Inspire Design Create with David Lee
A weekly podcast designed for aspiring filmmakers, featuring insights and advice from working professionals in the industry. Each episode explores how their personal stories and experiences can motivate you to improve both your creative craft and your business. The show focuses on practical lessons and inspiration to help you grow as a filmmaker.
Episodes
8 Out of 10: How One Cold Lead Became a Real Client (Using the Scoring Rubric) | Ep.203
I'm back with part two on the scoring rubric, and this time I'm walking you through a real client — FitBrea, a strength and conditioning gym I scored an 8 out of 10 using this exact system. I break down how the rubric helped me confirm a warm-ish lead was worth pursuing, why I had to pivot my pitch from a retainer model to a brand film plus vertical deliverables, and the two social media "consiste
Stop Wasting Time on Dead-End Leads: A 0-10 Client Scoring System | Ep. 202
Ever spend an hour chasing a lead that was never going anywhere? I'm breaking down the scoring rubric I use to evaluate potential clients before I waste a single minute on outreach — a simple point system based on timing, budget signals, and what's actually happening inside a company (yes, LinkedIn stalking is part of the process). I walk through real scoring scenarios, from CDFI/Fintech campaign
How Reference Pillars Kill Scope Creep on Client Shoots | Ep.201
Hitting 201 episodes has me thinking about the one thing that separates a smooth client shoot from a nightmare: setting — and delivering on — expectations. In this episode, I break down how I use FrameSet and reference pillars to get clients on the same page before we ever hit record, using a real case study from a recent gym brand shoot to show exactly how it plays out when a client asks for "jus
How I Sold a 13-Year-Old Gym on a 90-Second Brand Film | Ep.200
This episode is a real walkthrough of how I sold a client on a vision before I ever picked up a camera. I'm breaking down the discovery call I had with Andrew, owner of Fit Brea, where I talked him out of the generic "gym hype video" he already hired someone else to make, and into a 90-second brand film plus member testimonials that actually served his business. Then I get into the exact tool I us
The Pre-Production Tool That Killed My Guesswork on Set | Ep. 199
I used to walk onto set with a vibe and a storyboard that was more suggestion than plan — and honestly, that worked fine until it didn't. In this episode I break down how I stopped guessing on commercial shoots and started shot-listing every single frame using animated reference GIFs instead of static stills, and how that one shift changed everything from my pre-pro process to how much creative en
Sony FX5 Is Here: Should You Actually Upgrade? | Ep.198
Sony just dropped the FX5 II — but does it actually deserve a spot in your camera bag? In this episode, I break down the FX5 through the lens of two questions every working DP should be asking before buying new gear: will it get you more clients, and will it make your workflow faster? Pulling from 9 years of real production experience — including award-winning shorts, branded docs, and global comm
9 Years, 6 Sony Cameras: What Actually Gets You Hired | Ep.197
David breaks down nine years in the Sony ecosystem — A7R II to A6500 to FS7 to the FX9, FX6, and FX3 — and the real lesson underneath all of it: your camera system isn't just a creative choice, it's a business decision. He gets into why agencies build workflows around specific gear (and why DTC clients couldn't care less), why he's sticking with Sony for at least two more years, and closes with a
Sony FX5 Leak: 5K Open-Gate & Venice Sensor — Is This the One? | Ep.196
In this episode the I break down the rumored Sony FX5 due to be announced in mid-July, discussing expectations like a 5K open-gate Venice-derived sensor, potential frame rates, and comparisons to the Canon C50 and Lumix S1 II.
