50 Tips for Filmmakers

Fifty tips about cinematography, audio, business and general tips for beginner filmmakers!
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[@Flicklix]

I'm 56 years old. At my age, it's easy to assume that there's no knowledge to be gained from someone as young as yourself. You Simon, are very smart and wise young man. After watching several of your videos, I had to subscribe. You're now my go-to guy! Thanks for all that you do!

[@sickphil71]

51. No matter how much you've studied or done, don't ever think you know it all (I've been guilty of that!).

[@DSLRguide]

+sickphil71 this is an amazing tip. couldn't agree with you more :)

[@JoshuaStancea]

Simon, you will go far.

[@SuperHamzamadrid]

i third this haha

[@isaiaharmbruster8446]

I fourth this

[@Imapurpleunicorn1410]

i sixth this!

[@harris4778]

I won't be surprised if one day we see him become an awarded director :)

[@Bless100ONLINE]

I 8th this !!!

[@FlorianFahrenberger]

I am truly amazed by this great collection of tips. I found myself agreeing with all of them, and totally thinking "Yeah... I should do that more" more often than I expected. :)

[@TheDreamFx]

Florian Fahrenberger Same here!

[@DrShaym]

"There are no rules in film making." Well, actually, there are. Rule of thirds, 180 degree rule, etc. You don't really _need_ to follow them, but you should at least know what the rules are and why they exist in order to understand when and why you should break them. Obviously, you already know this, but I'm pointing this out for other viewers because I often see novices who completely disregard artistic conventions as "restrictive", failing to understand that they exist for a reason, and it's not just in film and video. I see amateur illustrators, comic artists, writers, etc., flying by this mentality and thinking they don't need to understand why professionals do things the way they do.

[@DSLRguide]

Dr Shaym no rules, just guides. guides are more breakable

[@gregaltenhofel7326]

After the first tip I knew I'd be watching this more than once.

[@BudapestScenes]

Simon I have watched your channel for about 1,5 years now and it is really amazing and inspiring how your videos keep getting better and better, and you have such a 'healthy' mentality in filmmaking, great to see how you try to motivate people to use their creativity instead of investing more and more into their gear. My extra tips: 1. Shoot slow, edit slow. It is easy to find yourself in a rush, but at the end it is worth to keep calm, slow, keeping every aspects of filmmaking in mind, double-check everything before hitting record, you can save a lot of headache and wasted time/money/effort when keeping it slow. 2. If you can afford to buy your gear, you can afford to buy 2 external HDDs. Always back up your footage (that you might want to use later) at least twice - HDDs may fail, you may accdentally delete your footage etc. 3. Always buy quality bags to store and bring your gear, you don't want to break everything just because of saving 30 USD, e.g. due to low quality plastic carbines. 4. Always have spare batteries with you, it might be really frustrating when you have to stop shooting just because of empty batteries for your LED lights. Always have spare cables (audio, USB when neccesary etc.) 5. Anybody can afford a low-cost jib today - always be very careful when setting it up/taking off your camera/counterweights etc. You might easily break your gear that is worth tohusands of dollars. 6. Time on set is very precious - always prepare your gear as much as you can: place batteries, screw quick release plate, check settings etc. in advance. 7. If you don't have a specific camera monitor, use DSLRController for monitoring on your phone/tablet!

[@DSLRguide]

BudapestScenes thanks for sticking around all that time! I'm so glad to hear that I'm not the only one interested in the creative side more than the tech. Love those tips, i've added them to the blog post with a link to your channel! number 2 + 3 are especially important. Thanks!

[@BudapestScenes]

DSLRguide These days I mainly shoot interviews with retired people who survived WW2 bombings in my hometown, Budapest, so there is not much chance to use creativity... It is great to hear that you found these tips useful - it is a drop in a sea of course but I am glad you could use them on your page. Wish you luck and srength to keep on the track you are and making your filmmaking dreams true (don't think you need much luck though). Anyway, do you have a Glide Gear jib as well? Seems very similar to mine.

[@shilpajayanna6683]

Hi Simon, I am not a film maker or not doing anything closer to it. I accidentally bumped into your channel and ever since I am following your videos. You are so crisp. No non sense, no drama. Wishing the best of luck with everything ☺☺

[@suzoh8209]

did you notice all the shots (bar the black background ones ) had an apple hiding in them?

[@specials29]

man this is seriously one of the best filmmaking videos of all time! ive been following the scnee on youtube for years and i learnt so many seemingly 'obvious' things that just never occurred to me. you have saved me in so many ways dude. cheers

[@DSLRguide]

toby baj that means a lot Toby!

