In the era of the digital format, many filmmakers utilize aspect ratio to help tell their story. Screening irregular aspect ratios onto traditional 16:9 screens both in theatres and on TVs require letterboxes. Creating your own letterboxes can be incredibly tedious. Luckily, there are free resources that make letterbox templates of all kinds available. In this article, we’ll take a look at one of the best free letterbox templates package and why it’s so useful to have. Continue reading Cinematic Bars — How to Add Black Bars to Video [Downloads]
While cinematography has the unique ability to visually draw an audience’s eye to something specific, screenwriters also have a unique tool to draw a reader's attention to a specific scene element within a screenplay. The slug line is one of the best tools a screenwriter has for drawing attention and incorporating visual elements into a screenplay. So what is a slug line and what is it used for? Let’s find out. Continue reading What is a Slug Line? Scene Heading Screenplay Formatting
Lenses work in a very similar way to the human eye. However, not all lenses have an angle of view that is similar to the human eye. The normal lens aims to capture a shot in a way that is most similar to how we see the world. So what is a normal lens exactly? In this article, we’ll take a look at what defines a normal lens, when and why to use one, and how it differs from other lenses.Continue reading What is a Normal Lens? Definition & Uses of a Standard Lens
Animation has undoubtedly opened countless doors in the stories filmmakers are able to tell. It has allowed worlds, characters, and adventures to seep out of the imagination of artists and onto the big screen. Many are drawn to the world of animation because of its limitless possibilities. If you are one of the many, at one point you will have to learn how to use animation software. However, not all animation software is made equal. So we’ve made a list of the best animation softwares out there to highlight each one’s strengths, weaknesses, use in the industry, and cost. Continue reading Best…
What does contrast do to a photo? Why is it so alluring when we see it? There’s no doubt that contrast adds a certain characteristic that can elevate a photo. Great contrast photography starts with how you shoot the photograph. Adjusting your contrast in editing should only be a sweetener for the contrast that you’ve already captured.In this article, we’ll take a look at the differences between tonal contrast and color contrast. We’ll also analyze the role exposure plays in high-contrast images. Ultimately, you’ll learn about the techniques that you can use to create your own unique, high-contrast photographs.Continue reading…
After Effects is an incredibly powerful and useful program. However, learning how to initially use it can be daunting. One fundamental technique used for both simple and complex animations is moving the anchor point. It may seem easy to do, but you might have found that simply clicking and dragging didn’t quite do the trick. Here are the three simple steps to learn how to move the anchor point in After Effects.Continue reading How to Move the Anchor Point in After Effects (Tutorial)
Have you ever been in a photo gallery and immediately drawn to a specific photograph? If so, what was it about this photograph that grabbed your attention? This is the question at the heart of aesthetic photography. What defines an aesthetic photograph?In this article, we’ll take a look at the highly ambiguous and often vague term “aesthetic photography.” We’ll also take a look at the techniques that go into creating aesthetic photos and how you can put them into practice.Continue reading Aesthetic Photography — Composition, Lighting, and Color
Is in undeniable that After Effects is an incredibly powerful tool. It is also undeniable that After Effects can be incredibly overwhelming and complex to use, especially for new users. This is where plugins come into play. Plugins give creators and artists to share the software they create with other After Effects users to both save time and ramp up creativity. After Effects users of all skill levels utilize plugins regularly to better their workflow and elevate their project. So we’ve compiled a list of the best After Effects plugins out there that every After Effects user should be aware of. Continue…
One of the most overlooked aspects of filmmaking for beginner filmmakers is sound design. Screenwriting, cinematography, direction, and editing are all essential to a great film. But proper sound design is what can take any project to the next level. That being said, foley can be a lot of work. Sound effects can also be expensive. But these shouldn’t keep you from creating engaging soundscapes for your project. So we’ve created a list of the best places to find free sound effects. From massive libraries to niche sound effect packs, you’ll find them all here. Let’s dive in. Continue reading Free Sound…
Filmmakers have attempted to portray the end of the world through film since early cinema. Throughout the years, these attempts have proven to be futile for many. The list of forgettable apocalypse movies could fill a novel. But a few filmmakers have portrayed the end of the world in wildly entertaining and unique ways. So which movie do you put on for movie night when you’re in a rather apocalyptic mood? Here is our complete list of the best end of the world movies.Continue reading Best End of the World Movies — 15 Visions of the End Times