I cover hoped-for features (CFexpress Type B, SDI/HDMI, improved battery and audio options), pricing speculation, and scenarios for how the FX5 could shape Sony’s lineup ove
Build a DP Reel That Actually Books Jobs (60 Seconds Is All You Need) | EP. 195
Your demo reel is the single most powerful marketing tool in your arsenal as a cinematographer — but most DPs are building it all wrong. In Episode 195 of Inspire Design Create, David breaks down how to stop treating your reel like a "best of" highlight dump and start treating it like a precision business tool that gets you hired in the exact lane you want to work in. Whether you're chasing corpor
EPISODE 194: From Imposter to DP - How I Conquered Self-Doubt on a Kobalt Campaign
Imposter syndrome was something I wrestled with a lot early on as a DP. Most if not all of my network only knew me as a videography or a "guy who shoots video" - sound familiar? So what happened when I did get the call to DP a commercial campaign for Kobalt Tools and Lowes? I freaked out as I only had maybe a month to prep for it and prior to that the largest light I ever used was a 120D and a lig
EPISODE 193: What I Feared MOST As An Early DP
What I feared most when I made the decision to start a career path as a DP was exactly that. What WAS the career path? I don't know anyone in my network who is a DP/Cinematographer, what does that kind of life and work look like? It left always questioning myself and my decisions especially in the first 2 years when most of my work revolved around shooting content for local businesses, music video
EPISODE 192: Health Is Not Over-rated
Getting older has all kinds of pros to it. You get a little wiser, you experience life more, you grow in different ways but the one thing no one ever tells you is how to stay healthy as you grow older. I'm sure many of you have gone through a few injuries and maybe reoccurring injuries. I for one have been through my fair share of injuries through martial arts and competition that I still work thr
EPISODE 191: Work Life Balance A Thing?
Have you heard of that golden phrase, "You need work-life balance". I used to think a lot of that phrase as most of my life i've never had any type of work-life balance. Life itself was practically work no matter how you spun it, I just never cared to go on vacations like 99% of the population. However, the 8 years of running my business i've found the value of work-life balance in terms of when w
EPISODE 190: YEAR END REVIEW 2025
Here we go, end of the year and my oh my has it been a whirlwind of a year for me. A lot of changes and a huge insight I hope I can share with you all.
Enjoy this episode and have an amazing rest of the year fam!
If you enjoyed this episode please rate it and let me know how i'm doing! Follow the podcast if you're loving the content and share it with your friends!
www.atdavidlee.com | Instagram @a
EPISODE 189: Sony A7V - Five Years Too Late?
Today Sony released the A7V - a hybrid mirrorless camera that many, including myself, were looking forward to as it could have been a solid competitor to the Lumix S1II and Canon R6 III. But in classic Sony fashion in the last 5 years, the camera leaves me with a lot more to be desired. A LOT...Let's chat about it shall we?
If you enjoyed this episode please rate it and let me know how i'm doing!
EPISODE 188: Staying with Sony BUT...
It seem that every 4-5 years a ground breaking camera sensor comes out. In 2020 Sony released the A7S III which completely changed the game for filmmakers across the board with the technology and features it offered. 5 years later we haven't really seen anything ground breaking from Sony and I know there are certain people who may be looking at jumping ship to Canon, Nikon, Blackmagic or Lumix. I
EPISODE 187: Starting Over In Business
If there were 3 things I would do differently with my business from the beginning it would:
#1. Choose a specific goal
#2. Treat the business as a business
#3. Not be married to equipment
I hope that this episode brings new light and awareness to how you're currently running your business and some ways you might want to start implementing change in your own business.
If you enjoyed this episode pl
EPISODE 186: Kofi Yeboah
Today we have Kofi Yeboah on the podcast sharing his story of how he got into the business of video production, starting his YouTube channel that has grown to over 60k subscribers, and where the line is being drawn between Filmmakers and YouTubers.
If you enjoyed this episode please rate it and let me know how i'm doing! Follow the podcast if you're loving the content and share it with your friend
EPISODE 185: They Wanted Mini LF, I Hated It
Recently I was brought on to shoot a short internal campaign for Amazon Fulfillment Services and the agency wanted to shoot on the ARRI Mini LF with rehoused Leica R lenses. Sounds exciting and fun right?! If your idea of "fun" is lugging around a 30lb camera package on a Easyrig for 10 hours. Shall we chat about it? MMMHMMM!
