With that incoming summer heat ... now's the perfect time to get them done! In the competitive world of acting, where auditions are fast-paced and decisions are made in split seconds, your headshot is your first line of defense. It's the ambassador of your talent, greeting casting directors, agents, and producers before you even step into the room. That initial glance at your headshot can spark interest, pique curiosity, and set the tone for how you'll be perceived throughout the audition process. As someone who has tread the boards and sat on the other side of the casting table, I understand firsthand the weight that a headshot carries in shaping those crucial first impressions. Into the Frame A professional photographer is not just someone who clicks a camera; they're a master at capturing the essence of who you are as an actor. They know how to coax out your authenticity, charisma, and versatility, all within the confines of a single frame. From the subtle tilt of your head to the sparkle in your eye, every element is carefully orchestrated to showcase your best self and leave a lasting impression, ensuring that your headshot reflects not just your appearance, but the depth of your talent and the range of characters you can inhabit. Kyra Bryant Headshot Session. Photo by Book Two Productions. Standing Out in a Crowded Market In a landscape teeming with talent where every role attracts a swarm of hopefuls, standing out is no easy feat. Yet, a professionally taken headshot can be your secret weapon in this battle for attention. It's your chance to shine amidst the sea of faces, to declare boldly, "This is who I am, and this is what I bring to the table." With a standout headshot, you're not just another actor; you're a top contender! Cory Critelli Headshot Session. Photo by Book Two Productions. Building Your Brand Your headshot is more than just a picture; it's your personal brand encapsulated in pixels and ink. It should tell a story about the kind of roles you excel in, the emotions you evoke, and the characters you bring to life. Whether you're the leading lady in a romantic comedy or the brooding anti-hero in a gritty drama, your headshot should reflect your essence and magnetize the opportunities that align with your artistic vision. Agnes Newton Headshot Session. Photo by Book Two Productions. Investing in Your Future Consider professional headshots as a down payment on your future success. While it may seem like a small expense in the grand scheme of your career, the returns can be immeasurable. A captivating headshot can open doors, forge connections, and propel you toward the opportunities that will shape your journey as an actor. It's an investment not just in photos, but in possibilities—a tangible step towards realizing your ambitions and making your mark on the industry. Conclusion The importance of professional headshots for actors cannot be overstated. They serve as the cornerstone of your professional image, the key that unlocks doors to the next stage of your career. From making a stellar first impression to building your brand and investing in your future, the benefits are manifold. So, if you're serious about making waves in the world of acting, don't underestimate the power of a great headshot. Schedule your session, strike your best pose, and let your talent shine through the lens, knowing that you're backed by the expertise of someone who has walked the same path and understands the journey ahead!

Recently, between attending friends' weddings and being asked to capture engagement photos myself, I've been feeling a bit sentimental. Do you ever just find yourself overwhelmed with the warm fuzzies from celebrating love? Because I sure do! Engagement shoots are a wonderful way to encapsulate a couple's growing love in a beautiful frame. And here's the thing – it's NEVER too late to get them done! The Importance of Engagement Shoots An engagement shoot serves as a beautiful snapshot of a couple's journey together. It freezes those heartfelt moments, genuine smiles, and meaningful glances in time, creating a cherished keepsake. Plus, it offers a great opportunity to get comfortable in front of the camera before the wedding and to showcase your unique love story. Photo by Book Two Productions. Donna (left) smiles as David Pickett (right) kisses her temple. A Personal Touch The couple in the photo above? Those are my my paternal grandparents. Despite getting married later in life and not having the chance for professional engagement or wedding photos, they still wanted to capture their enduring love. Grandma's Dream My grandmother had been admiring those elegant couple photos she saw on social media and her friends' Christmas cards. She couldn't resist the idea of having one of those stunning images on her own wall as a lasting reminder of their love story. However, she was concerned about a photographer capturing her age in a way that she didn't feel represented her. Coming to the Rescue That's where I stepped in! I was more than happy to help make my Grandma's dream a reality. We organized a beautiful engagement shoot that highlighted their love and connection, focusing on the timeless aspects of their relationship rather than their age. Photo by Book Two Productions. David and Donna Pickett hold hands, reminiscing of their timeless love. Why It's Never Too Late My grandparents' experience is a testament to the fact that it's never too late to capture your love in a meaningful engagement shoot. Whether you're newly engaged, celebrating a significant anniversary, or simply wanting to preserve a special moment in time, an engagement shoot is a wonderful way to do so! Conclusion If you've been contemplating having an engagement shoot but have been hesitant for any reason, let my grandparents' story inspire you to take the plunge. Celebrate your love, create lasting memories, and cherish them for years to come. And if concerns about looking your age in photos have been holding you back, fear not! A skilled photographer knows how to capture your best features, emphasize your love story, and make you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera. That's where B2P can help too! :) So, don't wait any longer. Grab your partner, find a photographer who resonates with you, and let the magic unfold. Love knows no age, and neither does the joy of capturing it beautifully on camera!

