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What does a screenwriter do?
What does a screenwriter do? A screenwriter is a writer who writes or adapts a screenplay for the entertainment industry. They can write for film or television. A screenwriter may write fully original content, adapt a book or previous piece…Read the Post
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Finding joy in your art
I’ve written about finding inspiration. I’ve written about how to nurture your creativity. I’ve written about finding a routine that works for you. And all of those things are good and important. But do you know what’s maybe even more…Read the Post
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Why you should have a creative hobby (that isn’t your job)
Why you should have a creative hobby (that isn’t your job) I’m a working artist. I write every day for my full-time job, I help produce indie movies, and in my free time, I write novels and screenplays. I’ve learned…Read the Post
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How to create a writing playlist
Creating a playlist is a delicate art. I remember spending time as a child picking out the perfect songs on iTunes, putting them in the perfect order, and then burning them onto a CD (yes, I’m aging myself!) I have…Read the Post
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How to create a mood board for a creative project
Do you want to learn how to create a mood board? When I’m developing an idea for a creative project, be it something I’m writing, a room I’m decorating, or even a special outfit I want to plan, one of…Read the Post
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Best screenwriting programs
Best screenwriting programs When you’re first getting started as a screenwriter, the formatting can feel overwhelming. How big do the margins need to be? What font is considered industry standard? While you can learn all the rules, it’s ultimately much…Read the Post
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Protagonist and deuteragonist
You already know about the protagonist, or main character of the story. You also know about the antagonist, the character who opposes the protagonist. But do you know what a deuteragonist is? The deuteragonist is the secondary main character of…Read the Post
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Movie aspect ratio
The aspect ratio of a movie or image is the ratio of its width to its height. It is written as two numbers separated by a colon, starting with width; the written expression is width:height. There are common aspect ratios…Read the Post
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July resource roundup: 151+ free LUTs
For this month’s resource roundup, we’re talking COLOR. A good colorist can eat up a huge chunk of your post production budget. That’s why for July I’ve created a list of some of the best FREE LUTs that the internet…Read the Post
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Directing vs cinematography
Directing vs Cinematography. The director and the cinematographer play very different roles on a film set, but both of these above the line jobs are interesting and creatively fulfilling. When starting out, some people might have interest in both of…Read the Post
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How to nurture your creativity
Even the most creative people get stuck sometimes. It’s easy to feel like you’ve hit a rut, like you’re unable to prioritize your creativity, or like you’ll never create again. I can’t count how many times I’ve said that I…Read the Post
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What is an assistant director in film?
What is an assistant director in film and television? The assistant director in film is responsible for a wide range of things. They are responsible for keeping the production on schedule, maintaining order on set, handle the health and safety…Read the Post
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What is a prop master in film?
What is a prop master in film? A prop is any physical, moveable object that is seen in a film or TV show. A prop can be countless things. It can be a pen that an actor fidgets with when…Read the Post
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What is the art department in the film industry?
All of filmmaking is an art form. From the screenwriters to the actors to the audio engineers, artists have their hands on every single part of the filmmaking process. So what exactly is the art department? What are their roles…Read the Post
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Best apps for filmmakers
Today let’s discuss the best apps for filmmakers. Your weather app Now, this might seem like a boring or obvious one. But think about it for a second. When planning a shoot–especially an outdoor scene, a night scene, or a…Read the Post
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Crystals for creativity and writing
Crystals are a great tool for everyday life. Even if you’re a major skeptic, they can still be of great use to you. I like to carry a smooth tumbled crystal in my pocket that I can fidget with when…Read the Post
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Free filmmaking courses: 7 classes to make you a better filmmaker
You already know that at New 32 we’re all about getting you the filmmaking education you need for as little money as possible. That’s why I’ve created this round up of free filmmaking courses. These online courses are the perfect…Read the Post
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Tips and tricks for filmmaking networking
I’ve written a lot about what a collaborative medium film is. While it’s possible to make a film by yourself, most people work in tandem with a cast, crew, and creative partners. But how do you make those connections? Here’s…Read the Post
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All About Archetypes: The Hero + Strength
In this blog series, I’m exploring the link between Jungian archetypes and the major arcana of the tarot deck. To read more about it, check out my introduction article, which provides context for my thoughts, a tiny bit of background…Read the Post
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Filmmaking apparel (to help you be the most stylish person on set)
