Hot Film & Theater How-Tos
How To: Build a character's objective for acting
Actor and teacher Benson Simmonds speaks on the actor's process that he teaches in this how-to video. This video acting lesson is about objective and obstacle. In addition, he remarks on the importance of the action. Whatever the objective, the actor needs to be able to translate that into a need and to express that feeling. Watch this video acting tutorial and learn how to build a character's objective.
How To: Build a breakaway tombstome prop
Are you doing a graveyard shot and decided it would be cool to throw someone through a tombstone? This video tutorial will show you how to make a breakaway tombstone. It can also be used to make a cool fake graveyard. You will need foam insulation, a tape measure, sand paper, a utility knife, a marker, string, and paint. Watch this video prop-making tutorial and learn how make a breakaway tombstone for your next scary movie.
How To: Build a sci-fi cryo containment chamber
Making a prop for a science fiction movie? This how-to video dives step by step guidance on how to build a super cool, futuristic, sci-fi, cryo containment chamber. You will need a cylindrical object, craft foam or sytrofoam, a hot glue gun, plaster of Paris, aquarium line tubing, and paint. Check out this video prop-making tutorial and learn how to build a great sci-fi like cryogenic containment chamber.
How To: Make a Spiderman gun for Halloween
Modify a hot glue gun and shoot streams of sticky web goo all over your haunted house with the Spiderman gun in this how-to video. Add a little extra something to your Spiderman costume, to impress while trick-or-treating or at a Halloween party. You will need a hot glue gun, an air-compressor, air-compressor tubing, and copper fittings. Watch this video Halloween tutorial and learn how to make a Spiderman gun.
How To: Make a Gatling gun arm costume
Backyard FX is back just in time for Halloween with this video tutorial. This how-to video shows you how to replace your an arm with a motorized gatling gun! Make a cool movie or the best Halloween costume in town! All for less then $35 dollars. You will need six cardboard shipping tubes, a sheet of scrap foamcore, a cordless screwdriver, a film canister cap, an L-bracket, plastic tubes, a plastic bucket, a roll of friction tape, a 1" by 3" scrap of wood, a scrap of wooden dowel, and a skateb...
How To: Build a bass or sound trap
Halfed Ass Construction presents how to build a Bass / Sound trap in this home audio tutorial. This how-to video goes over the step by step instructions for how to build a frame, the materials needed the process of building the bass or sound trap. A bass trap acoustic panel will help capture low frequency sounds specifically, but will improve the sound quality of all levels. Turn your home into a sound studio or set on a budget. Watch this video tutorial and learn how to build a bass or sound...
How To: Be a puppeteer
Want to be a puppeteer when you grow up? Watch this how-to video and learn as our host John Kennedy gives insider tips on how to develop your puppet character, make your puppet move and perform in front of an audience. All you need is a puppet, a huge imagination, and the helpful tips in this video tutorial. Be a puppeteer.
How To: Clean a smoke machine
Smoke machines can add great atmosphere to any occasion. But your smoke machine can get clogged. You need to clean the smoke machine every 6 months. This tutorial teaches you how to clean your smoke machine. Great care must be taken as the smoke or steam is very hot and can burn you in a split second. Watch this how to video and soon you will have a sparkling clean smoke machine.
How To: Build a vibrating 35mm DoF adapter
Check out this cinematography tutorial video that provides a basic introduction on how to build a vibrating 35mm depth of field adapter. You will need only 8 parts for the basic version of the vibrating DoF adapter:
How To: Set the aperture and shutter speed on the HV20
This is a cinematography tutorial video that demonstrates how to control the aperture and shutter speed on the HV20 high definition camcorder. This is the PAL version, so it's basically the same except the NTSC version would have different shutter speeds. You will also need a miniSD card in your camera for this technique to work. Learn how to set the aperture and shutter speed on the HV20 high definition camcorder with this instructional cinematography video.
How To: Use the Milo Motion Control system rig
This gem, an extensive cinematography video tutorial on Motion Control systems by Mark Roberts Motion Control. In some ways this video is an advertisement for the systems they create, but there is a lot of useful knowledge shared that transfers to planning, shooting, and compositing with lesser tools. This instructional video explains what motion control is and the features of the Milo Motion control system rig. A ton of fantastic commercial and music video creative work is shown, with shot b...
How To: Use the JVC GY-DV5100U professional camcorder
Check out this cinematography tutorial video that demonstrates how to use the GY-DV5100U Professional DV Camcorder. JVC has upgraded the camera's features and digital processing circuits to meet the requirements of a growing number of broadcasters looking for cost effective alternatives to the over-priced tapeless solutions of other manufacturers. This video is great for cinematographers and filmmaking aficionados alike. Learn all the functions and settings on the GY-DV5100U with this instruc...
