Hey Indie Filmmakers

Time to update griffinhammond.com/gear for 2023!

Griffin keeps a full gear list at griffinhammond.com/gear – but 2022 brought some workflow changes, so it’s time to review and update his inventory. Plus, Nick decides to buy a new electric vehicle, and picks it up the very same day!

Didn’t realize I needed a gimbal webcam!

Griffin didn’t buy the Insta360 Link 4K Webcam because it has a gimbal. But it turns out, auto-tracking movement is its most useful feature. Even better, the image quality outperforms the similarly priced 4K Opal C1 ($300), which is marketed as “The first professional webcam.” Plus, Nick lets Lensa AI reference his selfies to generate “Magic Avatars.” Nick is now on Mastodon: https://techhub.social/@ampsonic So is Griffin: https://creators.social/@griffin Also mentioned in this episode: ...

We look horrific as AI-generated art

Nick has been writing prompts for AI images on Midjourney v4. Griffin’s been playing with DiffusionBee on Mac. Our faces may render horrifically in AI, but for many other use cases, the results are uncanny, with plenty of rapidly arriving ethical and copyright implications for artists. Nick recommends listening to this interview with Midjourney founder and CEO David Holz. Hey Indie Filmmakers is brought to you by Squarespace. Go to squarespace.com/griffin to save 10% off your first purchas...

The craziness of filming U.S. Election Night drama

Griffin shares his crazy experience filming Election Night in America—how much travel, expense and work hours go into building maybe 5 minutes of a television show. He earned a “Director of Photography” credit on Showtime, and safely navigated around a known COVID-positive team member on set.

Should I teach filmmaking in Zimbabwe?

The U.S. State Department has invited Griffin to teach DIY documentary filmmaking in Zimbabwe—should he do it? Nick says yes. We apologize for the delayed uploads. It’s been a rough month—Griffin’s mom Carol died mid-October, and he wrote this tribute to the positive impact she’s had. Many commenters have referenced previous episodes that featured Carol: March 2018 from the campus of Illinois State University April 2018, following Carol’s apartment fire

Should I turn on YouTube memberships?

Griffin asks for your input: Should he activate YouTube memberships, the paid tiers that allow creators to offer additional value alongside their existing, free channel? Nick offers his opinions, as they review the various monetization options available across platforms. Griffin shares revenue numbers from the monetization methods he already uses, including AdSense, and the videos he sells directly, like his 1-hour doc filmmaking crash course, his 5-hour CreativeLive class, Shooting Docu...

Controlling this Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) Cam over Ethernet

Griffin calls it a “Robo Camera.” It’s the Feelworld NDI20X, and it’s $6,244 cheaper than the pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera used at his former job (Panasonic AW-UE100). Nick helps Griffin set up his network to remote control this 1080p camera over ethernet, using NDI Tools software. Nick shows off his new office, featuring an Elgato Key Light and Elgato Master Mount S (desk-mounted arm). Griffin is now recording with a Shure SM7B microphone plus Cloudlifter CL-1, he purchased used on eBay.

Don't use HDMI to stream from a Canon C300 Mark II

Mac Studio—more ports, powerful M1 Ultra chip

Just launched: LUMIX GH6 camera features

Following Panasonic’s Monday night launch of the LUMIX GH6 camera, Griffin and Nick react in real-time, answer live audience questions, and put the new camera specs in perspective.

Finally, I’m set up for Twitch streaming

This episode has it all: Jeff Goldblum, lighting via hotel room mirror, Batman-esque music, star wipes, and the equipment behind Griffin’s new Twitch channel.

My footage solved an IRONMAN mystery

A surprising story from one of our listeners: Griffin’s documentary footage solves the months-long mystery of missing timing data at IRONMAN Wisconsin.

I was wrong about Monopods

Filming a multi-hour celebrity interview in Los Angeles, Griffin finally finds a reason to try a Manfrotto monopod.

Nick convinced me to upgrade: M1 Max MacBook Pro

Griffin travels to New York, with his new MacBook Pro M1 Max. Improved battery life, integrated SD card slot and HDMI port—much-needed features, but how did Nick convince Griffin to upgrade to the more expensive “Max” configuration rather than “Pro”?

