Hot Film & Theater How-Tos
How To: Behave when on a film or TV set for the first time
In this tutorial, actress and producer Kathleen Cooke tells you how to prepare yourself for stepping foot on a television or film set for the first time. As an actor, you must be aware of the set and protocol. There is a heirarchy on every set, and you must know how to respect it. You must also learn the vocabulary - if you do not know what a gaffer or a honeywagon are, it's time to hit the books and study!
How To: Find a roommate when you first move to Los Angeles
As an actor, finding a roommate is important. Chances are, you will not be making much money right away and will need to save on the rent and bills. Also, having a roommate means you will have a built-in friend when you first move, as well as an (often) already furnished house to live in.
How To: Find yourself an acting mentor in Los Angeles
One of the most significant ingredients that there can be in a young actor's career. Mentoring helps you make great, smart decisions. If you have a mentor, or someone who has been through the same experience before, you will learn so much more and be better prepared to face life as an actor. In this clip, Hans Obma talks about the importantce of finding a mentor in the entertainment industry.
How To: Develop good habits as an actor
In this tutorial, actor Hans Obma give you very important tips on how to practice your skills every day and improve. You will learn how to make acting a daily habit so that when you are in front of a casting director you can stand up with confidence and wow them. Follow along and form some great habits with Hans.
How To: Know what it is like to move to Hollywood as an actor
Moving to Hollywood can be a huge change for some people. In this clip, actress Julie Crisante tells you all about what you can expect when moving from a smaller town to the big city of Los Angeles. Prepare yourself for the hustle and bustle..and the traffic with these tips and advice.
How To: Adjust to living life in Los Angeles as an actor
In this clip, actress Julie Crisante explains some of the hardships you might have when you uproot and make the move to Los Angeles. Make sure you are ready for the major adjustment you will be facing. Los Angeles is an incredible city - it is beautiful, the people are friendly and always fun - but moving as an actor can be difficult for some. A lot of actors wind up leaving in their first year when faced with the cost and competition. Stay focused and stay in LA with these helpful tips from ...
How To: Get a good agent to represent you as an actor in LA
In this tutorial, learn the difference between good agents and bad ones in Los Angeles to make sure you get the best possible representation. Actress Julie Crisante will offer you some tips to make sure you get the best possible agent to guide you through your career.
How To: Make Lego figures fly using stop-motion animation
Stop-motion animation is somewhat out of favor in the digital age, but there will always be a demand for its timeless look. This video will teach you one important technique for making stop-motion animation out of Legos: how to make them fly. Or at least appear to by flying in your movie. It features detailed instructions on what to do in your digital photo editing software on each frame to erase the support structures you've used to elevate your Lego minifigures, leaving you with seamless im...
How To: Find a good acting class to attend in Los Angeles
In this tutorial, actor Shaun Pilkington offers his advice for choosing the best acting classes in Hollywood. LA is a town full of actors and there are many resources available, make sure you pick the best classes and become the very best you can be in your field.
How To: Sign up for the right acting classes in Hollywood
There are many different acting classes available in Los Angeles, so how do you know if you are taking the right type? Don't get stuck with a bad teacher, or learning the wrong method for your chosen field. This tutorial, hosted by actor Shaun Pilkington, will walk you through a few insider tips for choosing the right mentors. Follow along, practice your skill and make your Hollywood dreams come true.
How To: Find a successful, reputable acting agent in Hollywood
Are you trying to make it in Hollywood? You won't get very far as an actor without an agent. Most auditions are limited to those with agents only, so how do you get one? In this clip, actor Shaun Pilkington tells you about the various ways to find representation in Los Angeles. Follow these tips and you will be heading out on auditions in no time.
How To: Create a deep, disgusting zombie flesh wound
In this video, learn how to make a gross, bloody flesh wound using cinema makeup effects. This wound is perfect for zombies, their victims or anyone else who may be missing a bit of flesh. Whether you are making a movie or dressing up for Halloween, there's nothing spookier than this nasty gash.
