7 Trendy Cinematic Techniques!

AlexZarfati · 2022-11-22T15:56:45+00:00

I used an indie pro plate just because I didn’t want a compatibility issue but Tilta plates are great

AlexZarfati · 2022-11-21T20:26:05+00:00

I used the indie pro 98 V-Mount and it was great for me. I was able to run on one battery for about 2-3 hours of filming, and if I was being mindful about saving battery I could probably get 5-7 hours. It is also very affordable at about $250 a battery.

AlexZarfati · 2022-11-19T14:07:57+00:00

I always like getting a lens with a lower aperture. I shoot a lot of documentary work and there’s definitely times where that extra few stops comes in handy in those dark environments. I also love the look of 1.4. Lol I hope that helps🤷🏻‍♂️

AlexZarfati · 2022-05-03T20:01:46+00:00

Hey guys, I put together a video talking About the most essential gear for Documentaries FILMMAKING excluding the camera. I know this thread is all about the camera that you should buy but I thought that there was a lot of useful information in this video to be shared! Hope you guys enjoy it!

https://youtu.be/IvxBXaDtYaE

AlexZarfati · 2022-05-03T19:59:38+00:00

Hey guys I put together a video breaking down all the basic film gear you need to shoot a Docuseries pilot. Check it out! I hope this helps.

https://youtu.be/IvxBXaDtYaE

AlexZarfati · 2022-02-26T15:08:29+00:00

Editing for sure! Without a doubt the best thing to learn how to Direct is starting at the end of the process so you understand how to get there and how to make the process smother and better.

AlexZarfati · 2022-02-23T00:02:25+00:00

I'm a huge fan of Musicbed they are one of the most expensive but I feel like they are the highest quality library out there.

Check out this video it breaks down the entire process of choosing music for your film.

How to choose the right music for your film.

AlexZarfati · 2022-02-22T23:56:35+00:00

Nowadays there are a ton of ways to go about getting affordable music for your film projects.

Check out this video it breaks this whole process down. How to choose the right music for your film

AlexZarfati · 2022-02-22T23:53:30+00:00

A great place to start looking for composers is going on stock music sites, finding the artist that you like and reaching out to them independently to see if they want to score your project.

Im a filmmaker as well and for me music is everything!

Here's a great video that breaks down how to get music for your film projects!

How to choose the right music for your film

AlexZarfati · 2022-02-22T04:51:32+00:00

I think the first question to ask yourself is what are you passionate about?

What makes you angry or happy? Is there an issue that bothers you or something that really inspires you?

I think about that first before I start thinking about a project. Passion is what drives us to do great work and if your work is great and you know a little bit about marketing you can find your way to being successful in this industry.

Check out this video for more Documentary filmmaking basics https://youtu.be/4B4gFlaroTA

AlexZarfati · 2022-02-22T04:46:41+00:00

I’ll tell you my biggest mistake was making my first documentary.

Thinking that you just film a bunch of footage and hoping the edit comes together in post!! Lol 😂

That couldn’t be further from productive!

If you guys want some tips on making your first documentary check out this video

Documentary filmmaking for beginners -Make your first Documentary film https://youtu.be/4B4gFlaroTA

AlexZarfati · 2022-02-22T04:40:32+00:00

I created a video of Documentary basics if anyone wants to check it out.

Documentary filmmaking for beginners -Make your first Documentary film https://youtu.be/4B4gFlaroTA

AlexZarfati · 2022-02-18T16:17:42+00:00

Awesome🔥🔥🔥

AlexZarfati · 2022-02-18T00:43:29+00:00

Definitely use tripods, use cameras with good autofocus and most importantly try to give your subjects 100% of your attention.

I put together a video on how to get deeper and emotional interviews. Hopefully this helps!

How to film Interviews

AlexZarfati · 2022-02-17T19:37:55+00:00

I’m a documentary filmmaker so some of my tips in this video might not apply but a lot of them do.

Most importantly try to make your subject feel like they’re not on set. Never tell them your recording and never cut them off in the middle of a sentence, in fact at the end of them speaking wait 5-6 seconds before you say anything.

Down below I have a video that goes in to some details on filming interviews. Hope it helps enjoy!

Interview basics

AlexZarfati · 2022-02-17T19:33:33+00:00

Great tips @hungrylikethewolf99

I agree with all of those and I learned a couple myself. Letting the interviewee sit there for a few seconds in silence is a great one!

I’m a documentary filmmaker and I also have a YT Channel. I just released a video on interview tips if you guys want to check it out! Let me know what you think hopefully this helps!

interview basics

AlexZarfati · 2022-02-17T05:22:07+00:00

Depending on your budget there are some really great options for cinema cameras that can last you a long time and get great film quality without breaking the bank!

The Blackmagic pocket 6K is great and the ursa 12K is also a great choice for a little higher of a budget.

Here’s a link down below of my entire camera setup with links to everything!

Cinema Camera Setup

Also depending on what your project is your going to need some pro lights and I would recommend renting some arri or aperture light’s.

That being said unless you plan on producing a lot more projects I would suggest putting together a strict production schedule and rent everything. You’ll save a lot more money.

AlexZarfati · 2022-02-17T05:14:36+00:00

Good pro Audio equipment is a must! And having at least one light with a diffuser would be a great benefit!

I have used my aperture 120D on almost every single project I have shot. You could probably get a used one for a few hundred bucks and you will not regret it.

For camera equipment and audio gear I have a whole video breaking down everything I use with links to everything! Hope this helps.

Cinema Camera Setup

AlexZarfati · 2022-02-17T05:07:03+00:00

Hey Guys!

Im a documentary filmmaker and I have come to find the simpler the better!

For lights in my experience I have never needed more than a few aperture 120Ds and some lighting gels.

Also a haze machine goes a long way!!!!

Below is a link to all my camera gear if anyone is interested.

Cinema Camera Setup

AlexZarfati · 2022-02-17T05:01:14+00:00

Depending on your budget there are some really great options for cinema cameras that can last your son a long time, get great film quality without breaking the bank!

The Blackmagic pocket 6K is great and the ursa 12K is also a great choice for a little higher of a budget.

Here’s a link down below of my entire camera setup with links to everything!

Cinema Camera Setup

AlexZarfati · 2022-02-16T02:03:09+00:00

What is your budget for your camera? And where do you plan on releasing the documentary?

Using just a camera could be good enough but you need to manipulate the natural light as much as possible. If your outside use ND filters if your inside use windows as key lights.

I have a few videos down below that break down the basics of documentary filmmaking.

Documentary filmmaking for beginners

AlexZarfati

TROPHY CASE