The Practical Filmmaker

Leaving the comfort and security of a corporate gig to become your own boss can be frightening. This week we walk with Steph Cullen, freelance filmmaker, on her transition from corporate life to freelancing. In this episode, she talks about creating legal contracts, insurance, and her favorite nonprofit. Listen to hear how Steph has transitioned from corporate life to becoming a freelancer. Key Points:1:30 - How she got started3:39 - Why she left the security of her corporate job8:27 - Creating legal contracts11:55 - Favorite gear15:14 - Types of projects she takes on16:06 - Something going wrong20:30 - OMG Female Filmmakers 23:02 - Favorite Nonprofit to work with24:48 - Highlight and lowlight of freelance experience Links:Nick Richey EpisodeUniversity of Idaho Law ClinicArt List IOFreshbooksWebsiteConnect with the Practical FilmmakerFollow The Practical Filmmaker on InstagramWatch more episodes on YouTubeFind more filmmaking resources

If you have a passion for metal artwork, you might be interested in becoming a props fabricator.This week Eric Anthony Leong, Props Fabricator, shares how he started in the industry. Eric's film resume includes Black Adam, Till, and Marvel. In this episode he talks about venturing into the industry, working on set, and setting rates.Listen to hear how you can turn your passion for creating metal artwork into a film career.Key points:1:30 - Becoming a prop fabricator 7:29 - Venturing into the film and television world11:03 - Getting details on how the props are being used11:39 - Communicating with different departments14:10 - Who eats the cost when someone makes a mistake16:41 - Working on set20:15 - Union requirements 23:08 - Setting rates28:30 - Something going wrong with materials 30:10 - What is overlooked 34:32 - Tools of the trade37:50 - Why he's in the industry46:06 - Average build timeLinks:YouTubeFacebookInstagramWebsiteConnect with the Practical FilmmakerFollow The Practical Filmmaker on InstagramWatch more episodes on YouTubeFind more filmmaking resources

In 10 days, we'll be having our 2nd annual virtual mixer on the Gather platform! Go to @practicalfilmmaker on insta or thepracticalfilmmaker.com to sign up!Filmmakers/Showcase:-John Quinn - Editor (Horror genre, The Chosen)-Nick Richey - Indie Writer/Director of 1-800-HOT-NITE-Alex Goetz - outdoor filmmaker (NatGeo, BBC)-Nina Vallado - Documentary filmmaker (Student Academy Award finalist)-Theo Brown - Indie Writer/Director - Feature-Lenny Leonardo - Indie Writer/Director - Series-Sydney Tooley - Writer/Director (Sun Moon with Sony Affirm)Giveaways/Prizes include:-1 TB NVMe SSD-$30 Film Tools Gift Card-Gaffe tape galore!-Practical Filmmaker swag!Connect with the Practical FilmmakerFollow The Practical Filmmaker on InstagramWatch more episodes on YouTubeFind more filmmaking resources

Should you skip film school?This week Nick Richey, indie writer & director, shares how he went from an economics major in college to making feature films. In this episode, Nick tells how he skipped film school, making his latest project 1-800-Hot-Nite, and paying himself as a director.Listen to learn if film school is right for you.Key points:1:24 - How he got started in the industry6:45 - First feature film9:25 - No formal education 11:34 - Something going wrong 15:14 - Investing in your career 18:54 - Latest film 1-800-Hot-Nite23:30 - Favorite day on set25:23 - What went wrong on set32:50 - Screening went wrong34:24 - Creating coming-of-age films36:32 - Next project38:28 - Making a distribution deal48:34 - Paying yourself 54:06 - Favorite gear57:29 - How to trust your guy on castingLinks:Low Low Trailer1-800-Hot-Nite TrailerStudio BinderStudio Binder YouTubeShot DeckAtlas LensTwitterInstagramConnect with the Practical FilmmakerFollow The Practical Filmmaker on InstagramWatch more episodes on YouTubeFind more filmmaking resources

When starting as a freelance producer, you will make mistakes, and it's okay. This week Bryan Fellows, a freelance producer for Nascar, Nat Geo, and Disney+, shares how he overcame his mistakes from starting out as a freelance producer. In this episode, he talks about his career pivot, getting started in producing commercials, and the tools he uses to streamline his workflow.Listen to avoid easy mistakes when starting out as a freelance producer.Key Points:1:36 - How he started4:18 - Wanting to Direct7:10 - Starting own production company 11:54 - When a project didn't work out15:01 - Pivot point to producing commercials 27:22 - Getting started into the commercial world31:37 - Learning on the job35:12 - New software to help producers36:48 - Turn around expectations 39:30 - Bidding on a job42:06 - How to quote for his time 45:41 - Favorite tools Links:Episode 6 Where SpotVideo VillageHot BudgetMovie MagicSet HeroStudio BinderFrame IOWrapbook NotionWebsiteInstagramConnect with the Practical FilmmakerFollow The Practical Filmmaker on InstagramWatch more episodes on YouTubeFind more filmmaking resources

