Any independent filmmaker can tell you that one of the key rules to creating a successful film is to use what you got. This is especially true (and especially challenging) with cinematography. With a limited budget you’re likely not going to have the state-of-the-art equipment or perfectly lit soundstage to get the optimal shot. Often you’re going to have to make do with the locations the team was able to rustle up. These locations might be too small, might lack natural light, might be the wrong color. Well that’s too bad. If you want your indie film to look great, you’re going to have to be scrappy, adapt quickly, and be ready to pull a couple miracles out of your hat. Don’t think this won’t be noticed though; having the tools to make any location look great will not only elevate the film you’re working on, but also bolster your own reputation and prove your worth as a DP or director.

It might not always be fully appreciated, but if you’re serving as DP, it’s down to you to take any shot and make it cinematic. Sometimes this might be as easy as setting up a fill light, but especially for low-budget projects, it’s often much more complicated. With a lack of access to sufficient resources, it can feel like reinventing the wheel to make any shot work. However, coming to set knowing the questions to ask and the tools at your disposal can make all the difference. What combination of a fill light, key light, and back light will work best? How can you use the props and materials that happen to be around to draw the eye to your subject? And perhaps most importantly, when should you push to make the shot better and when should you recognize that it’s as good as it’s going to be?

Barry Andersson is an award-winning director and cinematographer. He has directed 5 feature films, many of which were released in theaters—his most recent film is being distributed by Lionsgate. Barry’s career as a cinematographer includes several television pilots, acclaimed short films, numerous commercials, and countless commercials and corporate videos. Barry is also the author of the DSLR Filmmakers Handbook. Barry has had to light and shoot more ugly locations than he can count and has developed a slew of strategies to tackle the challenges they bring.

Barry will give you tips and tools to pull beauty out of the ugliest of locations. Barry will start by going through the basics of art direction and what expectations directors will have of you as a DP. Using case studies and practical examples, Barry will outline how to find and create depth in flat locations and how to use available lighting to your advantage, even if it’s not ideal. He’ll then give you ideas of how to find use available props and items you might not have considered to add dimension to your shot. Then Barry will discuss the importance of where in the location to place your talent to elevate or destroy your scene. Finally Barry will delve into the best way to choose the right lens for each shot. You'll walk away from this fun webinar knowing how to navigate any small space surprises once you get on set with your equipment.

Praise for Barry's Webinar:

"Very professional and Barry gave good advice"

-Carol L.

"Excellent webinar . Many great tips I can definitely use. Thanks!"

-Ron H.

"Barry has a bunch of great strategies that I'm totally going to use on my next shot"

-Charlie C.

"Super interesting and super practical advice. Thank you!"

-Tina R.

• The Difference Between Amateur and Professional Cinematography
  • What is “Good Enough” and How Can You Make It “Great”?
• How Lighting Can Work For You – With Examples
  • Lighting Tricks
  • Natural and Available Light
  • Key Lights
  • Fill Lights
  • Back Lights
  • How to Find or Create Depth to Your Shot
• What You Must Know About Art Direction
• Using Props to Help Your Scene – With Examples
  • Where to Find Props
  • How to Help Make the Scene Complete
  • How to Arrange Background
  • How to Light Your Props
• Using Your Talent to Help Your Scene – With Examples
  • How to Place Your Talent
  • Where to Place Your Talent
  • How Choices Can Make or Break a Scene
• Using Lenses to Help Your Scene – With Examples
  • Breaking Down your Lens Choices
• Q&A with Barry

All levels of directors (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to learn how to make ugly or small locations look cinematic.

All levels of writers (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to learn how to make ugly or small locations look cinematic.

Producers looking to learn how to make ugly or small locations look cinematic.

Actors looking to learn how to make ugly or small locations look cinematic.