In this video, we learn how to make day into night & create giants with film tricks. When doing this, make sure you don't show the sky because it will be a dead give away. First, set the correct exposure and make it indoors so it's blue. Then, the shutter should be set around ...more
In this tutorial, we learn how to knife someone in the face with film effects & tricks. This effect is mostly done in the camera and not in computer software. First, get two identical knives and a hat you don't mind ruining. Then, remove the blade from one of the knives and fi ...more
In this tutorial, we learn how to jump over a car with film effects & tricks. First, you will take a long shot of someone pretending like they are jumping over a car, make sure they add in excitement. After this, you will take a long shot of a car driving over in the same area ...more
In this tutorial, we learn how to simulate teleportation w/ film effects & camera tricks. First, take a shot of your actors moving and doing something active. Then, take a shot of the frame without the actors. After this, go frame by frame masking the actors out of each of the ...more
The fine folks at Film Riot usually teach you how to do two awesome film tricks per episode, and this one is no different. It will teach you how to do really scary professional zombie makeup first and follow that with how to blow someone's head off with a shotgun. Using effect ...more
What's a proton pack without a ghost trap? Useless, that's what. Don't pay megabucks for some fake Ghostbusters costume when you can build your own with household materials. This is a perfect movie prop for your indie Ghostbusters fan flick. Watch this video from Parker's Tut ...more
Home security is as important as having a job. You have to protect your family and your valuables. If you can't afford a high tech security system, then maybe a fake security camera will do the trick. This security camera dud is also a cheap alternative for a film prop. Watch ...more
Remember the Rocketeer? The rocket jet pack that he wore? Jet packs are the coolest sci-fi props that haven't been perfected in "real life" yet. Almost, but not quite. For now, film rocket belts or rocket packs will do. Like in the Bond flick "Thunderball" and in the Star Wars ...more
Want to preserve an old family photograph for posterity without also preserving the physical imperfections of the print? Touch it up with Photoshop. Whether you're new to Adobe's popular image editing software or simply looking to pick up a few new tips and tricks, you're sure ...more
Screenwriting isn't as easy as it seems, and many screenwriters can't make it past the second act of the screenplay. It's called writer's block, and one reason many writers fall victim to this is because of a poorly outlines idea. The only way to make sure you get a completed ...more
This tutorial will show a simple technique for achieving the bullet time, freezing effect. This is used regularly in TV idents, films and music videos. Whether you're new to MAXON's popular 3D modeling application or are just looking to get better acquainted with Cinema 4D and ...more
brusspup has tons of ingenious tips and tricks for everybody! In this video tutorial, he shows you how to simulate a dolly shot with just a camera tripod. Want to make your videos look more professional, but don't have the money to spend on an expensive dolly or crane? Film e ...more
In this Apple Color tutorial Richard Harrington and guest Robbie Carman will use user defined shapes to form vinettes to perform a secondary color correction. Learn about where primary and secondary color correction really occurs in Apple Color and other tips and tricks. Crea ...more
In this two part video tutorial, Eran Stern reveals the first text trick in his series and shows how to design an audio waves animation with the After Effects Text Tool. In part 2, Eran Stern explains how to design a Counting Circle Animation with the After Effects Text Tool. ...more
Some free tricks on how to use the color range command in Photoshop. Many people use the old method of utilizing the magic wand tool for selecting areas of color, the color range selection tool has more flexibility and control. Richard walks you through using this tool and sho ...more
This is a two part video tutorial. Be sure to click on Chapters 2 as well to get the full tutorial. Taking a look at the popular technique of designing lower thirds and the process it takes to design these using Photoshop. Photoshop is the perfect solution for this task with ...more
If you have ever wondered about the functionality of slating during a film shoot, what a shooting script or line script is and how to keep a shot log, then this may be the perfect video tutorial for you, in two parts. We’ll walk through some quick tips and tricks for getting ...more
Do you wanna be that person who stands out in a crowd? Our society dictates our fashion sense. We believe we all must look like who ever is the "most popular" in the media (TV, film, magazines etc.). Our choice to express our self is very limited because of the stigma of what ...more
First off, don't be frustrated. YOU CAN DO IT! Contrary to the message in the image above, it's NOT over. It's just beginning. And when it comes to solving the New York Times crossword puzzle, the old cliche does apply: practice makes perfect. I've read quite a few books and ...more