From someone who's seen the benefits first-hand! Step right up theater enthusiasts! In the vibrant world of theater, captivating an audience's attention is half the battle. With the evolving landscape of digital media, professional theatrical promos have emerged as a powerful tool for marketing your show stopping performances. As a seasoned filmmaker who's captured everything from school plays to Broadway music videos, I've seen the magic a well-crafted promo can bring to the stage. So, let's dive into why going pro with theatrical promos can be a game-changer for ticket sales, audience engagement, and the overall theatrical experience. The Power of Visual Storytelling Think of a theatrical promo as a sneak peek into the world of a production – a tantalizing glimpse that leaves audiences craving more. With cinematic visuals, dynamic editing, and strategic storytelling, promos can ignite excitement and anticipation among potential theatergoers, tempting them to experience the full production and join in on the theatrical fun. Shot by Book Two Productions. OBSP's production of "The Wedding Singer". 2023. Data Speaks Volumes According to a study by HubSpot, video content is 50 times more likely to drive organic search results compared to plain text. Additionally, videos on landing pages can increase conversion rates by up to 80%. These statistics highlight the undeniable power of video content in capturing audience attention, sparking engagement, and ultimately boosting ticket sales. It's not just about lights and camera – it's about action and results! A Professional Touch Makes All the Difference Sure, smartphones and basic editing tools can capture moments, but professional theatrical promos elevate the production quality to a whole new level. Shot by Book Two Productions. WMS's production of "Seussical Jr". 2024. With high-definition visuals, crisp audio, and meticulous attention to detail, a professionally produced promo creates a lasting impression that resonates with audiences, making them eager to grab their tickets and experience the magic firsthand. Boosting Ticket Sales and Audience Engagement A captivating theatrical promo can work wonders in boosting ticket sales by generating buzz and excitement around a production. By leveraging digital platforms, social media, and targeted marketing strategies, theaters and schools can maximize their promotional efforts, reach a broader audience, and attract more patrons to their shows. The ripple effect of a well-received promo extends beyond ticket sales, fostering community engagement, building brand awareness, and enhancing the overall reputation of the theater or drama program. Tailored Solutions for Every Production Every theatrical production is a unique masterpiece, with its own set of characters, themes, and emotions. Professional theatrical promos offer tailored solutions to suit the specific requirements and creative vision of each production. Shot by Book Two Productions. OBSP's production of "Puffs". 2023. Whether it's a whimsical elementary school play or a grand regional production, promos can be customized with creative storytelling, innovative visuals, and personalized touches that effectively convey the essence of a show and resonate deeply with the target audience. Conclusion So there you have it, theater lovers! Investing in professional theatrical promos is not just an expense, but a strategic investment for community theaters and school drama programs looking to elevate their promotional efforts, engage audiences, and create lasting memories. By embracing the power of visual storytelling, harnessing the latest digital trends, and delivering tailored solutions for each production, theaters can craft compelling promotional content that wows audiences, drives ticket sales, and enriches the theatrical experience for all. Lights, camera, action! It's time to take your theatrical promotions to the next level and make a lasting impact on your audience.

Alright, folks, gather around! Let's talk about the underdog of the video world that's been making waves – vertical video. Yep, you heard that right! Photo courtesy of Entrepreneur. "The Rise of Vertical Video and Its Impact on Social Media". Take this from a Gen Z woman with a Master's degree in public relations and a background in video media production, vertical video isn't just for accidental phone recordings anymore; it's a bona fide storytelling POWERHOUSE! So, if you're still giving vertical video the side-eye, it's time to shake things up and dive in. Let's learn how you can use it to give your brand a serious boost. Why Vertical Video? Let's face it, our smartphones have become extensions of ourselves, and guess how we mostly hold them ... ya' get it now? With everyone scrolling and tapping away on their phones, vertical video has become the go-to format for capturing those precious attention spans. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have jumped on the vertical bandwagon, making it the perfect playground for brands to strut their stuff. Video courtesy of Book Two Productions. YT Shorts. "Things I Can Do Behind a Camera". Elevating Your Brand with Vertical Video Tell Compelling Stories Vertical video might be narrow, but don't let that fool you! Its limited real estate encourages brands to get creative and tell snappy, engaging stories. Think quick behind-the-scenes glimpses, sassy customer testimonials, or quirky product demos that make viewers go, "Wait, what just happened?" Vertical video lets you inject personality and flair into your brand, making it unforgettable. Create Thumb-Stopping Content In a sea of endless scrolling, you've got to be the eye-catching thing everyone stops to admire. Vertical video's unique format is like a siren song for thumbs, beckoning them to pause and take notice. So, ditch the snooze-fest content and opt for visuals that pop, narratives that intrigue, and calls-to-action that compel viewers to tap, share, and engage. Optimize for Mobile Viewing Mobile is KING, and your content needs to bow down accordingly. Vertical video is the crown jewel of mobile-friendly formats, ensuring a smooth and delightful viewing experience across all devices. By crafting content that feels right at home on mobile screens, you'll win over audiences and earn those coveted double-taps and shares. Connecting with Your Audience Foster Authentic Connections In the age of filters and facades, authenticity is the new black. Vertical video lets you strip back the layers and show off the real, unfiltered side of your brand. Share genuine stories, quirky moments, and relatable experiences to build a tribe of loyal followers who can't get enough of your brand's unique vibe. Encourage User-Generated Content Want to turn your audience into your biggest cheerleaders? Give them the spotlight! Vertical video is a playground for creativity, and your followers are itching to join the fun. Host challenges, contests, or interactive campaigns that encourage users to create and share their own vertical videos featuring your brand. It's a win-win – increased engagement and a flood of user-generated content that amplifies your brand's reach. Leverage Analytics and Feedback Don't just throw vertical videos into the wild and hope for the best. Keep an eagle eye on those analytics and soak up the feedback like a sponge. Monitor key metrics, from view counts to engagement rates, and use this treasure trove of data to fine-tune your vertical video strategy. Adapt, iterate, and keep your audience on their toes with fresh, thumb-stopping content. Conclusion Vertical video is the quirky cousin at the family reunion that everyone ends up loving. It's bold, it's different, and it's here to stay. So, if I haven't already made myself clear ... start incorporating vertical video into your content strategy! Trust me; your brand will thank you with a boost in engagement, a sprinkle of viral magic, and a whole lot of love from your audience!

