Filmmaking Archives — Westcott University https://westcottu.com/topic/filmmaking Lighting Education for Photographers and Filmmakers Thu, 26 Mar 2026 14:12:28 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://westcottu.com/wp-content/uploads/icon-university.png Filmmaking Archives — Westcott University https://westcottu.com/topic/filmmaking 32 32 Cinematic Lighting for Documentary Interviews https://westcottu.com/cinematic-lighting-for-documentary-interviews Mon, 13 Oct 2025 10:03:57 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=157043 Photographer and filmmaker Shanyn Fiske uses Westcott’s constant lighting tools to create clean, natural cinematic lighting for both the interview footage and b-roll used throughout a documentary.

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]]> 157043 Lighting Breakdown: How to Film a Corporate Video https://westcottu.com/lighting-breakdown-how-to-film-a-corporate-video Fri, 09 May 2025 11:13:09 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=156650 Westcott videographer Jacob Schoonover shows how he tackled a commercial shoot for a local business using constant lights, portable light modifiers, and a flexible mindset to capture great footage with a minimal setup.

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]]> 156650 Behind the Scenes of a Run-and-Gun Fashion Film https://westcottu.com/behind-the-scenes-fashion-film Wed, 04 Sep 2019 13:50:25 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=152145 New York City-based photographer/cinematographer Dave Geffin had a challenge – shoot a high-energy fast-moving fashion film in low light and at night, in two distinct locations in Manhattan, without falling peril to the limits of lugging around bulky stands and grip. A key concept was to have the models lit so they stood out from […]

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]]> 152145 Tabletop and Overhead B-Roll Lighting Tips https://westcottu.com/tabletop-and-overhead-b-roll-lighting-tips Tue, 11 Jun 2019 20:39:16 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=151915 This video was inspired by seeing how some of our favorite content creators have been using in their production workflows. Whether doing an unboxing or creating a cooking channel, compact Flex light are awesome for creating a professional set even in the tightest of spaces. For this setup, we used a few Flex LED lights […]

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]]> 151915 Pre-Production Tips for Small Filmmaking Crews https://westcottu.com/pre-production-tips-for-small-filmmaking-crews Tue, 14 May 2019 15:20:24 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=151904 Run-and-gun filmmaking is common in the fast-moving commercial and broadcast video industry. The key to pulling off these quick, small crew shoots is by nailing pre-production. Caleb Wojcik is a pro at capturing professional videos with a small crew in a short amount of time. The San Diego-based filmmaker and educator has a ton of experience […]

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]]> 151904 3 Tips for Shooting Awesome B-Roll https://westcottu.com/3-essential-tips-for-shooting-b-roll Fri, 26 Apr 2019 13:59:48 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=151815 Caleb Wojcik is a pro at capturing cinematic b-roll in essentially any environment. The San Diego-based filmmaker and educator has a ton of experience shooting different styles of content. Caleb has shot weddings and commercials, created videos for the NHL and MLB, and develops educational tutorials for his YouTube channel DIY Video Guy. Here are his […]

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]]> 151815 Understanding the 4 Elements of Lighting https://westcottu.com/understanding-the-4-elements-of-lighting Fri, 08 Feb 2019 16:56:45 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=151683 The creative gurus behind Muse Storytelling know a thing or two about cinematic lighting. This team of Emmy award-winning filmmakers has hosted hundreds of workshops around the globe and operate the immersive Muse Film School. With all of that experience, we decided to ask them an important question: why is lighting such a crucial element of video storytelling? As Varina puts it… Light supports how you want your […]

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]]> 151683 Versatile Lighting for Horror Films https://westcottu.com/versatile-lighting-for-horror-films Mon, 12 Nov 2018 21:44:26 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=151419 Working with a small crew or on a tight budget (or both!) can really limit the amount of equipment that you can utilize on set. Finding quick and versatile gear is a big priority to keep the shoot running smoothly while also capturing quality content. For this short video, our crew of only 3 people […]

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]]> 151419 Affordable 1-Light Interview Setups https://westcottu.com/affordable-1-light-interview-setup Wed, 14 Mar 2018 16:24:33 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=150758 Jem Schofield is a producer, director, DP, and the founder of the educational site theC47. Through his channel, Jem shares his knowledge of practical production techniques and offers insider peeks at the latest and greatest gear in the filmmaking industry. We recently invited Jem to the Westcott Soundstage in northwest Ohio to talk about affordable […]

