7 FATAL Filmmaking Mistakes You NEVER Want to Make
Filmmaking is one of those industries where every detail counts. Whether you're just starting or you've been on countless shoots, you know the stakes are high—sometimes even a small mistake can cost you big time. We're not just talking about a minor slip-up. These are the kinds of mistakes that can not only wreck a shoot but could damage your reputation and leave you scrambling to save the day.
In this blog, we’ll walk through the seven biggest filmmaking mistakes you should avoid to protect your career, save money, and ensure your shoots go as smoothly as possible. Plus, we’ll offer actionable insights you can implement immediately so you never have to worry about making these mistakes again.
1. Forgetting Your SD Card (Or Running Out of Space)
This might sound like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised how often this happens—especially when you're in the heat of the moment on set. Running out of SD card space or forgetting to bring one is a fatal mistake. Without the ability to record, you risk missing key moments that can’t be recreated.
How to avoid it:
Double-check your SD cards before every shoot.
Ensure you have enough cards for the shoot (and backups).
Format your cards before each shoot to avoid any capacity issues.
Consider investing in high-capacity cards to avoid running out of space mid-shoot.
2. Running Out of Batteries
Running out of batteries can completely derail your shoot, especially during high-stakes moments like a wedding or an event. Imagine the worst-case scenario: your camera dies right in the middle of the most important moment.
How to avoid it:
Charge your batteries before every shoot and after each shoot.
Always bring spare batteries—aim for at least three per camera.
For longer shoots, consider using USB-C power delivery or a V-mount battery to keep your camera running.
3. Not Double-Checking Camera Settings
This is one of those mistakes that can sneak up on you. If your camera’s frame rate, resolution, or shutter speed isn’t set correctly, your footage might be unusable. Imagine shooting an entire interview in slow motion because you forgot to check the frame rate!
How to avoid it:
Check key settings: frame rate, resolution, and shutter speed.
Make sure your camera’s white balance is dialed in to avoid color corrections in post.
If you're using multiple cameras, sync their settings to ensure consistent footage across all angles.
And don’t forget to hit record—it happens more than you'd think!
4. Failing to Check Focus
Nothing ruins good footage faster than an out-of-focus shot. Whether you’re using autofocus or manual focus, failing to monitor focus during a shoot can leave you with footage that’s unusable.
How to avoid it:
Double-check autofocus before starting each take.
If you’re manually focusing, stay actively engaged in adjusting focus as the scene changes.
Keep an eye on critical focus throughout the shoot. Sometimes autofocus can drift when you least expect it.
5. Neglecting Audio Quality
Audio is the backbone of any video. Poor audio can completely ruin an otherwise great video, and unfortunately, it’s often overlooked. Whether it’s peaking audio levels, forgotten microphones, or background noise, these mistakes can turn a professional project into a disaster.
How to avoid it:
Check audio levels before recording and ensure the mic is on.
Use backup audio solutions like a RODE Wireless Pro that records directly onto the transmitter in case something fails.
Monitor the audio while recording using headphones. This helps you catch any issues like rustling clothing or unwanted background noise early.
6. Skipping Version Backups in Editing
You’ve just finished your first round of edits for a client, and everything is looking great. But then they request changes—major changes. If you haven’t saved a copy of the previous version, you might end up scrambling to reverse your edits and potentially lose valuable work.
How to avoid it:
Save each version of your client edits (e.g., "Project_V1", "Project_V2").
If you get significant feedback, duplicate the sequence to create a backup before making changes.
Consider saving a director’s cut version for yourself, so you’re not forced to delete or alter work you’re proud of just to satisfy a client request.
7. Not Properly Backing Up Your Footage
Nothing is worse than spending hours on set capturing great footage, only to find out it’s corrupted or lost due to a lack of proper backups. This can completely derail your project and might even lead to re-shoots, which could cost you time and money.
How to avoid it:
Always have multiple backups. Use a camera with dual SD card slots so that every shot gets backed up as you shoot.
Once you’re done shooting, back up your footage to your computer and two external drives.
Never format your SD cards until you’ve confirmed that you have three copies of your footage.
Conclusion: Mastering the Basics for a Successful Career
Avoiding these seven filmmaking mistakes isn’t just about keeping things running smoothly on set—it’s about protecting your reputation and saving money in the long run. By being mindful of these common pitfalls, you’ll not only deliver better quality work but also earn the trust of clients who rely on you for professional, high-quality productions.
Start implementing these practices today and elevate your filmmaking game. You'll walk away with greater peace of mind knowing that you've minimized the risk of costly mistakes, and that every shoot will go off without a hitch.
If you want to download a checklist to make sure you’re always prepared for your shoots, click the link in the pinned comment below! And if you’re just starting your filmmaking career and want more tips on landing your first paid client, check out my additional resources.
Feel free to share your own filmmaking mistakes (or any tips you've picked up along the way) in the comments. Let’s all learn together and help each other avoid costly mistakes!
Happy shooting, and good luck with your filmmaking journey!
