r/Filmmakers 9h ago

Film Thoughts on credits?

0 Upvotes

Please don't pester me with copyright stuff.


r/Filmmakers 5h ago

Request Could someone recommend some good quality sound tools?

0 Upvotes

I'd rather not spend more than $500 or so, so I don't know if there's even a decent package. Anyway, any recommendation would be appreciated. Thanks!


r/Filmmakers 5h ago

News Stranger Things Co-star drops trailer to his horror/comedy

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0 Upvotes

Hey wonderful folks! I'm excited to announce our trailer for our film Sorority of the Damned has dropped on Rue Morgue.

The film stars Joe Davison, Felissa Rose, Sydney Carvill, Chelsea Jordan, Jaime Brightbill, Kalinia Cordova, Sarah French, Katarina Waters, Renee Daw, Anna Christiansen, and Richard Elfman.

If you got time give the trailer a watch!

Thanks!


r/Filmmakers 19h ago

Question How to Format a Polanski-like Dream/Nightmare Sequence in Script?

0 Upvotes

I’m writing a script where a character has a dream/nightmare sequence about some memories of his past. I want it to be like a Polanski dream sequence. The memories are from after he returned from overseas deployment and is having a hard time re-engaging with his family - the important context is this all happens at his home in various places

Any clever ways to format that in a script? I’m using Final Draft.

I tried just doing regular Interior/Exterior slug lines but that didn’t seem very tied together like the sequence should feel to the reader. I tried putting it under one slug line but the scenes and characters feel too disparate and it could be jarring to read.


r/Filmmakers 21h ago

Question Is there a way to see which prop vendors worked on specific movies?

1 Upvotes

Sometimes they are in the credits, but not always. I really enjoy looking at movie props up close, and you can sometimes find images on their company websites


r/Filmmakers 12h ago

Question No budget newbie getting started

3 Upvotes

Hey there, I'm brand new to the world of film making and would like to try to start with the lowest barrier to entry that I can manage. I know thematically that starts with a script that is character or plot driven and would avoid excessively complicated sets or props and very little if any makeup.

What I'm here to ask about is basic equipment. I have a Google pixel 7a cell phone and I would like to use that to start out if that's a viable option. The style I'm looking at is something akin to the harmony korine films Julien donkey boy, gummo, trash humpers. Would the cell phone camera be sufficient to start with for this style ?

When it comes to the phone is there a specific mode I should be shooting in or app I should use to control the camera ?

The next thing is a tripod and lights. For a tripod would anyone have any suggestions of one I could grow into once I get a higher end camera? How important is a fluid head when starting out?

As far as lighting would there be a small kit or a few lights I could start with to get going , or would I be best off with just a small accent light and maybe a bounce board and rely mostly on ambient light?

Lastly is sound , any suggestions on a mic that would be decent for indoor dialogue in an untreated space? How does one go about syncing external sound to cellphone video ?

This is a ton of questions I realize, but any help I really appreciate. I love film and would love to start contributing to it.


r/Filmmakers 10h ago

General Help with film name

6 Upvotes

Hey everyone, im an indie filmmaker and im making my second short film, i have an idea for the film but im struggling to come up with a name, I’d appreciate your help! 🙏

Premise: Zayn, an 18-year-old university student, hides her struggles with anxiety to meet the expectations of a society where mental health is still seen as shameful, even by those closest to her. But when her mother makes a painful discovery, they’re both forced to confront a topic they’ve avoided for far too long.

Theme: The stigma surrounding mental health in Middle Eastern culture, and the need for empathy, understanding, and open conversation within families.

By the way sorry for my poor english or if this is the wrong subreddit i dont have much experience with reddits


r/Filmmakers 1h ago

General Any opportunities/advice for a junior interested in majoring in film?

Upvotes

Hi there!

