14+ Years of Filmmaking Knowledge in 16 Minutes

[@gregmonforton4103]

27. Show edits to friends and family. I don't know why this is so psychologically powerful. I can watch something a dozen times and as soon as I sit someone down in my chair and watch them watch it all my cringe muscles come alive and I can make make a list of things to fix without them saying a word.

[@squidward3333]

On the first one- you’re so correct. I could do a long dissertation about this- but in a professional setting, with multiple people on set, with the clock ticking and money being spent- you need reliability, consistency, flexibility, and timeliness. Better gear is essential for a professional environment. The cool thing has been seeing the price on pro gear drop dramatically over the course of the past 10 years. I remember a C100 costing $5500 new… it’s incredible how much has changed for beginners…

[@OBP_]

💯

[@blacksolidChrome]

Yes, yes, yes! In a professional setting small things can add up quickly. That mirrorless without a built in fan, combined with a couple of cheap lights that only take small batteries, a autofocus that might jump of the actor, etc and very quickly that 8 hours of shooting time turns into far less time where the camera is actually rolling and people are just standing around and waiting for things.

[@noso-1111]

You're a very generous person, Mr. OBP. The pro advice you offer comes from hard learning, and you present it very well.

[@dananthonymedia]

The audio one… I can’t stress this enough to my team! They all realise now but never even considered it to be a thing. All those points were great btw 👊

[@philipbond1583]

Genuinely one of the better videos on filmmaking I've seen here. All true advice from experience, especially about gear mattering, it really does. With better and more varied gear you can be faster, more adaptable and reduce the likelyhood of major problems in production. It also looks impressive, which is always going to leave an impression.

[@NITOENT1]

I'll be honest. When I saw the thumbnail, I instantly semi-disagreed with you about Auto-Focus. I said to myself "it all depends on what it is that you're doing". But stayed and watched the entire thing because many of the points you have made, I had to learn myself... The HARD way. If someone told me all of this when I first started, it would've been a game changer. So thanks for this - you have probably really helped out a lot of people starting out.

[@robvision3888]

Autofocus is great if most of what your focus on frame is near the middle. Getting focus on the far left of the frame then performing a 180 degree whip pan then focusing on something in far right of the frame is easy for anyone performing manual focus… they could do 20 takes with exactly the same results… with autofocus however the camera default is to searching what’s in the middle of the frame first, then secondly what’s closest to the camera. If what you really wanted in focus is in in the background autofocus gets confused.

[@lvrvisuals7800]

Thats why we have touch focus and focus tracking nowadays. Call it manual-AF. U can still control what your af will focus on, when and how with Sony and Canon. U can even do that with the Lidar pro now on manual cine lenses.

[@robvision3888]

@@lvrvisuals7800 with touch focus your have to touch the screen while the object is in the part of the frame… with whip panning to a dead stop simultaneously racking focus to a hard stop you can be in focus before the camera stops the whipping motion. Meaning you are already in focus when the camera has stopped after a whip

[@Vashido]

Fast, simple and straight to the point. I wish more would do it like that. Amazing man!❤

[@ricardorgomez]

Fantastic video. Too many KZbinrs out there who consider themselves experts with the 2 - 3 video projects they do every year, if that, outside of making KZbin videos. As a professional photographer, I agree with all your points. Especially with gear. It does and doesn't make a difference. To start, it really doesn't. Just get out there and shoot. And sometimes, having a crappy camera helps you become a better photographer. It forces you to learn and adapt. But then when you get more advanced, you can make better use of the extra features of better gear. I had to use manual focus on my first camera because the AF was quite useless. But I learned how to get in position to get the shot in focus. And I met a newbie with lots of money who had a $50k Hasselblad Medium Format camera and couldn't get the flash to work.....

[@adamsipione]

10000% agree with the gimbal one. Instagram is full of militant filmmakers who shoot everything exclusively on a gimbal and wide open, and a lot of them are pretty toxic about it.