Because our Black Targaryen Queens deserved A LOT more screen time! Let's get one thing clear ... I'm a fantasy SUPER FAN. Anyone who knows me personally can tell you that. Needless to say, HBO's Game of Thrones prequel series House of the Dragon has become quite the fixation. After reading all the books in George R. R. Martin's repertoire (several times over), my fascination and love for the "A Song of Ice and Fire" series is boundless. When I heard HBO was adapting GRRM's Targaryen history book "Fire and Blood", to say I was excited was an understatement. I re-read the novel for a second time in preparation to satiate my hype. Initial Impressions of House of the Dragon When it came out at the end of summer 2022, I watched in awe. The cinematography, the fast-paced narrative, EMMA FREAKIN' D'ARCY AND MATT SMITH!!!! The whole lot of it was so beautifully done, particularly in regard to its stellar cast of newcomers and veterans alike. Milly Alcock, Emily Carey, Olivia Cooke, and Paddy Considine, to name a few were all utterly BRILLIANT! Rhaena and Baela Targaryen. Photo courtesy of HBO's House of the Dragon, episode 1x10. House of the Dragon even took a step forward in terms of representation, depicting the powerful, longstanding House Velaryon as ethereally Black. Being of mixed-race heritage myself, these character portrayals were easily some of my favorite aspects of the show. But I had one minor quarrel with the series ... Rhaena and Baela Targaryen. GIVE. THEM. MORE. SCREENTIME. Having read the books, I understand why the show's timeline is dissected the way it is. To be honest, I quite like its quick pacing, but without hopping into spoiler territory for my non-book readers, Rhaena and Baela play a HUGE role in the Dance of Dragons and should definitely have had a more prominent role in the show's first season. Perhaps they'll be focused on more in the episodes to come, but, still, myself and a lot of the fandom wanted to see more of our Black Targaryen queens. So, naturally, I decided to change that! The Birth of a Fan Film I gathered a small team of young creative professionals in my network, and we put together a short fan film to give Rhaena and Baela the justice they deserve. In a nutshell, it's glorified fanfiction that you can watch! AND ... we did it all in a month on a micro-budget. B2P is a small production company, so utilizing resources on a smaller scale to produce silver-screen-level content is our specialty. The Making of "Why Must the Old Gods Take From Us So" Pre-Production The first order of business was securing a location that could double as Dragonstone. Because everybody obviously has a castle in their backyard, right? Sorry, that'd be INCORRECT! Due to budget limitations and the timeline I wanted to complete this project in, I drafted a script that took us into the tall trees and forests of Dragonstone, highlighting a key moment in Rhaena and Baela's lives, ensuring my text stayed true to their characters as already portrayed. In further preparation, I also had to source and sew their costumes. I color blocked them in accordance with the Targaryen and Velaryon color palettes and even pulled some adorning jewelry to match the fit. The CRAZIEST part ... was the wigs. Did I teach myself how to style wigs for this production? Yes. Yes I did. Production With a tight schedule, we had to be efficient. Our talented cast and crew were all hands on deck, working from the wee hours of the morning to late afternoon, capturing all the intricacies of the scene we were shooting. We utilized natural light and practical effects (minus the CGI-dragon I spent way too much time on in Blender) to keep costs down while maintaining a high-quality look and feel. Did I mention we were running on two hot chocolates and a dream in 23-degree weather? Post-production Editing was where the magic happened. Our post-production team (it was me ... I was the post production team) worked tirelessly to piece together the narrative, adding in an elaborate soundscape and original score to fill the diegetic space. Conclusion "Why Must the Old Gods Take From Us So" is more than just a fan film; it's a love letter to Rhaena and Baela Targaryen and a testament to the power of passionate storytelling. While we may not have had the budget or resources of a big-budget production, we poured our hearts and souls into this project to give these remarkable queens the spotlight they deserve. So, as we eagerly await the next season of House of the Dragon, I invite you to check out our fan film and join us in celebrating Rhaena and Baela Targaryen. After all, sometimes the best stories are the ones we create ourselves!

