore? Erik Beck, master DIY filmmaker and prop builder, tells us that it is actually easier to make DIY equipment today and how you can start now.

On this episode, we catch up with what Erik has been doing since his initial farewell from Indy Mogul and cover the basic essentials to buy for DIY filmmaking.

Ep. 13 : Mastering Run-and-Gun Cinematography with Parker Walbeck Apr 30, 2019

What happens when you have an unflattering location, a very sunny day, and only 12 hours to shoot a high-budget commercial? With no time to light and a lot of producers breathing down your neck, it can be a struggle to get shots that are remotely good-looking. However, Parker Walbeck, legendary YouTube filmmaker who specializes in wedding, action, and lifestyle, tells us that if you can read your location correctly and point your camera in the right direction, you can make stunning images that will impress your high-end commercial clients.

On this episode, we uncover Parker's humble beginnings and teach you how to shoot cinematic exteriors without any lighting gear.

Ep. 12 : Making Microfilms with Darious Britt Apr 23, 2019

Filmmakers often forget that the key to great storytelling is to practice and keep things simple. We all want to write grandiose, blockbuster-level movies and saturate the dialogue with sophisticated poeticism, but what about the story? It could be easy to throw in fancy graphics and punchy shots in our early films, but Darious Britt, an independent filmmaker who runs the channel D4Darious, tells us that amateur filmmakers should start with making tiny, one-minute films to sharpen those storytelling muscles first before progressing to longer length and higher budget films.

On this episode, we teach you how to effectively practice filmmaking and what to do when you're starting your filmmaking career.

Ep. 11 : How to Keep Making Films with Ryan Connolly Apr 17, 2019

As artists and creatives, we know that filmmaking can take a toll on your physical and emotional health sometimes. We've all had to do odd jobs to fund our latest short film or make content for commercial's sake. We know your struggle, so we have educational filmmaking legend Ryan Connolly from Film Riot to talk us about how he continues to make films 10 years and 1,000 videos later.

On this episode, we encourage you to ask these big questions before you begin, or end, your filmmaking career.

Ep. 10 : How to Shoot Beauty and Fashion with Philippe Maurice Apr 02, 2019

The world of beauty and couture can be intimidating to step into, but our helpful guide, beauty cinematographer Philippe Maurice, gives us a glimpse into what it's like to be on a fashion shoot and what we have to think about when it comes to shooting for beauty and fashion.

On this episode, we talk about how to make your photos stand out and how to start your career in beauty photography, even when you don't necessarily own nice gear.

Ep. 9 : Capturing Action & Stunt Filmmaking with devinsupertramp Mar 26, 2019

Who says action filmmaking is just for Hollywood blockbusters? The steady development of compact cameras and stabilizers are allowing low-budget filmmakers to capture action and stunts beautifully without breaking the bank.

On this episode, we cover the basics of shooting immersive action sequences with legendary YouTube filmmaker Devin Graham, the founder of the popular YouTube Channel devinsupertramp.

Ep. 8 : Ultimate Guide to Film Gear with Caleb Pike Mar 19, 2019

In today’s fast-growing market for video equipment, what are the absolute necessities to get started with in filmmaking? We break down the 9 things that every filmmaker should have in their toolkit with the help of Caleb Pike, the founder of the popular gear review YouTube channel DSLR Video Shooter.

Ep. 7 : Shooting Cinematic BROLL with Matti Haapoja Mar 12, 2019

What's the secret to shooting that cinematic lifestyle BROLL that we see more and more in commercials and vlogs? Today, we sit down with travel and adventure filmmaker Matti Hapooja to get his advice!

Ep. 6 : Editorial Photography with Diana Levine Mar 05, 2019

We sit down with Diana Levine, an editorial photographer who's taken photographs of everyone from Barack Obama, to Alicia Keys, to John Legend and more to find out. We learn about why she only uses one light for most of her lighting setups, and what she focuses on during a shoot.

Ep. 5 : The Future of Previz with Matt Workman of Cinematography Database Feb 26, 2019

Is it possible to create an entire film world inside of a game engine? We talk to cinematographer and software developer Matt Workman of cinematography database to learn about Cine Tracer, a revolutionary previsualization and on set virtual production tool.

Cine Tracer is available on Steam for Mac OSX and Windows.

Ep. 4 : High End Product Cinematography with Kazu Okuda Feb 19, 2019

What are the keys to product cinematography? This week we sat with commercial cinematographer and motion control supervisor Kazu Okuda, who has shot spots for Elle, Vogue, Express, Omega and a litany of product videos for brands like Dior, Hennessy, Chanel and Oscar de la Renta, to find out!

Ep. 3 : Guerilla Music Video Filmmaking with YCImaging Feb 12, 2019

Is it possible to shoot a cinematic, no budget, no prep music video in only 4 hours?

To find out we sit down with Chrys from @YCImaging, a music video director who has shot hundreds of music videos before putting these tips to use and trying it for ourselves.

Ep. 2 : Live Projection Filmmaking with Charles Haine Feb 05, 2019

How can an $80 projector upgrade your Poor Man's Process? How can filmmakers learn to use the same projection techniques that were used in First Man (2018), Gravity (2013) and Oblivion (2013)?

To find out we spoke to Charles Haine, a professor of cinematography at the Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema and a writer at NoFilmSchool.

Ep. 1: One Day Documentaries with Griffin Hammond Jan 28, 2019

Indy Mogul is back! Today we catch up with fellow co-host Griffin Hammond about his work covering the 2016 Presidential election with Bloomberg News and the process of creating his festival darling documentary "Sriracha."

We also discuss the fundamentals of documentary filmmaking and how to film a documentary in one day.

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