You're practicing filmmaking the WRONG way

[@Kaotix_music]

your explanation of musicians looking at their inspirations to get better, rather than practicing scales and chords is spot the heck on. I do music production for a living and get asked SO MANY times "What can I do to be better at music production!??" and the answer I give every single time is - Remaking your favorite songs. Sound by sound, drum by drum, fill by fill, even try to sound design the same leads you hear in all the synths or flip through all your synth preset packs and try to find sounds close to it and save them in a separate folder to use later for your own work. By using your ears to recreate what you hear in your favorite song to be nearly identical you learn so many things and actually *understand* what it is youre hearing and why youre hearing it. Why it makes sense to have that certain element in the song. Way bring it in one section and take it away in another etc etc. IT makes your brain wrap your head around all the concepts so much better

[@AleksPlaysMc]

When I used to play my horn more I used to get asked a million times about my practicing and how I'd sound like certain guys, and all I did was listen to them and play along to their notes and then just play over a recording to play what sounds right while mimicking their sound and style. It can be good practice to look at these shots and find what defines them and make them yours even if still mimicking it. At least with music, I was able to retain that sound and that style from whatever player I would emulate so much better if I learned to play along and then followed it up by playing how I'd imagine they'd play at a different gig or on another run-through. I'd imagine it'd better internalize what characteristics are important to the shot the same as it helped me find comfort basically doing musical impressions of the different players I've admired so much. I find it really funny I got so far without understanding past what a diminished scale is, and I've still got buddies hyping me up years later in university anytime they can invite me to a gig. Might say something about these skills. Enjoy what you're doing and you'll be able to get good at it just by seeing so much of it and doing it yourself. A good lens, a decent body, and a love for looking at gorgeous shots could probably land some solid jobs. But learning all the mechanics and settings pushes you further forward into being able to consistently perform well. But sadly that's why I quit playing so much. At a certain level, you're expected to only mess up in the sense of missing a note or two in a read, but when you can't quickly read all the chords and you're not near fast enough for those pro charts then you get a big slap in the face and learn to show all the respect to those who can perform better than your best and do it every night. I'm just glad to have a hobby now and I plan to treat photography the same so I don't burn out like I did with music for a while.

[@DanPeal1]

Most likely same goes with majority of art disciplines. I'm painter myself, and best way to learn it to study master paintings, 1:1 copies, in this case you have to understand how they tackled certain problems

[@D5Do]

Definitely true. I don't know scales or the very basics, since I went straight to playing songs on the guitar and the piano. Now I just learn the songs I like and practice those until I can play them the way I want.

[@arthurlorenzocolombini9956]

"In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they are not. " A.Einstein it applies to the whole life experience / thanks for the reminder Ryan!

[@prajjwalvinodh968]

“Wait, did I say that” A. Einstein

[@imabadboi]

he isn't just 'A' Einstein He is THE Einstein smh

[@prohere21]

This makes a lot of sense. I compare this to my experience years ago when I first started learning English. My teacher told me that instead of learning individual words it was better to focus on learning complete sentences. Now I am super motivated to practice with one of my favorite series ''MR Robot'' Thanks man!

[@lewisguapo]

Can't go wrong with mr robot, best show out there...

[@prohere21]

@@lewisguapo I've seen it 3 times already and I think this is going to be the 4th time 😂

[@Bryantfstephens]

I’m literally 2 minutes into this video and got the chills. “He’s right!” Everything else I do I follow this. Even my photography I do but for some reason not my filmmaking… I’ve even heard that quote before. Thanks a lot I’ll do better to be better.

[@c.allangba]

I'm telling you it's so weird😄

[@Indian.Traveller]

Learnt something new today, "Don't just try filmmaking, practice it.. and practice it in the right way". Thank you so much for this

[@ISRAADVISUALS]

Every camera video test video "Plants is the perfect thing to shoot to test this camera"

[@lifeofcarter]

Can't tell you how much I needed this reminder to go out and practice and try and recreate some of my favorite content creators shots! Thanks!

