In this episode of the "Don't Suck at Video!" podcast, Nick discusses what camera and lights to buy when starting out in filmmaking, breaking down the what and why of picking certain equipment, and suggesting specific equipment for your first camera and lighting package. He emphasizes the importance of considering whether you actually need to buy equipment at all, as learning can be done with minimal equipment such as a smartphone. However, if you feel the need to take your skills to the next level, he provides recommendations for cameras and highlights the key features to look for. He also stresses the significance of investing in lighting, as it can greatly impact the visual quality of your films. On a lower budget project, working with existing lighting and enhancing it is key.

Takeaways:

Network with others in the industry to learn and gain access to equipment

In this conversation, Nick LaRovere interviews Sean Campbell, a freelance independent journalist turned corporate news journalist. They discuss their favorite movies, Sean's career path, and offer advice for those starting out in the media industry. Sean shares his experience covering the revolution in Egypt and emphasizes the importance of finding your niche and becoming excellent at it. They also discuss the challenges of juggling a full-time job with freelance work and the need for budgeting and financial planning. To get started in freelance journalism, it's important to put your work out there and create visibility for yourself. Share your work on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. While monetization on YouTube may be challenging for independent journalists, it's still a great platform for getting your work seen. Building a network of contacts in the industry is also crucial. Start by giving away a few packages of your work to get your foot in the door and establish relationships with reporters, journalists, and producers. Additionally, it's important to know your limitations and whether you're built for the challenges of frontline journalism.

Takeaways

Takeaways:

The importance of capturing authentic moments in wedding videography and photography

Maintaining strong communication with clients is crucial for success in the wedding industry

Understanding the challenges and joys of working in the wedding industry

The significance of mastering technical skills and developing a personal style in wedding videography and photography

00:00 Discovering the Passion for Video and Photography

In this conversation, Nick LaRovere interviews Marcus Pittman, the CEO of LOOR TV, a streaming platform that incubates new filmmaking talent and allows subscribers to fund and watch exclusive stories. They discuss their favorite movies and TV shows, the importance of storytelling in reality TV, the challenges of the film industry and the Christian movie genre, and the vision behind LOOR TV. Nick shares his journey in creating the post-apocalyptic world of Esotera and his plans to expand the universe. They also discuss the process of pitching and working with LOOR TV.

00:00 Introduction to LOOR TV and Marcus Pittman

03:24 The Impact of Better Call Saul on Breaking Bad

10:09 Challenges in the Movie Industry

28:49 The Vision Behind LOOR TV

39:23 Building the World of Esotera

45:11 The Goals of Esotera and Future Plans

In this episode, Nick LaRovere answers questions from the Arizona filmmaking community. He discusses topics such as securing an agent, funding for films, becoming a skilled producer, and the future of content and independent filmmakers. He emphasizes the importance of building a body of work and a strong brand to attract agents. He also explores various funding options, including crowdfunding, personal financing, and seeking investors. Nick advises filmmakers to gain experience by working on their own projects or collaborating with others. He suggests that independent creators focus on building their own audience and leveraging that audience to attract investment and opportunities. He also acknowledges the challenges and changes in the traditional Hollywood system and encourages filmmakers to forge their own path.

00:00 Introduction and Q&A Format

00:59 Securing an Agent: Building a Body of Work and a Strong Brand

08:55 Becoming a Skilled Producer: Gaining Experience and Networking

16:18 The Future of Content and Independent Filmmakers: Building Your Own Audience

Nick speaks with Joseph Mbah, a 6-time feature filmmaker and business owner who runs Paradox Universe with his wife Amber.

We talk about the process and learning on his 6th feature film that made it a joyful process to make the film, what filmmakers can do to get their first feature film made, and general tips for overcoming obstacles in film and business.

Find Joseph on Instagram @joseph_mbah and online at paradoxuniverse.net.

Nick and Joe talk about - at least for video production businesses - there is a tendency to not want to do marketing and sales, only focus on the work itself. Being artists at heart, it's only natural. However, taking charge of marketing and sales is absolutely essential because you will be the strongest advocate and champion of your business.

Nick and Joseph talk about the effort and perseverance that it takes to make your dreams a reality. Joe shares his filmmaking journey and talks about the fact that because filmmaking is very difficult and making films is often long hours, it can cause burnout. Joe shares things he has learned from a few rough experiences.

Welcome to episode 4 of the Storyteller podcast. This is our New Year's episode. Traditionally, most people use New Year's to think about the past year and how they will carry themselves into the next year. It's a good time to think about what you did that worked and didn't work.

That's exactly what I did for this episode. I condensed everything I talked about and wrote about this year into 15 key lessons we can take to heart for 2020 to become better filmmakers and better humans.

Enjoy.

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This episode, I have a discussion with writer/director Joseph Mbah. Joseph has directed 4 feature films and written 2 of the 4. We discuss his experience making his first feature film and what he recommends for those who want to do the same, including how to approach filming, funding, and distribution. 

We also talk about his experience getting his recent film "Expo" on Netflix, and how that came about as well as what filmmakers can expect when looking to get better noticed for their work.

This episode is full of experience and wisdom from Joe - so don't miss out, especially if you've been feeling 'stuck' and unable to get enough wind under your sails to get your first feature film off the ground.

You can find Joseph's film "Expo" here. Follow him on Instagram @Joseph_Mbah.