We all know that movies now-a-days don't use real rocks, but fake rocks for their film sets. Why? Because it's safer, lighter, easier to movie, and you can design them exactly how you want them. So if you need a rock for your indie film project, make it yourself. There's nothi ...more
It's time to smash that iPhone, but wait… you don't really want to break your iPhone, do you? That's were a fake iPhone prop comes in, perfect for any homemade movie. Just make this, and switch it out with the real one during the anger attack. Watch this video tutorial to lear ...more
The FN P90. Everybody wants one, but more than likely, you can't get your hands on one, especially if it's illegal in your area. Designed by FN Herstal back in the 80's, the P90 personal defense weapon is the cream of the crop. It's full name, Project 90, specifies a weapon sy ...more
Bring a little bit of super technology into your indie film with a prop robot dog. This is not a real robot dog, but a fake robot dog made from foam core poster board and a few other household materials. Think Lost in Space and The Jetson, only the robot is a dog. Watch this v ...more
It's medieval mayhem and you need a sword prop. Maybe you're larping, or maybe you just need a fake, dull movie prop blade for your action epic. Either way, this is a great weapons build project for a cool replica wooden sword. Watch this video tutorial to learn how to build a ...more
Yes, a smashable board of wood. Just what the propmaster called for. A long 2x4 piece of wood prop is perfect for smashing overtop somebody's head during an action scene. The smashable board is easy to make, too. But not as easy as breaking it. Watch this video tutorial to lea ...more
A grenade is the best way to make your indie action war flick more realistic, but anyway you try it, it's not going to be completely "realistic". You need a prop grenade, and you can eerily make it yourself out of cheap household materials. Watch this video tutorial to learn h ...more
A breakaway chair is one of the best pranks, or one of the easiest effects for your indie film project. A breakable chair can be made out of simple household items, and is very cheap. The biggest material needed is cardboard. So basically, you'll make a cardboard chair, that b ...more
A fake brick is a great movie prop for any action film. You can break through brick walls, smash a brick in two, or throw a brick at someone without being charged with murder. The majority of this fake brick is made of foam. Watch this video tutorial to learn how to make a fak ...more
Dynamite your way to movie success with an explosive bomb. A fake explosive bomb, of course. TNT on a timer is a great movie effect for you action flick. Watch this video tutorial to learn how to make a prop movie bomb. ParkersTutorials is a DIY filmmaking show for all of you ...more
You can't have a werewolf movie without a werewolf, but how do you make one. Well, you should start of small. Try your hands at the wolf claws. To create these furry werewolf claws, you'll need a glove and some other materials. Watch this video tutorial to learn how to make a ...more
Everybody has that destructive feeling sometimes, when you just want to smash your computer to bits due to a glitch or virus or freeze up. If you're making a film, it's a little more plausible that the computer would actually get smashed, considering it would be a fake prop co ...more
An RPG is a rocket propelled grenade, which is a common tool for enemy combatants in Iraq these days. If you need to have an RPG for your action war movie, then it's best to build your own prop one, since RPG's aren't exactly legal. Watch this video tutorial to learn how to ma ...more
We're about to get real here... DSLR filmmaking has made every would-be filmmaker's dreams of shooting a feature that looks as good as a 'professionally shot' Hollywood film a reality. These consumer-level cameras bring with them many advantages, but they also have their disad ...more
Creating a curved video look, also known as the fisheye look, is one of the easiest camera tricks possible, and can also be done with your editing software. It's commonly used in skateboarding videos, but be done for any low budget indie film. See how to create a fisheye look ...more
A great special effect for any film or movie is the space warp effect, like this bleach bypass effect. It's a little tricky to make, but once you know, fairly simple. Learn how to create a bleach bypass effect in Sony Vegas. ConnersTutorials is all about showing you how to ma ...more
One thing you need to know in particular about Sony Vegas is rendering. If you don't know how to render, you're not going to make a good film or video. So watch this and see how to render video in Sony Vegas. ConnersTutorials is all about showing you how to make quality, chea ...more
What every indie filmmaker needs is a little program called After Effects. After effects does wonders for any film requiring a little special effects that would normally be too expensive to make "real". Like this glowing eye effect. See how to make an eye glowing effect in Ado ...more
There aren't a lot of Boris Red tutorials out there, so make sure you watch this one on motion tracking. Learn four-corner pin tracking in Boris Red, which is a great compositing and effects program (plug-in) for Sony Vegas. See how to create a fisheye look in Sony Vegas Pro 9 ...more