[@RyanKao]

It’s so refreshing!!!

[@mySeaPrince_]

@@RyanKao I have always been interested in the making of... Like thing's .. in any material and it's design & this includes how a film or game was made.. there are a few YT channels that look into this.. but I like it when DVDs include a second disc of extras and making of.. or later a documentary.. One point I notice is your film's .. your a step up from videos 😻 .. are in 18:9 but sometimes .. whatever happens (I'm watching on an android phone) and it plays in 18:9 but in the width of 16:9 having a piece at the bottom which is showing something else.. I'm not sure of the cause. It's not just your channel, sometimes by stopping that film.. going to another channel start watching for a couple of seconds and stop it.. then come back to your film can fix it.. sometimes.. I like the 18:9 and would like to upload in this format but can YT actually handle it? Ryan I've just noticed there are spam replies. Put the certain words in blocked.

[@visualsofnova]

I had all the knowhow of camera and every technicality from file format to color spaces and what not. But I quit my job last year to pursue filmmaking and when I first held the camera to shoot, my mind was blank. I had references and all but no idea how to bring things in my head to life. Since then, It been 15 months and I'm working fulltime as a cinematographer/editor. I got interested in film through Peter Mckinnon in 2016 but started shooting in 2021, with one goal, to be better than peter. I'm still far from that but I'm already able to keep up people who have 5 times the experience I have. And the approach I take is simple, I'll keep observing and copying everything I can understand, and as I get better at those, I start to see even more things I previously couldn't see and rinse and repeat until I'm at the highest level. There no ceiling to how good of a filmmaker you can be, and I'll keep getting better and better.

[@DigiplayW8]

I have been doing this with photography. I got some professional presets for Lightroom and have been examining the changes they made and then go from there on my own. I think it's the perfect way to truly grasp concepts and a fantastic way to learn

[@got2beable]

bro MAN!!! that is the content im looking for. I am a total beginner and i always wanted to learn more about filmmaking and man you are doing such a good job on showing what we need and how we can do it. it helps me so much to start finally. thank you so much!

[@arnoldmukama996]

we need nore videos like this , i loved this one

[@ayou52]

This should be a series on your channel! loved it man!

[@jexsestudios4772]

Literally just found your channel and all I can say is Thank you. The way you explained everything with such a chill vibe is gold. I'm usually energetic off camera, but my mood is similar to yours and you have inspired me to go out there and just create, practice, and perfect what I love!

[@Bluehmind]

The lighting and tha doggy 😅... Great work!!

[@chrishudsonpk]

Beautifully done, Ryan! Would love to see more of these.

[@RyanKao]

Got more in the works!! Thanks Chris

[@alilogs1256]

Both some how delivering the same message. beautiful

[@WillBowers]

been starting to do this more and more and you're so right, it helps confidence so much when you pull off a fire recreation of a shot that inspires you. thanks man :)

[@heddlestenphotography3189]

I love videos like this just to see people’s workflow. I get really stumped and lose inspiration pretty easily, and seeing other people struggle, and seeing how they work through things really helps me get out of the funk. It’s hard to do that when everyone shows only the perfect results, it’s not as realistic to the real process. :)

[@Vishal006]

Very true

[@akarca]

I agree

[@lizkarendiaz7418]

Found this video through recommendations and honestly so spot on, I was just thinking of how much I don't practice my skills but get new gear, I needed to hear this and I think I found it in the perfect time! Love your videos

[@RyanKao]

Really appreciate this Liz, and glad you could resonate with the message. Thanks for keeping up with the channel!!

[@kurtispeak]

Excellent portrayal of practicing your cinematography skills and just putting them to the test Ryan! I've been itching to create stuff like this too so you definitely boosted that for me! I loved the way you edited the ungraded footage to graded and it morphed into each other to match the shot in the film.

[@RyanKao]

Thanks so much Kurtis! Give it a try!!!

