We’ve rounded up this year’s best blog posts for you to binge-read over the holidays. We’ve worked extra hard this year to fill your creative coffers with useful tips and resources about filmmaking and ideating to help you improve your craft. We also believe you can learn a lot from fellow Tongalers - like how to approach shooting in 4K or how to convince friends, or friends of friends, to be part of your Video project - which is why you’ll see a number of community-written post on the list. Our blog provides a space for our always-on community to share ideas, advice, and lessons they’ve learned along the way as Tongalers.
Here’s your must-read list:
1. 10 Questions to Ask Before Using 4K by Michelle Iannantuono
Fun fact: Tongalers can get paid to write posts on our blog. Keep your eyes out for another opportunity to pitch us your blog ideas in early 2018! Michelle Iannantuono wrote this highly informative piece about what filmmakers should think about before investing in 4K. It cuts through all the hype surrounding 4K and gets to the practical heart of the matter.
2. Keeping it Real: Sourcing Authentic Stories by Tina Radel
How do you get REAL people to participate in your Video and share personal stories for a brand? For Tongalers submitting to an Authentic Stories Project, this blog post is a must-read. Prolific Tongaler Tina Radel takes us through the process of finding the right subject, how to reach out and make your pitch to them, and make sure they understand the scope of what you’re asking and feel comfortable with the process.
3. Introducing the Tongal Treatment Template by Marissa Nystrom
We’ve been developing a slate of new resources for pre-pro and production for filmmakers to use both on Tongal projects and on their own projects. Many Tongalers have asked us either in our forums or through info@tongal.com,”What does a good treatment look like? What should it include?” There are many interpretations of what a good treatment looks like, so we put together this sleek, customizable template to help filmmakers communicate their vision to the Sponsor that works for their Project, in a clear, visual manner. Also, check out our budget, call sheet, shot list, music cue sheet, and more!
4. Creator Interview: Tiffany Frances by Madeleine Mindling
We often like to pick the brains of Tongalers to learn more about their creative process. Every month we interview someone who’s done outstanding work on Tongal and ask them about their creative approach and how they pulled it off. Earlier this year, we had the pleasure of interviewing director Tiffany Frances after shooting her short film “Movement” for National Geographic’s “10 Days of Genius Film Festival.” Though it was Tiffany’s first Pitch win on Tongal, even the most veteran Tongalers can learn from her experience and approach.
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6. Spot On: Letter to My
Spot On is a monthly series that focuses on a recent spot (either broadcast or on the web) to share what works and what our community can learn from in its creative execution. The University of Phoenix surprised us with their touching, cinematic story. Read this post to see why.
7. Brand On Set: Production Best Practices by Nolan Schneiderman
Occasionally a brand will want to be on set during production, especially when a spot is for broadcast. We know this sounds a bit nerve-wracking - that’s why we created these helpful guidelines to make sure you’re well-equipped for having the brand on set, which means providing a few extra amenities and services, such as a dedicated PA, a Video Village, and good crafty.
8. Perfect the Art of the Video Cut-Down by Marissa Nystrom
The word “cut-down” sounds tedious and boring, right? This article transforms the process of editing shorter versions of your Video into an interesting art form that requires a creative sensibility and understanding of storytelling. Using Fanatico Films' Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean Hispanic Video Suite as an example, this blog walks us through how to trim down a spot without losing the crux of the story.
9. Color and Film: Learn The Rules of Color Theory (and How To Break Them) by Madeleine Mindling
Similar to our love for the colorful lights that come out during the holidays, we have a great appreciation for color in film. Color has the ability to completely change the tone of a story. Cinematographers, production designers, and wardrobe are the gatekeepers to color, and you can learn how to abide by the rules or break them (intentionally) in this post.
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