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]]> 150758 Behind the Scenes with the Flex Drum Softbox https://westcottu.com/behind-the-scenes-flex-drum Tue, 17 Oct 2017 18:19:28 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=150476 In this behind the scenes look, filmmaker and producer Jem Schofield offers an overview of the Flex Drum Softbox. The Flex Drum is an awesome new solution for filmmakers and cinematographers looking to create soft and vast 360º lighting with Flex 1’ x 2’ and 1’ x 3’ LED mats. This one-of-a-kind softbox is a 1 ¼-stop […]

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]]> 150476 Behind the Scenes with the Flex China Cube https://westcottu.com/behind-the-scenes-flex-china-cube Tue, 17 Oct 2017 17:37:16 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=150466 In this behind the scenes look, filmmaker and producer Jem Schofield offers an overview of the Flex Cube modifier. The is an awesome new solution for filmmakers and cinematographers looking to create soft overhead lighting with Flex 1’ x 1’ and 2’ x 2’ LED mats. This unique softbox is a 1 ¼-stop collapsible diffusion […]

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]]> 150466 Creating a Sports Hype Video https://westcottu.com/how-to-sports-hype-video Thu, 24 Aug 2017 14:55:54 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=150388 Renowned sports photographer Matt Hernandez has always had an interest in shooting video. When the coach of local McCracken County High School football team mentioned a need for a hype video, Matt seized the opportunity to direct his first video. He jumped on the chance to use his intense visual skills to create something dramatic […]

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]]> 150388 Using Flex LEDs as Practicals for Cinematic Shots https://westcottu.com/using-leds-as-practicals-for-cinematic-shots Tue, 23 May 2017 20:20:12 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=150156 Kyle Johnston, KJ Creative director and filmmaker, recently embarked on a project to capture the history and essence of craft distilleries. While preparing for the shoot, Kyle recognised the need to have lighting solutions that were both portable and versatile. He needed to properly illuminate the dark distillery and mix his lights with available sunlight. He […]

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]]> 150156 Mastering the Art of Green Screen https://westcottu.com/mastering-the-art-of-green-screen Wed, 15 Feb 2017 22:06:36 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=149752 Implementing the art of green screen (or blue screen) into your video productions can be extremely useful. Background composites aren’t just for sci-fi scenes or exotic locations – they are useful in common interviews and company profiles. In this video, theC47 founder Jem Schofield discusses the basics of green screen production. This detailed tutorial covers […]

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]]> 149752 #FilmmakerFriday with Bittersweet Creative https://westcottu.com/filmmakerfriday-with-bittersweet-creative Fri, 28 Oct 2016 05:12:32 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=149081 Welcome to #FilmmakerFriday, where you can meet filmmakers that inspire Team Westcott. “I wonder how many people have felt like I do: increasingly numb to statistics and paralyzed by awareness campaigns rather than empowered.” Bittersweet Creative is made up of Kate Schmidgall (director), Dave Baker (managing director), Brandon Bray (director), and many other talented contributors. Bittersweet is […]

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]]> 149081 #FilmmakerFriday with Story & Heart https://westcottu.com/filmmakerfriday-with-story-heart Fri, 07 Oct 2016 13:00:25 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=148988 Introducing #FilmmakerFriday, where you can meet filmmakers that inspire Team Westcott. Story & Heart is a global community of filmmakers on a mission to help everyone tell amazing stories with video. For River from Justin DeMers. Emmy-Award winning filmmaker Justin DeMers is the co-founder of Story & Heart. An art school grad, turned photographer, turned filmmaker, […]

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]]> 148988 #FilmmakerFriday with Running Wild Media https://westcottu.com/filmmakerfriday-with-running-wild-media Fri, 16 Sep 2016 21:33:12 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=148884 Introducing #FilmmakerFriday, where you can meet filmmakers that inspire Team Westcott. Running Wild Media is a Toledo-based production team comprising of Alex Goetz (director and cinematographer) and Justin Grubb (host and producer). Running Wild Reel 2016 from Alex Goetz. Running Wild Media is an adventure and environmentally-inspired film production company. These guys travel the world filming […]