[@Alijaber7]

Amazing outcome. Can’t wait to get to color grading/correction part

[@RyanKao]

Soon ;)

[@rinusworldzm]

This is invaluable stuff dude. Thank you for this and I honestly understand my own frustration now at my lack of growth in my craft. Practicing the wrong way that leads too less practice. I'm switching it up form here.

[@alexisaguirrevideos]

Art is all about feeling at the end of the day. You have to practice getting good at transmuting intangible thoughts and feelings into meaningful experiences via art form. Which we art form you prefer, doesn’t matter as long as you feel it.

[@anthonypc1]

11:50 Wow you make that couch sitting almost look easy! 💪🏼😉 I wouldn't have guessed the core endurance that slouch took.

[@australianboy]

A very good insight into filmmaking, cinematography, and personally for photography. Imitating, attempting to simulate, framing, recreating shots… so much goodness in one video. (Also enjoyed counting “of course”)

[@iankim9684]

you're the best! this really got me thinking. many thanks from korea I'm your big fan!

[@waynosfotos]

I think to break this down i do believe there is 2 many key elements to video. 1. Motion, you need motion in the scene or create motion with the camera. You need to be creative to do this. 2. Lighting is key, it gives mood and feeling. As with photos lighting lighting lighting. As to motion I don't like adding stuff to a camera, rigging out, bigger screen etc, because it physically limits your movement. With just the camera you can try more active movements. A camera on a gimbal or steadycam being relatively light can be far more creative than a heavy built out rig. Although it may get slight better image. You need to prioritise how you shoot.

[@itsalexoh]

Loved seeing the BTS of all the scenes you recreated! My takeaway from this video is the realization of "I'm capable of creating frames that look like they can fit in those movies" when you put to practice your skills to create something you find interesting!

[@targetfilmsproduction]

Very productive way of keeping your creativity fresh

[@thelazylorenz]

This is really inspiring! You should make this a regular thing!

[@DanielGT_93]

Finally a good video that inspired me to try. Almost all videos talk about equipment and technical stuff, i need the ideias and inspiration. I tried all shots with my Nex 3f and an 35mm 1.6 by ttartisans, and given the equipment, i think it looked cool! Thanks

[@RyanKao]

Glad I could help Daniel! Thanks for watching!!

[@Supercon57]

It's also important to not just know how to visually create those looks but to understand when and why you would use them

[@Caz_snaps]

This is good! I’ve been putting off starting to shoot random things or solo shots just walking around but it’s putting that first step and just shoot! Failure helps you get better!

[@RyanKao]

Absolutely!!! Go for it dude

[@mySeaPrince_]

Carry a camera with you ready to film...

[@petrolpoodle]

One of my favourite videography videos I've watched in the last 2 years of binging! What a unique, inspiring and amazingly executed idea!

[@speeddemon4692]

As a beginner i never thought of it like that but i'm slowly starting to realize that the reason why cinematography or photography feel so abstract is because of the bits and pieces it takes from other things to create a contradictingly unique and skillful craft.

[@paulbvid]

U r the most well spoken filmmaker I follow. Bought the Sony 24-105 after seeing ur review on that. All ur posts are dope

[@samuelmaynard84]

Awesome video bro I’m definitely going to try this! I love this idea. Is it a bit far fetched to recreate the Batman car chase scene😅

[@RyanKao]

Do it!!!!

[@mySeaPrince_]

I saw a video on YT about.. I think it was the latest film.. most were Visual Effects .. actually done for real.. With a few Special Effects done after on a computer.. masking out the crane or rather large trolley car (17? tons) that made the Batmobile fly.. the lorry flipping was done for real, big spikes at the front of the cab and a massive air cannon under the trailer.. you see the smoke when it's upside down in the film. I enjoy watching the making of films.. Also have a look at filming miniatures and how magicians do things. Just looked at your channel.. didn't watch any videos.. Your getting a healthy number of views.. On average 154 videos.. long form.. are needed to get 1000 subscribers.. your above that ratio.. keep doing what you are doing. At about 625 subscribers traction can happen, only a theory.. I've noticed.

