Now that U.S. troops are leaving Iraq, we'll probably be hearing a lot less about Iraq and a lot more about Afghanistan (and innocuous mosques) in the daily news. But that is not to say that the ongoing conflicts in Iraq will be lessened in any way, other than in our perception. One such Iraqi conflict relates to rise of homophobia in the muslim world. From Baghdad to Brooklyn is a DIY documentary focused on this conflict, though after watching the trailer I did find myself left with one complaint. Well, two really:
The first is in response to the trailer's inclusion of a "gay man shopping" montage, which is about as surprising as would be an "Asian man playing videogames" montage. Regardless, pet peeves aside, I'm posting this here not because I'm particularly interested in an Iraqi Bruno but rather because I think the film has a chance to put a human face on the faraway, extreme version of a conflict currently unfolding closer to home in California and Mexico.
I'd like to start spotlighting more in-progress crowdfunding campaigns (this is only the third to date), but I could do so much more effectively if crowdfunders would do one thing (this is my second complaint). For anyone embarking on a crowdfunding campaign, make your trailer embeddable! For whatever reason, Kickstarter's video player is not embeddable. Therefore it's up to you to make it available on Vimeo, YouTube, or any other site that allows people to actually share the video clip with which you're trying to raise money! Instead, I'm forced to excerpt the blurb alone:
FROM BAGHDAD TO BROOKLYN is a film that takes place amidst the Iraqi refugee crisis, told through the story of Mohamed, a gay Iraqi refugee. It chronicles his quest for a better life amidst persecution, and his unlikely friendship with an American journalist who advocates for his asylum in the United States. But this is not a typical “westerner saves the day” portrait, as we learn that all is not what it seems with Mohamed. The film will shatter stereotypes of Iraqis, challenge preconceived notions of victimhood, and examine the real reasons behind selfless actions.
As 2024 comes to an end, working film and video professionals get a chance to take a small break and spend some time with their family and friends. Yet, as we all know, industry life never truly ends.
So if you're already looking ahead to 2025 and interested in upgrading your gear and improving your video production workflows, we've gone ahead and compiled a roundup of some of the best deals for filmmakers to check out over the winter holiday break.
Check out these great limited-time holiday deals from some of our best partners below.
FEATURED DEAL — Previs Pro
Give yourself the gift of Previs Pro this holiday season and create detailed 3D storyboards right on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. We’ve included a massive library of customizable props and characters, plus tools to tweak camera settings like lens type and aspect ratio—everything you need to visualize your scenes exactly as you imagine them. And if you’re using Final Draft, importing your scripts is seamless.
Previs Pro uses cutting-edge AR and LiDAR technology, letting you place virtual elements into real-world locations. This isn’t just storyboarding; it’s a whole new way to immerse yourself in your project.
Thousands of filmmakers already use Previs Pro, and we’ve heard stories of how it’s transformed their workflow. Filmmakers worldwide have told us the Previs Pro has saved them hours of pre-production work and countless dollars (and pounds and euros and yen) while improving their final project.
Download and try Previs Pro on the iOS or MacOS App Store and see what it can do for your filmmaking process. Let’s bring your stories to life.
Get Final Draft for 30% off! The number-one selling screenwriting software in the world. Final Draft formats a screenplay automatically so writers can focus on telling their story.
Used by 95% of the entertainment industry, Final Draft is the only tool a screenwriter needs.
Whether they're a beginner or a professional, Final Draft makes taking an idea to script as easy as 1-2-3, and the latest version includes many new and improved features such as Writing Goals & Productivity Stats, Midnight Mode, Typewriter, and more.
