Build a Fig Rig : DIY Film Tutorial

It's easy to add a LANC control to the rig; Varizoom makes several, so do others.  This isn't really a rig designed for that kind of shooting, though - just like the real one.

wep, same question . And by the way, your camera should technically be in the middle of the ring, not lower or higher

is saying that this episode is boring really that rude and whiny?

less rude, more whiney

Puppet Zack hosted the first YourFX and it was awful

I need a knife prop too, it dosn't need to retract, but thats a cool idea.
A hunting knife is what I'm looking for.

I'm pretty sure you can somehow manipulate an ordinary toy knife to do that.

yeah well a hunting knife is a bit big, remember the knife blade has to fit into the handle

come on, shameless self promotion...come on

having both hands on even spacing helps stabilize the camera and prevents you from hitting buttons or getting a finger in the way of the lens...

yeah it works like opening up your stance in a sport

and how many do you have on the wall behind you exactly?

how is that relevant, k97c?
im not the host of special effects show

k97c's question was just as relevant as yours.  Why does it matter how many props you have on your props wall? Why do you have to have a props wall? And, you don't ever have to worry about being a host of a special effects show because no one will ever ask you too!

No i think "infantsorrow" was suggesting that the quality of Zack's builds doesn't compare to Erik's builds.  I don't think its an issue of quantity.

Oh and I have to agree with "infantsorrow."  "k97c"'s question seems a little juvenile.  "Infantsorrow" was saying that Zack's builds aren't as good as Erik's.  It is completely IRRELEVANT to ask how many props "infantsorrow" has.  Dumb question "k97c."  And unnecessarily snappy comment BattyNos1922.  Come on mogulers, we are smarter than that.

Okay, I'll take a page from your book dailybugle.  I think k97c was suggesting that it is pretty easy to take shots at the new guy and not give him a chance.  Zack hasn't been host very long and it is only natural there will be an awkward transition while he finds his stride.  Not all his builds are going to be home runs, not all of Eric's were either if you go back and look at them.  Though I would never knock Eric or Zack for that because I know that even if I don't find an episode particularly helpful to me it doesn't mean other people won't find it informative.  

I also THINK that k97c's question of how many props infantsorrow has on his wall is trying to suggest to infantsorrow and all the Zack bashers that it isn't easy coming up with these tutorials and test films week in and week out.  A lot of time and effort is put into an episode and to see your work ripped a part by faceless nobodies simply because you are not Eric or you didn't make the weapon from insert-whatever-game-here they requested must be really frustrating.  And maybe if these bashers took the time to make an original tutorial and post it for the world to see they my have a different outlook on things when they get bashed.  And let's face it, you can make a kick ass tutorial but there will always be somebody to bash it.  Why? It can come down to nothing more then the fact that since everybody else liked it they decided they didn't. It may have nothing to do with the tutorial or the person who made it, it's just the pathetic way the bashers are.  Of course they will come back with bullshit, about how it's just their opinion but maybe it's simply because they are jealous... because they can't do it or maybe they are too lazy... the internet equivalent of an armchair quarterback.

You close with the statement, "Come on mogulers, we are smarter than that." Are we? How many posts have you seen demanding Eric back or simply Zack sucks? Or I don't like his voice? One even posted the Zack should show more teeth? Do they actually think that such a juvenile post is going to cause Eric to come running back? If you have an issue about BFX, trying posting a mature, constructive criticism.  

This all started from a comment that was rather open and obviously can be seen two ways.  K97c and I took it one way and dailybugle the other.  There's no problem with posting your opinion, it's a free country, just make sure you are saying something worth while and to the point.  OR bored people like me will spend too much time replying to them! ;)