[@TheBrandonLeeCook]

You are the man!

[@FergbyFive]

4:46 Bahahaha! I love this episode Simon. I'll think I'll be coming back to watch it too. Keep up your wonderful work!

[@rosecameron3559]

You are the absolute best, such good tips!

[@DSLRguide]

:)

[@brandonmbugua]

Rose Cameron Need help getting cinematic images? CHECKOUT this amazing tutorial on cinematic footage that helps LOADS! kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWO1gWmVhquqjJY

[@KunalSrivastava]

I am slowly becoming a fan of Simon! Great Work dude, you need to reach more people!

[@Cade_Media]

Every video you upload is full of brilliant information. Thank you Simon!

[@alvinjohnmagno6856]

You're really helpful. I appreciate your effort--they're all wonderful, and I hope you continue to do things like this because I also believe that films bring these kind of emotions, and they have effect on people. One way or the other, you're changing perceptions and moving people. Please keep it up!

[@GlitchmanVGM]

37 and 43 are my favorites, but all of them are really helpful.

[@MunkiMotionParkour]

such an amazing channel. nothing but good stuff on here and so useful

[@JonnyRaby]

Halfway through and i've only just noticed the numbers going up on every tip :D

[@SamMansbridge]

This was incredible, I can only imagine how long this took you to make. Please keep doing what you're doing Simon!

[@ImAwesomeAli]

I just discovered your channel and I'm glad I did! Quality content man, I'm impressed :D

[@DSLRguide]

+ImAwesomeAli thanks!

[@willpatersondesign]

Dude, love this video! Nicely done!

[@DSLRguide]

Will Paterson cheers Will!

[@elliothartleyuk]

I'm still watching Simon's videos from 2015. So useful!

[@dasaauto2024]

Great tips. Tip number 11 and 12 are both really, really good. I didn't learn the usefulness of false colors for much longer than I should have-- it's so simple but it is also one of the best tools to understand how to expose images correctly (especially the humans in the image).

[@boyy1296]

I found out about DSLRGuide when every video had a maximum of 5000 views and now that I look at videos like this I'm sure this guy is going to do big stuff.

[@alfiefallejo]

Watching this in 2017 and honestly, you deserve more then 1 million subscribers. Been following you for a while and I enjoy your videos and honesty.

[@SpacePimp96]

Your videos are amazing and really inspiring. I have been going through all of them and taking in tips before I start my apprenticeship at this amazing video agency in September. Your view on filmmaking is very refreshing and I am getting to know things I have never thought of before.

[@getintofilm]

A lot of great ideas here. Thanks for sharing.

[@bignoknow]

Amazing work here. Bravo and thx.

[@ilyaonthefly]

I was really exited when I saw the title of the video, haha. Nevertheless amazing tips Simon, I especially enjoyed some of the technical life hacks that you can do on set. I've been taking into account work and productivity recently, what helps me is to plan out my day, take breaks, and not check my social media too early in the morning. I was wondering - what are you corruntely up to in your film life? Any new productions you are working on, or any new promo films for small business, etc? Thanks for taking the time to construct this video as it was really helpful. I particularly enjoyed how you branched out from just sitting in one place and saying all the tips, and actually going to different locations and holding up the numbers practically instead of doing them in post. Keep up the great work man!

[@DSLRguide]

Ilya M. I'm glad the video was relevant to you! At the moment it's tough, I usually waste a lot of time early in the week and then have to do a marathon to get an DSLRguide episode out. But, I have been working on a video called 'Why I Stopped Taking Money from Amazon' which is something for cadevisuals, i'm treating it like a bigger project. No promo videos these days, prefer to do my own projects! Thanks for that feedback - that honestly is very helpful to hear from someone with a discerning eye!

[@ilyaonthefly]

No problem man! And yeah - I saw some of your tweets about Amazon. Anxious to see it, and it's great when someone makes a film about something they feel strongly about. I am guessing it is going to be a mix between your normal style and maybe some Casey Neistat style mixed in as well? E.g. when he talks about something he doesn't like he does those creative voice overs with portraying visuals.

[@DSLRguide]

dang Ilya you got me! that's pretty much exactly the plan, haha although I'm going to work to make it less Neistat-like.

[@ilyaonthefly]

Haha sweet man, good luck with it, can't wait to see it! :D

[@SonicSinema]

Slowly becoming one of my favorite youtubers

[@jarellalvarez9517]

I'm starting to be a big fan of your channel! Before I always had some images of how I would want to make videos but they were so linear, controlling only a few aspects for short films. Now my mind is wide open so thank you!

