The Practical Filmmaker

Thank you guys for listening—really appreciate your interaction. With the ones who have reached out, I know we're hitting our target market and I LOVE IT. Here's a teaser for our episode next week; til then, Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

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If you're going to use Joker lights, you might want to consider adding the Kurve 6 Kit to your lighting rig.

This week David George reviews the Kurve 6 from his latest project. He shares what he liked and didn't like about the light and the issues they had on set.

Watch to see if the Kurve 6 Kit will work for your next project.

Pros:
Easy to pack in case
Crank to tilt light
Change focus

Cons:
 Spill light on the sides

Key Points:
:06 - What is a Kurve product
1:44 - Pros & Cons

Links:
Kurve 6 Kit
Joker 800
Joker 1600
Briese light

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Avoid most basic mistakes inexperienced Production Assistants (PA) make on set.

This week, Tanya talks with Jennifer and Monique about their experience as a PA and what they learned to help you become an experienced PA. 

Jennifer "Jedon" Hatcher and Monique C. Shaw started out as PA's and saw a need to help aspiring PA's prepare for their first opportunity on set. In this episode, they share why they wrote the book Walkie Check? Good Check - The Complete Guide To Being A Production Assistant In The Television & Film Industry, the first thing PA's should learn, and working non-union.

Listen to be prepared for your next opportunity to become a PA.

Key Points:
1:50 - How they got started
7:28 - Why help PA's with your book
11:13 - Different PA roles
15:37 - Difference between commercial work and a feature
19:05 - First thing for PA's to learn
23:16 - When something goes wrong
28:45 - Working without a Union as a PA
37:40 - What do they want to create
42:37 - How much do PA's make
43:40 - Most interesting set location

Links:
First Team Productions
Walkie Check? Good Check - The Complete Guide To Being A Production Assistant In The Television & Film Industry
Report Abuse on Set
First Team Pros on Instagram
Whitney Lane
Imani Woodard Instagram

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Sometimes you have to try different things to find your passion. This week, Leslie Foster shares his journey into experimental filmmaking. They talk about going to grad school, paying the bills, and the difference between the film and art world. 

Listen to Leslie share how he found his passion with experimental filmmaking. 

Key Points:
1:37 - How Leslie got started
4:38 - First film job
5:34 - First art installation
8:13 - Going to grad school at UCLA
11:51 - Goal after grad school
15:00 - Leslie inspired Tanya to get into film
17:37 - Paying the bills
24:29 - Difference between film and art world
28:53 - What do you look for when curating art
33:32 - Where to find a community when getting started 
35:49- Reliable old piece of gear
37:43 - New Gadget that revolutionizes work
40:44 - Overcoming something going wrong 
45:03 - Shifting from film to art
47:04 - Future projects 
50:50 - Experimental film definition 

Links:
Leslie Foster Patreon
Leslie Instagram
Fusion 360
Evernote
Website

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Come hang out! Sunday Nov 7, 1p PST/4p EST - Go to our insta, @practicalfilmmaker and click the Link in Bio to RSVP.

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Joining a union can be expensive, but is it worth the investment?

This week, Saul Cervantes, Local Union 728 member, shares why he joined the union and how it's helped him achieve his career goals. Saul talks about why he joined the union, what it takes to join, and the looming strike in Hollywood. 

Listen to see if joining the union is the right investment for you to achieve your career goals. 

Key points:
1:21 - How he got started
3:11 - Strategies to achieve his goal
4:01 - Difference between rigging and striking
4:31 - Why he joined the Union 728
5:24 - Qualifications to join the union
7:37 - Joining another union
9:17 - Hollywood Strike
12:17 - Safety on set
14:57 - What he looks for in a beginner 
16:35 - Skills to develop 
18:56 - Tools he uses on set
20:50 - Reliable old tools
21:25 - Favorite new gear
22:19 - Current project
25:16 - Why you shouldn't go to film filmschool

Links:
ShittyRigs
Shot Designer 

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Is the SmallRig a better solution than a full cage for the Canon C70?

This week David George talks with Nick Evenson, Creative Director, who shares why he opted for the SmallRig over a full cage for his Canon C70. 

Listen to see if the SmallRig will work for your C70. 

Pros: 

⭐️ Magnetic tool easily unscrew your base plate

⭐️ Easily mount top handle

⭐ 2 cold shoes

⭐ Easy access to camera controls

Cons:

🚫 Wiggle in camera cold shoe mount

Key points:

:09 - Rig on Canon C70

:20 - Baseplate Feature

:46 - Why Nick Bought the Small Rig

1:07 - Any Quirks 

1:55 - Why The SmallRig

Links:

SmallRig for C70

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Korey Pollard is a 1st Assistant Director in the Director’s Guild of America and shares stories of working on Jack Ryan, The Orville, and 9-1-1. He discusses his recovery from addiction and trauma, and his passion for education. Listen to Korey and Tanya talk healthy boundaries in the entertainment industry.

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Are the Astera NYX bulbs worth the extra money?

In this review we cover the ins-and-outs of the Astera NYX bulbs to see if they are worth the extra investment. David George shares what he likes and dislikes about using the lights on set and few quirks you might come across when setting them up for the first time.

Listen to see if the Astera NYX bulbs are worth the extra money .

Pros:
⭐️CRMX Radios or cumin Radios built in
⭐️Control from app on your phone

Cons:
🚫No built-in battery
🚫Settings not saving without updated firmware

Key points:
:19 - What are the Aster NYX Bulbs?
1:19 - Interface
2:47 - USB power cable
3:27 - Suction-cup hat
4:33 - App Controler
5:26 - Setting not getting saved

Links:
Astera NYX Bulb

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Easily make your way on set to become a PA. 

This week, BJ Pasinger shares tips he used to get on set to become a PA. In this episode BJ shares how he got started as a PA, networking as an introvert, and how it's okay to make mistakes. 

BJ's resume includes STARZ show “Vida” and HBO’s “Insecure” and Netflix’s “Never Have I Ever.”

Listen to this guide on how you can become a PA in Hollywood. 

Key points
1:39 - How did he get started
10:10 - Difference in day playing and getting staffed
14:10 - Networking as an introvert 
18:47 - Working on mental health
21:57 - Starting out as a PA
24:23 - Getting lost with Zendaya
28:04 - 10 years to get started
30:41 - Biggest surprise when getting started
33:50 - Strategies for moving to a writing gig 
35:41 - Using Twitter for Advice
37:39 - Changing scripts on set
39:35 - Cues on what works & what doesn't when writing 
43:25 - Gear that makes his job easier
51:22 - Future projects 

Links
Julio Zepeda Episode
Lucas Tanaka Episode
Korey Pollard Episode
Raul Martin Romero Episode
Final Draft
Surveillance Headset
Run A Better Set
BJ Pasinger Instagram
BJ Pasinger Twitter

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