If you enjoyed this episode please rate it and let me know how i'm doing
EPISODE 184: Cancelation Policies? ABSOLUTELY!
If you're ever faced in the future with a shoot that is canceled, what do you do? Do you have a cancelation policy in place or if you're working with an agency do they have a cancelation policy in place? These are absolutely critical question to ask for the health if your business when those situations do come up. So...let's chat about it!
If you enjoyed this episode please rate it and let me know
EPISODE 183: Founder Jamie Maitland
Founder of The Office 954 and The Office Health in Ft. Lauderdale, Jamie is a self-made health and wellness entrepreneur whose journey in providing a unique and boutique experience and certified organic protein has provided her with opportunities and creating a life that she truly loves. A little different podcast than usual but trust me when I say that this episode will provide you with a mindset
EPISODE 182: Director Matt Garvin
Today we have Director and Writer Matt Garvin on the show. Matthew brings years of directing and writing across multiple genres and his experiences are invaluable. If you've been looking for inspiration and perspective through the lens of a director, then this episode is certainly for you.
If you enjoyed this episode please rate it and let me know how i'm doing! Follow the podcast if you're loving
EPISODE 181: Mid Year Review
Shall we? I think so!
If you enjoyed this episode please rate it and let me know how i'm doing! Follow the podcast if you're loving the content and share it with your friends!
www.atdavidlee.com | Instagram @atdavidlee | YouTube www.youtube.com/atdavidlee
For All Your Licensed Audio Needs
70% off 1 Year of Audiio Pro with CODE SAVE70
EPISODE 180: Director Sabine Kahwaji
Today I was blessed to have my friend and director Sabine Kahwaji along with her producer Jonathan Akkawi to share their latest film "Altisal" that's making its way on the film festival circuit. From the words of Sabine, "I wrote this film after the tragic Beirut explosion in Aug 2020. Sadly, the completion of the film fell with my dad in South Lebanon when the conflicts erupted this Sept. I was l
EPISODE 179: Content CEO Roger Rojas
Today I had the pleasure of sitting down with Roger Rojas. Roger has made his career and brand around supporting CEOs, brands and businesses with their content strategy and production. He offered a ton of gems in this episode that I believe a lot of you listening can learn from and take into your own creative agency for growth.
If you enjoyed this episode please rate it and let me know how i'm doi
EPISODE 178: Creator Anson and Co
I had the pleasure of sitting down, virtually, with Anson & Co for this episode. Some of you may know him from this YouTube channel where Anson offers gear reviews for Sigma and Lumix oriented content, but like with anyone I have on the podcast I want to know their story first and foremost. What inspired them at an early age and how that inspiration for stories led them on the journey they cur
EPISODE 177: Director Sarah Hays
Today we have the pleasure of having Sarah Hays on the podcast. Sarah owns a creative agency in Washington state and provides creative strategy as well as directs brand stories in the outdoor-adventure space. We talk about aspects of working on yourself, imposter syndrome, loving what you do and where Sarah hopes to move towards with her agency.
Sarah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarah_
EPISODE 176: Cinematographer Jason Anthony
Today we have creative director and agency owner Jason Anthony on the podcast! I've known Jason for a few years now and it's been long overdue to have him on the podcast to share his story and journey into the industry. Jason was kind enough to give his time and provide key insights to how he went from solo/freelance work to building and growing his creative agency he operates today.
If you enjoye
EPISODE 175: Producer April Mendoza
Today we have Producer April Mendoza on the show! April has produced several shorts along with directing credits for commercials and working heavily as a 1st AD across a plethora of music videos in her career. I wanted to have her on the podcast to share how she started in the industry, what she's seen and advice she can offer to aspiring filmmakers looking to grow their career path.
