Every great filmmaker starts with one thing: an unstoppable passion for storytelling. For Frank Borin – Grammy-Nominated director and founder of UnderWonder Content – that passion turned into a lifelong pursuit of cinematic excellence.
While film school teaches theory, Frank believes real education happens on set. In an exclusive interview with MasterShot, he shares invaluable filmmaking career advice based on his firsthand experience. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker or a seasoned pro, these expert filmmaking tips will help you refine your craft, improve your cinematography techniques, and succeed in video production.
Frank Borin, founder of UnderWonder Content, during an exclusive interview for MasterShot
Tip 1: Master the Art of Blocking
Frank Borin firmly believes that blocking is one of the most critical yet underappreciated aspects of directing. The choreography between the camera and actors dictates the rhythm of a scene, and mastering this interplay is essential. His self-imposed “film school” consisted of recreating storyboards and closely analyzing shot compositions.
“As a kid, I spent days and weeks watching my favorite movies frame by frame, analyzing scenes, taking stills from TV screens, and creating storyboards to see how shots were composed and blocked,” Borin recalls.
For him, the real education came from studying the work of great directors. While traditional film schools often emphasize theory over practice, Borin insists that the best way to learn is by doing. This hands-on approach allows you to learn filmmaking by simply watching movies.
Frank Borin, Jack Harlow, Kareem Johnson, Jonas Morales, Ace Pro, Karsten Crash Gopinath, and Max Colt on the set of Jack Harlow’s “Nail Tech” music video
Tip 2: Shadow Established Directors but Develop Your Own Vision
Much like athletes study game strategies, filmmakers should immerse themselves in on-set dynamics. Spending long hours on set, observing coordination, and learning how directors handle unforeseen challenges provides a deeper understanding of filmmaking.
“I had directors invite me into the craziest, most stressful meetings with studio heads. You witness firsthand when things go wrong – that’s the stuff you don’t read about in books,” Borin explains.
At the same time, standing out in the industry requires taking creative risks and developing a unique artistic voice.
“My best advice to a director starting today is to create a piece of work that gets attention. Take a chance, do something new. It’s natural to study and borrow from other directors at first, but eventually, you have to develop your vision,” he says.
Frank Borin, Ivanna Borin, and Jeff Goldblum on the set of the Raid: Legends of the Shadows
Tip 3: Create a “Bible” for Each Project
One of Borin’s most effective cinematography techniques involves creating a “Bible” for each project – a comprehensive reference guide that includes lookbooks, lighting design, wardrobe palettes, production design elements, and storyboarding.
“I love storyboarding because it serves two purposes. If I get tired of storyboarding or it takes too long, I realize I’m trying to shoot too much in one day. It helps me refine my plan and simplify where needed,” Borin explains.
By meticulously planning each aspect of production, directors can improve efficiency on set and ensure that their creative vision translates seamlessly onto the screen.
Behind the scenes of the ZAYN x R3HAB “Flames” music video
Watch the full interview with Frank Borin to gain firsthand knowledge from one of the industry’s top directors. And when you’re ready to bring your vision to life, try MasterShot – the ultimate tool for seamless pre-production and collaboration. Start for free now via the following button.