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]]> 148884 #FilmmakerFriday with the Delivery Men https://westcottu.com/filmmakerfriday-the-delivery-men Fri, 09 Sep 2016 12:02:59 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=148860 Introducing #FilmmakerFriday, where you can meet filmmakers that inspire Team Westcott. The Delivery Men is an Austin-based production team comprised of Joe Simon (director and DP), Hussain Pirani (director, writer, and editor), and Gina Gatto (producer). The Delivery Men Show Reel 2015 from The Delivery Men. Joe Simon became a filmmaker the usual way, by starting […]

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]]> 148860 How to Modify Bright Backgrounds with a Scrim Net https://westcottu.com/how-to-modify-bright-backgrounds-with-a-scrim-net https://westcottu.com/how-to-modify-bright-backgrounds-with-a-scrim-net#comments Wed, 03 Aug 2016 21:26:56 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=148676 Have you ever had trouble shooting in full sun? It’s often hard to know if you should be exposing for your subject’s face or for the stunning and bright background behind them. Luckily, world-renowned commercial portrait photographer Joel Grimes is here to teach us exactly how to capture both your subject and your background in the […]

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]]> https://westcottu.com/how-to-modify-bright-backgrounds-with-a-scrim-net/feed 1 148676 5 Ways to Use the Book Light Kit https://westcottu.com/5-ways-to-use-the-book-light-kit Wed, 08 Jun 2016 17:30:15 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=148529 Featuring Westcott Page! a high-end customizable design, provides the ultimate light control for narrative and interview video productions. This is a must-have kit for filmmakers, directors of photography, run-and-gun shooters, gaffers, and cinematographers. The Book Light Kit was developed by Westcott in partnership with Jem Schofield, founder and host of the popular filmmaking educational site theC47. In this […]

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]]> 148529 5 Ways to Use the Scrim Jim DP Kit https://westcottu.com/5-ways-to-use-the-scrim-jim-dp-kit Mon, 28 Mar 2016 17:51:31 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=148268 Featuring a unique and customizable design, provides the ultimate light control for on-the-go filmmakers, directors of photography, run-and-gun shooters, gaffers, and cinematographers. The DP Kit was developed by Westcott in partnership with Jem Schofield, founder and host of the popular filmmaking educational site theC47. This kit is easy-to-use and can modify, block, bounce, and diffuse […]

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]]> 148268 Using a Silver Bounce Umbrella on Major Productions https://westcottu.com/using-a-silver-bounce-umbrella-for-video-production Thu, 28 Jan 2016 18:40:28 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=148139 As the Director of Photography for Saturday Night Live’s Film Unit, Alex Buono has had the ability to “play” with lots of different lighting equipment, finding the best options for illuminating a massive variety of scenes. Sometimes, the lights that best fit the bill on any given video production day are lights that may be […]

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]]> 148139 Real Deal Review: Flex 10″ x 10″ LED Mat https://westcottu.com/real-deal-review-flex-10-x-10-led-mat Wed, 30 Sep 2015 15:15:58 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=147901 In the latest Real Deal Review, Los Angeles-based filmmaker Marcus Johannes discusses the versatility of the Flex 10″ x 10″ Daylight LED Mat while shooting in the Eastern Sierra Mountain Range. The Westcott Flex is the first moldable, water-resistant LED mat designed for filmmakers and photographers. The 10″ x 10″ Flex produces an impressive 1900 […]

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]]> 147901 Capturing Memorable Wedding Cinemagraphs with the Ice Light https://westcottu.com/capturing-memorable-wedding-cinemagraphs-with-the-ice-light Mon, 13 Jul 2015 19:46:48 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=147732 Westcott Top Pro photographer Jim Schmelzer utilizes multiple Westcott Ice Lights to capture beautiful wedding cinemagraphs in this video tutorial. Cinemagraphs, often called “living photos”, are a contemporary cross between still images and video. These unique images feature a still image with moving components. Any video file can be easily turned into a cinemagraph with Flixel’s […]

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]]> 147732 The Essentials of Motivated Lighting for Cinematography https://westcottu.com/the-essentials-of-motivated-lighting-for-cinematography https://westcottu.com/the-essentials-of-motivated-lighting-for-cinematography#comments Wed, 24 Jun 2015 13:32:03 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=147649 In his second part of the ‘Storytelling with Cinematography’ series, DSLRguide‘s Simon Cade focuses on the way that filmmakers can use lighting to tell a story. He takes a deeper look at the different aspects of lighting, and how they affect an audience. Lighting Setup 1 Here I used just one light, an LED, and literally […]