[@giulianogirelli]

in the great ocean of youtube as far as filmaking is concerned, I am only now aware of your great skill in communicating concepts in a simple and effective way, even from an emotional point of view. great job Ryan, bravo bravo

[@apmotionbyandyphoto650]

I dont think perfect practice makes perfect as nice as it sounds, but i do believe that Practice Makes Improvement. Because we are never perfect we just become better than we were

[@RyanKao]

Very true!!

[@mySeaPrince_]

... Experience...

[@sethdubois1790]

Awesome overview. It's one thing to have to learn on the fly, but practicing fundamentals helps make those "on the fly" moments much easier to handle.

[@jacklee7343]

Humbling to see you continue to practice in your filmmaking journey!

[@RyanKao]

Thank you Jack!!! 🙏

[@marcgalang707]

I love this video and the sponsor of this video, Canva. I use it everyday for powerpoints, social media graphics, magazine ads and all the way up to big billboards. It's insane. Now back to the video. I'm thinking of recreating a few shots from Mr. Robot and Taxi Driver.

[@SiThuVisuals]

This is so amazing and inspiring. I finally got my on camera monitor and can’t wait to practice out. 👏🏻

[@websurfer945]

Great point bro, mindful about the practice and works is always the key

[@jared_taylor]

I definitely agree with this and have found recreating scenes or recreating color grades from movies have help me get way better. I even had a team practice a shot for shot scene from a movie. This really grew everyone a lot. And analyzing everything with the intention of recreating it is a way more involved version of analysis

[@Federicoxserrano]

Love this man! What a great reminder.

[@wei-r-doe.tv.studios]

Yes, definitely I’ve been in a major slump not having ideas or trying to save to purchase n produce good content but, this omg 😱 thank you 🙏🏾.

[@Camera_n00b]

Very interesting point of view about practice... I'll try it...Thanks!

[@lisavanggg]

Your results were seriously spot on! The frame, the lighting, the colour. I'm blown away.

[@mathiassiebert1217]

I agree with you on many aspects. And in the analysis of our "trying out" I also saw myself. But as for music (I studied music) you are wrong. Learning scales, chords, and theory thoroughly gives you the opportunity to play songs by your favorite artist particularly quickly. Because you have the base. If you have neglected special techniques beforehand and then have to bring them up again and again with certain songs, it will take you much longer. The base, if you will, is broader in music and covers more areas than in "cameraman".

[@leokeller]

probably my new favourite video on your channel

[@RyanKao]

Ayyyy thank you dude!

[@matheusdaring]

very nice, ryan. i think you're the most underrated creator right now on youtube. thanks for the great tips as always. cheers from brazil!

[@RyanKao]

Wow, thank you Matheus 🙏 appreciate your support

[@eddiedimilano77]

Practice makes improvement! Nothing is perfect!

[@jeffreyhofmeister3103]

Rayon, thank you for this presentation. It was very informative. Kind of one that makes you think about what we need to keep in the back of your minds. My dad was a mechanical engineer, he always said practice, practice and more practice will make improvement. This kind of hits home.

[@TheLoftySloth]

i love this idea. I have been wanting to do this with music videos for years!!

[@RyanKao]

Do it!! So much fun

[@alexeypunov2642]

What a great video. Motivating, HQ results, perfect example of a great practice for a daily routine. You got my honest Subscribe, buddy

[@priyaanshu6391]

This makes so much sense! I'm inspired. Thanks Ryan.

[@calvinwongmedia]

Great video! My cinematography teacher in the past also asked us to do this exercise. We had to perfect the lighting as well too though.

[@john.richter_]

Practice makes perfect. Excellent video mate! 🤍

[@RyanKao]

100% 🙌

[@baller4ad]

I loved just coming along with you on this and watching you practice framing. Felt oddly soothing. 😃

[@hogg1media627]

Great idea!!!! its fast forwarding and challenging ourselves to EXPERIENCE IN THE FIELD ACTION! good video!

[@RyanKao]

Yes! Thank you!