If you have a passion for designing and like to manage large projects, becoming a set designer might be for you.This week Cece Destefano, Production Designer, for Alias, Empire, and They/Them, shares how she got started in the industry.  In this episode, she talks about how to get your big break, her favorite gear, and how to get started. Listen to learn how to become a set designer for TV and feature films. Key points:1:26 - How she got started6:03 - How to get your big break11:08 - Big break19:11 - Set structure for the production designer, set decorating, and art department 23:15 - Favorite set to build for Alias 29:07 - Top 5 resources  32:23 - Favorite gear38:17 - Pay rate40:39 - Something going wrong 43:31 - Budgeting for construction costs47:52 - How to get into the industry Links:IMDBWebsiteArtemis ProSpectroBosch Laser Measure Sun SeekerScriptation Connect with the Practical FilmmakerFollow The Practical Filmmaker on InstagramWatch more episodes on YouTubeFind more filmmaking resources

If you love fashion and making films, check out the Wardrobe Department.This week we have Ashley Heathcock to share how she went from working for a local designer in New Orleans to designing costumes for TV shows and movies. In this episode, she talks about how she got started, the rules of the trade, and joining the costume guild.Ashley has worked on Magnum PI, Bright, and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.Listen to learn how you can turn your love for fashion and filmmaking into a full-time gig.Key points:00:00 - Intro2:05 - Getting started5:49 - Wardrobe Dept terms7:15 - Modifying and creating pieces 8:46 - What happens to costumes after the shoot10:27 - Rules of the trade11:21 - Aging and dyeing process tips16:34 - Difference between a bad and good job18:10 - How to get started21:30 - How early in the process are you brought in22:12 - Pay rate for costumers 22:44 - Prepping costume truck26:21 - Expectations for pay27:55 - What does it take to get into a union32:38 - Getting started in the union 33:44 - Finding other costume designers 35:04 - Favorite Gear39:35 - Something going wrong43:55 - Weaving personality into the design 44:41 - Best places to get materials Links:IMDBLocal 478 Union New Orleans Costume Desing GuildSync on SetMood Fabrics Connect on InstagramWebsiteConnect with the Practical FilmmakerFollow The Practical Filmmaker on InstagramWatch more episodes on YouTubeFind more filmmaking resources

What happens when you question your career in film?This week Corey and Emily Critser share their journey of leaving LA for the South East and launching a commercial photography business. In this episode they share what skills transitioned from film to photography, bidding on jobs, and setting their rates.Listen to hear how their risk paid off.Key points:1:09 - Transitioning from filmmaking to commercial photography 8:37 - Blending and photo and video projects12:50 - What skills transitioned from film to photography 16:14 - Bidding jobs22:23 - Working with an agent 26:35 - Setting rates31:22 - Full-day shoot price range34:45 - Favorite gear37:37 - Something going wrong42:59 - Managing work-life balance Links:Lanewood StudioInstagramConnect with the Practical FilmmakerFollow The Practical Filmmaker on InstagramWatch more episodes on YouTubeFind more filmmaking resources

Don't be tempted to jump straight into DPing your first gig.This week Bryan Folwer, DP & Steadicam Op, shares how you can get started as a DP. In this episode, he talks about setting your daily rate, unions for DPs, and skills needed to be a DP other than knowing how to light.Listen now to learn how you can get paid to be a DP.Key points:1:55 - How he got started7:04 - Question to ask a DP when hiring 12:02 - Daily rate when getting started18:40 - BBC Documentary20:25 - Favorite types of shoots23:27 - Unions for DP's25:27 - Setting up benefits 30:41 - Favorite Gear32:30 - Using a steady cam34:29 - New gear41:58 - Something going wrong 46:21 - How to get started as a DPLinks:Fowler FilmsCovert CoffeeProlycht Orion 300 FS KitGodox Parabolic 128 Reflector KitConnect with the Practical FilmmakerFollow The Practical Filmmaker on InstagramWatch more episodes on YouTubeFind more filmmaking resourcesConnect with the Practical FilmmakerFollow The Practical Filmmaker on InstagramWatch more episodes on YouTubeFind more filmmaking resources

If you give your art department the time and resources they need, they can turn a flat set into a dynamic space that will transport your audience into the world you’re trying to convey.This week Clifton Chandler, Production Designer, shares his experience from working in the art department and what resources producers need to provide to make their sets look amazing. In this episode, he talks about the must have basics, how to stay organized, and how to hire for the art department. Listen now to learn how to better work with your production designer.Key points:3:01 - Getting started in the art department5:00 - Take-aways after first project7:14 - Must-haves10:08 - How to stay organized 12:05 - What to look for when hiring the art department 14:55 - Day rates for art department 18:31 - What if director doesn't like your work26:17 - Rules to live by for art department 29:33 - Favorite gear32:23 - Something going wrong 37:35 - Why the art department Links:InstagramWebsite Connect with the Practical FilmmakerFollow The Practical Filmmaker on InstagramWatch more episodes on YouTubeFind more filmmaking resourcesConnect with the Practical FilmmakerFollow The Practical Filmmaker on InstagramWatch more episodes on YouTubeFind more filmmaking resources