Gotta' keep the sound CRISP, not CRUNCHY! Rode VideoMic Go II photo via Camera Jabber. Vlogging and anything run-and-gun can for sure be all fun and games, until you upload your footage AND ... the audio is, well ... inaudible. Let's be honest. We've ALL been there! While some cameras have SOT (sound-on-tape) recording capabilities, defining your subject's audio with an external microphone or recording system is key in establishing clear and crisp sound. In the indie film production world, there's such an emphasis on visuals, but a lot of folks don't realize sound is just as (if not MORE) important throughout the production process. If you've ever run audio or boom for any type of production ... you ALREADY KNOW ... and the same applies to vloggers and on-the-street journalists. What you see is EQUALLY important as what you hear! That being said, like everything else in the industry, EQUIPMENT. ISN'T. CHEAP. If you're like me, working on the micro and low-budget production levels, you understand this completely. When we step into our producing and supervising shoes, gathering and/or renting equipment isn't easy, ESPECIALLY when you're trying to find a decent audio capture setup. But through my experience, I've gathered a small list of amazing alternatives to those high end shotguns that'll still give you great audio on the go! And the price tag in comparison? Chef's kiss! Here's my top three! Let's dive in! 1. Rode VideoMic Pro+ Camera-Mount Shotgun SPECIFICATIONS: Microphone Type: Mini Shotgun Sound Field: Mono Polar Pattern: Supercardiod Windscreen: Foam (Included) High Pass Filter: 75 & 150 Hz Gain Adjustment: -10 dB to +20 dB Retail Price: $232.00 WHY I RECOMMEND IT: This shock-mounted mini microphone really brings the “pro” form factor to the budget/consumer-friendly realm. This was one of the first external microphones I got in building my run-and-gun, indie filmmaking setup. Not only does the high-pass filter work well in noisy situations, but the gain adjustment allows you to focus in that super cardioid polar pattern to better capture your subject's audio. Whether you’re recording dialogue, wild sound, or Foley work, this is a perfect beginner microphone for smaller cinema camera mounts and DSLR setups. Not to mention it's quick on recharge time (also using AA batteries) and can give you up to 100 hours of power! 2. Rode VideoMic GO Camera-Mount Shotgun SPECIFICATIONS: Microphone Type: Mini Shotgun Sound Field: Mono Polar Pattern: Supercardiod Windscreen: Foam (Included) High Pass Filter: N/A Gain Adjustment: N/A Retail Price: $67.95 WHY I RECOMMEND IT: If you’re looking for a proper shotgun microphone for under $100, this mic is your best bet! It comes with an integrated shoe/pole shock mount and is perfect for on-the-go and run-and-gun setups. Performing at a frequency range of 100 Hz to 16 kHz, the VideoMic Go also can provide you with a decent dynamic range of 96 dB. It may not be the highest-end device on the market, but it's definitely a great start for those looking for simple operation and functionality. It runs on plug-in power, so there's not much you need to do aside from plugging in the 3.5 mm jack, setting your camera to manual audio, and pushing that record button! 3. Rode Wireless GO II Compact Wireless System SPECIFICATIONS: Microphone Type: Wireless Mic Pack Sound Field: Mono Polar Pattern: Omnidirectional Windscreen: Mini Deadbeat (Included) Receiver Type: Belt Pack Number of Audio Channels: Two Retail Price: $299.00 WHY I RECOMMEND IT: Let me just say ... WOWZERS! This two-pack, clip-on transmitter combo has easily become my favorite on-the-go mic system THUS FAR! Not only are these lavs suitable for two-person shoots and onboard recording, but also for any videographer, mobile journalist, or indie filmmaker looking to seamlessly tie in wireless audio into their production rig-outs. With a maximum operating range of 656.2 feet (200 meters) and a latency of 3.5 to 4 ms, this digital 2.4 GHz microphone system can give you reach and function that's unmatched by even some of the best wireless lavs on the market. These compact devices are easily operable and accessible, giving users the option for loudness padding, marking, and muting, including an approximate battery life of seven hours. All that AND a wireless, two-transmitter system? COUNT ME IN! So now that you've got a grocery list of some of the best, consumer-grade microphones ... I have to ask ... which one of these are YOU grabbing for YOUR setup?

The end all, BE all GYRO FEATURE that has us cinematographers ROLLIN'! Let me tell you what ... Blackmagic Design is really slick for this ... Starting with its ever-so-famous 4K Pocket Cinema Camera, Blackmagic's been keeping a very special feature hidden from all its camera buyers. That is ... UNTIL NOW! Ladies, gents, and non-binary beauts, I present to you: GYROSCOPIC DATA CAPTURE. Now, I'm a fan of handheld camera work just as much as any cinematographer (especially when I'm on the go with my run-and-gun wedding rig out), HOWEVER, having the option for decent stabilization every once in a while definitely shouldn't be passed up. In the moments where our shooting ground isn't so level or our hands are shaky after a 12-hour production day, we, camera operators, can benefit from the use of warp stabilization. That being said, the type of "warp" we're talking about can sometimes come out kind of funky. With this effect, backgrounds and subjects' faces can sometimes look distorted as the stabilization process takes place. Not the most reliable solution, is it? Wouldn't it be great to have another, BETTER option!? Well, now you can! Check out the OFFICIAL release material by Blackmagic Design! With the release of BMD's Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro G2, hardware developers revealed a hidden feature many of us have been asking about FOR AGES. And the best part? The system-wide update that comes with Blackmagic's newest cameras activates a dormant gyro measurement feature in ALL THEIR POCKET CINEMA CAMERA SERIES! Like EXCUSE ME! Where have you been all my life!? Available in Blackmagic's well-hyped up BRAW CODEC, gyro stabilization captures your camera's internal data (height levels, exposure, focal length, tilt and roll percentage, etc.) to hold onto for processing in post production. With BMD's Davinci Resolve Studio editing software (FREE with EVERY Blackmagic Camera, might I add), users now have the option to select "gyro" in the stabilization category. Now, the gyro feature will analyze the footage's internal data and better adapt its AI system to track and stabilize the framework ... this time with MINIMAL SHAKE and less aberrations! Gimbal Productions on YouTube has an amazing tutorial and footage test to check out if you'd like to see the Gyro Stabilizer feature IN ACTION! If you ask me, there's no better stabilizer option for these budget cinema cameras. All my metadata analyzed with the simple click of a button for smoother, more luxurious-looking footage? COUNT ME IN! What do you think of Blackmagic's new gyro feature? Comment your thoughts below!