Interested in buying some filmmaking apparel from a small business? Here are a few great options to either give as gifts or keep for yourself. Women in film cropped sweatshirt Want to show your pride as a woman in film?…Read the Post
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How to write a synopsis for a film
Writing a synopsis for a film is the bane of every screenwriter’s existence. After writing an entire screenplay, why would you want (or need) to distill everything down to a one page document? It can be difficult to boil all…Read the Post
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All about archetypes: The Sage
In this blog series, I’m exploring the link between Jungian archetypes and the major arcana of the tarot deck. To read more about it, check out my introduction article, which provides context for my thoughts, a tiny bit of background…Read the Post
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What’s black comedy? Definition and examples
What’s black comedy? Oxford Languages defines the genre as “a type of comedy in which tragic or distressing subject matter is dealt with in a humorous way.” Black comedy is also referred to as gallows humor, dark humor, and morbid…Read the Post
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Film production for beginners: four skills to master
One of the most common questions we get is how to get started as a film producer. There are lots of ways to get your foot in the door, from interning to self funding a film. Today we aren’t talking…Read the Post
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Video post production: five vital steps
Post production is the final stage of video production. After all the hard work of pre production and filming, the end is in sight… but there is still a lot to get done. Are you getting ready to enter post…Read the Post
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All About Archetypes: The Ruler
In this blog series, I’m exploring the link between Jungian archetypes and the major arcana of the tarot deck. To read more about it, check out my introduction article, which provides context for my thoughts, a tiny bit of background…Read the Post
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Showrunner vs director vs producer: what’s the difference, really?
What’s the difference between a showrunner, a director, and an executive producer? Let’s break down the roles of showrunner vs director vs producer and learn who does what. Showrunner vs director vs producer On TV shows, the showrunner is the…Read the Post
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Wide shot: what is it and when should I use it?
In film, a wide shot–also known as a long shot–is a shot that shows something in its entirety, including the surroundings or landscape. For example, you might see a character’s whole body and the area that surrounds them. Wide shots…Read the Post
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Entry level film production jobs: a brief guide
If you’re hoping to start a career in film production, you have to start somewhere. Let’s go over a few entry level film production jobs that can help you get your foot in the door. Production Assistant Being a production…Read the Post
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All about archetypes: The Lover(s)
In this blog series, I’m exploring the link between Jungian archetypes and the major arcana of the tarot deck. To read more about it, check out my introduction article, which provides context for my thoughts, a tiny bit of background…Read the Post
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Filmmaking books you can download right now
Regardless of if you’re new here or if you’ve been following New 32 for a while, we want to help you get your indie movie made. We work hard to provide as many free resources as we can on our…Read the Post
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What is mise-en-scene?
What is mise-en-scene? This French term translates roughly to “placing on stage.” The term is difficult to define. Mise-en-scene can refer to the actor’s positioning and set design in film, television, and theater. It can also refer to scenes that…Read the Post
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What is an establishing shot?
What is an establishing shot in film? Essentially, an establishing shot is a shot that sets something up for your viewers. It is a way to introduce people, places, and things that will be important to the upcoming scene. It…Read the Post
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What is a gaffer in film?
What is a gaffer in film? If you’ve ever been on or around film sets, there’s no doubt you’ve heard the term gaffer… but what exactly does it mean to be a gaffer? What is their role on film sets?…Read the Post
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All about archetypes: The Innocent + The Fool
As a novelist and screenwriter, I spend a lot of time thinking about character. All my stories hinge on a character, a fictional someone I find relatable or compelling for one reason or another. Only once the character is clear…Read the Post
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Themes in movies (and how to master theme in screenwriting)
What are themes in movies, why do they matter, and how do you master them as a screenwriter? What are themes in movies? While the theme is often not stated explicitly, it’s arguably one of the most important aspects of…Read the Post
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Beginner podcast equipment and tips
Are you interested in starting a podcast, but don’t know where to start or what equipment you need? Today, New 32’s resident podcast queen, Charlie Monroe, has been kind enough to supply us with a list of beginner podcast equipment…Read the Post
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Sanaa Kelley of Reel Foley Sound talks all things foley
Even if you haven’t heard of Sanaa Kelley, founder of Reel Foley Sound, you’ve heard her work. She is the foley artist on a massive, constantly expanding list of projects, from Only Murders in the Building to Ted Lasso to…Read the Post
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Free filmmaking resource round-up: Audio edition
Audio is one of the most important components of any film. Think, for a moment, of a film with dark lighting and poor visuals. Most people, though frustrated by this, would be willing to squint their way through the movie,…Read the Post