Alrighty, where to begin.  
First of all you are giving an enormous amount of credit to k97c's simple question.  A suspiciously specific justification for k97c's question.
Now, I understand that you hold yourself to a higher morality because you, "...would never knock Eric or Zack for that because I know that even if I don't find an episode particularly helpful..."  However, you're misplace sense of self-righteousness is tedious.  I know that I cannot speak for anyone else but myself.  I know that when I write in a comment I profess my opinion and my opinion alone.  This time, my opinion was that Zack seems to have builds of a lesser quality than Erik.  As a fan of IndyMogul I wish that weren't the case.  But that is what it appears in my opinion.  I don't think that just because its not helpful to me its not helpful to everybody.  However shows like BFX strive (well at least used to) on user-generated opinions and content.  So as a loyal viewer I'd be doing Zack a disservice to NOT tell him that a fig rig is a bit of a boring build.
You say its not easy to come up with these builds?  Well that is what we are here for.  IndyMogul and BFX has made it clear in the past they rely on the viewers to suggest things for their show.  So the tutorials should come right out of requests from the comments.  (And omg if someone is gonna bitch about too much Halo requests...)
Also, how noble of you to stand up for the integrity of Zack's work, defending him against us who are, "...faceless nobodies..." that have been, (allow me to paraphrase) "ripping apart his work."  Well listen, Zack is a big boy, he can take care of himself.  And lets remember this isn't his hobby, its his profession, his job, to provide quality builds for BFX.  Personally, if there are as many bashers as you claim then Zack should rise up to the challenge and earn his credibility amongst the community.  Forget sugarcoating.  Dude made a octagon out of PVC piping.  I'd like to see Zack do some badass prop making that will shut up the, "faceless nobodies."
And wait, in your comment you give a reason why there are critics (or bashers as you say).  You said, "It can come down to nothing more then the fact that since everybody else liked it they decided they didn't."  Seriously?  Thats the only reason people could be critical.  Zack's builds are that good that the ONLY way people could discredit him is because of refusal to conform.  Its not possible that people have genuine critiques about the new BFX?  They're just jealous?  Please.  At the end of EVERY BFX the host asks what the audience thinks and to leave a comment below.  He doesn't ask for everyone to love what he's done.  Its a SHOW.  A show that considers its audience.  If I don't like it do I just shut up cause I'm just jealous?  To say critics are jealous is a sad defense.  And what does being lazy have to do with anything???
So in your opinion, NOT A SINGLE PERSON is allowed to say ANYTHING about McNabb's epic choke in Super Bowl XXXIX.  That anyone who does critique is simply a lazy jealous faceless nobody.  And yet coaches and sports commentators widely accept McNabb's performance as simply awful.
See I love IndyMogul.  I respect its amazing job in providing entertainment while helping those with a genuine love film.  And yet you sir ask, are mogulers really smart?  Then you cite the people asking for Erik back.  That makes them dumb.  You snobbishly have the foresight to call those who simply like the old host and hope for his return, dumb?  In my opinion, the IndyMogul community should be allowed to voice anything.  If someone wants Zack to, "...show more teeth..." let them say that (and I think that was a joke by the way).
Are you so daft to think people that are clamoring for Erik's return aren't mature.  You've insulted this community.
And to REQUIRE the comments to be, "...worth while and to the point..." is ridiculous.  To say something is worthwhile is subjective, and simply a matter of opinion.  Who should decide?  You?  Do you think you know what's worthwhile?
You, BattyNos1922 are no true Moguler.

“First of all you are giving an enormous amount of credit to k97c's simple question.” – No more than you did when implied that you know what infantsorrow meant by his/her original post.  Hence my little “… a page from your book…” quip. 


"...would never knock Eric or Zack for that because I know that even if I don't find an episode particularly helpful..."  However, you're misplace sense of self-righteousness is tedious.” – How is me not bashing a building I didn’t find helpful self-righteousness and tedious? That statement makes no sense, try again!  

 “… I profess my opinion and my opinion alone.  This time, my opinion was that Zack seems to have builds of a lesser quality than Erik.” -– You started off good but went off the rails at the end. You are entitled to your opinion but when you stated; “As a fan of IndyMogul I wish that weren't the case.” You are implying that people who do not agree with you are not fans of Indy Mogul? Who are you to judge a fan of Indy Mogul is? 

And what about this comment;“I don't think that just because its not helpful to me its not helpful to everybody.” – Who’s self-righteous now? LOL

“You say its not easy to come up with these builds?  Well that is what we are here for.” -- Okay, I’m going to have to ‘take a page from your book’ here and interrupt what you meant because as it is written it doesn’t make any sense to the sentence to which it is inferring.  I’ll go out a limb and assume you meant ‘we are not here for easy builds.’ If that is the case, how does that having anything to do with me talking about the difficulty filming an episode?

“IndyMogul and BFX has made it clear in the past they rely on the viewers to suggest things for their show.” So the tutorials should come right out of requests from the comments.” – People request camera gear as well as SFX’s yet here is what wrote; “I'd be doing Zack a disservice to NOT tell him that a fig rig is a bit of a boring build.” – Apparently you only like certain suggests… I guess BFX should run there up coming show by you, a true fan of Indy Mogul, to get your okay? Now your self-righteousness is becoming tedious! IMAO


“Also, how noble of you to stand up for the integrity of Zack's work, defending him against us who are, "...faceless nobodies..." that have been, (allow me to paraphrase) "ripping apart his work. Well listen, Zack is a big boy, he can take care of himself.” -- I see, I guess infantsorrow, irateape aren’t capable of taking care of themselves? You not only jumped into defend their view point, which oddly enough is the same as your own, you even went so far explain what they meant by their comments.  Aren’t they big enough to do take care of themselves? Here’s another example of your hypocricy; “And GOD get off "irateape"'s balls, "FisherFilms..” – Again you defend the views of people who agree with you and chastise those who don’t.

 


“Personally, if there are as many bashers as you claim… “ – This is not a claim it is a fact just go back and read the comments on all of Zack’s builds and you will see.  You already know my statement is true, so why pretend it is other wise?

“… then Zack should rise up to the challenge and earn his credibility amongst the community.” – How can he earn his credibility when people like you make statements like this; “…Zack is good, but come on folks no one, NOT ANY OF US will ever beat Erik Beck, he's the almighty God of Indy Mogul…”


“… in your comment you give a reason why there are critics (or bashers as you say).  You said, "It can come down to nothing more then the fact that since everybody else liked it they decided they didn't."  Seriously?  Thats the only reason people could be critical. “ – Where in my statement does it say ‘the only reason’? Come on, now you are blatantly fabricating bullshit!

“… Its not possible that people have genuine critiques about the new BFX?  They're just jealous?” –- How can you consider infantsorrows comment a genuine critique? 

“… If I don't like it do I just shut up cause I'm just jealous?  To say critics are jealous is a sad defense.” – Again my statement didn’t state the only reason was because they were jealous; if you are going to quote me at least get it in the right context! Putz!

“And what does being lazy have to do with anything???” -- Ah, it’s a lot easier to do nothing and bitch about it then it is to do something constructive.  

“So in your opinion, NOT A SINGLE PERSON is allowed to say ANYTHING about McNabb's epic choke in Super Bowl XXXIX.  That anyone who does critique is simply a lazy jealous faceless nobody.  And yet coaches and sports commentators widely accept McNabb's performance as simply awful.” -- No I didn’t say anything of the sort, and especially in the ‘has nothing to do with what we are talking about’ context you are referring to.  I stated people should make constructive criticisms stead of the ‘Zack suks!’ or ‘Bring Eric back!’ barbs. 

“See I love IndyMogul.” – And I don’t? Again you assume that...

cont'd...

“See I love IndyMogul.” – And I don’t? Again you assume that others with contrary viewpoints don’t love IndyMogul?

“I respect its amazing job in providing entertainment while helping those with a genuine love film.” – Again, you are making the assumption I don’t have a genuine love of film.  Trust me I love film, from the first word of the screenplay to the final flickering images on the screen.  And I love IndyMogul because it not only brings the flashy SFX’s we all want to know how to do but also the nuts and bolts of film production.  From different camera rigs, like the snorri-cam, the steadi-cam, and the apparently boring(to some)Fig Rig.  The thing that makes BFX good IS the fact it doesn’t only cater to the flashy special effects, but to various aspects of film.  That is why I will fight tooth and nail with people who believe all the builds have to revolve around the sparkly FXs.
“Then you cite the people asking for Erik back.  That makes them dumb.  You snobbishly have the foresight to call those who simply like the old host and hope for his return, dumb?” -- I don’t think people are dumb for wanting Eric back, I think they are dumb if they think he is going to come back because the don’t like the new host and constantly post messages asking him to come back or threaten not to watch the show.  And let’s get the facts straight here; you are the one who called k97c juvenile for disagreeing with infantsorrow, and said that my comment was “unnecessarily snappy”, then ended your post with this; “Come on mogulers, we are smarter than that.” Implying that k97c and I were not smart or in other words dumb. 

“In my opinion, the IndyMogul community should be allowed to voice anything.  If someone wants Zack to, "...show more teeth..." let them say that (and I think that was a joke by the way).” – Apparently you only believe people who agree with you should be allowed to voice their opinion.  I have through out this text pointed out numerous places were obvious don’t believe what you say.  You even go so far as to misquote me to bolster your own opinion.  On top of that you call me self-righteous and snobbish yet you have no problem reinterpreting what you think people actually meant. It is you who has proven yourself snobbish, self-righteous.  And, thankfully, your own words show you for who are are.


“And to REQUIRE the comments to be, "...worth while and to the point..." is ridiculous.” – Why is it ridiculous to ask some one have a constructive criticism? Why is it ridiculous to ask they back their opinion up with something other then childish taunts? 

“To say something is worthwhile is subjective, and simply a matter of opinion.  Who should decide?  You?  Do you think you know what's worthwhile?” – No, again I never said I that; another of your falsehoods. 

 “You, BattyNos1922 are no true Moguler.” – You are wrong, we are both true Mogulers; sure we obviously don’t agree, but we both want what is right for BFX.  We are both very passionate in our opinions; others will have to decide if there is any validity to them.  And the sad truth is no one probably cares, not even the poster we sided with.

“You've insulted this community…” – How? By suggesting people try to be civil? By suggesting that even though this is Zack jobs that it isn’t okay to be rude and obnoxious? To ‘walk a mile in his shoes’ before slamming his hard work because… it wasn’t up to what? Your standards? You ask me if I know what is worthwhile, yet you seem to know what is and what isn’t. 

The sad truth DailyBugle is in trying to vilify me, you have vilified yourself; and shown the Indy Mogul community who you really are.  I haven’t insulted this community you.

Alrighty, here we go.
I inferred what Infantsorrow meant by his post.  If thats not what he meant, no big deal.  I inferred and then proceeded to give my own opinion on the matter.  You not only told us what k97c's question meant, you then gave a critique of my words.  I didn't in my original post.  Sorry.

Saying your tedious self-righteousness (evident in your grotesquely pompous remarks that end it "LOL" and "try again") makes sense.  Let me explain if needed.  You put yourself above us who critique builds, saying you would never do that.  However, isn't that the spirit of the show.  Are we the viewers NOT suppose to tell them what we thought good or bad?  You make it seem that you have some integrity to NEVER bash a build that we, the critical, lack.  Thats pompous.  Get off your high horse.

Oh and thank you for telling me I, "...started off good..."  Your arrogance is unsurpassed sir.
You then said, "You are implying that people who do not agree with you are not fans of Indy Mogul?"  That is utter bullshit.  I never in the world would think that, nor did I imply that.  You, trying to make me the villain, inferred this concept.  What I was trying to say (again I have to explain myself) was that I love IndyMogul.  Simple statement.  If you look above that statement you can see I wrote I can only speak for myself.  So how can I possibly mean those who don't agree with me aren't fans?  Seriously try and answer that.  Because what I go on to say is that one of the most cherished qualities of the IndyMogul community is that I think anyone can say what they want!  You are the one in favor of censorship ("to the point").

How is saying, "I don't think that just because its not helpful to me its not helpful to everybody" self-righteous?  Read carefully.  I DON'T (it means, "do not") THINK THAT JUST BECAUSE ITS NOT HELPFUL TO ME ITS NOT HELPFUL TO EVERYBODY.  Nothing to lol about there.

"... it doesn’t make any sense to the sentence to which it is inferring..." COME ON man really.  Seriously?  Your inability to read these comments is becoming a bother.  I said, "You say its not easy to come up with these builds?  Well that is what we are here for."  Now this doesn't mean interpret what you want, mix my words around to something that doesn't make sense and then call it irrelevant.  What are you doing here man?  What I said was, in your comment you said, hey give zack a break its hard to come up with builds.  I said, well that's what we are here for.  If you go further you'll see I explained, BFX has always been a show to make builds based on the viewers' requests.  Its user-generated opinions and content.  Thus, Zack shouldn't be given a break for not thinking of difficult builds because, we (the viewers of BFX -- even you BattyNos1922) have a duty to give Zack requests.  Hence, "...that is what we are here for..."
There is no way you can mix up my words to mean, "we are not here for easy builds."  Poor effort to make me look bad.

Its utterly shameful how you consistently put words in my mouth.  You write, "I guess BFX should run there up coming show by you, a true fan of Indy Mogul, to get your okay? Now your self-righteousness..."  NO! I never said that.  Putting words in my mouth for no reason.  I never said I should be the one to dictate whats on BFX.  Frankly, I wouldn't be good at it.  I never appointed myself that.  All I said was that BFX should be run by the people.  Consent of the majority.

How is it odd that my opinion is shared by other people.  That is by no means odd.  I gave my opinion about infantsorrow and irrateapes comments.  They are two Mogulers who I agree with.  Not a big deal.  Its far different than your tirade against "...faceless nobodies..."  I think you take the bad with the good in a community such as this.  Everyone is gonna agree and disagree.  Shouldn't be "accused" of that.

How gross are your attempts to bash me that you quote and bitch about the beginning of a sentence i write.  Then you bitch about the rest of that sentence! wowzers.

Saying Erik Beck is an Indy Mogul God was my attempt (failed I suppose) at humor.  I wouldn't normally think I would have to do this but considering how often you are trying desperately to miss quote me, and with the fear you will one day nit pick, I'll say it now.  I don't actually think Erik Beck is a God.  I just think he's a cool, funny dude that did a killer job at BFX.
Now, how clever of you to quote me about Beck.  But realize something.  THAT WAS FROM A DIFFERENT THREAD.  You're taking a comment out of context.  Let me stress my opinion for the sake of clarity and specificity -- and yet you passed over this part in your response:
"Zack should rise up to the challenge and earn his credibility amongst the community.  Forget sugarcoating.  Dude made a octagon out of PVC piping.  I'd like to see Zack do some badass prop-making and shut up the 'faceless nobodies'"
I like Zack, not as much as Erik, but enough to ask him to extend his skills...

I like Zack, not as much as Erik, but enough to ask him to extend his skills further than pvc octagons.

So wait, you honestly think that the bashers come down to jealous and lazy people who don't want to conform??  You skated around that whole issue solely to bash my words.  Is it that you won't respond or you can't.  Either way, you are avoiding the issues.

Oh and you make this claim I'm blatantly fabricating bullshit because I said that you said the bashers are just jealous.  Yea I wasn't.  I'l show you.  You said, "It can come down to nothing more then the fact."  See when you say "come down to NOTHING MORE" it means ONLY and is only reaffirmed by you saying, "THE FACT"  when it is most certainly opinion.

And again with the false statements.  I said, "See I love IndyMogul." Then you said, "And I don’t? Again you assume that..."  I NEVER SAID YOU DON'T.  I'm sure you do love IndyMogul.  Come on man.  Don't say that I ever said someone didn't love something just because I said I love it.  For instance, I'll say, "Well I love Batman"  that doesn't mean I think you don't.  Dude you are putting words in my mouth.  Oh and the Super Bowl thing is an analogy.  I trying to make my point clear (which I guess I failed cause I have to explain so much to you).

You said, "you are making the assumption I don’t have a genuine love of film."  HOW????  How am I making that assumption?  Cause I said, "I respect its amazing job in providing entertainment while helping those with a genuine love film.” COME ON.  If you love IndyMogul and find its programming entertaining then I'm sure you have a genuine love of film.  Cool beans.  Am I not allowed to say why I like IndyMogul?  Dude, no need to say, "Trust me I love film"  We wouldn't be talking if you didn't.

Then about the fans of Erik you said that you, "...think they are dumb if they think he is going to come back because the don’t like the new host and constantly post messages asking him to come back..."  Personally, I don't think he's gonna come back.  He should.  I'd like to see that.  But I don't think comments are gonna make that happen.  So where do you get that idea???????

You say, "Apparently you only believe people who agree with you should be allowed to voice their opinions."  HOW?? how is that apparent?  i said, "In my opinion, the IndyMogul community should be allowed to voice anything."  MEANING EVERYONE IN THE INDYMOGUL COMMUNITY (even you).

You say, "You even go so far as to misquote me to bolster your own opinion" haha thats ironic considering you did it like ten times.

I said, “You've insulted this community…” then you ask how.  Answer = by calling people dumb.

I stand by what I said and what I think.  Not by what you said I said or what you think that I think.

I have to state for the record that I was never really offended by your remarks DailyBugle.  This whole thing has been a wonderful exercise, one in which I have enjoyed participating.  Though, it was wrong for me to bait you like I did, I think it produced a wonderful result in the end.  I mean my whole point was that people should expand their criticism above the standard one sentence jab, and I got you to spout about four pages of criticism about me! Imagine what would happen if everybody put in half the amount of time and effort you have done with me into a comment positive/negative about BFX.  Those comments would truly help IndyMogul/BFX to get better.

Well a new week approaches, and that means a new BFX build.  Maybe Zack will make 'the grade' this week and be loved by all, then again, maybe not! ;)

Have yourself a wonderful day, and Mogul on!

WOW.  Pompous as ever.  Your arrogance is always appreciated, BattyNos1922.  Pretend that you orchestrated this entanglement for your own enjoyment (an "exercise" if you will).

What exactly did it produce?  What result?
The only result I find was that you (not surprisingly) avoided the issues.  I read your comments and responded to every element, to the best of my ability.  You, however, find it more convenient to answer to nothing.  I tried my best to ask poignant questions and clear up many misunderstandings.  Yet you answer nothing.  Instead you HAVE to make it known that this was your "plan" all along.  I truly don't believe such a facade.  This idea of an "exercise" is an excuse you hide behind.  You spread lies about my opinions, attempt to defame me, make some (ultimately untrue) accusations, and you refuse to address any real issue.
Class act, you are not.

Hmm, reminds me of a line from MacBeth... something about a fool strutting around the stage... full of sound and fury... signifying nothing.

so you're not gonna address anything?
you're just gonna be pompous.
reminds me of a william thomas quote, "Anyone who thinks they're important is usually just a pompous moron who can't deal with his or her own pathetic insignificance and the fact that what they do is meaningless and inconsequential...”

Wow, this thread is nuts!!, serious shit indy mogul hhahahahah
im gonna have to say dailybugle gets the belt!! Batty was knocked out LOL

Yeah, something cool like Halo armor or a gun from District 9! I want a build for something everyone can use, you know what I mean, not something practical like a camera rig, but something every film will need; I need Halo armor for this period piece I'm doing that takes place in 1820...

Honestly people, the camera rig is a great build! I'm glad Zach did a practical build this week! I'm looking forward to more like it.

wow calm down, how very droll Fisher Films
The point I'm trying to make (unlike you, my comment is sarcasm free) is that this show is BFX, meaning Backyard Special Effects.  A practical fig rig is for Four Minute Film School or something.  Having a practical camera rig IS NOT a special effect.  Just saying...

Honestly, I'm sick of Halo requests and gun requests too.  Doesn't mean special effects gets thrown to the wayside (Get it?  Its a pun.  Zack is part of Wayside Creations)

really people showing camera rigs and techniques is way more valuable then showing u how to make shitty halo armor to make a dumb ass rip off movie that is un original anyways. camera rigs can apply to everyone, not just a 13 year old making a halo movie

right, i said I'm sick of halo requests too, I dont think zack should do halo armor, but a camera rig is HARDLY a special effect

id actually enjoy more builds like this then props....

The show is BFX not BSFX, there is a difference... If you want to make that point then Erik didn't just do special effects either. My point was that this build was practical and could be used by any film maker, and not just some genre specific prop. I get what you're saying, but what exactly do YOU want to see? 

I enjoy this show because its goal is to help aspiring filmmakers to improve their films for cheap. I work professionally ADing feature films with big budgets, but I'll never get tired of BFX and all it stands for. 

One of the biggest problems with aspiring films is that there is poor control of the camera and bad movement of shots, the equipment to improve these movements is expensive but very necessary. If BFX can teach people how to do these shots for cheap, I couldn't be happier. Camera movement is an effect, one of the MOST important effects. Just look at the majority of shorts on youtube, imagine how much better they would be with professional equipment such as dollies and steadycams.. 

It's a good thing the show has new builds each week, maybe next week's build will be something you need or will like. I hope so. 

Keep it up Zack!

Oh and the fact that there have been a lot of appreciative comments shows that this build was quite useful to a lot of people..

Yeah, Fisher Films, I totally agree. I suggested a few episodes back that we should should do a 3 part series on forming foam props, making a mold of that, and casting resin into that mold. That would be useful for the more specific and obscure props people need.

Look, i agree with you in the sense that its helpful and useful.  But it seems like there has been a shift in focus with the show.  When Erik hosted there were more episodes that dealt with building things that were special effects (blood shooters, zombie flesh tear, simulated rain rig, knife throw, gun shot, etc) and then they'd throw in specific builds that were less useful, but amazingly fun to watch (cyborg, devil, lightsaber, halo, etc).
Since Zack took over there seems to be less focus on these sorts of effects.  I like what Zack does but his job as BFX host is to show aspiring filmmakers how to make Hollywood special effects for cheap.  BFX is NOT the show for teaching aspiring filmmakers about camera mounts/rigs.  If Zack wants to focus on more things like this (devote episodes to steady cams and dollies) by all means, he should.  But don't make it BFX.  
Also, you make a good point about looking at the amateur movies on YouTube.  Watch them and notice the thing they need the most work on, above all is STORY.  Plot is arguably the most essential element that needs improvement.  However, that doesn't mean Zack should do an episode of BFX on character development, tragic heroes, foreshadowing, etc.  Thats simply not what BFX is about.  Cut the fat of the show.  Get rid of the practical, focus on the FX, keep in cheap.  Thats my opinion.

PS, Fisher Films: FX = special effects therefore BFX = backyard special effects
BSFX makes no sense

yeah that's where i disagree with you though
just because the name of the show is "backyard effects" doesn't mean they should be limited to effects. bfx is a show for all aspects of backyard filmmaking, teaching aspiring filmmakers to skip past all the budget issues of making a movie and get real experience to get better at what we do. just because it isn't a prop or makeup effect, doesn't mean it's not as much in the spirit of bfx

so as long as it helps an aspiring filmmaker its allowed on BFX.  So, there should be episodes on thematic structure, casting, dialogue?
No, the show is about builds, builds that pertain to special effects.  BFX is all about how to get Hollywood special effects without the Hollywood budget.

I'm not going to argue with you. But just so you know, FX does not = "Special Effects" it means "Effects" SFX means "Special Effects"... At least thats the terms on a legitimate film shoot...

From my experience SFX = Sound Effects

I have to agree with Fisher Films any time I have seen SFX used in motion pictures it has always referred special effects not sound effects.  Sound effects usually, not always, are a credited to Foley artists or they specify Sound Effects in the credits.

Wikipedia says, "The illusions used in the film, television, theater, or entertainment industries to simulate the imagined events in a story are traditionally called special effects (often abbreviated as SFX, SPFX, or simply FX)"

You are both right.  Its SFX AND FX.  Settle down.

Regardless, I agree with, "irateape," BFX needs more effect driven builds.  However, I think Zack did a great job with the Super Hero Mask build and test film.  He has the capacity to make sweet builds, just needs better inspiration.  Zack is good, but come on folks no one, NOT ANY OF US will ever beat Erik Beck, he's the almighty God of Indy Mogul

And GOD get off "irateape"'s balls, "FisherFilms."

Go back and realize all "irateape" said initially was that he wanted something cooler and a more effect driven build from BFX and Zack.  "FisherFilms" had to be all sarcastic, THEN he has the nerve to say, "I'm not going to argue with you."  Wow.

get used to it, i have the same ''problem''

the problem is that i'm from the Netherlands too :)

me too

so its still monday in america XD YOU SUCK VENEMA

hey jan alleman you suck by your self and be nicer next time

i'd say it'd work fine. if you're really worried, i'm sure you can figure out some added support to add to it

see! see, people who said that people never request makeup tutorials!

me too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

hey i swa a guy on instructabes do a tutorial u should definatley check it out heres the link                      http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-a-district-9-Weapon/

how'd it turn out?

my coming up show i'll make the arc gun

agree