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Surviving the Summer Heat: A Filmmaker’s Guide to Staying Cool on Set (and Keeping Your Gear in Check) 🌞🎬
From keeping our cast and crew cool to making sure our equipment didn’t overheat, here are a few tips and tricks we picked up along the way that could save you from a heatstroke (or worse) during your next summer shoot.
4 min read


Affirmations for the Artist Who Feels a Little Lost Today
In a world that thrives on hustle, remember that it’s okay to slow down, breathe, and take care of yourself. You deserve it. Affirmations to repeat to yourself as an artist
1 min read


Mid-Summer Reflections: Taking a Beat to Celebrate Your Progress
Can you believe we’re already halfway through the year? It feels like just yesterday we were setting goals, making plans, and dreaming...
3 min read


The Benefits of Being an Extra When You're Starting Out as an Actor
5 Benefits of being an Extra when trying to break into the industry as an actor
2 min read


Fireworks and First Films: A Salute to Your First Set Experience
Whether you’re stepping onto a student film, indie short, or passion project with a camera taped to a tripod — it counts. It’s real. And we at West America Film Company want to give a standing O to that first film set experience, because it’s the beginning of everything.
2 min read


Top 10 Things We Wish We Knew Before Producing Our First Film
A love letter to our younger, stressed-out selves — from West America Film Co. So you're about to produce your first film? First off: we...
3 min read


Film Set Terminology (So You Don’t Look Lost)
Let's be real. Everyone has a first day and starts off green, so it can be daunting your first time on-set. But here at West America,...
3 min read


A Beginner’s Guide to Film Set Roles
Welcome to the set, baby. If you’re new to the film world (or just tired of nodding like you know what a “gaffer” does), this one’s for...
4 min read


How to Make a Film on a Budget: Tips from West America Film Company
Making a film without a big budget? We got you! At West America Film Company, we’ve made it happen, from To Matter , shot guerrilla-style...
2 min read


A Love Letter to the Filmmaker & Actor Who’s Still Trying
From all of us at West America Film Company In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month To the one still chasing the dream — Still waiting...
1 min read


How to Set Up Your Email on iPhone (So You Don’t Miss Work Again)
(A.k.a. How to not ghost your auditions or miss that callback) In this industry, your inbox is basically your lifeline. Whether you’re an...
2 min read


Why Diversity in Film Isn’t Just Important—It’s Essential
(And how we live it at West America Film Company) At West America , we don’t hire diverse teams to check a box—we do it because everyone...
1 min read


The Importance of Selecting the Right Crew and Cast: Good Vibes on Set
At West America Film Company , we know filmmaking is all about teamwork. It’s not just about the script or the gear—it’s about the people...
2 min read


The Heart of To Matter
A heartwarming and scrappy indie film shot entirely on an iPhone, To Matter tells the story of resilience and creativity during the pandemic. With no access to traditional filmmaking resources, we embraced the power of technology and friendship to bring this personal project to life. A true labor of love, made with passion and a little bit of hustle.
2 min read


Top 10 Tips For Voice Actors
Develop your voice: Regularly practice vocal exercises to strengthen and refine your voice. Study scripts: Read and analyze scripts to...
1 min read


Top 10 Tips for Independent Filmmakers
Develop a strong network: Build relationships with industry professionals, including filmmakers, actors, and investors. Create a...
1 min read


Robert Rodriguez: Creative Genius and Oscar Winner
Robert Rodriguez is a Mexican-American film director, screenwriter, and producer who has made a significant impact in Hollywood over the...
2 min read
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