If you enjoye
EPISODE 174: When Clients DON'T PAY...
Has a client failed to pay you for a project? What were some of the indicators you potentially saw or didn't see that led to the results of the client either never paying or taking an extremely long time to pay? Lucky for you I have been in those situations before and through experience I can provide you THE BEST WAYS to avoid this from happening all together.
If you enjoyed this episode please ra
EPISODE 173: Tariffs...Let's Talk About It
With new Tariffs being placed on every country starting early April 2025, how will the increase in prices effect you? Might be the time to start looking at snagging up some particular pieces of gear before the prices surely increase as well as having conversations with your clients if you've been underselling your services.
If you enjoyed this episode please rate it and let me know how i'm doing!
EPISODE 172: Small Business's THINK SMALL, Switch Their Perspectives!
We've all been approached by small businesses looking for content creation or advertising campaigns am I right? The struggle though is that many of them have a "Lacking Mindset" meaning they attribute value to content creation but they say don't have the capital or funds to respectfully pay for the content. That's where we come in to bring light to their "Lacking Mindset" and show them that by loo
EPISODE 171: AI Tools Cost What?!
I recently tried one of the new AI Generative Apps called Invideo AI to see where the landscape of AI tools is at for video centric businesses. What I learned so far is that the cost to value ratio isn't worth it, yet...
If you enjoyed this episode please rate it and let me know how i'm doing! Follow the podcast if you're loving the content and share it with your friends!
www.atdavidlee.com | Inst
EPISODE 170: Wishlist for 2025
It's the first day of 2025, LFG! As we're in a brand new year I know many of you are wondering what equipment and gear you'll need for 2025. What gear am I looking to get in 2025? The answer might shock ya.
If you enjoyed this episode please rate it and let me know how i'm doing! Follow the podcast if you're loving the content and share it with your friends!
www.atdavidlee.com | Instagram @atdavid
EPISODE 169: Course Reopen FREE
Click bait? Nope, i'm re-opening my course on How to Create Compelling Stories for free. However, i'm only opening it up to the first 20 people as it's easier for me to support and answer questions to 20 people rather than 50 or 100 people.
Sign Up HERE
If you enjoyed this episode please rate it and let me know how i'm doing! Follow the podcast if you're loving the content and share it with your f
EPISDOE 168: Set A Light 3D
Of all the pre-production tools I have, Set A Light 3D has been a literal game changer for me. Think of it as a much more user friendly version of Cinetracer. I wanted to share my thoughts on it after using it for the last year, I hope it supports you!
You can check out the software with the link below:
https://www.elixxier.com/en/set-a-light-3d/
And for those who stuck around to the end, here's w
EPISODE 167: Diminishing Returns
If you enjoyed this episode please rate it and let me know how i'm doing! Follow the podcast if you're loving the content and share it with your friends!
https://create-compelling-stories.teachable.com/p/how-to-tell-compelling-stories
www.atdavidlee.com | Instagram @atdavidlee | YouTube www.youtube.com/atdavidlee
For All Your Licensed Audio Needs
70% off 1 Year of Audiio Pro with CODE SAVE70
EPISODE 166: Create Compelling Stories Course Is Out!
Link to the Course Fam!
https://create-compelling-stories.teachable.com/p/how-to-tell-compelling-stories
USE CODE SAVE50 to Save 50% for the first 24 hours only. The filmmaking course will be available to purchase from 9/08/2024 - 10/01/2024 only, so please don't wait.
If you enjoyed this episode please rate it and let me know how i'm doing! Follow the podcast if you're loving the content and shar
EPISODE 165: Retainers Revisited
And hereeee weeeee gooooooo! Talking about retainer clients and some ways you can negotiate the price and duration for your retainers.