How To: Get a great shot on black background with Canon EOS 7D
It is possible to get a beautiful shot on a simple black backdrop, and in this tutorial you will learn how to arrange your lighting to do just that. Using a Canon EOS 7D, you will be able to shoot a wonderfully poetic moment on black if you follow these simple techniques.
How To: Properly light for an interview using the Canon EOS 7D
In a smaller interview setting, the lighting will be much different than a bigger scene. You will need to have a good focus on your subject's face and body as well as a clear background so your viewers don't get tired. In this tutorial, learn exactly how to set up your lighting for a smaller setting such as an interview while using a Canon EOS 7D camcorder. This clip will take you through a total step by step lesson so you can get started making great films at home.
How To: Use Canon EOS 7D remote shooting software on a laptop
Your new Canon EOS 7D camera will come with a free remote shooting option. In this video, learn all about this shooter and how to control it on your laptop. You will get a step by step walkthrough as well as an explanation of the feature's pro's and con's.
How To: Use an affordable lens hood for your DSLR camera
A great way to get picture perfect shots and protect your camera in the process is to use a lens hood. When shooting on your DSLR outdoors, a lens hood will definitely come in handy. In this tutorial, learn how to get the best and most affordable lens cover for your camera and make sure you take an amazing shot every time.
How To: Use neutral density gels to change light intensity
The SubStream's "Film Lab" provides valuable information for filmmakers, specifically cinematographers and gaffers, on how to use neutral density gels.
How To: Use Bafran computer program to animate flying Legos
As many of you stop-motion animation practitioners out there have probably realized, Legos are a great material for that medium, allowing for great diversity while being relatively easy to work with. Can they fly though? This video features a British boy explaining how to use a free computer program called Bafran to make Lego characters appear to be flying in an animated video.
How To: Make a military-style night vision goggles prop
Night vision goggles are one of the iconic pieces of equipment of the modern military. Getting a real pair is prohibitively expensive, especially if you just want to use it as a prop in your film instead of actually seeing at night. This video features instructions for making your own set of prop night vision goggles for cheap, giving any action or spy movie that you are making a much more modern, authentic feel. Also, now your characters can see at night, opening up all sorts of potential sc...
How To: Create a slit wrist effect using household items
In this clip, learn how to use corn syrup, food coloring and a baby bulb syringe to fake slit your wrists. You will also need a razor blade. Use this trick if you are feeling super emo, or need a special effect for a movie you're making. This trick will totally freak out friends and family - it looks so real! Have fun and be careful!
How To: Do a cartoony disappearing effect in After Effects
Remember those cartoons from when you were a kid? Where the big character would suddenly be able to hide completely behind something ridiculous like a pole or a thin tree? Well, in this tutorial, learn how to create this Looney Toons type transition using After Effects. This is a super neat form of editing that will add a fun, cartoonish effect to your filmmaking.
How To: Compose a shot with the "rule of thirds"
In this clip, learn how to harness the Rule of Thirds when shooting video. The Rule of Thirds is a concept that consists of splitting a shot into thirds and keeping your subject out of the center of the shot. This adds a more interesting and realistic aspect to your filmmaking and can also be used for things like drawing and still photography.
How To: Use multiple camera angles when shooting a movie
Spice up your next movie project with new and interesting camera angles. In this tutorial, learn all about the different options for aiming your camera that you can use to convey new moods or effects. These instructions are easy to follow and are great for first time filmmakers. So, follow along, grab your camera and start shooting!
How To: Make a great travel video with TripFilms
One of the coolest jobs on Earth is probably a travel filmmaker, right? You get to go around the world and video tape it for all to see! In this video, learn the best tips for making a professional level video that you can show to all your friends. Never bore your family with a vacation video again with this helpful advice.
How To: Make a prop smoke grenade/bomb for filmmaking
In this video, learn how to make a prop smoke grenade with a pull ring and everything. This toy can be used in filmmaking, theatre or just as an addition to any costume.
How To: Create a cool time lapse effect on Final Cut Pro
You know those scenes in movies where we see time go by over a single shot? The same image goes from day to night and back again? In this tutorial, learn how to create this great film effect using Final Cut Pro. This video will show you all of the steps you need to know and you will see just how easy it is to do.
