Awesome Filmmaking

Directors and writers seem to get most of the credit when it comes to filmmaking. But there are many other critical players required to create a quality movie, not the least of whom are film editors. Now You See It celebrates the work of Dede Allen and other influential women editors.

Want to make your own stop-motion animation? Animator Edu Puertas shows off a few simple tricks using household items like tape, wire, aluminum foil, and pillow stuffing to embellish your creations with, and give them a more finished look.

(PG-13) Film essayist The Discarded Image explores one of director Stanley Kubrick’s many techniques – the strategic use of tight shots to accentuate a character or story’s most pivotal moments. While most directors use close-ups, Kubrick was a true master of this primitive filmmaker’s tool.

A demonstration video of one of the most impressive pieces of pro filmmaking gear ever made. Chapman Leonard’s Hydroscope crane can smoothly extend up to 73 feet, works underwater, and can stabilize shots with even the heaviest of camera gear attached.

(PG-13) Editor Alexandre Gasulla reminds us that Joel & Ethan Coen are still two of our favorite filmmakers, with this captivating supercut of emotionally powerful, tragic, darkly comic, and visually stunning scenes from the Oscar-winning brothers.

Cinematographer Robert Yeoman is the longtime partner of directors Wes Anderson and Paul Feig. He spoke with the Oscars about how he starts working on a film, where he gets inspiration, and the nervousness he feels with each new project.

Colin West McDonald was a Production Assistant (PA) at RocketJump. Here he talks to us about what PAs do with the help of behind-the-scenes footage. PAs are the maids and butlers of the film world, but it’s a great way to learn more about the industry.

RocketJump Film School director Clinton Jones defines the core processes that fall under visual effects, including compositing, tracking, 3D modeling, and the dreaded rotoscoping. The video’s description has links to tutorials for each VFX process.