[@shreyashbhagat7213]

straight away liked.. really like ur presenting style.. so simple and humble... helpd a lot.. thnk u.

[@itschriswinter]

Absolutely fantastic video Simon, so much info here for budding filmmakers. A big congrats on the 50k Chris

[@DSLRguide]

Chris Winter cheers Chris!

[@BloodygunnerLive]

"Never buy a camera that costs more than your audio gear" When I got a Red Scarlet bought a $40 scratch mic hahaha

[@sigmawarrior.]

I'm sure you don't get told this enough, but you're an absolute champion. Cheers for the tips and keep up the good hustle!

[@DSLRguide]

+Jamie Pene-Gestro thanks Jamie, really appreciate the encouragement!

[@gordonschuecker]

+Jamie Pene-Gestro +1!

[@CathyDirector]

WOW you almost have 50,000 Subscribers. Awesome 50 Filmmaking Tips. Its really helpful. Even a Filmmaker can learn something new from it. I looking forward for new and exciting Episode the next years with you. :) Keep up the good Work. You became an inspiration for me and for other People.

[@DSLRguide]

CathyDirector I'm really glad you've been enjoying the episodes, thanks for everything!

[@antonhelsgaun]

CathyDirector almost 500k

[@herrreinsch]

@Anton Helsgaun and 50 million in the future. mr. pewdiepie fan. :)

[@antonhelsgaun]

herrreinsch meh He is getting worse, imo

[@herrreinsch]

I think almost no one has an idea how insanely much work it is to make very good videos, every week is hard, but every day is insanity. I stand with pewds, no matter what.

[@JacobCrowMains]

Simon your channel, amongst a couple others, I believe is going to help revolutionise a new generation of filmmakers; to create and expand independently apposed to falling into the trap of mainstream media. The future looks exciting for the creative industry. I'm still trying to work out what path I want to follow. I think I need to be more active and just create more. Your work ethic and persistence is inspiring, it has definitely motivated me to start working harder. Cheers Simon, keep up the good work as always

[@DSLRguide]

Jacob Crow-Mains I'm totally with you on that, and very excited to see the new wave of independent filmmakers. Sounds to me like you're right on track - the first step is to establish a way to improve, and after that all you have to do is go through with it. Thanks for the support!

[@SneakyTacoTuts]

You never cease to amaze me!

[@GuriinLondon]

By far the best of your videos in my opinion. Thanks for sharing this ideas! Cheers!

[@DSLRguide]

Guri in London I'm happy to hear that!

[@WillyFoxx]

thanks a lot! while is not a long video, you explain perfectly everything Well done! (i usually change a video that is more than 3-4 min talking)

[@soundflashfilms9606]

Just stumbled across your channel and I think it's fantastic. Lots of tips in here that should be stressed more often in the film world.

[@RisingInfinity]

I've been watching your videos for quite some time now and just felt like saying: You're doing a great job. I really enjoy your content and the passion you put in it. Keep up the great work Simon!

[@DSLRguide]

Lukas .B thanks Lucas, I'm really glad you like it!

[@Filmanatix]

Thank you for this video! I will definitely utilize these tips for now on! Some things you talked about helped change my perspective on how film-making is "suppose" to be done.

[@Merope16]

Thank you! I loved the tips and they were really helpful! Just one note, I'm finishing up my BFA in Acting right now and directors' telling actor what to feel is one of the hardest things to work with. In the real world, we never try to feel anything specific, but we also do something to get what we want. So instead, give your actors playable actions, like "Intimidate him to establish that you're the boss" or "distract her so that your secret won't be revealed" and then you can adjust these with different tactics for each beat. Actors will know how they can distract someone rather than "be nervous", because acting is copying real life and we don't stand around and feel things in real life. Just a quick note on that :) Everything else was super helpful, thank you!

[@dasaauto2024]

I'll add two tips of my own. One piggybacks off you're advice to read books on film making. Books keep you on-topic (unlike the internet) are are usually of much higher quality (per minute spent with them). The number one book I'd recommend to video makers, brand new or experienced is called "How to Shoot Video that Doesn't Suck." I forget the authors name, but it is the best guide I've read that addresses the very mechanics of how story works and how to make almost any project (your video/commercial/short film) into something that evokes emotion and hits the audience effective. I try to re-read it every few months. There are also some really great podcasts out there (something I normally ignore). There's one called "Sheffield Doc/Fest Podcast" that I would check out as well as "Filmmakers Podcast" and "American Cinematographer Podcasts." I'm not affiliated with any of these things in any way, just wanted to give back a little bit. Also-- buy a cheap light meter and force yourself to learn it. I'd get a new one unless you know how to make sure the used one is properly calibrated. New light meters are pretty inexpensive though.