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]]> https://westcottu.com/the-essentials-of-motivated-lighting-for-cinematography/feed 1 147649 CLOSED: Ice Light 2 Sweepstakes https://westcottu.com/contests/ice-light-2 https://westcottu.com/contests/ice-light-2#respond Mon, 04 May 2015 13:27:18 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?post_type=contests&p=147361 Now through May 15th, you can enter to win the Ice Light 2! This portable LED light source is 50% brighter than the original with a removable lithium ion battery, digital output display, 18-step dimming, and built-in bluetooth capabilities!

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]]> https://westcottu.com/contests/ice-light-2/feed 0 147361 Subtle Cinematic Lighting https://westcottu.com/subtle-cinematic-lighting Fri, 24 Apr 2015 17:14:26 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=146979 This article on cinematic lighting is courtesy of lifestyle and celebrity portrait photographer Haoyuan Ren.  When my client came to me about this shoot, he asked for raw, cinematic photographs that captures his decade of training from his boxing gym that is now closed. After seeing the gym, I knew immediately what I needed for […]

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]]> 146979 Jem Schofield https://westcottu.com/toppros/jem-schofield https://westcottu.com/toppros/jem-schofield#comments Fri, 13 Mar 2015 15:53:59 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?post_type=toppros&p=146770 For over 20 years Jem has produced projects for an ever-expanding client base. Current and past clients include AbelCine, Apple, Inc., ARRI, Canon, Corus Entertainment, MAC Group, NBCUniversal, NPR, Riverbed Technologies, Scottish Enterprise, Sony, TED, The Vitec Group, Walmart Films, Westcott, YouTube, & Zeiss. Jem is also an equipment design consultant to many manufacturers in […]

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]]> https://westcottu.com/toppros/jem-schofield/feed 1 146770 On-Set of the Handmade Movement Series https://westcottu.com/set-handmade-movement-film-series Mon, 08 Dec 2014 16:51:43 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=142730 The Handmade Movement, a Montana-based film and photography collective, recently introduced “The Makers” online film series dedicated to the celebration of craftsmanship in the modern world. This series of short films features takes a cinematic approach to personal storytelling of different craftsman. The majority of the trailer, shown above, was shot on Red Epic with Canon L […]

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]]> 142730 How to Light for a Flixel with James Schmelzer https://westcottu.com/flixel-lighting-with-james-schmelzer Tue, 02 Dec 2014 20:24:24 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=142691 A living photo, often called a Flixel, is a combination of a still image and of a short video. A Flixel is created by filming a short, high-quality video and editing within the Flixel Cinemagraph software. Because Flixels are shot with video, it is neccesary to use continuous light. To light this Flixel, Westcott Top Pro […]

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]]> 142691 Creating a Living Photo in Fixel’s Cinemagraph Pro https://westcottu.com/creating-cinemagraph-fixels-cinemagraph-pro Mon, 29 Sep 2014 16:43:58 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=141704 Advancement in camera and editing technology have helped create a new form of imaging: animated portraiture. Animated portraits (also called living portraits or flixels) are the mesmerizing combination of still and motion photography. While these composite films cam be achieved with typical editing software, Fixel has developed Cinemagraph Pro that is specifically designed to create animated […]

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]]> 141704 Jonah Kessel on the Ice Light https://westcottu.com/jonah-kessel-ice-light Fri, 24 Jan 2014 16:26:06 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=140084 This review of the Ice Light is courtesy of Pulitzer prize-winning visualist Jonah Kessel We are working in an era where technology is fueling our passion to create powerful multimedia. However, the market is so saturated with constantly evolving technology that, in my short career, I’ve found that the gear purchases I make are often completely […]

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]]> 140084 Shooting a Super Bowl Feature with the Ice Light https://westcottu.com/stillmotion-shooting-a-super-bowl-feature-with-the-ice-light Tue, 19 Feb 2013 08:51:58 +0000 http://fjwestcott.com/?p=125158 Lighting With No Time, On The Fly? When it came to lighting, we often had very little time–as might be expected on these type of run-and-gun shoots. What we needed were lights that could be ultra-portable, quick to set up, and versatile enough to work in situations that we didn’t even know about yet! The […]

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