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How to build a sound kit: sound equipment for film production
Written by Cecilia Keirstead What do I need in my sound kit? What sound equipment for film production do I need? Story time: for years while I was in film school, I was afraid to touch equipment. Cinema cameras were…Read the Post
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Scoring a movie
Curious about scoring a movie? We’re wrapping up post production on our feature film, Bernard Gets Famous, and we’ve learned so much from making this movie. One of the challenges of indie filmmaking is that there are a lot of…Read the Post
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Dutch angle shot: history and uses
The Dutch angle shot–which is also known as the Dutch Tilt, oblique angle, German angle, or canted angle–is a type of camera shot. When employing the Dutch angle, the camera is set at such an angle that the horizon line…Read the Post
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How to say no: your guilt-free guide
Have you ever committed to something you didn’t want to do just because you didn’t know how to say no? I know I have. Saying no can be difficult. For some people, it almost feels impossible. The truth is, there’s…Read the Post
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Low angle shot
A low angle shot, simply put, is when the camera is positioned below the subject’s eye line. The camera points upwards towards the subject. Why use a low angle shot? A low angle shot can convey a wide range of…Read the Post
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What is an independent filmmaker? History + more
What is an independent filmmaker? Simply put, an independent filmmaker is someone who creates independent films, which are commonly referred to as indie films or indie movies. Independent filmmakers create films outside of the major studio system. Some indie filmmakers…Read the Post
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How to become a filmmaker: 3 things you can do to get started
So you are wondering how to become a filmmaker. You’ve come to the right place! Our company has a huge focus on educating new and emerging filmmakers so they can make art and live their best, most creative lives in…Read the Post
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How to make a short film with no budget
Making movies is expensive. I’ve written about micro budget filmmaking, but what if you’re wondering how to make a short film with NO budget? Here are my thoughts on how to produce and film a short film if you have…Read the Post
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What does a film producer do?
What does a film producer do? When I first started working in film, that was a big source of confusion for me. I’d always thought that the producer was the one who funded the movie, but my producer friends were…Read the Post
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How to make money as a filmmaker
It’s a question that comes up a lot in our DMs. Everyone wants to know how to make money as a filmmaker. I’ve written before about independent film funding, but paying for a creative project is very different from paying…Read the Post
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Social media for filmmakers
Social media is a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, it’s a free way to self-promote, connect with audiences, and get your work out in the world. On the other hand, it can be a lot of work,…Read the Post
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Screenplay vs novel: what’s the difference, really?
The question of writing a screenplay vs novel is a big one. Maybe you have a story to tell and aren’t sure how you want to approach it, or maybe you are experienced in one format and are interested in…Read the Post
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How to write POV in screenplays
Do you know how to write POV in screenplays? POV shots can be hard to get right. Some people say screenwriters shouldn’t include them at all, and they should leave that creative decision up to the director. However, sometimes a…Read the Post
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Artist date ideas to inspire you
If you’re an artist or creative person of any kind, artist dates can be essential. Artist dates, simply put, are dates you take yourself on, time you set aside to nurture your creativity. Some are focused on specific artistic actions,…Read the Post
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Mantras for creativity
If you’re an artist or a creative person, sometimes you probably feel blocked, stalled out, or unable to think of your next idea. You are also likely to struggle with things like perfectionism, or feelings of imposter syndrome in relation…Read the Post
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Horror film festivals you shouldn’t miss
Are you a genre filmmaker looking for horror film festivals to submit your film or screenplay to? Are you a horror lover who just wants to go see some exciting indie films? Are you a filmmaker who is curious about…Read the Post
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Starting a video production company: 9 steps you can’t skip
One of the most common questions we get as filmmakers is from folks who are interested in starting a video production company. Entrepreneurship in any field is hard work, especially in a field like independent film production that is chronically…Read the Post
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Free filmmaking resources: pre production edition
Welcome to April! For this month’s free filmmaking resources round up, we’re focusing on things that will make pre production easier. Enjoy, and let us know which of these were the most helpful! StudioBinder pre production checklist I’m sure you’re…Read the Post
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Ideas for a short film (7 prompts to get you started)
Need ideas for a short film? Look no further. Here’s a list of seven ideas for a short film that will get your creative juices flowing. I’ve provided a brief synopsis to get you started, as well as a few…Read the Post
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Passionate pitching: finding your secret sauce