[@nickagrinzone]

Thank you for the amazing tips! I will definitely try to use all of them with future productions!

[@arielvinda6624]

When you mix Hitchcock and Scorsese you end up with a funny and informative video with numbers in places you have to look up for.... Nice done!

[@seanpak9735]

This guys is freaking amazing, he takes time to make his videos to the best of his abillities. And hes genuinely a benevolent person with contrite morals.

[@DSLRguide]

+Sean Pak cheers Sean :)

[@owenlloyddavis44]

All your videos are awesome. Just got my first DSLR and you've helped me so much.

[@movelitefitness6498]

Good tips Simon, thanks from a noob! Best of luck in your career, Dominic

[@3star2nr]

dude you've helped me so much thank you for all your hard work. I bought my dslr last week and I'm waiting for the rest of my gear to come in to start shooting some films

[@OfficialTomJ]

So much information and almost at 50K! Keep up the great work!

[@HamzaSaeedchannel]

great one simon .i this was the best of all videos you produced ,they were the tips in true meaning .we love watching your videos thumbs up

[@SWADEProductions]

Dude your channel is amazing! I'm new to this film stuff but It hit hard when you said don't spend more on your camera then your sound...Ouch but true.

[@TonyBabarino]

Nicely done, good information, and very like-able presentation. Good job dude! It was nice to listen to your conversation/instructions/tips and I like the use of numbered tape. The part about "eat well, sleep, and don't stress.....and don't forget to eat badly, don't sleep and stress for the sake of you project" was VERY cool and funny! :)

[@Silvesterkanal]

thanks! the rubberband trick is a realy good idea! ill defenetly try it out

[@WellingtonBikeCam01]

re tip #1, syncing clocks on gear, a tip I learned from a 48-hour-film team is to write a script that re-names files based on mtime. The mtime will depend when the file finshed writing, so to get the mtimes to match up, STOP recording on different hardware as close as practicable to the same time. Anyway, this re-names the files according to date/time.

[@DSLRguide]

+WellingtonBikeCam01 sounds interesting! I tried a bit of coding, but it's quite strange to have to think so logically like a computer. I'm sure there are a bunch of benefits to filmmakers who can write scripts :)

[@КостяСмирнов-ш3б]

If the sound is recorded from both sources, then before filming a scene you just can clap or make a small sound so you could match the video source with the additional audio during editing.(even if you have not synchronized the time or startd recording at different time)

[@Chuk40076]

Great video as always! You didn't eat the apple though! And also, regarding #37, I feel as if it's quite important for run-and-gun documentaries that don't have much b-roll, to cover jumpcuts.

[@StefanDieWaldfee]

He didn't eat an apple, but there were apples everywere in the video ;-)

[@HadyElcott]

This video will never get old! Thank you Simon for sharing so much! Happy new year 🎊

[@EposVox]

Solid tips!

[@abdolafiesta820]

I hope to be great director in the future in Hollywood

[@abdolafiesta820]

thank s same

[@freakyworld5866]

+abdola fiesta I see that I'm not alone here ;O haha

[@1966miket]

I'm 50 an your an inspiration. Keep up the great work. I look forward to more great videos.

[@wondervisionstudio]

you're always straight to the point! so informative, and i can tell you actually put in effort! 50 stickers alone is hard work, supporting you all the way Simon!

[@DSLRguide]

WonderVision Films that means a lot, thank you!

[@eviltwin2322]

01 - a great tip. Seems so obvious once you said it but it didn't even occur to me! Doh!

[@ForeverFashionGirl21]

You are giving away such valuable advice. I've heard so many of these before. But I picked up a few new ones.

[@egeozsoy]

Congrats simon, I wanted to do the exact same thing as you did(making weekly videos about filmmaking) but it turned out to be impossible for me because of work and school. Keep going...

[@BadgerBotherer1]

Very helpful tips for total beginners / incompetents like me. Thanks very much!

[@matbishopsa]

So happy to see a practical video again! Congratulations on your channel growing so rapidly.

[@DSLRguide]

Matthew Bishop thanks Matthew!

[@cb-lf2wn]

I'm just going to live by all your videos

[@StetsonDoggett]

Great video! You've got some super content.

[@AnandaGarden]

I'm shocked! This is still HIGHLY relevant three years after you said it. :) Oh, well yes, it was equally relevant, nay essential, in 1942 when I first became aware of this world. Seriously, there's a LOT of wisdom in this video - it's refreshing to review first principles! Thanks, Simon.