If you own Sony Vegas, a good editing technique to learn is tracking motion. Track motion is the ability to rotate, scale, and skew an object in 3D perspective. This is great for making intros, titles, animated pictures in your homemade videos and much, much more. See how to t ...more
Have Sony Vegas, but don't know all that it can do, like masking? Well, this video tutorial about masking in Vegas Pro 9 will get you started in movie visual effects. As in the video, you can give an illusion that there is a real tank in your backyard with masking. See how to ...more
Show off your karate skills by breaking a cinder block in half! Everyone will be amazed when you karate chop that block in two, without getting hurt. But is it real? That's up to you. If you don't want to break your wrist, it's best to make a fake breakaway cinder block. This ...more
Mike from thesubstream's "Film Lab" have some tips regarding a few in-camera trick shots, specifically... the dolly zoom. Learn how to do the dolly zoom in-camera effect shot. This is something every director, cinematographer, or filmmaker should know if they're interest ...more
There are plenty of films out there with baseball bats, but if you want your bat to explode on impact, you'll have to make it yourself. A smashable baseball bat is perfect for any gangster flick or sports movie. Watch this video tutorial to learn how to make a breakable baseba ...more
Mike from the SubStream's "Film Lab" have some tips regarding a few in-camera trick shots, specifically... the dolly zoom. Learn how to do the dolly zoom in-camera effect shot. This is something every director, cinematographer, or filmmaker should know if they're interested i ...more
If you want to look like the sexy bombshell Megan Fox, then pull out your bag of tricks (makeup bag, that is) and follow along to this makeup tutorial to see how to mimic Megan Fox's super sexy looks. She's definitely one of the hottest actresses in the film industry today, an ...more
Pulling focus is a neat trick that you should definitely try sometime! It's a great filmmaking technique, and it's not that hard to pull off.
Pulling focus is a neat trick that you should definitely try sometime! It's a great filmmaking technique, and it's not that hard to pull off.
"I really think that everybody’s job who makes film is to trick an audience for two hours into falling into the story and not thinking about their laundry or their dog." —Harris Savides
You can smash cars and entertain hundreds as a demo derby driver! Learn how to skillfully drive in a demolition derby. Filmed at the 2008 San Diego County Fair, this video will show you the tricks of the demolition derby driver trade and show you how to destroy everyone else w ...more
This Final Cut Studio software tutorial shows you a trick on how to achieve The Film Look on your videos. You will need the climatic glow plug-in from River Rock Studios to create this soft film look effect in Final Cut Pro. The final small addition to the film look effect wil ...more
This video will give you tips and tricks on how to use a field audio mixer for your home movies and amateur films.
Mark and Andrew demonstrate how to crunch the depth of field to achieve two camera tricks. By crunching the field of view it makes the action closer than it really is. Often used when filming fight scenes or being "hit by a car" scene.
Watch this instructional video to learn how to fold dumplings with ripping them. THe trick is to use a little bit of water. This film contains no audio and no subtitles but you can still follow along.
See how heating a chunk of quick lime can create a superbright spotlight or flash. This is great as a filming trick or for your at home movie set.
Day for Night courtesy of Videomaker.com Those 3 Words We Love to Hear, Day for Night (DFN). What better three words could a director ask to hear? No huge generators, no freezing temperatures, no vampire-style living... what's not to love? Are you perplexed? Well, long ago, ...more
The newest addition to the talented Danny MacAskill's impressive portfolio of stunt videos showcases the cyclist maneuvering through a closed iron works factory. Shot by filmmaker Stu Thomson, the video features MacAskill riding through empty buildings and rusty railroads, as ...more
I'm really glad someone finally wrote this article. Todd Miro @ Into The Abyss details the teal and orange look that's pervading mainstream and independent films. In essence, because orange is the color that is the closest to skin tone, DI colorists are forcing its complementa ...more
Low angle shots are a great way to evoke a sense of panic in movies, but if you're trying to get good quality shots from ground level with just your hands, then it's not going to work. The video footage will be all shaky, unless that's another look you're wanting to achieve in ...more
Use Final Cut Pro? Want to expose just one color while leaving the rest black and white? See how it's done with this free video software tutorial from CNET TV. Whether you're new to Apple's Final Cut Pro non-linear video editor or just want to better acquaint yourself with som ...more
This video shows the viewer how to make a ‘flubber egg’. A flubber egg is essentially an egg which appears to be normal but is actually very rubbery and bouncy. This means that if dropped the egg will not crack – presumably the name relates to the film ‘Flubber’. The egg is ma ...more