A year ago today, I released my first, big independent film ... time to take a look back and reflect on the experience "Where the Horizon Lies" ... probably one of the greatest and craziest production experiences I've had to date in these early years of (what I hope and pray will be) my extensive film career. Not only was I blessed with a magnificent (and ... might I say PERFECT!) cast and crew to trudge through the trials of film production during a pandemic, but the vision I'd dreamed up so long ago finally came to life right before my eyes. Now that's called being #blessed. I’ll take you all back to January of 2020. Ah ... simpler times, right? Well, for me, it was crunch time! I began pre-production for my film a year in advance of shooting to ensure I had the most time to prepare. The first draft of my script was a story I’d been wanting to tell for ages ... combine the psychological-thriller sub-genre with the foundations of "Night of the Living Dead" ... my horror fanatics get the picture. Pictured: Michelle Principi as Delilah on location at Camp Inawendiwin in Tabernacle, NJ. "Where the Horizon Lies" tells the story of a mixed-race sibling duo navigating a post-apocalyptic world where the classic “virus” responsible was rooted in racial prejudice: a different take on your classic zombie movie. Getting back to our production timeline, you might as well call me psychic, because later that year in March ... well ... you know. All things aside ... a big question was looming over all of my peers' heads once we were able to come back to school that fall ... How on earth were we going to pull off filming in the middle of a pandemic? Well, for me, my script (and production vision) would have to undergo numerous changes to adapt to the circumstances. Now, I’d have a smaller cast and crew and with that in mind, much of what I’d originally planned went out the window. By the time I’d start principal photography, I’d be at draft number 10 of my script. After many rewrites and peer review sessions, the script was finally complete in October of 2020 and it was time to get a roll on pre-production. To start, we needed a budget! Films are not cheap, especially when you want to make a movie about the apocalypse, zombie makeup and all! The film’s final budget called for $6000. In the grand scheme of things, compared to big pictures, this film costs NOTHING ... but for a work-study college student on an academic scholarship, it's quite difficult to pull together. So, crowdfunding became my best friend! I created an IndieGogo page to help promote the project and gather donations everywhere I could. I was so grateful to have pulled in over $1000 in contributions, cutting down the out-of-pocket cost tremendously. Next up, I had to gather my crew. I was extremely grateful to have two amazing producers (much love to the amazing Stephan Hatchett and Carter Gil de Rubio) who helped do this part for me. They put together the best possible team to tell this story! And ... onto the cast! Casting is one of my favorite parts of the filmmaking process. Normally, we’d hold auditions in person, but because of COVID-19, we had to do them solely over Zoom. The script called for three characters: Keelin (our cautiously reluctant lead), Lars (her protective half-brother), and Delilah (the mysterious seductress). Pictured left to right: "Where the Horizon Lies" cast members Juliana Battaglia, Michelle Principi, Spencer Steeby, and Nile Assata Harris. My producing team and I were floored by the amount of talent we saw on audition day, though our three actors practically jumped out of the screen when we heard them read. The film’s final cast consisted of Nile Assata Harris as Keelin, Spencer Steeby as Lars, and Michelle Principi as Delilah. With filming set for the first weekend of February last year, the last thing we needed was a location to film. I wanted to keep things close to home, so, as someone born and raised in Southern New Jersey, I turned to my old Girl Scout camp to set the scene: a run-down cabin, overgrown forest, and an eerie lake? What more could I ask for? I talk a lot about the location scouting experience for "Where the Horizon Lies" in another #B2Blog post here "Sometimes You Just Need to Look in Your Backyard", so definitely check that out if you're interested in reading more! The day before filming, my team and I had a hefty equipment pickup. Although super tedious, we tried to make the most of the situation in extremely cold weather. We packed up our 10-foot truck and were ready to hop on the road. Oh! And remember the cold weather for later. It makes a very dramatic comeback. So, now we move on to our four-day shoot in the middle of winter ... and before you ask, YES. It was extremely cold outside. Our use of HotHands hand warmers and an endless supply of warm meals from craft services (special shoutout to my parents for catering through #B2P), kept us going for the long weekend. Now, we can’t forget about the pandemic and all of the strict guidelines and protocol in place to ensure our set was safe. In addition to the special training certifications my peers and I received, we required all cast and crew members to isolate for two weeks before production and provide a negative PCR test to be allowed on set. Nonetheless, we didn’t let the pandemic deter our fun. My cast, crew, and I enjoyed every minute of production, whether we were reviewing takes, setting up drone shots, getting into zombie makeup, or sitting in the snow to shoot some closeups. Our team was unparalleled! Our final day of shooting was hectic, but also the most fun! Remember the cold weather I was talking about? Well, we ended up shooting in a full-on blizzard. My car was idling for my actors and crew to warm up in while I stayed