Resources

There are so many different camera types and models out there it’s no wonder people are confused about what camera they should use. The best advice I can give is this: if you are just getting started, any camera will do, you can even use your phone! Avoid investing in an expensive camera until you have created films for a while so you know what you need and want.

Being a photography enthusiast, I shoot all my videos using DSLRs. My main camera is the Canon EOS 5D Mark III with the Canon EF 24-70mm F/2.8L II USM Lens and occasionally the Canon EF 70-200mm F/4 L IS USM Lens.

You can find a much more detailed list on my Cameras and Lenses for Film Makers page.

The two main software tools I use for my own film projects are Adobe After Effects CC and Adobe Premiere Pro CC. After Effects is a video compositing tool I use to create my VFX and I use Premiere Pro for all my editing needs. I also use Adobe Photoshop CC and, for noise removal, Adobe Audition CC.

Rather than paying hundreds of dollars for individual licenses, I am signed up to the Adobe Creative Cloud, a subscription based service that costs me AUD $50 / month and gives me access to all of these great tools as well as any updates and new versions.

You can find a much more detailed list on my Software For Film Makers page.

If you’re serious about film making you are likely going to need a few accessories to help you capture your visuals and your sound accurately. Tripods, lights, microphones and field monitors are just a few things that you might want to consider.

The accessories I use the most are my Manfrotto 190XPro4 Tripod with Ball Head as well as the Zoom H2N Audio Recorder and the easy to use Rode SmartLav Lavalier Microphone for all my audio needs.

You can find a much more detailed list on my Accessories for Film Makers page.

I try to film, edit and post process as much as I can to improve my skills with practice. Sometimes however, I like to just sit down and read a book to absorb some more of the theoretical knowledge for film making and visual effects.

Two books I can recommend for absolute film making beginners are Grammar of the Edit and Grammar of the Shot. If you want to get a better understanding of VFX in the film industry, different approaches and techniques, check out the The VES Handbook of Visual Effects.

You can find a much more detailed list on my Books for Film Makers page.