Digital Filmmaking 101

by Hillman Curtis

Years ago the technical aspects of filmmaking were a real barrier for me. I knew nothing about cameras, film stock, lighting, sound, or editing systems—which at that time were mainly expensive Avid systems. Worse, I felt I had no way to learn. Everything was expensive: the film stock, the cameras, etc. And when it came to editing, you had to hire an editor and rent an editing suite. I’m a DIY (Do It Yourself) type. I prefer to retreat to a corner somewhere and make mistakes in private, and that didn’t seem possible with filmmaking in the past. It always seemed I’d need some sort of crew. So when digital video and DV editing software came onto my horizon, I didn’t hesitate. I could rent or buy a camera, buy the editing software, and begin. And I could do it myself.

This is an exciting time to explore digital filmmaking. Digital cameras are good and getting better. The same camera that director Danny Boyle used for his 2002 movie, 28 Days Later, is available for just a few thousand dollars (he used Canon XL1s for the film, manned by Anthony Dod Mantle, who may be the best DV cinematographer in the business). A single MiniDV tape, our “film stock,” costs less than 10 dollars and requires none of the expensive processing that film does. Editing software and the necessary computers are both reasonably priced as well, and the software is intuitive and easy to learn.

by Ilise Benun

Work at your own schedule. Get comfortable at the workplace of your choosing. How much work and how much money — you call the shots. You are the boss. This all may sound tantalizing to the business-suit wearing nine-to-fiver, but there are a number of things to consider before diving head first into the freelancing pool. We've asked Ilise Benun, co-founder of Marketing Mentor, to give us her insights on living the life of a freelancer.

“I know how to do X, so I’ll just make a business out of that and life will be good.”

You probably said that to yourself when you first thought about freelancing. But if you’re totally new to the concept or have been toying with the idea a little while now, know this: It isn't quite as easy as it seems.

If you’re serious about taking advantage of the “freedom” inherent in freelancing, the only way to make it work is to be realistic, because unrealistic expectations can cause extreme disappointment. So if that’s your aim, read on and take a look at the real world of freelancing; it may save you a lot of time in the long run.

Find the best dreamweaver website templates online.

Myth #1: You’ll be a creative (or techie, or other professional) running a business. Reality: Being a successful freelancer starts with the right mindset. You must see yourself as an entrepreneur providing services, not a designer, developer, writer, or any other skilled professional making money from your skill or talent. This is a subtle but important distinction. If you see yourself as a professional who provides services, or, better yet, a solver of problems, you’ll realize that what you do commercially for others is based on their need. And focusing on the needs of the market — instead of on yourself — is a direct path to a thriving business.