outside the entire time to make sure everyone was okay. We were working so fast and efficiently we finished two hours early. For those of you who don't know, in film production, we call the final shot of a film a “martini” because everyone celebrates when it’s done. My team and I kumbaya’d in the cabin with a nice warm meal and hot chocolate before heading out. I made special gifts for everyone to thank them for all of their hard work on the production. You’ll see here, I even painted custom jean jackets for my actors to have as a keepsake! :) Production is often the hardest part of the filmmaking process, but for me, it was the ride home. I got into a car accident on the way back. Luckily, it was just me that was hurt with some bad bruising on my leg, but I felt so blessed my passengers and I were okay. I didn’t let that tarnish the experience though. I was still over the moon that we’d completed production! A couple weeks later, the promotional photos came in for the poster and I cannot tell you how loud I squealed when I saw them. Our photographer, Tiana Vanrossum did a phenomenal job capturing every character as I had imagined them. From here, the film’s official poster was released for promotions. Editing was LOADS of fun, too! I took the task on single-handedly as post-production is one of my greatest loves. Was it overwhelming? Absolutely. But worth it? 100%. From the project’s rough assembly to sound design and coloring, “Where the Horizon Lies” was completed in May 2020 with a total runtime of 17 minutes. Here's my insane editing timeline. You can see just how much work it took me to put this project together. I entered “Where the Horizon Lies” into numerous festivals across the country and was very lucky to win a few awards and official selections along the way. I even had the privilege of being mentioned in Variety Magazine for completing production successfully and safely during COVID. It was such an honor to be recognized for my work! As of today, it's been a year since "Where the Horizon Lies" premiered at its first festival and it’s nice to take time and reflect on the experience as a whole. All the bells and whistles attached, it's hard to put into words how rewarding this experience really was for me. I can't thank my cast and crew enough for all of the hard work, time, and effort they put in to help bring my story to the silver screen. In the meantime, it’s onto my next project! And for those wondering? Yes, my car is much better, thanks!

A brief overview of the wearable tech that'll help your cinematography stand out among the rest Don’t get me wrong, handheld footage can be one of the most beautiful aspects of a visual piece. You’re freely flowing with your subject with slight swaying and perfectly imperfect video, but sometimes ... that’s just not the vibe. As a DoP or camera operator, steadicams and stabilizers are your best friend! I’m often performing gigs as a one-woman band, so I always prioritize these run-and-gun setups to give me optimal footage stabilization. Although I’m a fan of documentaries, I don’t want my footage to look like I’m in the middle of guerrilla warfare 24/7 and you never want to count on a Warp Stabilizer tool in your edit. These two options for stabilization are our industry's go-to's when dealing with one or two-camera operator setups, so it’s super important to get yourself familiar with them. Let’s start with steadicams! Steadicams are often bigger and bulkier, usually attaching themselves to a cam-op through a vest and arm mechanism. This vest clamps around your back like a backpack and fastens securely to an overhanging pull-down wire or arm-attached cage. In some circumstances, you can also see a modified and more complicated glidecam attached to these vests to further stabilize your footage. Rather than just being the technological tool for stabilizing, a steadicam refers to the entire rig-out. Often, these rigs handle a three or four-axis stabilizer station, creating the smoothest footage possible for your clients. For commercial shoots and independent film productions, a steadicam (if you have the budget for one) is a sure must-have on your equipment list. Steadicams can come pre-rigged or DIY, producing the same effect. I’ve done so with a Flycam Master Professional Flowline and placid arm, hooked onto a Ronin-S stabilizer with a dual handle grip: the perfect makeshift steadicam for those on a budget. Now, we’re on to stabilizers! As I mentioned earlier, stabilizers are the balancing tech involved in a steadicam, but can also act as independent pieces of rigging equipment to help make sure you’re producing the smoothest motion possible. This is where we begin to talk about the Zhiyun Cranes, glidecams, and Ronins that fasten quickly to a camera independently from the operator's body. Stabilizers are better for smaller productions such as weddings, real estate shoots, event videography, and so on. As I mentioned before, I use a Ronin-S stabilizer for my Blackmagic 6K Pro and my Canon 90D, in addition to a DJI Osmo Mobile 3 if I want to shoot casually on my iPhone. There are loads of stabilizers to rig up your camera gear, but be sure to first evaluate the needs of your production before assembling a stabilizing rig that will work best for you. We’re seeing more and more of an upgrade in steadicam and stabilizer tech as these wearables are getting smaller and smarter, more easily incorporated into our production set-ups. So, if you’re a lone cam-op in need of more balanced and steady footage, definitely look into one of these stabilizing methods to help make your video smooth as butter! For more tech news, equipment reviews, and production tips and tricks, subscribe down below and check out more of our B2Blog articles on the site!

