Filmmaking Resources
Websites To Jump-Start Your Filmmaking Education
NoFilmSchool – a prolific site with lots of inspiration
Vimeo Video School – great for the basics of filmmaking
TheFrugalFilmmaker – a good blog for DIY filmmaking ideas
Indy Mogul – great for DIY filmmakers as well, starring Griffin Hammond, who started his filmmaking career in our community
Film Riot – entertaining and visual educational videos for filmmakers
Philip Bloom – blog by a professional cinematographer
Hurlblog – blog with advanced information by a professional cinematographer
Borrow Our Filmmaking Kit – supported by 
Through the generous support of Flex-N-Gate, and the assistance of Adorama and F&V Lighting the Champaign-Urbana Film Society has been able to purchase a filmmaking kit – which includes a Blackmagic Pocket Camera 4K, lenses, audio gear, LED light kit, and a Macbook laptop loaded with DaVinci Resolve 16, which has been made available exclusively for student use. Educators and students can contact the film society directly to reserve a time to use the kit.
Filmmaking Kit Release [PDF]
What’s Included in the Filmmaking Kit?
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4k
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K is a great tool for independent filmmakers – small enough to carry around, but advanced enough to create a truly cinematic image.
Manual (PDF)
Video: Feature Walkthrough
MixPre-3 II
The MixPre-3 II is a three input sound recorder that has ports to connect to external microphones. Easy to use and professional-grade.
Operation Manual (PDF)
Video: Quick Start
F&V 1×1 BiColor LED Studio
These LED panels are great for easy lighting setup. Lighting your scene is *imperative* for good image quality.
Video: Three Point Lighting Tutorial
Apple MacBook Pro
A computer with a graphics card is important for analyzing your videos, editing them, and other fun things like special effects!
User Guide (PDF)
DaVinci Resolve 16
DaVinici Resolve is BlackMagic Cinema’s easy-to-learn professional video editing software.
User Guide (PDF)
Filmmaking Kit Checkout
To request the Filmmaking Kit, please contact info@penstolens.com.
