Shooting Spitballs

Send a text In this episode of Shooting Spitballs , we take on the challenge of filming a Porsche driving experience day with limited time on track. The weather is unpredictable, communication from the race day organisers is sporadic, and every lap has to count. We break down how to adapt on the fly, vary camera angles, and still capture the thrill of speed in a way that feels cinematic. You can f...

Send a text This episode is all about filming at music festivals. We cover: 🎶 Camera setups that actually work in crowded, fast-moving environments 🎶 How to use movement, focal lengths, and positioning for dynamic shots 🎶 Ways to capture both the performers and the energy of the crowd We’ll also toss in a few unexpected challenges to see how we’d adapt when things don’t go to plan.  If you’re s...

Send a text Steve and Graham are back, and this time we’re tackling the joys of shooting on location in a university lecture theatre. From camera setups to sound checks and the not-so-helpful sound technician in the corner, we share the wins, the struggles, and the lessons learned. You can find the reference images for this episode below. https://www.shotnstrungfilms.com/shootingspitballs

Send a text Traveling overseas for filming sounds exciting… until you hit the airport. In this episode of Shooting Spitballs, we dive into the real challenges filmmakers face when flying with camera gear - from lost baggage and oversized camera bags to the dreaded carnet paperwork. We share stories, tips, and the potential pitfalls you need to know before saying yes to an overseas shoot. Whether y...

Send a text What happens when you’re hired to shoot a same-day edit at a busy expo… and your junior editor is slowing everything down? 🎥 In this episode of Shooting Spitballs, we dive into:  • The stress of filming and cutting content under crazy expo deadlines  • How to manage (or survive) working with a junior editor who’s causing bottlenecks  • Our best tips for shooting strategically when tim...

Send a text In this episode of Shooting Spitballs, we break down how to film a wedding proposal on a pier — from choosing the right gear to handling high-pressure moments when emotions run high. We talk through the technical setup for capturing such a once-in-a-lifetime moment, including how to frame the scene, manage sound, and even deal with a surprise client request: live streaming the proposal...

Send a text In this episode, we take you behind the scenes of a multicam corporate shoot inside a glass-walled office. Discover how to manage reflections, lighting challenges, and camera placement to capture a professional-looking interview with multiple angles. We share practical tips for overcoming the unique hurdles posed by glass walls, plus advice on keeping the shoot smooth and efficient in...

Send a text Ever had a client or producer ruin a great interview take by rustling papers or talking over the guest? We have — and in this episode, we talk about how to handle those awkward on-set sound issues without burning bridges. From calming a nervous interviewee to diplomatically dealing with chatty producers and noisy environments, we also touch on lighting and framing tips for shooting cle...

Send a text In this episode, we discuss the challenges of filming actor showreels on location. From unpredictable weather to relentless background noise, they explore the realities of trying to make performance-focused videos in less-than-perfect environments. Whether you’re a camera op, director, or actor trying to shoot your own material, this one’s for you. Expect practical tips, honest anecdot...

Send a text In this episode, we discuss how to get perfect camera exposure when filming in mixed lighting environments at a sports stadium and also talk about Sony picture profiles including slog3 and s-cinetone. You can find the reference images for this episode below. https://www.shotnstrungfilms.com/shootingspitballs

Send a text Ever turned up to a shoot and realised the brief forgot the most important detail — who you’re actually supposed to film?  In this episode of Shooting Spitballs, we break down what to do when you’re hired to cover a workshop but no one’s told you which speaker matters most. From reading the room, managing clients on the fly, and making judgement calls in real-time — this is a behind-th...

Send a text In this episode, we dive into the wild world of combining an autocue (teleprompter) with a gimbal...sounds tricky right? It doesn’t have to be. We break down how the two tools can actually work together smoothly if you plan your shots right and the talent knows what your intentions are. You can find the reference images for this episode below. https://www.shotnstrungfilms.com/shootings...

Send a text In this episode, we take you behind the scenes as we shoot a green screen setup in a client’s office and capture B-roll at a busy conference. Learn how we adapt to tricky spaces, choose appropriate gear and shoot with desired settings — even when things don’t go exactly to plan. Whether you’re a videographer, content creator, or just curious about production, this episode has practical...

Send a text In this episode, we break down how to shoot a two-person interview inside a working yoga studio — complete with natural light, hard floors, and unexpected acoustics. We’ll talk about lighting choices, sound challenges, camera angles, and how to keep things visually harmonious. Whether you’re filming in wellness spaces, studios, or anywhere that wasn’t built for video, this episode offe...

Send a text Shooting a walkthrough for an Airbnb listing sounds simple — until you arrive and realise it's not as straight forward as once thought.  In this episode, we break down how to approach property tours: from lens choices and camera movement to dealing with cluttered spaces, tricky lighting, and last-minute curveballs. You can find the reference images for this episode below. https://...

Send a text Shooting Spitballs is the go-to podcast for new and emerging video shooters seeking practical, real-world advice on tackling common video production scenarios. Each week, we bring two experienced video professionals into the studio for an in-depth discussion on specific challenges you’re likely to face on set. To keep things interesting, we also throw in a few unexpected curveballs—red...