My experience with the retro-stylized point-and-shoot I'm a TOTAL camera enthusiast and love to get my hands on the latest and newest camera gear and equipment available. Enter the Paper Shoot camera, a pocketable piece of tech that'll make you fall in love with lomography again. This camera made its way into my life in early summer 2021. I got a DM from a friend forwarding me this video about a little paper camera that was going to revolutionize sustainable camera tech. I was immediately intrigued! After clicking on the company's Instagram profile and scrolling nonstop for the next several minutes, I really started to fall in love with this camera. Though little ... it was definitely FIERCE. With cases made of stone paper and camera boards recycled from bigger businesses, Paper Shoot is a small company looking to redefine the disposable camera aesthetic without the added costs of developing. Featuring a 16-megapixel camera, automatic exposure adjustment, four built-in switchable filters (color, black and white, sepia, and cool tone), and the ability to take 10-seconds of video and time lapse, this little camera can do a lot more than you'd think at first glance. Here's a photo sample I took with my Paper Shoot camera down below! The Paper Shoot camera is marketed as a forward-thinking, eco-friendly digital camera, aspiring to promote creativity while remaining in the moment. I couldn’t agree more with their message. As a fan of film photography and a proud owner of a 1957 Bell & Howell Electric Eye and 1985 Pentax K1000 (thanks Mom & Dad for the hand-me-down <3), I’ve always loved the look and vibrancy of film, but developing fees sure can sneak up on you. I decided to order a Paper Shoot for myself and really see what the hype was all about. Despite there being backorders due to the chip shortages, I was kept very well informed by the North American branch owner and CEO Gillian every step of the ordering process. She responded promptly to my inquiries and sent me near-exact estimates for when my camera was going to be shipped. Now, THAT's exceptional customer service! For my initial order, I purchased a camera with the Vintage 1930 casing, brass fasteners included. I also snagged their CROZ Simple Light premium case soon after, eventually adding in the SIM card that allows you to record audio as well. The price was a little daunting to me at first, retailing at $120 for their standard paper camera (featuring a case of your choosing), but factoring in what you'd be spending on disposable cameras or 35mm film, you’re definitely saving money in the long run with this cool alternative. The Paper Shoot camera houses an SD card memory system, allowing you to take 32 GB's worth of photos and videos. Sounds a lot better than a 36-exposure reel of film, right? Like an SLR, there's no check-back to see your photos until you upload them, leaving a sense of mystery behind every picture. All you have to do to see your photos is plug the camera in to your computer at the end of the day and you're all set! Not to mention ... it's pretty decent in low light, too! The picture quality of the Paper Shoot camera isn’t meant to be on par with that of an iPhone, but rather emulate the look of film and I've got to say ... it does quite a good job doing so. Something to keep in mind ... the eye-piece of the camera board doesn't directly connect with what your camera is seeing, so you'll definitely need some practice to nail composition when you're taking photos. Regardless, there’s something so charming about the retro aesthetic and this camera definitely caters to an audience looking for a lo-fi and lomography feel. Here are some more of my photo samples to look at! Though this camera could never replace disposables or film, it’s definitely an awesome and eco-friendly alternative for someone looking to get the same feel. Less is always more with film photography and the Paper Shoot camera continues that same mission, helping to keep you in the point-and-shoot moment. If you’re interested in learning more about the Paper Shoot camera and are interested in getting one for yourself, check out their website www.papershootcamera.com. Subscribe to the B2P blog for more updates and equipment reviews down below!

Tips for making your Green Screen Content POP! Ah, keying. It's either your favorite thing to do in editing or your least favorite especially when dealing with the wondrous world of green screens. At one point or another, you're bound to come across this type of stuff in your editing endeavors, but how you tackle it can make or break your project. Part of my workload features a heavy amount of green screen social media shows including a wide array of horizontal and vertical-styled content. I'm often asked about how to refine keys in your editing phase, making your subjects look sharper and more separated from their background. Are you looking for some tips and tricks to refine your keying skills? Well, I'm happy to tell you ... you've come to the right place. My main driver‘s for editing are Adobe Premiere and Final Cut Pro X. To be frank, having such powerful tools at my disposal to aid in the keying process does make a difference. You definitely don't want to be masking out your subjects frame by frame, would you? A lot of times, editors will focus so much on adjusting the strength of their Keyer Effect, but, rather than popping a blood vessel over bad lighting, you need to work on refining the key. In many cases, how the footage we're given looks is out of our control. We, as editors can be subject to dealing with noisy video, digital artifacting ... you name it. Particularly, when using green screens, the worst thing an editor could be given is green screen footage that isn’t lit properly. God forbid the background light isn't even ... Nonetheless, there are many ways to correct these mistakes in post! In refining your key, sample your green screen color. This color sample will help you determine the exact shade of green you're trying to key out. You’d never guess it, but not all green screens are made equally. Some have bluer tints or lean more yellowish and magenta. It’s extremely important to make sure you have your key color set as accurately possible to the footage you're using. The next step is to play around with your Matte Tools. I often find adjusting my mid-levels higher than its initial setting, helping me eliminate any potential of background noise. You know those pesky gray areas that are sometimes left behind from