Filming an IRONMAN in Madison, Wisconsin

With a drone, a gimbal, and a hat-mounted light, Griffin and Nick explain how they filmed a 13-hour IRONMAN triathlon in Madison, Wisconsin—for their friend Matt.

How Freelancers Can Build Retirement Savings

For self-employed freelancers – who don’t have access to an employer-sponsored 401(k) – is a SEP IRA the best option to save for retirement? Nick and Griffin share their savings strategies, and explain why a SEP IRA (Simplified Employee Pension) might not be necessary for many freelancers.

My home office renovation is finally complete!

After months of recording the podcast from his bedroom, Griffin’s home office renovation is finally complete, though it still needs some audio treatment to eliminate reverb. Plus, a side-by-side comparison of the anti-reflective coating on the new Lumix GH5M2 versus the original GH5.

Your questions about the new Lumix GH5M2, answered

After Griffin released his short film “Texture,” shot on the new Lumix GH5M2 camera, you had lots of questions. We’ll answer those—plus, select moments from my interview with Lumix expert Sean Robinson.

Battery-powered Smart Bulbs for Filmmaking

The Aputure Accent B7c lights are colorful, battery-powered, flicker-free smart bulbs for filmmakers. Not compatible with smart home automation—these 570-lumen bulbs aren’t intended for everyday use. They’re designed for portability, to take on-location, for Bluetooth control over practical lighting. Aputure sent Griffin an 8-light kit to test out.

I shot a film on the new Lumix GH5M2

A behind-the-scenes look at Griffin's latest film, and the upgraded features in Panasonic’s new Lumix GH5M2 camera.

Passing the FAA’s New Drone Pilot Test

Griffin completed the FAA’s new free drone pilot course, and earned 93% on the exam. Turns out, it’s pretty easy to renew your Part 107 certification, through this new online method, introduced in April 2021.

Film Gear Garage Sale—items from $20 to $480

Griffin is selling his unneeded filmmaking gear. Microphones for sale, a “pancake” lens, a 1700-lumen projector. Plus, your questions about ripping DVDs, and how to make sure clients pay you.

YouTube now performs copyright “Checks” during uploads

Now when you upload a video, YouTube checks in real-time for copyright claims and ad suitability issues—before publishing. Griffin and Nick explain this new “Checks” system. Plus, your questions about copyright, documentary storytelling, and the microphones we use.

You can sell your videos as NFTs. Does it kill the planet?

Video artists are minting their works as NFTs (non-fungible tokens) onto cryptocurrency blockchains. Sometimes selling for thousands of U.S. dollars. But what does it mean to own an NFT? And why is Griffin morally opposed to selling his videos?

The vintage lens known for its “swirly bokeh”

Griffin purchased a 40-year-old lens on eBay, the popular Helios 44-2, known for its “swirly bokeh.” As Nick describes the effect, “Very strange. I almost don’t like it!”

Buying a Boom Arm Instead of a C-Stand

Griffin doesn’t like C-stands (too heavy) or mic stands (not versatile). So instead, he picked up a 57” Westcott boom arm to position his newest microphone—the Audio-Technica AT4053b.

Testing USB Podcast Mics Under $150

Griffin tests four USB studio microphones, ranging from $60 to $150. The Blue Yeti, Movo UM800, Elgato Wave:1 and FIFINE K678.

Speed test: M1 MacBook Air vs. Intel iMac Pro

Three surprisingly close video transcoding tests between the Nick’s new M1 MacBook Air and Griffin’s more expensive Intel-based iMac Pro.

An Update on Griffin's Smart Lighting Setup

With Nick’s helpful tech advice, Griffin has figured out which smart lights and smart switches to install in his renovated office. Plus, how to fix two camera shots that drift out of sync over time.

Smart lighting for my office renovation

As Griffin begins renovating his office / recording space, Nick shares his knowledge of smart lighting and home automation technology. Is it possible to install sufficient lighting for filmmaking, movie-watching, and every color temperature in between?

Bonus Episode: #Freelanswers with Adam Rahn

Griffin Hammond met Adam Rahn in college, while producing student television. Now he’s a guest on Adam’s podcast, #Freelanswers. In this conversation, they discuss their education paths, how to keep learning, and tackle the age-old question, "Do you need to go to film school?"