I'm currently a junior in high school and the pressure is starting to come on with college, in which I am interested in studying film. I haven't had any concrete experience with working on a crew or getting in an internship, etc, but I feel like its almost necessary for college applications. My friend, who is also pursuing film and who I run the school's film club with, seems to always be involved in these special programs or experiences like NYU Summer Filmmaker program. For context, I go to a private school, so colleges are selective with how many people they admit from my school, and I have a creeping anxiety over her trumping me in all applications. Granted, my grades/GPA are better than hers, but I've heard that outside activities are more important to college apps. I was just wondering if theres a way to get my foot in the door and a way to search for new opportunities in filmmaking? I'm also planning on starting a few projects/short films this summer, but would appreciate any advice. Thanks so much!


r/Filmmakers 2h ago

Offer Crowdfunding team

0 Upvotes

I’m not sure why my original post was removed. I don’t think this is against the guidelines and I’m not bot, this is just a different account than I normally use.

Original post:

I am building a crowdfunding team for a 30 day kickstarter campaign. Each team member will get commission based on donations they bring in. You will also get free access to a crowdfunding framework used by an expert to bring in over $11 million from donors. Last but not least, you get a producer credit on an awesome project! Send me a direct message to get more info. We'll be starting soon. Thanks!


r/Filmmakers 11h ago

General Cannes film festival 2025 tips

0 Upvotes

Hi!
I’m a film student and I’ll be attending Cannes for the first time this year - during the first five days of the festival. I’m very excited! Are there any tips on how to make the most of it? Where’s the best place to hang out for networking? Any affordable food spots you’d recommend? And how would you suggest dividing time during the days there?

Thanks a lot!


r/Filmmakers 12h ago

Question Making music videos - where to promote myself?

0 Upvotes

Hi. I'm interested to know some experiences of filmmakers and directors here who've worked on music videos. My main question is, how do you promote yourself and where do you get that work?

About me: I was a playwright and moved into film. I wrote and directed a feature a few years ago that did well at indie festivals, got a distributor and is coming out soon. I have an agent now who represents me exclusively as a screenwriter (pushing my next few feature scripts) and non-exclusively as a director, but she's principally interested in getting me other film and TV work.

I'd really love to have a go at some music videos though. I have loads of friends who are musicians but they're mostly in the jazz or classical worlds where videos aren't really a thing, except for relatively simple live or studio performance videos. I've had friends ask me about that kind of thing but I think, for them, hiring a self-shooter makes more sense, which I'm not. (I edit, but I always work with cinematographers.) You don't really need a director just to point a camera at each member of the band and mime a take.

I'm based in London. How would I go about telling all the musicians of this great city that I'm available. Email record companies, managers, producers or artists? Post on socials? Create a page on my website and invest in some ads? Go out and network? Do some free work?

Any suggestions or success stories would be really welcome. Thanks.


r/Filmmakers 17h ago

Discussion Advice for film school: CSULB vs CSUN

0 Upvotes

Hey, I’m not sure if this is the right place to post this (just let me know and I’ll remove it), but o was wondering if any of you guys have any experience with either of these schools. I know both and pretty decent for film so I’m torn between the two options. Which school should I go to? What are pros and cons of each? I’m aware that this question has been asked before but I can’t find any fresh discussions, especially since I’m pretty sure each program just got revamped.


r/Filmmakers 20h ago

Question What camera and budget should I even be aiming for if I want to shoot music videos?

0 Upvotes

I know it probably was answered a thousand times, but if I want to at least start, and that includes color grading + upgrading the gear, how much should I save?


r/Filmmakers 13h ago

Question What would you say is the best all around, user friendly, workhorse camera?

5 Upvotes

First time buyer hoping for longevity. These 12k cameras seem unnecessary as of right now but maybe I’m wrong?


r/Filmmakers 14h ago

Question Best country and film school for Production Designers.

2 Upvotes

My main questions are: How hard is it for fresher Production Designers to get a gig in todays industry? Which country is better for beginners, uk or usa; or some other entirely? (Especially with the current condition of both the countries). Does the college/place make any difference? Please read on.