How To: Use the JVC DR-DV5000 Direct To Edit
Check out this cinematography tutorial video that demonstrates how to use your professional JVC DR-DV5000 Direct to Edit (DTE). The DR-DV5000 is designed to mount directly to your JVC GY-DV5100 and turn it into a DV-Disk recording solution. It becomes possible to shoot directly to disk or simultaneously to tape and disk. The DTE capture files are a mirror image of what's recorded. Learn everything there is to know about the DR-DV5000 with this instructional cinematography video and start usin...
How To: Boffer sword fight with speed tactics
The Knights of Gray brings you this video tutorial on how to boffer sword fight with speed tactics. Yes, that means being super fast for LARPing. Live action role-playing doesn't get much better than this.
How To: Load the Arriflex SRII magazine
Check out this instructional cinematography video to learn how to load 16mm film into the Arriflex SRII magazine. Professor Plow demonstrates the process of loading the Arri SR2 mag. To start loading the feed side, it needs to be done entirely in the changing bag, in a light tight environment. This cinematography tutorial video is ideal for serious film enthusiasts and professionals alike.
How To: Hack a prop ghost to fly continuously for Halloween
Check out this instructional video to learn how to hack a prop ghost to fly continuously for your Halloween display.
How To: Set up a prop static ghost for Halloween
Check out this instructional video that shows how to set up a prop static ghost for Halloween.
How To: Make a display graveyard & border fences for Halloween
Check out this Halloween tutorial video that shows how to make a display graveyard and its border fences.
How To: Make a display entry archway for Halloween
Check out this Halloween set video that explains how this entry archway display was created. This show & tell video was taken immediately following the Halloween Yard Haunt prior to dismantling. The unscripted prop descriptions are as complete as time would allow.
How To: Build a simple stop motion puppet stage
Check out this fun animation tutorial video that shows you how to build a simple stage that sits on a table for your animation using a stop motion puppet. It will be a small, compact and easy to make stage. You will need a sheet of plywood and some screws. Follow the step by step instructions, add puppets and create your own stop motion animation video.
How To: Build the Panavision Genesis Super 35 camera
Check out this instructional cinematography video that shows you how to build the Genesis Super 35 Digital Cinematography Camera System. Watch and learn as this instructor sets up the Panavision Genesis camera and prepares it for a shoot. This cinematography tutorial is perfect for professional filmmakers.
How To: Display lightning FX & fog into back of tombstone
Check out this demonstrational video to learn how to create lighting FX and fog behind the back of a tombstone that's a great prop for Halloween sets.
How To: Learn 9 creative techniques for stop motion animation
Want to draw a stop motion animation but need some advice as to how it's done? This animation tutorial video shows you how to create a simple set up and provides you with 9 creative techniques that will help you get started on your own stop motion animation video. Watch this instructional video and learn some creative tips.
How To: Install the Nikon mount on a RED ONE camera
Check out this instructional cinematography video to learn how to install the Nikon mount on a professional RED ONE camera. This is not an official method, but simply one way to do it until RED officially releases its own how to video. If you don't have steady hands, you may want to take more precautions into covering the sensor while you work. This video tutorial does an excellent job of guiding you step by step along the way to better utilize your RED ONE camera.
How To: Make a flying crank ghost on Halloween
Check out this Halloween tutorial video to learn how to make a flying crank ghost. This is essentially like making a big Marionette ghost puppet. All you need is the following easy to find materials: a styrofoam skull, 7 wire coat hangers, black spary paint, pliers, cheese cloth, tacky glue, and laundry detergent. This flying crank ghost promises to be a delightful scare on Halloween trick or treaters!
How To: Make cheap lighting & barn doors
Check out this instructional lighting video that explains how to make cheap barn doors for your lights. For this project, you will need a total of 4 hinges, 12 nuts and bults, a screwdriver, cardboard, scissors, and a lighting fixture. This is a simple guerrilla filmmaking tutorial on how to design your own barn doors. A great addition to any low-budget filmmaker's lighting kit.
How To: Choose a prop gun for your indie film
One of the long-standing problems of guerilla and indie filmmakers is the quest for exactly what kind of prop gun to use in their films. To help guide you through this quest, Mat Nastos takes a look at all of the options open to filmmakers, including blank firing guns, Airsoft guns, Japanese Model Guns, Real Action Markers and even firing blank loads with real guns. Check out this instructional prop video to learn how to choose a prop gun that's right for your film.
How To: Make linear tracks on the Technik Skater
Watch this professional cinematography video to learn how to make linear tracks on the P+S Technik SKATER Mini dolly to better utilize and maximize its performance. It's actually extremely fast to get the Skater ready to shoot. Learn how to make straight tracks inward as well as a typical linear tracking shot. View final footage of the Skater used on professional film sets.
