Chris Heckmann is a Professor of Media & Communication at Roger Williams University and graduate of UCLA’s Cinema & Media Studies Master of Arts program. When he’s not writing or teaching, he’s probably playing video games (or thinking about the next great Boston sports trade).
What is the best camera for vlogging? Well, today we’re going to break down the best vlogging cameras by way of three criteria: features, quality, and value. We’ll also explore each camera’s unique strengths and weaknesses by looking at video reviews. But before we get into the rankings, let’s quickly review vlogging cameras and relevant equipment.Continue reading Best Vlogging Camera — Top Picks Reviewed and Ranked
What is Adobe Media Encoder? Adobe Media Encoder is a video processing application that can save editors countless hours of waiting for their videos to export. But how does one use Adobe Media Encoder? We’re going to answer that question by exploring how Media Encoder works and why video editors choose to use it in conjunction with programs like After Effects and Premiere Pro. By the end, you’ll have all the knowledge needed to maximize your video editing workflow. Continue reading What is Adobe Media Encoder (And How to Use it)?
What is colorization? Back in the early days of filmmaking, color was something reserved for movies few and far between. But as the years went by, more and more movies began to be made in color. However, many filmmakers and critics in Hollywood expressed outrage at the idea of adding color to classic black-and-white movies. We’re going to look at how film colorization led to one of the most contentious periods in Hollywood history. But first let’s analyze the colorization process.Continue reading Film Colorization Process & The Debate Over Colorized Movies
The Blue Yeti Nano microphone is one of the most popular USB mics in the world — but is it any good? Today, we’re going to look at the Blue Yeti Nano microphone’s tech specs, price, pros and cons, and more to see how it stacks up against the competition. By the end, you’ll know what makes the Yeti Nano unique, and whether or not it’s the right mic for your production. Continue reading Blue Yeti Nano Microphone — Specs, Price, Pros & Cons
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Cameras are some of the most renowned cameras in the world (for their price point). We’re going to break down the pros and cons of each Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera, including the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 4K, Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 6K, and Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 6K Pro. By the end, you’ll know the price, tech specs, and features of every Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera – and whether any of them make sense for you.Note: all tech specs are taken directly from the Blackmagic Design website.Continue reading Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4k & 6k — Pros & Cons
It’s time we talked about the ever-so-dreaded “plot hole” -- it’s a term audiences crave, screenwriters fear and critics throw around with reckless abandon; but what is a plot hole? We’re going to explain what a plot hole is and why it’s such a contentious term by looking at screenwriting examples and critical discourse. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of plot holes and how to avoid them in your own writing. But before we get into our examples, let’s quickly review why plot holes are so important to writing and film criticism. Continue reading What is a…
Finding good background music can be a difficult task – but it doesn’t have to be. We’ve done our research to deliver a list of the best background music resources you can use right now. The background music options on this list fall under the licensing umbrellas of royalty free, creative commons, public domain, and pay per use, addressing editors looking for free and paid background music.Continue reading Background Music for Videos — Royalty-Free & Paid Options
How do you make YouTube videos? If you’re interested in making YouTube videos, you’ve come to the right place! We’re going to show you how to make a YouTube video by breaking down three major steps: 1) planning and conceptualizing, 2) equipment needs and shooting, and 3) editing and uploading. By the end you’ll know everything you need to know to make your own YouTube video! But before we jump into the game plan, let’s review what kind of video you might want to make.Continue reading How to Make a YouTube Video — A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
What is realism in film? We hear the term “realistic” all the time, but how do we know if something is realistic when realism is so subjective? Well, in storytelling, there is an objective way to tell whether or not something is realistic. We’re going to explore what realism is and how it's used in film, with examples from Pather Panchali, the Before Trilogy, and more, but first let’s review where realism began.Continue reading What is Realism in Film? Cinematic Realism Explained
The Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone script is one of the best examples of how to write a franchise-launching movie. Whether you have an interest in adapting a novel, conveying a fantastical world in writing, or a little bit of both, there’s simply a ton of value in studying the Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone screenplay. We’re going to look at how the script uses its characters, quotes, and verbiage to build an unforgettable world. Join us as we jump into Platform 9¾ to break down the screenwriting aspects of the wizarding world of Harry Potter!Continue reading Harry…