If you enjoyed this episode please rate it and let me know how i'm doing! Follow the podcast if you're loving the content and share it with your friends!
www.atdavidlee.com | Instagram @atdavidlee | YouTube www.youtube.com/atdavidlee
For All Your Licensed Audio Ne
EPISODE 164: Passion Projects - Has Your Passion Died Out?
When we decided we wanted to become filmmakers I know all of us had dreams and goals of producing and writing original ideas that inspired us. At the same time we all had businesses to grow and maintain and along the way we put our passion projects to the sidelines only to be forgotten as time passed on. However, I still feel that as filmmakers we need to create at least one passion project every
EPISODE 163: Do Clients Care About Quality???
An interesting question is it not? As creatives we all certainly care about quality but do our clients and the agencies we work with care just as much? If not, is there a world where we can utilize much more affordable equipment for those projects and still offer a competitive rate to do so? I think so, let's chat about it.
If you enjoyed this episode please rate it and let me know how i'm doing!
EPISODE 162: Rates in 2024 - IATSE
Have you wondered what others are charging? How about the big boys under unions? Today we're talking just that, RATES. What are the actual rates for those who are under IATSE and working in the commercial space? There's a great breakdown of them all which you can find here https://www.mediaservices.com/showbiz-software/showbiz-labor-guide/#tab-which-union-rates-are-included - the PDF is free to do
EPISODE 161: Pros & Cons - Working Direct to Client
When working directly with clients compared to being brought on by a production company or agency there are some pros to that path along with some cons. What are the pros and cons that can help better inform you of which path in your career you'd like to take? Let's chat about it!
If you enjoyed this episode please rate it and let me know how i'm doing! Follow the podcast if you're loving the cont
EPISODE 160: They Wanted A TVC...
Today we're breaking down a recent commercial project that was three-fold; part TVC, part testimonial and part 30 sec promo. Rather than making this episode an hour long i'll just breaking down one scene that is a day interior with the challenge of white walls and no direct window to light from. Make sure to check use the companion web page on my website for the visual breakdowns.
https://atdavidl
EPISODE 159: Camera to Cloud Experience
On a recent shoot for the First Omen Premiere in Santa Monica, CA the production company had a quick turn around time for the deliverable and chose to use a Atomos Shogun with Atomos Connect to get the footage uploaded ASAP to their remote editors. Did it work? What issues did we run into? Listen to this week's podcast episode to learn more!
If you enjoyed this episode please rate it and let me kn
EPISODE 158: New Camera, Sort Of
On the cusp of NAB 2024 (I was working so I wasn't there) there were so many new release from cameras, lenses, AI integration with NLEs and more. Although I haven't made the purchase of any brand new release, yet, I did purchase a new camera package. Well the camera isn't new but listen to the rest of this episode to find out what I did end up buying for the business.
If you enjoyed this episode p
EPISODE 157: Fake It Til You Make It
Imposter syndrome can be a real thing especially in our business. Perhaps you're asked to do a project that you've never done before, how do you respond to that? Should you "FAKE IT TIL YOU MAKE IT" in order to get the job? What impact will that have for your future career if you do it too much? Let's talk about the thing!
If you enjoyed this episode please rate it and let me know how i'm doing! F
EPISODE 156: Start Positioning Your Services
As we're already heading into the middle of 2024 have you asked yourself, "man I really need to start leveling up my business but i'm stuck..". Perhaps you feel you should be charging more as the cost of living has gone up and you've been charging the same rates for the last 5 years. For some of us the thought raising our rates brings anxiety through the fear of our clients and network not wanting
EPISODE 155: I Made This Netflix Quality....