Today’s article was written by our co-founder, comic artist, marketing expert, and film producer Peter Zale. It’s about his experience pitching, and how passion is the “secret sauce” that producers and investors are looking for. My first pitch wasn’t for…Read the Post
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Artistic motivation: finding your why in a world that devalues art
Making art is hard. Like, really hard. Building a career in the arts is also incredibly difficult. Society needs art–everyone wants TV, books, paintings–but no one wants to pay for it, and so many artists are constantly receiving the message…Read the Post
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A guide to our filmmaking e-books
Regardless of if you’re new here or if you’ve been following New 32 for a while, we want to help you get your indie movie made. We work hard to provide as many free resources as we can on our…Read the Post
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ADHD and artists: three tips that changed my life
Are you an artist with ADHD? I am, and while there have been aspects of my journey that have been difficult, there have also been times when it’s felt like a real boon to my creativity. So let’s talk about…Read the Post
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Filmmaking challenges: 3 things that may get in your way
In our 30+ combined years of experience, we’ve faced countless filmmaking challenges. It seems like it should be so simple: work hard, make good art, be nice to people, and all the pieces will fall into place. Unfortunately, that’s not…Read the Post
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Independent film distribution: everything you need to know
Independent film distribution is a confusing, opaque process that can be difficult for indie filmmakers to navigate. There are tons of independent film distributors out there, each with all their own pros and cons, plus there’s the wide world of…Read the Post
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Script writing tips for short film
So you want to write a short film. Maybe you’ve done it before and you want to level up your craft, or maybe you’re brand new and you’re looking for ways to get started. Either way, I’ve got you covered….Read the Post
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How to direct a short film: ten tips you can’t miss
So you’re directing your first short film. Congratulations! This is a big honor, and I have no doubt that you’re going to do an amazing job. But you may be wondering how to direct a short film. There are lots…Read the Post
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Cinematography vs videography: what’s the difference?
What’s the difference between cinematography and videography? While the two seem similar on the surface, they’re actually quite different. Let’s talk about cinematography vs videography, define each term, and find out where they’re similar and where they differ. What is…Read the Post
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How do you write a screenplay outline? 3 easy methods
How do you write a screenplay outline? I’ve written about why you should outline a screenplay before you start drafting it. It’s something I feel strongly about in my own work; I know that my work is better, my plot…Read the Post
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Gifts for filmmakers: find something for everyone on your list
March might seem like a weird time to post a gift guide, but we all know there are reasons to celebrate our favorite filmmakers year round. Choosing gifts for filmmakers can be difficult. Sometimes you want a gift that acknowledges…Read the Post
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Need a free filmmaking resource? March round up
Welcome to March! Let’s dive right into this month’s free online filmmaking resource round up! American Film Institute Basic Toolkit & Resource Guide for young filmmakers The AFI has a 35 page document that covers a lot of the basics…Read the Post
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Scary short films on Youtube: 4 shorts to watch for free
Spooky season may be months and months away, but at New 32, we love horror all year round. We’ve published plenty of articles about our favorite freaky feature films, but today let’s give a little love to the short films…Read the Post
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How to make a Youtube channel in 4 easy steps
In some ways, making a Youtube channel is easy. The steps required to set up your channel are simple. But building an audience on Youtube can be much more difficult. Today, let’s discuss how to make a Youtube channel, and…Read the Post
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Design your dream creative workspace in 4 steps
Right now, I don’t have a creative workspace. Last year, I was fortunate enough to buy a house. When I first started obsessively checking Zillow for options, I had dreams of big kitchen islands and marble countertops, but it quickly…Read the Post
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Self distribution: don’t let these 3 myths hold you back
Self distribution. If you’re in the indie film world, you’ve probably heard of it. Maybe you’ve known filmmakers who have gone that path, or maybe you’ve been curious about if self distribution is the right route for you and your…Read the Post
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Artistic burnout: five tips for recovery
Artistic burnout. It’s a big topic, and one that we discuss a lot as ethical indie filmmakers. Almost everyone has encountered burnout at some point in their life, to varying degrees. One time, I got so burnt out at work…Read the Post
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Filmmaker web design: 5 tips to DIY a great website
If you’re a working filmmaker, you need a website. When I was first given this piece of advice, I wasn’t happy about it, but I knew it was true. After all, what do you do if you want to learn…Read the Post
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How to be the best extra in a movie: six vital tips
Extra work. Some people love it, some people hate it, but regardless of how you feel, there’s no denying that it’s a great way to make some cash, flex your acting skills, and get on set. But being an extra…Read the Post
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Should I go to film school?