To get into the details, I'm 23 years old, from india, and I just completed my architecture degree. I've wanted to work in the film industry since I was 12, I was really interested in animation/vfx etc. But due to how hectic my course was, I never got the opportunity to work on any set, or in any film/ shoot, or even be a part of a film club. So now I'm considering going to film school for masters. (I just got into Chapman and AFI for MFA production design, waiting for LFS results, I was called in for interview there)

And before anyone says "you don't need to", lemme explain. I'm an only child. My parents are old, they're not in their best of health, my father gets a pension that's sorta enough for all our needs (heavy medical bills). So unfortunately, I dont have the privilege of time and of exploring the industry by starting off as an unpayed assistant, since I need an actual paying job as soon as possible. So I figured going to a place like film school could give me better networking opportunities.

If I don't go, I'll have to slowly work on expanding my network in this industry, since I dont know anyone. Along with that I live in Delhi, and most film schoots happen in Mumbai, and unless I have SOME experience and/or connection, I'm definitely not getting payed to work there. Another thing is that I really dont wish to stay in this country, since I'm not a fan of the industty here (also simply not of the place, I wanna get out of here asap and never return).

But film school abroad is expensive af. Especially in the usa. European countries are cheaper but other than uk, none of them are directly tied to the main industry and don't big production houses/sets. I'll have to take heavy loans for this, and I don't wanna end up in a situation where I'm not able to repay them. But I also don't wanna be stuck as a low-key filmmaker working on small indie projects (your girl has high aspirations).

So. I want to know, specifically from people who graduated from "reputed" unis like LFS, NFTS in uk and AFI, NYU, UCLA etc in the usa, how hard is it for production designers to get a gig? A good paying gig. How has the process been like for you guys? I've read that the indutry has been difficult to break into and I understand that, I'm ready to put my blood and tears into this, but is it even doable? Does the college and the place/location/city really make a difference? Is spending that much money for masters even worth it? Would you recommend any other countries for this instead, where at least we get good pay and enough work? Or where the industry is growing?

I want to work on major sets eventually, but I dont mind grinding on smaller ones as long as I get payed enough to live by in the city, at least for a few years. Could someone give me a detailed account of how it has been for them recently? I have read threads from a few years back and I know times have changed now, especially for PDs, so I wanna know the recent accounts from others. Thanks a lot!


r/Filmmakers 9h ago

Question Why do film makers make spec ads?

16 Upvotes

I keep seeing spec ads for specific brands and companies. I'd never heard of the idea until I joined this sub. They're all very good and creative, I was just wondering what the purpose of them are?

Is the aim to get that seen by the brand and ultimately turned into a proper commercial or is it more an excuse to be creative and show off your vision?


r/Filmmakers 16h ago

Article Lawrie Brewster: My Path from Outsider to Horror Indie Career

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8 Upvotes

So this is a personal article about how I found my way, starting in a blue-collar town where making films felt impossible. I built a career alongside loved ones that actually opened real doors. And my god, it even led to working full time in film... and finally escaping a truly alarming diet of instant noodles and bourbon!

I hope it inspires folks at an earlier stage of their career, or those who have lost some hope.


r/Filmmakers 21h ago

Question How did they achieve that blurry effect on the lens? To give of the impression of someones wet/sweaty/teary eyes

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112 Upvotes

To give of the impression of someones wet/sweaty/teary eyes


r/Filmmakers 9h ago

Question Help please, director hired me for Amazon captioning and hasn’t paid me after months

46 Upvotes

Hello filmmakers,

I was hired by a director to caption his film that would be streaming on Amazon. He said that once he sent the invoice, Amazon takes about a month to send the check.

I’m currently out of the country, so he said he’d cash the check and the send the money via online payment platform (Venmo, Cashapp, Zelle).

I have previously worked with him in other capacities, but he’s never paid me. It was always for credit and alike.

I finished the work in October and sent him the invoice. He never responded to my text/ email. I didn’t hear from him until January when he said he was having personal issues and he wasn’t able to send the invoice, so Amazon wouldn’t pay him in about a month.

In February, I asked him to please give me an advance of the payment. He got upset that I asked and said that Amazon hadn’t sent him anything yet. Around the beginning of March I asked for an update about the payment, and he ignored my message.

I’m still waiting for my payment, which is $300, and Im getting worried I’ve been scammed or taken advantage of because of his behavior and inability to empathize with my financial situation and try to help me out.

Has anyone worked with Amazon and had their check take forever to be sent? How should I go about this if I’m being ignored through text?