Did I or am I BSing you? Hard to tell especially when other content creators on YouTube are creating videos with click bait titles as well! Today's episode is more about perspective and honesty, virtues that apparently content creators still value less than the views they get on their videos but hey who am I to judge? I hope you enjoy this episode as always and if you do please rate the podcast on
EPISODE 154: Your Network Is WHERE You Work
Have you wondered how to branch into new industries? Perhaps you've been doing your regular bread and butter type shoots but have always dreamt of doing fashion videos? Your network is where 99% of your leads come from and if it's comprised of directors and producers within a very specific genre, well that's the type of work you'll get. In today's episode I talk about ways to reach out to producer
EPISODE 153: Why Shooting Coverage Matters
When I first started my career it was a lot of verite/documentary style coverage. Which usually meant going hand held and running around grabbing what I felt were interesting shots. As my career progressed and working on larger sets with more demand for a structured approach, I soon realized that my approach was had too many faults. There was a lack of coverage that not only made my time on set lo
EPISODE 152: Is Everyone Leaving YouTube?
Question Mark ?!
If you enjoyed this episode please rate it and let me know how i'm doing! Follow the podcast if you're loving the content and share it with your friends!
www.atdavidlee.com | Instagram @atdavidlee | YouTube www.youtube.com/atdavidlee
For All Your Licensed Audio Needs
70% off 1 Year of Audiio Pro with CODE SAVE70
EPISODE 151: Awkward Moments On Set
Last year on a commercial production I was there was a very awkward moment on set that. One of those situations where you have to ask yourself, "if I were in that position what I would do?". I wanted to share that experience so that if you ever find yourself in a similar situation you'll be prepared to respond in the best way possible.
If you enjoyed this episode please rate it and let me know how
EPISODE 150: A Case for Hard Light
The last few years we've seen a huge cross over from photography to cinematography, with many adopting the ultra soft light look. Nothing wrong with soft light at all, give me a 12x12 of magic cloth with a grid all day! However, there are instances where balancing between having both hard and soft light has created a new paradigm shift away from your traditional soft source lighting. Today I wante
EPISODE 149: GEAR SESSIONS - CRD BAGS
Today I wanted to provide a brief review of the CRD Bags and if they're worth it. I own a few of them including the Medium and Large size CRD bags along with their velcro labels which I really love. So...are they worth it??? I think they are, but i'll let you decide after listening to this episode!
If you enjoyed this episode please rate it and let me know how i'm doing! Follow the podcast if you'
EPISODE 148 - Time to Renegotiate Rates
A brand new year means the potential for new rates and budgets. In this episode I wanted to talk about some ways to communicate with your clients the increase of your rates whether that be your day rates, rentals or the entire budget itself.
If you enjoyed this episode please rate it and let me know how i'm doing! Follow the podcast if you're loving the content and share it with your friends!
www.
EPISODE 147: BUY, KEEP, SELL...
It's that time of the year friends, where all the pre NAB and Cinegear hype is coming in! New equipment to water our mouthes and to delete our bank accounts with. However, I believe the beginning of the year is the best time to start to look at the equipment you have right now in order to identify which you need keep, sell and what business purchases make sense for your in 2024. Let's chat!
If you
EPISODE 146: YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE IN 2024
Should you still be posting to Instagram these days? What about YouTube, is it still worthwhile creating video content on a very saturated platform? I believe it is, but you also should have a very specific goal in mind otherwise your time and effort might not be put towards the best areas in your life. In today's episode i'll be covering some of the reasons people shy away from posting more on so
EPISODE 145: YEAR IN REVIEW 2023
HEREEEEE WEEEEEEE GOOOOOOOOOOOOO
If you enjoyed this episode please rate it and let me know how i'm doing! Follow the podcast if you're loving the content and share it with your friends!
www.atdavidlee.com | Instagram @atdavidlee | YouTube www.youtube.com/atdavidlee
For All Your Licensed Audio Needs
70% off 1 Year of Audiio Pro with CODE SAVE70
EPISODE 144: FIGHTING THE FLATNESS - NIGHT INTERIORS
Today we're breaking down a scene from the feature film I was on earlier this year. We'll take a look at one of the night interior scenes and the approach I took for fighting against what could otherwise be a very flat and dark image. Link to the breakdown images will be right here for you to follow along!
https://atdavidlee.com/breakdowns/
If you enjoyed this episode please rate it and let me kno
EPISODE 143: TOOLS FOR SUCCESS, NOT GEAR RELATED
Is this a joke? What do you mean tools for success without gear?!?! Clickbait??? Nope, just real talk on how to set yourself up for success when it comes to the business aspect of being an owner/operator. Things like communication, team management, client expectations vs your own person needs are skillsets that will help you grow your business year in and year out.