[@MrDavidPartida]

Phenomenal upload 👏🏼 Side: The Lobster has been added to the “to do list” for the day

[@SachaBourlon]

Man great vid! I actually started to do that a couple of months ago, but I only took shots and composition of Netflix’s documentaries as I love their storytelling!! Nice color grade btw !!

[@LeviSpangler]

I'm not sure why people think its a bad thing to "copy" shots that you find inspiring. Thats how every artist grows.

[@dtyusufceylan]

This is one of the most inspiring videos I’ve ever watched on KZbin ! Thanks

[@AdamAbello]

Awesome idea for actual practice 👏 giving some purpose to playing around love it

[@KenFlanagan]

I appreciate the intent here but this seems often the case when people recreate shots from films that they are not taking the context of the shot into consideration (where is the absurdity coming from) and here unfortunately we have chosen some very simple references that frankly don’t really need much practice to achieve. It might have been interesting to look at the effect of his wide angles in the favourite?? Here the frames really seem a little too simple that there are barely any variables to have to deal with. Not sure the point but a note from the great and overly referenced Roger Deakins probably suggests that the best practice is where it involves random problem solving with the tools available and learning which tool to reach for. One thing to note is that recreating frames from movies is usually super easy especially if we have access to effectively the same equipment. Why wouldn’t it be?? The main difference when it comes to professional cinematography in narrative films seems to be how a scene has to be planned to have constant light and conditions long enough for the actors and scene to be shot consistently multiple times. Hence daylight can be an issue and why recreating constant sources of light is usually what takes up an inordinate amount of time and effort. A shot in the woods or by a window in silhouette might not need it but usually there’s a bit more shaping and fighting the elements needed than is shown here. Also two shots and often more complicated blocking is probably a better stretch for practice. Frankly a single person sitting is about as passive and easy as a frame or action as it gets though of course very effective in context. A silhouette by a window?! I would suggest that there are a few more challenging scenarios that really do need practice and experience not least setting up the most cost effective way to set up a scene that requires shaping the light and that saves time and resources on set. The other thing perhaps to remember is cinematography is hardly rocket science. With the right equipment almost anyone can dissect a still frame and work out what is going on. Camera movement is a whole other game though that does need practice. Meanwhile I defy anyone using an arri Alexa to not shoot something cinematic if they just point it at someone staring off into the distance. Take almost any still from nomad land to see what it takes to win an Oscar. It’s pretty simple stuff once you have great actors in front of you. What seems to need some practice is understanding how to operate the gear blind fold and in your sleep and then to know how to use the support grip and lighting to push the experience into the professional sphere when a little more is asked for. I guess it’s assumed that people can choose a lens choose a frame and push record when they see something worth capturing. It’s all the other stuff that needs practice and experience. Planning and time management I would say are the parts of cinematography that people don’t practice nearly enough. That said the lobster js a fun film and absurdist framing is a style in itself. Wes Anderson?! Maybe Dogtooth has some interesting things to note on that front too. Thanks so much for the video. I appreciate that making anything takes a huge amount of time and effort. Thank you.

[@glatznatureproductions]

Super inspirational and informative video. Thanks for sharing.

[@RyanKao]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@academicdeaneducation6671]

Context cements the concept BUT there is no substitute for drill/repetition. In fact, drill can create understanding when context may not. Greg Norman, professional golfer was approached by a fan who said "I'd do anything to have a swing like yours", to which Norman replied " no you wouldn't because you aren't willing to come out here to hit 1500/15000 balls every day.

[@brandonfrancis1317]

Should make this a series

[@CristianSGuedes]

Yes! very inspiring! thanks for sharing.

[@MrJimaja]

That's so very true! I've been practicing wrong, I'm glad I saw your video! You have a new subscriber!

[@jj8624-s8m]

This was a great one, great analogies!