Any help is greatly appreciated!


r/Filmmakers 1h ago

Question Where to get my independent film reviewed?

Upvotes

What's the best way to go about getting reviews for my 40 minute youtube film, I want to make a teaser trailer and put those reviews on it.. like in movie trailers. Doesn't have to be a massive company just wondering where I could reach out to.


r/Filmmakers 2h ago

Question Is ProRes RAW worth it for my indie film?

5 Upvotes

Greetings fellow filmmakers,

I’m a director/producer shooting my first indie feature soon. My current setup is a Sony FX3 with Cooke SP3 lenses. I haven’t hired a cinematographer yet so I'll follow their guidance for lighting.

I’m considering recording ProRes RAW with an Atomos Ninja V but I’m not sure if it’s worth it. A 2-hour film in RAW could need 20–40TB of storage adding around $2.5k–$3k (or more) to my budget. That’s a big chunk for a micro-budget film and that money could be spent elsewhere.

I’m confident in my storytelling and I believe the FX3 can deliver great results in internal recording. But I don’t want to regret skipping RAW if it makes a major difference in post.

Also, lens options available in my area and budget are Sigma Cine Primes, Zeiss Nano Primes, and Sirui Venus FF anamorphics.

Should I stick with the Cooke SP3, or would one of these be a better fit?

To give you some context, my film is a mystery thriller set almost entirely inside a house during a dinner on a stormy, rainy night, with a time loop element.


r/Filmmakers 3h ago

Question I'm searching how to create kaiju roars for a film I'm planning

5 Upvotes

Hello there, I started the production of a personnal project, and among the question i had is how to create kaiju roars. I knew about few of the techniques used for the big movies (Godzilla for example) but i'd like to create my own and idk if there is a software adapted for creating sound effects. So if y'all know any free software that would help a lot, thanks


r/Filmmakers 3h ago

Request Looking for VFX Artist (Blender or AE) for Horror Short – IMDb Credit + Portfolio Opportunity

2 Upvotes

Hey everyone!

I’m currently looking for a VFX artist to collaborate on my latest horror short, Stay with Me. This is a no-budget indie film, so it’s all volunteer-based; for practice, IMDb credit, and the love of horror! If you’re working on building your portfolio or experimenting with Blender or After Effects, this could be a fun, creepy little project to be part of. Obviously since this is no budget I’m not asking for a seasoned professional, just looking for someone who wants more practice or more credits!

About the Film:

• 4-minute horror micro-short

• Already shot and edited

• Focused on tension, atmosphere, and a disturbing creature reveal

What I’m Looking For in VFX:

• Minor touch-ups to enhance a practical creature design

• Ideally blending certain elements better, adding black veins or unnatural textures

• One key close-up of the creature’s hands—looking to possibly add claws, grime, or something to make them feel less human

• Open to ideas and input based on what’s feasible with Blender or AE!

I don’t know how possible this even is with what we’ve shot but I can send you what I have and you can let me know if it’s possible to work with or if it’s too difficult!

I’m also planning to crowdfund my next horror short (with an actual budget!) and would love to keep collaborating if it’s a good fit.

If you’re experimenting with VFX or want to add some spooky work to your IMDb and portfolio, feel free to DM me. You can check out my other work on YouTube at Macabre Productions (you can look up Darby After Dark and you’ll find my channel, there’s a few with the same name but they don’t post short films), it’s super indie right now, but slowly growing!

Thanks for reading!


r/Filmmakers 3h ago

Question NYC June 2025

1 Upvotes

A fellow filmmaker buddy and I will be headed to NY for the weekend of June 6-8, 2025 We plan on hitting up Tribeca Film festival, a few tourist spots and we also wanted to see if we can hit up the Indie Film scene. Are there any meet ups happening that weekend? We’re from Chicago and we do a few events a month and was hoping to be able to network a little while we’re there. Any leads?


r/Filmmakers 4h ago

Question Charging my phone with d-tap

2 Upvotes

Well i have been on a few sets and tried to charge my phone with a vlock battery and a d-tap but it just doesn’t work. Why? And how can I do it?

(D-tap to usb-C)