If you enjoyed this episode plea
EPISODE 142: HOW AI WILL CHANGE THE INDUSTRY
With the recent strikes in the industry concerning mostly the use of AI, I felt it was time to make this episode as some crew members i've spoken to this year have been concerned around AI taking away jobs from practically every department of production. From working on virtual production sets to speaking with union members I can honestly say that you don't need to be worried about AI taking away
EPISODE 141: SELLING THE KOMODO
Yup, she's gone boys but she had a great run for the last two years. As 2024 is approaching i've already started my business purchase sheet for next year and the Komodo would have been sitting in a pelican probably for the rest of the new year. So let's have a little chat and why I decided to let the Komodo, go.
If you enjoyed this episode please rate it and let me know how i'm doing! Follow the p
EPISODE 140: ART VS GETTING PAID
Is Cinematography an Art or more of a structured approach to the visual arts? How do we reconcile our drive to "create art" but also get paid and be able to earn a living doing what we love? Let's a little heart to heart conversation shall we?
If you enjoyed this episode please rate it and let me know how i'm doing! Follow the podcast if you're loving the content and share it with your friends!
ww
EPISODE 139: AFRAID OF BEING UNDERCUT???
One fear many owner/ops hate being in the middle of is the fear of being undercut by others and missing out on a job. Now I totally understand that getting paid is way better than not being paid at all, however when you do too many jobs where you intentionally undercut yourself, not only do you continue a pattern of losing out on overall income but you soon start to realize (or I hope you start to
EPISODE 138: PRICING YOUR RENTALS
Short episode today but one I think many of you might need. We're talking all about rentals, how to price your rentals, ways to keep things organized and resources online to get the information you need.
If you enjoyed this episode please rate it and let me know how i'm doing! Follow the podcast if you're loving the content and share it with your friends!
www.atdavidlee.com | Instagram @atdavidlee
EPISODE 137: ARE LIGHT METERS RELEVANT???
In today's age of digital and quick to access exposure tools, are light meters still useful? What benefits are there from using a light meter compared to false color and other monitoring tools we have? Let's have a nice discussion about it shall we!
If you enjoyed this episode please rate it and let me know how i'm doing! Follow the podcast if you're loving the content and share it with your frien
EPISODE 136: THE CREATOR FILM FOOLED US...
Let's talk about the FX3, PRORES RAW, Gimbals and why would a $80 million dollar budget used a YouTuber friendly camera.
If you enjoyed this episode please rate it and let me know how i'm doing! Follow the podcast if you're loving the content and share it with your friends!
www.atdavidlee.com | Instagram @atdavidlee | YouTube www.youtube.com/atdavidlee
EPISODE 135: SMALLHD OR ATOMOS MONITORS???
In 2023 are SmallHD monitors still worth it? What type of productions are you consistently on that might require the purchase of a SmallHD or Atomos monitor? As I own both monitors from both brands I wanted to share my own experiences on set with what I see more of and what I would recommend for you to look into.
If you enjoyed this episode please rate it and let me know how i'm doing! Follow the
EPISODE 134: GEAR SESSIONS - NANUK CASES
Long time Pelican owner? Maybe you've been using only SKB cases for a time. Well as someone who owns all three but over the years i've only been buying Nanuk cases. Why is that? Let's find out!
If you enjoyed this episode please rate it and let me know how i'm doing! Follow the podcast if you're loving the content and share it with your friends!
www.atdavidlee.com | Instagram @atdavidlee | YouTube
EPISODE 133: PLEASE CALIBRATE YOUR MONITORS...