[@rasikmohanmunda1214]

very much creative way of getting better

[@RyanKao]

🤗

[@_20nine_]

As an artist of multiple mediums, I don't think there is really a specific way of doing anything. Great artists spend their entire life trying to make the perfect piece, only to revert back to simplistic styles when they have mastered the medium. You can copy the greats all you want, but at the end of the day, the real goal is to build a unique style. I am not the best at anything but practice to me is going out with no plan, a blank canvas and see what I can create in one day. What story can I capture. A "daily" if you like. That forces you to look, to make things out of nothing, search for an angle, wait for a specific time to capture something. To me it's really about lighting. A simple flower can tell many stories. The next generation of great films will be from indie film makers. ++ do learn the basics, that way you can break them!

[@JayFingers]

Such good advice. And Yorgos Lanthimos is a huge inspiration for me as well. You should check out “The Favourite.” I love its use of wide angle lenses.

[@linkfactors]

Great exercise! Enjoyed the video. Subscribed.

[@AlexBjorstorp]

Love this idea Ryan! Definitely something I need to try myself.

[@tubomit]

Thank you so much for this video which inspires me to practice in a much more efficient way. ♥️ from Việt Nam 🇻🇳

[@SkinnyVampiress]

I am a musician and I like just fooling around with the guitar or synth, and not really "practice" or doing any actual music... hehe.. the same with camera and lenses. Sometimes it just feels good to turn on your camera, film a flower or tree, move focus ring, etc. and be satisfied with the process :) is it really bad?? lol. p.s. The Lobster is awesome. Even better than "legendary" The killing of a sacred deer, in my opinion.

[@tomshani3349]

Amazing advice mate!

[@RyanKao]

Glad it was helpful Tom!!

[@ailo4x4]

It's a key element of Malcom Gladwell's "10 thousand hour rule". As Gladwell tells it, the rule goes like this: it takes 10,000 hours of intensive practice to achieve mastery of complex skills and materials, like playing the violin or getting as good as Bill Gates. In our case, as good as any A-list director. It's from Gladwell's book "Outliers." Most highly recommend it.

[@TailoredTechnique]

Bro, love your work and videos...these tips show how simple we can make it...How were you able to get the monitor on your cell phone?

[@irandario]

I loved this one. Congrats! So inspiring!

[@muhmdmorra]

I didnt find what i thought I would see from the video title, however I am glad i did watch the video! Man, this is so dam inspiring and u did a really good job! One of a few best videos touturial i found

[@RyanKao]

Amazing to hear. Glad you found it inspiring!! 🙏🥲

[@homesickandwestbound4321]

Great advice!!! I'm setting straight away to try some Wes Anderson inspired shots!

[@torstenrichertz]

So cool! gonna try that as well!

[@KKDNerd]

Love this. Super inspiring

[@RyanKao]

Thanks so much Kyle!

[@iclickridetravelbysoumita8193]

Great exercise for beginners! Thanks Ryan 🙏

[@PrendosNewZealandLimited]

Last shot was pretty cool. Definitely going to try this exercise. Thanks heaps man.

[@MarcelWasserman]

Loving your content, thank bud.

[@backyardjunkie]

Ryan, this is great content, inspired now to try some of this. Thanks yooo, and your assistant of course. Nice apartment by the by, love the Windows to the floor..

[@TristinOByrne]

Thanks man really needed this in my life

[@nigell.8705]

Your fiance, wife now probably, is a keeper.

[@KristinaAdventures]

wow absolutely love this idea Ryan! I always notice framing of content creators' videos and admire it, but I have never gone out to recreate them! will focus on that to improve my filmmaking. this is my first video I watch of yours, will be following you! keep up the outstanding work 😊👍

[@OmkarKaduFilms]

Agree with you completely.

[@RyanKao]

Thank you bro 🙏

[@mannaffolki]

Nice work. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@stevenxzuber]

Ryan, a wonderful piece of content right here! I am insanely impressed about how much you have grown and the overall storytelling and quality of your work. Been following you since you had like 10k subs and here you are rocking 170k and many more to come! Keep it up man

[@GuillePozzi]

Amazing video and great workout! But of course, REcreating is much easier than Creating from scratch, that would be something nice to practice… like pretending the continuation of a scene so you have to practice maintaining that cinematography, but working on your creative by changing the scene/setup