Blog
Articles on filmmaking technique, production planning, and industry knowledge.
Showing 12 of 60 posts (Page 4 of 5)
How to Read a Dynamic Range Spec Sheet (And Why Camera Marketing Lies to You)
Manufacturers measure dynamic range differently, and the numbers rarely match real-world latitude. This post explains how to read the actual usable range using data from 8 popular cameras.
LUFS, dBFS, and Loudness Normalization: What Filmmakers Need to Know
Explains the difference between LUFS, dBFS, and peak level -- why streaming platforms normalize loudness, what it means for your mix, how to meter in your DAW, and how to hit Netflix and broadcast specs without squashing dynamics.
Revenue Splits for Filmmakers: Producers, Directors, Writers, and Co-Producers
How to structure a fair revenue split, common split disputes, how deferred compensation works, and what happens when a film sells for more or less than expected. Includes a model split sheet for a 5-person creative team.
Post-Production Timeline: How Long Does It Really Take to Finish an Indie Feature?
A realistic timeline breakdown for no-budget, low-budget, and mid-budget indie features -- covering assembly, rough cut, picture lock, sound design, color, VFX, deliverables, and DCP creation with real benchmark ranges.
AI in Filmmaking: What It Can Actually Do Right Now (and What It Can't)
An honest, technically accurate assessment of AI's current capabilities in screenwriting, production design, VFX, and distribution -- with specific tool examples, real limitations, and a clear-eyed look at what jobs are actually threatened.
Field of View vs. Focal Length: How to Choose the Right Lens for Every Shot
The same focal length renders completely differently across sensor sizes. This guide uses FoV math to show exactly what you get on five common camera formats, with a full table of standard focal lengths.
Audio Delivery Standards for Film and Television: A Complete Format Guide
Covers broadcast, streaming, theatrical, and festival delivery specs -- sample rate, bit depth, channel configuration, LUFS targets, and true peak limits per platform. The one-stop reference before mastering.
Film Royalties: How They're Calculated, Who Gets Paid, and When
Covers gross vs. net royalties, participation tiers, how WGA and SAG residuals interact with producer royalties, and how to model different revenue scenarios with the royalty calculator.
How to Build a Film Portfolio with No Budget: The Films That Actually Get You Hired
Specific, actionable guidance on what portfolio work actually impresses hiring producers and directors -- and what amateur mistakes kill otherwise strong reels. Includes a 12-month production calendar framework.
How to Budget Location Costs for an Indie Film: Permits, Rentals, and Hidden Fees
Covers the complete cost structure of shooting on location: permit fees by city type, rental agreements, liability insurance, travel allowances, and company move logistics for low-budget productions.
Streaming vs. Theatrical in 2026: What the Revenue Numbers Say About Where to Release Your Film
A data-informed look at the economics of theatrical vs. streaming release for indie films in the $500K to $5M budget tier. Uses revenue modeling to illustrate real break-even scenarios for each path.
Crop Factor Explained for Filmmakers (It's Not What Photographers Think)
Film crop factor is calculated differently than photo crop factor. This post explains why, covers Super 8 through Full Frame with real numbers, and shows how to plan equivalent focal lengths across systems.