The quality of your images is impacted when there are streaks or specks of dust on your camera lens. If you notice your camera lens is dirty, don’t blow on it or use your shirt to wipe it off. The lens is delicate, and you may end up scratching it or otherwise making things worse.

Instead, follow a four-step process that will help you clean your lens without risking damage. All you need are a few basic tools. Here’s how to clean a camera lens. Read more

It’s exciting to arrive on set and participate in the filming process. However, moving from pre-production to the flurry of on-set activity can be confusing and chaotic. Try not to break the unspoken rules of film etiquette, so you remain professional.

Film set etiquette isn’t just for the director and actors—everyone involved has a role they need to fulfill with respect and understanding. This way, production can be completed smoothly and on schedule. To help, here are the most common dos and don’ts for etiquette on film sets. Read more

All the factors to your production process need to be lined up before you begin filming, even if you are shooting for just one or two days. This ensures production can go as smoothly as possible and that you are able to keep things within budget and on time.

A production schedule gathers all the necessary information and provides a general overview of what is needed and when. Although each production is different, there will be a few basic elements in each schedule that you draft. Here are a few tips on how to create a successful production schedule for every one of your projects. Read more

Rain can have a big impact on the look and feel of a scene. One of the most valuable tools filmmakers have at their disposal is the ability to artificially create a rain sequence or film outdoors in real rain, in order to cast a certain mood. However, it’s not easy to shoot in the rain.

Whether you film outdoors on a naturally rainy location or you are simulating fake rain, shooting in these circumstances requires special consideration and preparation. Here’s how to film in the rain successfully and ensure that your equipment and crew remain safe. Read more

Film crews need a variety of tools to ensure that production projects are completed efficiently and professionally. The tools you bring on set will vary with each individual project. However, there are several items you’ll need each time that will form a foundation for your camera department.

Many of these items are expendables—smaller items that you’ll replace with every shoot. Since they’re used and replaced often, it’s important to keep track of these essential items. To help you stay organized, here are nine camera expendables your film crew needs for every production project! Read more