Planning a video or sequence in a film doesn’t come second nature to most filmmakers. Serious prep is required. Lucky for you, there are tools to make this easier. Laying out your vision in a storyboard is one way to do it. What is a storyboard you may ask? It is a roadmap that will guide your journey from script to screen. To really grasp the benefits of storyboarding, we'll go beyond a simple storyboard definition to explore how filmmakers like Ridley Scott and the Coen Bros. rely on this fundamental process and how easy it will be for you to…
Directors and cinematographers shoot with purpose, as they match their technical shot choices with the intended tone or emotion of the story. Of course, they’re not the only ones making critical choices. Editors’ decisions hugely determine the success of a film. It is up to the editor to assemble every scene, every cut in a scene, to tell the intended emotional truth of the story. It’s a tall order. To alleviate some of this pressure, Oscar-winning editor, Walter Murch, outlined some helpful tools. In his book, In the Blink of an Eye, Walter Murch details The Rule of Six, discussing…
Golden hour is a term to describe a certain kind of light that is incredibly pleasing to the eye, and also looks incredibly cinematic. But what is it? And when is golden hour? We'll look at some examples from top Hollywood filmmakers as well as tips on how you can capture images in this incredible light.Continue reading When is Golden Hour? How to Capture the Perfect Light
There are a ton of professionals involved in Post-Production, and trusting each other probably matters more in 'post' than any other time in the filmmaking process. These are the final steps and they’re the glue that holds the movie together, literally. So, what is Post-Production, who’s involved, and what should you consider before it begins? Let’s take a look.Continue reading What is Post-Production — The Final Steps in the Process
Nothing says the holidays like Rankin Bass Christmas claymation movies. Whether you’re in your fifties or early twenties, you probably remember those Christmas movies that infiltrated your living room right around December 1st. Producer, writer, and director(s), Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass, have imprinted their style and Christmas cheer on several generations. But just out of curiosity...does anyone actually remember how weird these movies were? It’s a list all of the Rankin Bass Christmas claymation movies ever made!Continue reading The Definitive List of Rankin Bass Christmas Claymation Movies
Cinematographers and editors work together to create sequences that resemble reality. Once an editor gets the footage, if there are mistakes that create unintended disorientation, editors need to go to their tool belt. One way to do this is to use cutaway shots. As a cinematographer, it’s always important to shoot cutaway shots because it gives the editor an opportunity, one, to get creative, but also to fix any continuity errors. What does that mean? And what else can cutaway shots do you for your film? Let’s find out.Continue reading What is a Cutaway Shot — Why Editors and DP’s…
While we may be familiar with soft focus shots as images with intentional blur or glamour shots in portraits, understanding this effect in such a limiting way...well, limits us! The shots that are possible when you master soft focus are endless, and they can be done whether you have high-tech equipment, or not. So what is soft focus photography, and how can you use the technique to create unique shots. Let’s check it out.Continue reading Soft Focus Photography & How to Master that Soft Focus Look
If you’re just starting out or simply looking to expand your filmmaking toolkit, soft box lights are a must. Knowing how to diffuse and soften your light is just as important as knowing how to light the shot itself. So whether you’re a hobbyist or beginner-enthusiast ready to get your first studio kit, it’s good to know what’s out there. So let’s get into the best softbox lighting kits for 2021. Featured photo courtesy of Spectrum.Continue reading Best Soft Box Lights — The Ultimate Buying Guide
There are a million different types of cameras on the market. Which one should you choose? Well aside from reading endless specs, one way to figure it out is to simply know the categories of cameras available to you. Do you want a mirrorless or a quick point and shoot? Is a DSLR better for your occasional impromptu video shoots? Knowing the different types of cameras will help you determine which is best for your projects. Let’s jump in.Continue reading Different Types of Cameras for Photography and Video Explained
LED photography lights — why use them? Well, for one thing, they’re cost effective, can be easily controlled, and they really don’t give off much heat. Depending on your shooting situation, they’re often a photographer and videographer’s first choice. But how do you know which one to choose? Whether you’re a pro in the studio looking for studio LED panels, or a hobbyist looking for something to attach to your smartphone — whoever you are and whatever your budget, we got you covered. Let’s jump into our pick for the best LED photography lights available today. Continue reading LED Photography…