[@shawneydepp]

This is brilliant Simon. Refreshed so much just by watching this video

[@DSLRguide]

***** glad you liked it!

[@ghostwriterscorner502]

All very good tips. I don't think I've ever commented before, but wanted you to know how much I enjoy your show, and appreciate the time and care you take to make these very helpful educational vids for filmmakers. Keep up the great work.

[@DSLRguide]

Ghostwriters' Corner I really appreciate your positivity and encouragement, thank you!

[@ghostwriterscorner502]

DSLRguide :) yvw

[@SynergyPRD]

Thank you so much Simon! All your videos really help me grow as a aspiring director and DP! -Kevin

[@notacastmember]

There were a couple tips I have never heard of or even thought of before! I will be using these tips a lot for my films.

[@DSLRguide]

Not A Cast Member awesome, I'm so glad to hear that!

[@tessabaxter3003]

This is amazing! Simon you are so intelligent, I cannot wait to see where you go! Keep it up!

[@ashmotionpictures9806]

This was huge from a young guy like you, you should be proud of yourself... keep up the good work

[@KoolKyle_Adventures]

subscribed as soon as I heard #5, great tips all around! Thanks for posting this

[@PatrickNanEdits]

Love the tips dude! Most are actually helpful and not just "no duh" tips! Keep up the good work!

[@DSLRguide]

Patrick Nan I'm so glad to hear that, cheers Patrick!

[@PatrickNanEdits]

Cheers back!

[@fffffffdfrfftfc]

Your channel is awesome! All these videos help me learn about making films. Even if I have not made one yet, but I have been practicing. I bought a kit with studio lights and a green screen, that tip that is 27 helped me out so much. I use to take a shot with the lighting with the green and see if it works in Vegas Pro which took a long time. Love your videos.

[@DSLRguide]

Andriano .S really glad to be able to help! thanks for the support Andriano!

[@Cmonwatchthis]

You remind me like a young Christopher Nolan, well rounded and very good from the technical aspect of filmmaking. Plus you are British lol. Excellent video like always Simon keep it up

[@ClaireCast]

I just found your channel, and I really really really love what you do. So inspired, and your videos are mega helpful! keep it up!:)

[@DSLRguide]

+ClaireCast glad you like it!

[@blakealanm]

Awesome advice! Thanks for making this video!

[@borgusfilm]

Love number 8!

[@patrickseitisoseitiso4318]

Great presentation Simon. Very informative indeed.

[@BasicFilmmaker]

Great job Simon, and very well done on the 50K mark. :)

[@DSLRguide]

thanks *****! that means a lot to hear it from you!

[@hammike92]

rubber band! i had never heard of that trick before! also great video and like what youve done with the numbers!

[@ChaosFragrances]

Hey, loved the video! I do have a question regaurding tip #19 -- I have ML but have never found that feature before, can you point me in the direction where I'd find that?

[@DSLRguide]

Dallas Dudra I can't remember if it's one you have to enable from a different setting, but just look for 'REC Picture Style'. For me it's underneath 'Picture Style'. You set the "REC Picture Style' to the one you want it to change to (flat). Try the ML website if you can't find it

[@ChaosFragrances]

DSLRguide Found it, it was right in front of me the whole time. Thanks a lot!

[@robbyboyo]

I like the stickers. Nice film too.

[@barkbook1440]

Rad video. I like to make short films and this really helped.

[@DSLRguide]

glad it helped Emily :)

[@NatsVlogs]

holy i didn't even notice the numbers in the backgrounds go up witht the tips! this gives me LIFE

[@PeteWoronowski]

Great tips and so worth writing all of them down. Thank you for sharing these. Cheers, Pete

[@MatthewCarmody]

Nice tips. Especially false color. Didn't know that :) BTW What's with the apple in all your vids mate?

[@fostej99]

One of the best videos you've ever made :)

[@AravindBalla]

Amazing! Wasn't bored even at a single point of time :)

[@Elena-pf4tf]

I'm the same age as Simon. Half of the tips he mentioned I learned during my first month in film school. Crazy.

[@abfsc]

Awesome Simon! Made a truncated list of about 10 from your 50. Big shout out to reading everyday - I could definitely stand to benefit from that one

[@DSLRguide]

Wm P awesome. I'm so glad my parents encouraged me to read stories every day :)

[@user-qv7rw7dq1d]

It's difficult to find such an useful channel. 8/8 m8, i think that's gr8

[@danielhaugen5416]

Using false color rather than waveforms depends on what you're used to, what you understand better and how detailed information you want. Waveforms can give you a lot more information than false color can. Great tip though for those who doesn't understand waveforms.