How To
How to do film from start to finish
Mining Your Life for Ideas
Discover how to draw inspiration from your own life to spark powerful film ideas and authentic stories.
Enter the Day One Challenge!
Submit your story to the DAY ONE CHALLENGE—an all-year-round filmmaking competition for creatives aged 29 and under.
Moodboards
Learn how to create stunning moodboards that bring your film's vision and tone to life.
Receiving Feedback
Explore why feedback is a vital part of filmmaking and how to use it to strengthen your work.
Three Common Problems
Quick solutions to three common problems that every filmmaker faces on set.
Good Scenes vs Bad Scenes
Simple tips to help you craft scenes that stand out and keep your audience engaged.
Story Sovereignty
Understand the importance of owning your story and telling it from your unique perspective.
How To: Crew Roles 101
A beginner-friendly guide to key crew roles and how each contributes to the filmmaking process.
Spew It Out
Stuck on the blank page? Try this fun and messy method to get your ideas flowing.
GRWM Going To Set
Get ready with us! Everything you need to bring and know for your first day on set.
Start From The End
Discover how starting with the ending in mind can lead to tighter, more focused storytelling.
E hara i te mea ko Quentin Tarantino koe
E hara i te mea ko Quentin Tarantino koe...me whēnā rā ka tika! A reminder that you don't have to copy the greats—your voice matters just as much.
Stop Motion
Learn the basics of stop motion animation and start creating magical moving images.
Screenwriting Tips
Turn your ideas into scripts with these easy and effective screenwriting tips.
What Is A Producer
Find out what producers really do and why they’re essential to getting your film made.
Whakapapa Stories / Stories from Your Heritage
Explore how to tell meaningful stories rooted in your whakapapa, culture, and heritage.
What are Stories for a Better Tomorrow?
An introduction to the "Stories for a Better Tomorrow" kaupapa and how you can be part of it.
Sound In Film
Great sound makes great films—learn how to capture and use it effectively.
Green + Red Flags In Producers
Know what to look for when choosing a producer—what’s promising and what’s problematic.
You Are Not Quentin Tarantino
You're not Tarantino—and that’s a good thing. Here’s why your unique voice is your power.
Finding Collaborators
Tips on how to find and build strong working relationships with fellow creatives.
5 Reasons To Shoot Your Film In Direct Sunlight
Thinking of shooting in direct sunlight? Here's why that might not be the brilliant idea it seems.
Working With Māori
Three essential tips for collaborating respectfully and meaningfully with tangata whenua.
Log Lines
Learn how to write a compelling one-sentence summary that captures your story's essence.
Rehearsal & Prep with Actors
Learn the essential lingo used on walkie-talkies so you can communicate like a pro on set.
Editing Tips
Practical, step-by-step editing tips to enhance your film in post-production.
Tikanga On Set
Understand what Tikanga is and how to incorporate it respectfully into your film set.
Types of Microphones
Find out which microphone is best for your film and why sound gear matters.
Classic Mistakes When Directing Actors
Avoid the most common directing mistakes and build better relationships with your cast.
Avoiding Awkies Interviews
Say goodbye to cringey interviews with these tips for getting natural, thoughtful responses.
What Does Your Story Say?
Explore the deeper message behind your film and how to strengthen it through writing.
Idea Generation
Get your creative juices flowing with practical techniques for generating film ideas.
Demoing Bad Sound
Hear what poor audio sounds like—and learn how to avoid it in your own projects.
Why You Should Storyboard (Reo)
A quick explanation of why storyboarding matters, presented in Reo Māori.
Failing
Rejection is part of the journey—here’s how to keep creating despite the setbacks.
Health And Safety
Make your set a safe and professional space with these essential health and safety tips.
Finding Your Story
Everyone has a story—here’s how to uncover yours and turn it into a film.
Why You Should Storyboard
A quick explanation of why storyboarding matters.
RT Lingo
Learn the essential lingo used on walkie-talkies so you can communicate like a pro on set.
RT: 5 Things You Need to Know
Five quick do’s and don’ts for using radios and walkie-talkies on a film set.
Running an Audition
Learn how to hold auditions that are clear, respectful, and get the best out of your talent.
What is Day One Shorts?
A short explainer on what DAY ONE SHORTS is and how it supports emerging storytellers.
Note Giving 101
Tips for giving clear, constructive notes that actually help scripts improve.
DIY Movie Magic
Get crafty! Learn simple filmmaking tricks using basic gear and creativity.
180 Degree Rule
A foundational rule of film language—understand it, use it, and know when to break it.
Who Is Day One?
An intro to who we are, what we stand for, and how we help young filmmakers grow.
Combatting Self Doubt
Every creative feels doubt—here’s how to push through and keep making films.
Health and Safety Infomercial
A quick, friendly guide to staying safe and keeping your crew safe on set.
Should I Go To Film School
Weigh the pros and cons of film school and decide if it's the right path for you.
Different Shots
Learn the most common types of film shots and how each one can shape the way your story is told.
Interview Prep
Want to film interviews without the awkward silences? Check out this easy how-to.
Pitching Yourself
Learn how to confidently pitch yourself and your work in professional spaces.
Planning A Shoot
Essential planning tips to make sure your shoot runs smoothly and stays on track.
Finding Music
Five quick do’s and don’ts for using radios and walkie-talkies on a film set.
Director vs Producer
What’s the difference between a director and a producer? Find out here.
Interview Tips
Make your documentary interviews more powerful with these simple techniques.
What is Day One How To?
An explainer on the Day One How To series—your hub for learning filmmaking, your way.