How To: Pan and Lock on the Technik Skater
Watch this professional cinematography video to learn how to pan and lock to enhance and maximize the performance of the P+S Technik SKATER Mini dolly. This allows you to either lock the wheels for fixed camera angles, or execute basic panning shots. View final footage of the Skater used on professional film sets.
How To: Use the Steadybag on the Technik Skater
Watch this professional cinematography video to learn how to use the Steadybag to enhance and maximize the performance of the P+S Technik SKATER Mini dolly. The Steadybag allows you to work with angled shots. Just place the bracket into the frame of the skater and then place the camera on top of it. View final footage of the Skater used on professional film sets.
How To: Use periscopes & borescopes with the Technik Skater
Watch this instructional video to learn how to use periscopes and borescopes to maximize the performance of the P+S Technik SKATER Mini dolly. Working with periscopes and borescopes can add interesting perspective to the shots you do with the SKATER. View final footage of the Skater used on actual professional film sets.
How To: Make an organization xiii coat for Cosplay
Check out this tutorial video sequence to learn how to make a Kingdom Heart's 2 Organization 13 Coat for Cosplay! In part 1, you will learn how to make the front part of the coat. Then, when you start sewing, you have to make sure that the outside of the coat is on the inside and to start sewing the shoulders first. This is one way of making Axel and Saix coats for Cosplay. This video was filmed in the hopes of helping people who are struggling to make an Organization XIII Coat. Watch these i...
How To: Make Axel's chakrams for Cosplay
Check out this tutorial video to learn how to make Axel's chakrams for Cosplay. This instructor guides you along every step of the process, even taking you to the store and providing tips on which materials to use. Watch this instructional video that details how to make Axel's chakrams for cosplay, and enhance your role playing.
How To: Make a cardboard sword for Cosplay
Check out this step by step instructional video to learn how to make a Cosplay Sword from cardboard and wood! Make sure you have all of the following materials to start making your Cosplay sword: spray paint, hard cardboard, wooden dowel, bendable metal wire, silver colored tape, embellishment, super glue, hand saw, paper clay, masking tape, scrap papers, pen knife, and a PVC pipe. Watch this Cosplay video and enhance your role playing with this tutorial!
How To: Make prop glass out of sugar
Don't use real glass as a prop and end up cutting or hurting yourself. Prop glass made out of sugar looks just like the real thing, and won't end in a bloody mess. You will need two cups of water, three and a half cups of sugar, one cup white corn syrup, and one fourth teaspoon cream of tartar. Watch this video special effects tutorial and learn how to make prop sugar glass.
How To: Make a Halloween Jason hockey mask
Jason Voorhees might be one of the scariest horror villains, and that's why he would make for a great Halloween costume. For this project, you will need a hockey mask, white spray paint, black spray paint, clear spray paint, an artist's brush, red, black, and brown acrylic paint, sand paper, an X-acto or utility knife, a drill bit, and a black barker. Watch this video special effects tutorial and learn how to make a Jason Voorhees hockey mask for a Halloween costume or movie spoof.
How To: Transform from a female to a male temporarily
Ladies, have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a dude for the day? Maybe as part of a Halloween costume, or even just for fun? No need to get a gender reassignment surgery, take a test drive as a man with the help of a little makeup, ironically enough. You will need eyeliner, makeup powder, and a hat to cover up your hair. Watch this video special effects tutorial and learn how to temporarily change your gender from female to male with a little bit of cosmetic magic.
How To: Make a Latex Skull Mold to Make a Plaster Skull
Dr Kreepy, Halloween craftsmen, shows a cheap and easy way to make full and partial skulls from Plaster of Paris! For this project, you will need a plastic skull, cheese cloth, a paintbrush, melting latex, anchoring cement, and Plaster of Paris. Watch this video special effects tutorial and learn how to build a latex skull mold to make plaster skulls or skull fragements.
How To: Make cheap prop eyeballs for Halloween
Super cheap eyeballs without breaking the bank! While grapes are the safe standard to spook out trick or treaters, they don't look very realistic. For this project, you will need clear spray paint, white spray paint, black spray paint, blue acrylic paint, black acrylic paint, red acrylic paint, coat hanger or wire, tweezers, an artist's brush, a foam ear plug, a rag, sanding block or sanding paper, and bouncy balls. Watch this video prop-making tutorial and learn how to make cheap prop eyebal...
How To: Build cheap prop tombstones for Halloween or effects
Follow along with Dr Kreepy in this quick video tutorial on how to do cheap and easy tombstones for your home haunt. You will need a marker, a hobby knife or X-acto knife, a hacksaw, an electric rotary tool, black acrylic paint, black spray paint, white paint, a spray bottle full of water, a paintbrush, and foam board. Watch this video special effects tutorial and learn how to make a cheap prop tombstone for a Halloween decoration or a film prop.