Wonder why your monitor looks vastly different than your viewfinder? Can't figure out why your display is too blue or warm and it's been driving you crazy? Chances are you most likely need to calibrate your monitors, both your onboard monitors and post production monitors. In today's podcast episode we talk all things calibration related included what tools and software I use to keep my monitors l
EPISODE 132: HALF VS FULL DAY RATES
There's a fine line between charging a half day or a full day and many times we're stuck with deciding on which to charge. Is a half day for you 4 hours, 5 hours, maybe 6 hours? Is a full day for you 8 or 10 hours? And when the time comes when you're met with a potential or confirmed half day, how do you approach charging for it? Let's talk about it!
If you enjoyed this episode please rate it and
EPISODE 131: UNION VS NON-UNION JOBS
The great debate between owner/ops, free lancers and film school graduates; should you join your Local under IATSE? Whether you're camera department or G&E, heck even HMU and Wardrobe have their own union should you wish to join! What are the advantages and disadvantages of joining your local union? The last year i've met with colleagues of mine on various shoots and have catalogued their answ
EPISODE 130: LOWER ISO FOR NIGHT SHOOTS
With so many dual native ISO cameras out on the market it can be easy for many of us to lean into cranking up the ISO for a cleaner image. However, there's a difference between having a clean image but still a flat looking image and a clean image with depth and contrast. In this episode I talk about how I approached a recent feature film I was on by going with a lower ISO and utilizing all the lig
EPISODE 129: LOW BUDGET FILMMAKING, DON’T FALL FOR IT!
So you've watched some video or listened to an interview with someone saying, "Gear Doesn't Matter" or "Just go out and make the thing" right? Now that's partially true but the one thing many people leave out of the equation is the goal you have for your project. Without the goal how do you know how to get to where you want to be or what you wish to achieve? In today's episode I want to break down
EPISODE 128: THE ROI ON EQUIPMENT
The return on your investment for cameras, lights, lenses and everything in between is a huge factor in the growth and potential success for your business. In this episode I go over my top business assets to focus on with regards to a sustained ROI as well as what category of equipment to consider based upon your geography and the market you work in. I know, it's not a gear review or something tha
EPISODE 127: HDR WITHOUT THE HDR?!?!
No it's click bait, but in actuality if you're working in Resolve 17 or 18 I found out that the new HDR wheels can be applied with great results to SDR content. I'm not 100% sure how it works but with new technology, algorithms and of course "AI" we now have the ability to manipulate our images even more so with regard to remapping certain parts of our dynamic range. I may start making YouTube vid
EPISODE 126: GEAR SESSIONS - WALL SPREADERS
Ever used a wall spreader? More importantly, WHY haven't you used a wall spreader? They're fantastic! Especially when you don't have any windows to light from and are looking to create your room tone from over head rather than from the ground. In this episode i'll be going over why Wall Spreaders are so handy and especially for the price they will instantly be a part of your G&E kit.
WALL SPRE
EPISODE 125: MATCHING SONY FX AND ALPHA CAMERAS
Looking to match your Sony FX and Alpha line cameras? Perhaps you're in the market for a B-Camera and want to know how you can match your existing Sony camera to another that isn't the same model as your current camera. I own a Sony FX9 and Sony A7IV which honestly has been the closet match in terms of color and white balance matching. I've also used the FX6, FX3 and A7SIII alongside my FX9 and th
EPISODE 124: SHOOT FOR THE EDIT - FIGHT SCENES
We're back! Can you believe it! Yes I am alive and well, though I would lying if I said the last two weeks of the feature film haven't been rough. Rewarding but tough, anyways! Today we're talking about how to approach shooting fight scenes with the theme of "Shoot for the edit". The main take aways from this episode to help you with your next fight scene are the following:
1.) Know your location