[@zonewolf]

This has become quite the debate lately. In terms of creating actual films or well budgeted marketing campaigns, sure, lose it, there's budget to block scenes. In terms of creating marketing videos, local client videos, etc, your job is to make something look good to them, your clients, and the targeted demographic; not to impress other filmmakers. It's definitely a project-basis call. I wish I could just hand or shoulder hold everything, but filming live uncontrollable moments does not permit for the best cinematography. Small-platform smooth movement is a requirement for the market, maybe not the industry, but the small project market doesn't care about the industry.

[@adamsipione]

@zonewolf You aren't wrong. There are times when a gimbal is needed and I totally get that. I just think that the social media space has been so saturated with content creators hyping up gimbals that a lot of newer creatives think a gimbal is a requirement for all types of shooting. It's similar to the "I paid for 1.2 so I'm going to shoot at 1.2 argument" I suppose.

[@zonewolf]

@@adamsipione for sure, but, I still think it's silly. For static shots, I just don't move the gimbal, for that intimate slight hand held shake, I just turn the motors off and hold the camera, or pretend I haven't Alexa. I feel the same thing I assume you're feeling. I think. Shit I literally built and soldered and programmed my first gimbal and used dumb weight steadicams before that. I want every other creator to work as hard as I did to scrape together a decent video with sheer will and creativity and zero budget and zero connections, but that's not gonna happen, I'm a dinosaur thinking that. Our pervasively hyper-capitalistic content consuming/producing culture says What makes money easiest, fastest, and cheapest, is the right way to do things. That's also reflected in how major studios choose which films to make obviously. That's opposite of how I want the world to be, but that do be how it be.

[@sqlevolicious]

Yet they are the ones getting all the views and money. Pretty sure you might just be wrong.

[@sqlevolicious]

@@zonewolf "What makes money easiest, fastest, and cheapest, is the right way to do things" Exactly right. Which is why OP will never be successful when they can't come to terms with the fact that the audience matters more than their personal artistic opinion.

[@Badutspringer]

Cheers, mate. Thanks for your time

[@LoFiAxolotl]

I've been very happily stuck in the PL ecosystem for well over 3 decades... had to only replace one 24mm because it grew fungus after we shot with it during the floods in Bangladesh... I can't really agree with Gear matters... sure it does... but not in the way most people think... spending more doesn't really give you better results... what matters is reliability... that's why i'll never use a Sony or RED even if they're better now i've heard too many stories of them just crashing or not doing what you want... personally i use a Canon CXXX or Panasonic Camcorder lasts you well over a decade without any problems

[@Yoshua-Robinson]

Audio is very important and so more is to get the right lightning!

[@robertwmoore]

Thank you for taking the time to show this ❤

[@OBP_]

Thanks for taking the time to watch. 🫶

[@davidschaer]

my new tshirt: „drink mo wo‘a“

[@AlanCWL1989]

On gimbal part , that's the problem on most people , everything on gimbal , the scene swing here and there but rarely any static , artsy shot and something natural shot.

[@owenjenkinsofficial]

When it comes to finances and people who don’t have a registered LLC in the US, you can register a DBA that allows you to use a business name under your name to open business bank accounts, and identify by that name if you’d rather remain a sole-proprietor at the moment.

[@MrMWhitham]

I've always been a stills photographer, but all your tips here are spot on.

[@bigredcupproductions]

Genuinely solid advice. Some of which I've learned recently, some of which I know I should do but don't, and some that I had not considered. Great video mate :)

[@zainmstudios]

This video is so well made, love the points, can directly relate to so many on so many levels. I could hug you right now. 🙏🏽

[@josephasghar]

Quick-fire and on point. Great video!

[@GadgetTherapy]

Mate that video was absolutely brilliant! Just really helpful advice, and answering questions that I'd not even thought asking. Cheers Buddy!