“There’s nothing like seeing your words turn into a screenplay before your very eyes. Final Draft takes care of the formatting so that all you have to think about is the story.” – Jon Favreau (Swingers, Chef, The Mandalorian). Get 30% off Final Draft with the code NOFILMSCHOOL24 at checkout. Offer expires December 31st, 2024
The advanced technology and durable build of Rosco’s DMG DASH Pocket LED Kit makes it an indispensable tool for filmmakers looking to elevate their production quality. This LED fixture integrates Rosco's advanced six-chip MIX® Technology to produce an exceptionally broad color spectrum that renders superior skin tones. The CRMX version features wireless DMX control via LumenRadio, offering seamless integration with your existing setup.
Its compact and rugged aluminum alloy construction ensures durability and weather resistance, perfect for any shooting environment. Despite its small size, this advanced LED pocket light provides powerful illumination with its 500-lumen output! The DMG DASH Kit comes with a full suite of mounting accessories and a complete set of magnetized beam-shaping accessories inside a durable carrying case. And, when paired with its DOT Round Diffuser Accessory (sold separately), the DMG DASH provides the perfect eye light for any closeup or interview lighting setup.
ShotDeck, the world's largest library of cinematic reference images from movies, TV, music videos, and commercials, is offering 30% off when you subscribe with promo code HOLIDAY24(valid 12/09-12/29). Sign up for free now and join for only $5.84/month when you subscribe annually!
Founded by Oscar nominated cinematographer Lawrence Sher, ASC (DOP of Joker, The Hangover Trilogy, Garden State), ShotDeck has formed a huge community of directors, cinematographers, designers, advertising professionals, and visual artists who use the site to find reference images for their pitch decks and look books, as well as for general inspiration.
With over 1.5 million searchable shots and an iOS app, ShotDeck is an invaluable tool for reference, planning, and collaboration. Plus, with their new integration within Canva, finding the perfect reference image for your project has never been easier!
Buy any INOVATIV Workstation Cart, get a free $500 Gift Card to inovativ.com!
For a limited time, when you purchase an INOVATIV Workstation Cart, you’ll receive a $500 gift card to use toward your next online purchase. Secure the workstation cart you need today and enjoy the flexibility to upgrade or accessorize later with this exclusive offer. Whether it’s storage solutions, monitor mounting, or essential gear support, this $500 credit gives you the freedom to complete your workflow whenever you're ready. This offer is available December 9th - December 20th. Don’t miss out on this final offer of the year!
Now that we've covered our featured deals, let's explore even more Winter Holiday deals and specials that are also worth checking out to see if they might be worth investing in to level up your filmmaking game.
SANDMARC
Designed with the serious filmmaker in mind, the SANDMARC Anamorphic lens allows you to capture cinematic footage with ultra-wide aspect ratio, oval bokeh and horizontal lens flares.
ColorChecker Passport Video 2 is the tool you need for reference data both in camera and post-production. Neutral color, white balance, and consistent exposure on your cameras is key to color grading efficiency in editing. This handy pocket-sized target collection is a "must have" for any video project.
Everything you need to capture high-quality audio with the least effort, Profile Wireless is the compact all-in-one microphone system for freelance creators and videographers. It includes a two-channel 2.4 GHz receiver, two clip-on microphones, and versatile mounting and connection accessories housed in an ultra-portable charging bar that doubles as a handheld interview mic. USD $299
How to Make Money as a Cinematographer - Reduced from $297 to $149
Of course we're kicking things off with our own How to Make Money as a Cinematographer course! Our flagship course will teach you what gear to buy, how to use it like a pro, and how to get paid higher rates. We worked really hard on it and we're so happy to finally be putting the "school" in No Film School.
For the winter holidays we're reducing the price from $297 to $149, making it even more of a no-brainer investment. Check out a preview right here:
Now that U.S. troops are leaving Iraq, we'll probably be hearing a lot less about Iraq and a lot more about Afghanistan (and innocuous mosques) in the daily news. But that is not to say that the ongoing conflicts in Iraq will be lessened in any way, other than in our perception. One such Iraqi conflict relates to rise of homophobia in the muslim world. From Baghdad to Brooklyn is a DIY documentary focused on this conflict, though after watching the trailer I did find myself left with one complaint. Well, two really:
