Documentary DP John Benam shares practical lessons on vérité filmmaking, from building subject trust and tracking storylines to preparing gear and recognizing the moment before it disappears. Drawing from his work on The Keepers, The Body Politic, and National Geographic productions, these insights reveal what it really takes to stay ready when the story starts moving.

Before you think about platforms, post frequency, or what kind of camera to talk into, Ashlene Larson wants you to answer a harder question: who are you, and what do you want to be known for? It sounds abstract, but Larson — who leads PR, organic social, and influencer marketing at Planet, one of the Mid-Atlantic's largest independent agencies — is adamant that this foundational work is the same whether you're a Fortune 500 brand or a solo filmmaker trying to get your first corporate client.