It’s a tale as old as time. A young filmmaker–or an older filmmaker just starting out in their career–is trying to figure out their path forward in this strange, confusing, opaque industry. They turn to Google, or to an established…Read the Post
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Gretchen Felker-Martin discusses queer horror
Today on the blog, in our effort to explore what we love about horror, we are lucky enough to have our own Charlie Monroe, writer and co-director of Biters & Bleeders, sitting down with Gretchen Felker-Martin, author of Manhunt (2022)…Read the Post
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An Elegant & Stylish Theme
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Phasellus ultricies ultricies nulla, convallis maximus lacus imperdiet sed. Etiam gravida arcu eget scelerisque gravida. Donec sit amet lectus feugiat, cursus felis sed, suscipit leo. Nulla facilisi. Phasellus dolor ipsum, convallis in…Read the Post
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Overcoming artist imposter syndrome: six tips to get you started
Have you ever downplayed your own achievements? Been reluctant to tell people you’re an artist? Have you ever attributed your success to luck, rather than your hard work and natural talent? All of these things are a sign of artist…Read the Post
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Three writer craft books that will change your life
The thing about being a writer–or a creative of any kind–is that you never stop leveling up. Every project you create pushes you to be better and grow your skills. As a novelist and screenwriter, I’ve learned a lot from…Read the Post
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Four film festival tips that will make you stand out in the crowd
So you’ve made a movie. Congrats! You’ve been through every stage of production, you’ve created something you’re really proud of, and now you’re ready to share your work with the world. We’ve already talked about how to submit to film…Read the Post
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Four vital things to consider when choosing film locations
A lot goes into making a movie look good, but one of the top things you need to consider are your film locations. Your location affects everything from how your movie looks, to how much it costs to produce, to…Read the Post
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Make a short film by yourself: 5 steps you can’t afford to skip
I’ve written extensively about finding a creative partner and building a creative community, but the truth is, not everyone is lucky enough to have filmmaking buddies who are game to just pick up a camera and make a movie. So…Read the Post
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Meditation for creativity: top tips from a former skeptic
I was so mad when I discovered that meditation for creativity -and meditation in general- actually works. I used to hate meditation. I spent so much time resisting it. It seems so silly, looking back. There are tons of scientific…Read the Post
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Feeling stuck? Read our top three tips for finding inspiration
If you’re a filmmaker, writer, or artist of any kind, you probably think about finding inspiration a fair amount. I know I do. When I was younger, I thought of inspiration as something I had to chase, and I felt…Read the Post
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How to overcome a creative block
Creative blocks. Everyone runs up against them… even the most prolific artists and creators you know. The filmmaker who somehow produces three films a year? She has creative blocks. The painter you know who seems to have a different masterpiece…Read the Post
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Independent film funding
We hear it all the time: one of the biggest barriers aspiring filmmakers face is funding. The truth is, movies cost a lot of money, and it’s really, really difficult to get around that. Sure, you can (and should) read…Read the Post
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Micro budget filmmaking
Are you interested in micro budget filmmaking, but don’t know where to start? There are so many hoops to jump through when making a film, and we often hear that securing funding is the hardest part of the process, which…Read the Post
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Goal setting for creatives
It’s a new year, and you know what that means: everyone in the whole world gets bombarded with messages about how we need to make this the best year ever, how we need to change our habits and our bodies,…Read the Post
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9 free resources for filmmakers
As we all know, making movies ain’t cheap. Even if you have a healthy budget, every little thing adds up. That’s why I’ve created this quick round-up of free resources for filmmakers. Take a look at the list and see…Read the Post
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Branding for artists
Being an independent filmmaker–or an artist of any kind–is a lot of work. It always feels like there are a million things to do and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, or like you’re falling behind. Talking about branding for artists…Read the Post
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Rami Kahlon talks A Christmas Star, crowdfunding, and distribution
Rami Kahlon, like a lot of independent filmmakers, got into filmmaking through a love for acting. “I started acting first, when I was in high school. I did plays, but then I took a video editing course in high school,…Read the Post
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Body positivity on film sets
Note: I have chosen to not include images of people’s bodies in this article. People of all body types deserve a safe, supportive place in the film industry, and I don’t want this article to feel triggering or exclusive in…Read the Post
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Financial wellness for artists
If you’re an independent filmmaker or freelance as your full-time job, I’m going to go out on a limb and guess you wish your financial situation was a little different. I could be wrong! Maybe you’re totally thriving, money is…Read the Post
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