[@MrAlexTech]

09:05 This! I've been preaching this for years man. Watch people who disagree with you. Its the only way to build your own opinions, rather than just recycling other peoples. Great video man. Always pumping out the good content!

[@OBP_]

Appreciate that. It must be those super smooth animations I use 😅

[@andrewxu_]

Amazing channel! Would love to see a skin tone color grading tutorial from you as you explain things super well!

[@propixelsmedia]

#33 is sooooo true... always works out the other way round!

[@bigshooter461]

Great video! Photography and video creation is more of a personal interest for me, I enjoy it as an artform and understand and appreciate it as a communication media, but as an independent service provider for more than 3 decades in a demanding technical industry I have to agree with pretty much everything you've said, and it's pretty evident these are lessons you've learn in service to others and your business. The last one might have been the best one that everyone can take to heart and practice everywhere in life. Again Great video! ❤

[@DarkTrapStudio]

A white paper that has been fold and use is the best for white balance, each bump and fold gonna take the balance from every direction were just a sheet or card gonna reflect only one narrow direction of the ambiance

[@InboundMediaTV]

Enjoyed watching this ! As a group of amateurs this is good information to have! We feel all these struggles but it’s nice to see so do others and that you need to keep going ! Looking forward to more of your videos !

[@Shauny_D]

7:15 yah!! as i sit here with a jacked up back from bad posture while editing

[@rockflower4640]

15 years of pro level shooting myself... agree 100% with every point you mentioned.

[@ninoydayritvideoworks]

This always pop on my suggested vids. Finally get to watch it. Super helpful. Another yter that shares.

[@mochouinard]

I kinda agree on the principle to delete older video source... But I just can't do it ! And it served me at time.

[@darrinlalla9008]

Great, empowering advice. Thank you for this.

[@TonyRush21]

The main reason for the constant tennis match with an edit is multiple preferences from the source. 10 minds and eyes will see the edit from 10 different angles, thus creating constant changes with the edit. I think it might be best to let your client know that there is a limited amount of changes, after that, a cost will be incurred for any change after that. And make sure that is in the contract.

[@The_PlagueDoctor]

You’re one of the only people that hasn’t told me to niche down haha

[@PolymerJones]

Great vid. I think the niche yourself tip is difficult , for me at least , people will never forget your rep, so you have to choose very wisely because if you change niche everyone will still know you as the previous niche and it can be impossible for people to accept your new brand

[@blesssetor]

I just discovered your channel. I love the way you speak!

[@kotathecreative]

This was a solid video, dude!

[@mhamadsardarhs]

this is amazing thank u

[@MacroEyesFilm]

Super under-followed account. Thanks for the knowledge!

[@TonyRush21]

Summing up this video in 2 words. "Great advice."

[@thelifeoffrenchiep5941]

Great video, thank you so much for this. Game changer for me, I can feel it. You motivated me and gave me a few more tools to utilize on my journey. I just subscribe!

[@Victoria-qk3mu]

Thanks for the wealth of knowledge ❤❤❤

[@Simpletoph]

Incredible collection of thoughts, fantastic video man.

[@OBP_]

Thanks a ton!

[@mochouinard]

I did gave too much of myself on a amateur project once, going beyond what I should have do, and I was told that I didn't do enough a few days before the shoot and got replaced (But they asked for all my preparation I did before hand!!!) ! I think the issue I had is I did too much in early on in the preparation, and near the film date nothing was needed on my end, so the directors felt that I wasn't invested enough. One of their complain was that they gave me a list of gear they had access to and complained I didn't gave them the list of what I needed... But I needed nothing ! I learn a lot, but sadly that burst my bubble to give my time to amateur project! To give you an idea, I had bought about 10 different flashlight to do screen test to see if it gave a good result, I even went to buy a airsoft shotgun so the result look more realistic and impressive, I also I got myself the aputure B7C kit because they wanted only natural light, shot outdoor... at night... So I had a porch with light socket I could put some nice light in there instead of the halogen flashing light... (It not the stuff that was available in their other kits). I don't care about the money I spent on this, as I expected nothing from it and knew I could reused it for other project, but when he told me that I wasn't committed enough really pissed me off, and I didn't want to go though being told that again, especially on an amateur project, so I basically stop helping out the local film maker group (Kino Mtl). It was also during Covid period, so it help ! I'm tempted to start to help out again, as there were some amazing people who worked hard to do great project, and who was fun to work with, and I know I have resources most don't have access to, so I might start to help out again... But more selectively.