The Secret Vignette Lighting Trick

At the end of each shoot, Griffin turns off his lights to capture a dark backplate for this vignette lighting effect. Plus, socially distanced interviews, the latest with Apple’s M1 processors, and Nick’s newest camera.

Projector + After Effects = Halloween House!

Using a short-throw projector and After Effects, our friends Susie and Brett have mapped an impressive Halloween show onto the front of their house. Plus, Apple’s latest iPhone cameras, and Nick’s camera overheats during an important work meeting.

Filming with a 20-year-old Digital 8 camera

Filmed with a 20-year-old Sony Handycam, Griffin explains interlacing, pixel aspect ratios, IEEE 1394, and the quirks of shooting and editing in standard definition.

Recording voiceover audio in a closet

Griffin squeezes into a basement closet to record voiceover, while Nick maneuvers his lighting into a new position.

What does Apple’s switch to ARM processors mean for filmmakers?

Griffin makes a big life change, and Nick explains what Apple calls “the biggest leap ever for the Mac.” What does Apple’s switch to ARM processors mean for filmmakers?

Racecar Driving in a VR Cockpit

Nick is a virtual reality racecar driver, having set up an Oculus Rift and racing cockpit in his home office.

Now working, editing from home (with kids)

Filmed on March 26—Griffin’s 13th day working from home in NYC. The podcast moves into our living rooms to capture the everyday noises we’re usually trying to hide from the audience.

Upgrading Nick’s Lighting Setup

Nick wanted better lighting for his home office, so he purchased a budget 2-light RGB LED kit. And Griffin arrives in Nevada to help him set it up!

Covering Presidential Politics with the Peak Design Travel Tripod

Griffin is on the campaign trail, days before the Iowa Caucuses—with drone shots, gimbal maneuvers. Is the Peak Design Travel Tripod up to the challenge of political press events?

How to Locate Free-to-Use Archival Footage

Using tools like youtube-dl, and sources including presidential libraries and Archive.org, Nick and Griffin explain how to locate and download historical news footage for documentaries. It’s the workflow behind Griffin’s weekly archival web series "Rewind."

I smashed my camera on the campaign trail

While covering the campaign trail in Iowa, Griffin accidentally broke his Panasonic GH5S camera, and busted a lens as well. How he managed to complete the video assignment regardless.

Recreating this podcast look on a budget

For the video version of this podcast, Griffin and Nick use decent cameras, lighting, and a few filmmaking tricks. But can it be simplified, replicated by budget-conscious non-filmmakers to achieve the same look?

Why does the new iPhone need 3 cameras?

Griffin is in Villenave-d’Ornon, France, and Nick explains why Apple added a third camera to their newly released iPhone 11 Pro.

The lens that shot “Sriracha”

Griffin is selling a lens and a microphone! Email [email protected] if you’re interested. Plus, your questions about ugly slow motion footage, what questions to ask in a documentary interview, and why that purple fringe creeps into your shot.

When GoPro shuts down your Kickstarter campaign

Ukranian filmmaker Artem Gavr marketed a spinning boomerang-like device for capturing “bullet-time” slow motion effects. Problem is, GoPro says he infringed on their trademarks.

The VR headset that goes anywhere

Griffin upgrades to the untethered Oculus Quest, a portable virtual reality headset that uses “inside-out tracking”—that is, four infrared cameras on the headset see the controllers and recognize the shape of your living room.

Would you spend $599 on a travel tripod?

In 10 days, Peak Design has already raised over $5 million for their new travel tripod. Nick is one of nearly 12,000 Kickstarter backers. But would you spend nearly $289 for a small aluminum tripod? Or $479 for lightweight carbon fiber? (Final retail price will be $599.)

Can I make my own press pass?

I attempted to hire Vistaprint to create a plastic card with my name, face, and the word PRESS on it—a press pass that I designed. But the proof was rejected as “suspicious.”

How long should freelancers save clients' video files?

If a client from six years ago emailed you, would you still have their wedding video? Nick and Griffin discuss their data retention policies for freelance clients.