How To: Use a finger skateboard as track & dolly for minicams
In this video, learn how to create camera accessories out of common objects for travel. Sometimes when you fly, you are not able to carry heavy camera equipment like tracks, dollies, tripods, etc. In this video, Jan will show you how to take common things like toys and use them instead. These are also great because they are lightweight enough to not weigh down your luggage. Have fun!
How To: Make realistic looking bite marks for special effects
In this video, learn how to create a realistic looking bite mark on your skin for Halloween, film or theatre projects. This look is actually easier to do than you may think and looks completely real. So, get ready to take a bit 'ol bite outta your arm with this informative video.
How To: Make yourself look very old using basic makeup
In this tutorial, learn how to age yourself for any film or theatre project. This method of aging requires just a few simple makeup products that are cheap and easy to buy, if you don't already own them.
How To: Make a time bomb prop and
Time bombs are a stimulating and ubiquitous part of action films. This video features a handy tutorial on how to make a realistic-looking time bomb at home out of basic, cheap materials that can be used to add tension and drama to any of your movies. Warning: do not let the authorities see your bomb without knowing what it is first! It is very realistic.
How To: Video tape a wedding ceremony professionally
For many people, their wedding is one of the most important days of their life. Filming a wedding, as a amateur or a professional, is a weighty responsibility for any filmmaker. And, if you're doing it as a professional, it can pay very well. This video offers some tips for how to film a wedding effectively, including how to utilize a multi-camera setup, what shots to take, what equipment to bring, and how working with the still photographer can help you. Video tape a wedding ceremony profess...
How To: Observe the "180 degree rule" in cinematography
Budding cinematographer? Avoid a common rookie mistake with this video guide, which demonstrates what directors of photography know as the "180° rule," which requires that subjects maintain the same left-right relationship to one another in the same scene. For a comprehensive overview, watch this DP's guide.
How To: Make a lace wig
In an upcoming play in which you have to make your own costumes? Going as Betty White for Halloween this year? Whatever the reason, you're looking for how to make a wig and you're looking in the right place. In this video, learn how a "wig master" makes a professional lace wig with the help a tool called a hackle - a giant comb with rows of steel teeth.
How To: Do theatrical tiger face paint
Have a play coming up? Volunteering at the county faire? Going as a tiger for Halloween? Face painting is great artistic skill to have. In this tutorial, learn how to apply theatrical tiger face paint, sure to make an audience roar! Do theatrical tiger face paint.
How To: Make your own Spider Man web shooters
Are you an enormous fan of Spider Man? So much so you wonder what it'd be like to be him and have his capabilities? In this episode of Indy Mogul's Backyard FX, learn how to make your own Spider Man usable web shooters! Use this prop for a low budget film, Halloween costume, or just for fun and take your Spider Man costume to the next level!
How To: Use a rubber band for smooth panning and tilting
In this tutorial, learn a quick tip on how to get smoother panning and tilting using a tripod. A rubber band is an inexpensive way to improve your tripod's movement.
How To: Build a pro level steadicam for $14
Steadicam is important in filmmaking and can help you get the perfect shot. If you are a budding filmmaker and don't have the cash to shell out for a professionally made model, check out this video.
How To: Build your own Iron Man Repulsor Arm
If you love Iron Man 2 and wish you could have his gadgets or want to have a cool costume for Halloween, you too, can be Iron Man once you're done watching this video. This tutorial will walk you through the steps needed to convert household materials and inexpensive items you can find at virtually any store into an Iron Man suit repulsor arm.
How To: Create a storyboard in preproduction
Starting a film? A storyboard is a great way to visualize a motion picture or animation through a series of illustrations or images displayed in sequence. Learn how to go about creating a storyboard in pre-production with help from this free video from EOS Lighting.
How To: Light for fashion photography
Looking to get into the world of fashion photography? In this video, learn how to light a professional fashion photoshoot. Go behind the scenes with professional Denver based photographer Adam Bonilla and learn what it takes to get the right light!