[@walfredswanson]

Great points, direct and succinct. I general dislike videos with "points" which tend to be unfocused and too general in the end. Good job.

[@donhendricks3190]

Solid advice - enjoyed watching this - and, yes, I did learn ... a lot. Thanks so much for sharing your experience and wisdom. With love from Atlanta.

[@user-jr9dt8tm7r]

Nr15. Isn't it better to buy a good monopod than a tripod for solo run and gun documentaries or even weddings?

[@4sightfilmsLLC]

One of the best videos on the subject, I’ve come across. And so many of these points I agree with, or I’ve learned from. Much appreciated. ✊🏽🔥

[@thehonestdude1067]

Thank you Amazing educational video 🌷

[@chrisedoh]

Very helpful tips. Thank you very much

[@hicarudunn.]

nice video mate, very informative!!!

[@iamvictorperez1482]

Thanks for sharing and breaking this down

[@frank5.3]

informative, efficient, great video. Thank you

[@SteveMayedaTV]

There should be more videos like this

[@AtaurRaziq]

Such a great list man. I love videgraphy but I focus on motion design. I switched to freelance only a year ago so much of the list still applies to me.

[@brucegarrod]

glad im doing all of these.... Just wish i had this video 7 years ago. Well put together, don't mess around on the points ... and spot on for info. Great work! :D

[@bearded_fotog]

All of these are SO important. But #36 is probably the most important one of all. It takes nothing to be nice/kind to everyone no matter the situation!

[@thehumblekingdom]

Awesome vid thank you.

[@adhdflow5121]

In Star Trek Picard when they were shooting on the rebuilt Enterprise D bridge they were on an insanely tight shooting schedule. On one clip that was left in the final edit there was a noticeable AF wobble.

[@OBP_]

Love it!

[@simondebrun]

Awesome tips. A lot of hard-earned wisdom here. Sub’d

[@obtucreations]

Very good advises thanks 😊

[@yoonsama1917]

Thanks, this video and your advices are very helpful

[@reggielj]

Great video, and great advice.

[@1imanni1]

Great advice. Thank you

[@danbbrawner]

Your advice is pure gold!

[@Kemstylebossy]

That sony burano looks sooo good.

[@gregaroller]

Awesome thank yOK? Screwed up a new way the other day. Accidentally put the wrong SD cards in 2 cams (switched) footage stopped and I didn't know it because I was flying a drone while they were running... So now I format after putting them back in cameras every time. Not sure if that's ok?

[@LowryDroneography-Steve]

Great stuff man 👊🏼

[@Aldekein]

This list is so good!

[@foljs5858]

"Next is not gonna book you for your next documentary using an iPhone Pro Max". No, if you're a director for hire. But if you're a creator, Netlix might very well BUY and PLAY your documentary that was made using an iPhone Pro Max, like they have done in the past for similarly low-budge gear made documentaries. What they impose as "Netflix approved" is for their own productions....

[@LuisJRodriguezR]

Chapters or timecodes for this would be extremely helpful if someone wants to revisit. Great list.

[@Jossy.mp4]

This is a solid video. Subbed!

[@ebinrock]

But if you don't keep your footage, especiallly when starting out, won't you lack footage needed to put together (and update) your demo?