poor lighting? That’s exactly what I’m talking about. Also play around with the key's Edge Distance and Spill Level to see what works best for your footage. If your Keyer Effect has the ability to invert the key on your subject, use that to see how much of your background you've really been able to remove. It’s a good checks and balances mechanism. In your Matte Tools, you can refine your key by softening the edges on your subject. This can help rid your footage of harsh lines and subject erosion. Percentage-wise, I lean toward something small for this softening effect in the 5-10% range. This can give your keyed subject a slight rim blur that won't look too jarring to viewers. Sometimes, based on lighting, keying out a green screen can key out some of the natural skin tones of our subject. That’s a big no-no for our final deliverable! If you’re losing color in the natural tones of your subject in your key, adjusting the Spill Suppression will help you out. Most Keyer Effects have a Spill Contrast Adjustment Tool that allows you to modify your low and high levels in accordance with the color of your green screen. Of course, you could color correct, but there’s a way to fix this issue right off the bat! Perhaps you’re having a tint issue where your footage leans more green. Up that tint a little towards magenta and you’ll be perfectly fine. Saturation can also help as well, in case your subject loses the red and magenta tones in their face. Creating a healthy mix of tint and saturation will help the green screen behind your subject disappear while keeping your subject perfectly intact color-wise! When finishing up, I also like to go back and slight sharpen my keyed clip just to make my subject stand out more. Think about how the human eye sees the world. Like a camera we focus on individual things in the foreground, often drawing our attention to the brightest part of the frame. while the background looks blurry. If we’re looking at a subject keyed onto a background, in order for it to look more natural, you'll need the background to be slightly blurred and darkened. Remember, keep the subject in the foreground and have that be the brightest part of the frame. Well, take a look at that! With all these tricks up your sleeve, you'll be keying like a pro in no time! Check out the some other articles from our B2Blog for more tips and tricks on video editing by subscribing down below!

The story of how I found the perfect location to shoot my Senior Thesis Film STORYTIME! As a producer-in-the-making, location scouting always seemed to become the bane of my existence during my years in undergrad. I often found it tedious and worrisome, never being something I looked forward to at the time. In my senior year of college, I found myself back in my producing shoes, needing to find the perfect spot to film my thesis, “Where the Horizon Lies”. The only difference here was that I was now location scouting for scenery I'd imagined up myself ... this time also as the writer and director of the project. I'm a perfectionist. You kind of have to be when you're in this line of work. My film called for an overgrown, forested area and a rattled, unkempt cabin, setting the scene for the remains of a post-apocalyptic world. I guess with COVID-19 knocking at our door, the situation seemed very fitting. My two co-producers and I had been scouting for weeks to find the perfect location, but found ourselves running into many dead ends. We were a production based out of Long Island, New York at the time and we were trying to find cabins from notable film commissions. The biggest problem with that? The pricing. "Where the Horizon Lies" was a micro-budget film with about $6800 to spend on production, equipment, actors, craft services, PPE, etc. Such is the way with senior thesis films if any of you have ever been in my shoes. Yes, some county or state film commissions can give you a student rate, but the prices will normally still be a little high. We'd found a couple of locations through AirBnB that allowed filming in and around the area, but things just didn't seem right. When scouting these locations, I really didn't get a chance to feel my story move through the space. Some areas were too modern, not run-down enough ... a real Goldilocks effect. I needed something that OOZED the apocalypse ... overgrown bushes, dirt roads, wood log cabins with fireplaces ... And after scratching my head for what felt like a few weeks, an idea dawned on me. FUN FACT for those of you who don't know, I'm a former fully decorated Girl Scout who's had a lot of camping experience. Why not try to revisit my 11-year-old self's camping days by traveling back to one of my old recreational camping sites! I'd reached out to a couple of my contacts at the Girl Scouts of Central and Southern New Jersey, and I got in contact with the ranger of the beautiful lake campsite, Camp Inawendiwin. Since it was close enough to my childhood home, I was able to tour the venue in person. The ranger had unlocked the cabin and the camp for me to roam as I pleased and I basically had the whole camp to myself to explore. The second I walked through the big "Welcome" gate and down the forested path, I knew knew this was the place. This sounds quite dramatic, but I actually felt my heart fluttering as I looked around the space. What was once my childhood stomping grounds was being transformed in my head to the very film I'd been creating this imaginative world for the past year and a half. I could picture my actors in these high intensity moments just mere steps outside the cabins. The rustic scenery looked exactly as I'd imagined and described it in my screenplay. This really was the perfect place to shoot "Where the Horizon Lies". Down the line when shooting began, Camp Inawendiwin was so accommodating, providing us with everything we needed to ensure our crew was getting around the location safely and painlessly. Whenever we needed something, the ranger was immediately on call. We'd hit some snowfall a few days prior to shooting and even on our final scheduled day, but the snow just exacerbated the beauty of the landscape. So, instead of dealing with all the higher caliber contacts for location scouting, this just goes to show ... sometimes you just need to look in your backyard ... And you'll find exactly what you're looking for. To see how the location fit perfectly into my film's scenario, check out the "Where the Horizon Lies" trailer down below and subscribe for more B2Blog content!