[@Mjbentertainment86]

What’s the name of that steadicam in the beginning?

[@Stash_Studio]

Great video Gary!

[@qdottrizo]

Thank you for this.

[@callumleakfilms]

Love this mate

[@yanikkendler]

Could you explain why its bad to use the same lenses with all your cams?

[@filipmichalsaffray441]

Great Video totally agree , I would have ad that people should as soon as they are shooting with separate audio and multicam setup should buy a TC generator device Tentacle Sync, I prefer deity TC 1 but any device will work that will save a ton of time in editing...

[@OBP_]

Very true!

[@filipmichalsaffray441]

@@OBP_ I think the TC problematic is like overlooked by YT creators because most of them( not like you )use mostly one or 2 cam and are syncing with waw in post. I know historically the sound guy is responsible for TC with BNC connection etc...but you have actually with Atomos,Deity,Tentacle sync good kind of pro solution for not a lot of money...

[@petero1068]

Good stuff. Earned a sub

[@alejandrotornerog]

Thanks a lot for this!

[@OBP_]

Thanks for watching 🙌🏼

[@sp-ho9sy]

so much information, thank you!

[@OBP_]

Glad it was helpful!

[@gabrielepampanelli]

Good job man

[@LorenzSimnowski]

Whats the Reason for Point 4? Beacause i am Affected by that point but i didnt got a reason :(

[@Santafefashionweek]

Great information

[@jamesmathews243]

I've been going strong for 27 years now and I practice almost all of these tips. Except... I even use an easy rig for my Sony FX6 lol.

[@OBP_]

A rigged up FX6 can be heavy 😅

[@IamDadlySerious]

Do you have a few tripod recs outside Sachtler? I’m going to take your advice and upgrade my small rig ad-pro 8.

[@OBP_]

Check out the ones by a company called SCG. They are incredible value for money.

[@IamDadlySerious]

@@OBP_much appreciated! Will check out.

[@RealPivotTV]

been watching you forever just subscribed today!

[@OBP_]

👊👊

[@ErinIsBlueBlue]

Excellent video, thank you very much, this is gold.

[@mauriciotrujillo9016]

Great video!!

[@jamiequinlan]

Regarding the point to specialise in one thing and not be a general videographer - I feel most people here are videographers right? Otherwise they're watching '14+ years of cameraman work knowledge in 16 minutes'... The problem for me is I don't enjoy just one stage of the production process - I only enjoy it in its entirety with control over the full process. It's a real paradigm for me lately figuring out how to position myself, as I do agree that 'videographers' get a bum deal a lot of the time. Any advice for this?

[@OBP_]

Great questions, and it's probably a consistent battle for a lot of people too at a much higher level than you think. Try to find an unfair advantage; for example, if you have a ton of lighting, be a gaffer, or if you know a DOP well, become his/her 1st AC, whatever seems like the easier way to get onto higher budget productions. You can always change later down the road anyway.

[@joestrahl6980]

Could you explain why you should nor get "stuck" in one system. Explain why please because in some ways the advice is counter -intuitive. You havw to explain why?

[@matt.banton]

Very solid advice :)

[@Quattordici]

Thanks ❤

[@buknar456]

This video is still very much 'filmmaking' through the eyes of KZbin/client-based videography. This is video production, talking heads, and interview setups...this knowledge is not geared towards people working in the industry...fiction/features, TV or even agency-level commercials...there's a very small amount of information that pertains to knowledge across all departments within film production on KZbin...but it seems like very few people are interested in the traditional route nowadays

[@CDP_Media]

What is wrong with investing in one Waco system and renting gear outside of that brand if needed?

[@MathieuRousseau]

Great stuff here !!

[@itwasme2435]

Golds tips, thanks

[@lukaspictures]

What other personal incomes you can have if your main job is freelance filmaker? It''s not like when you have 9-5 normal job from which you can survive and then weekends or evenings dedicated to photography or video side business.