Cowboy shots are something we see all the time in film and television. Even from the name alone, an image comes to mind but when should you use one in your film? You don't have to be shooting a Western to use the iconic cowboy shot camera angle. In this post, we're going to start in the Old West but we'll look at some of the ways modern filmmakers have embraced the cowboy shot film technique. So, get your holsters ready and let's ride.Continue reading The Modern Cowboy Shot — Types of Shots in Film, Explained
Dof basicsShallow dofDeep dofDOF GuideTYPES OF CAMERA FOCUS The best photographers and cinematographers use depth of field knowledge for precise control over their images.Establishing your own visual style should occur before you step on set, and it begins with understanding how to control your depth of field.Continue reading The Essential Guide to Depth of Field [with Examples]
Plot is the backbone of any great story. But what is a plot exactly? In this guide, we’ll explore the plot definition, how it differs from a story, and the essential elements of a plot that make a narrative compelling. Whether you’re writing a novel, screenplay, or short story, understanding plot meaning and different plot types—from linear plots to nonlinear storytelling—is key to crafting unforgettable stories.Continue reading What Is a Plot? Types of Plot, Definitions, and Examples
Why do filmmakers use over-the-shoulder shots? Can they signal to the viewer that two characters are, at the very least, on the same page? The OTS shot is one of the most commonly used shots in film and television, but often it's used without proper application of advanced cinematic language. We'll break down the psychology so your OTS shots drive home an emotional concept. Continue reading Over-the-Shoulder Shot: Examples of Camera Movements & Angles
The dolly zoom is one of the most discussed cinematic techniques. You can use them in many ways, but a great director will find a logical reason to include them. When paired with the correct story moment, the dolly zoom can draw the audience into the story and the character's state of mind. Continue reading What is a Dolly Zoom — Scene Examples of the Vertigo Effect
Where can you download great B-roll footage online? Anyone with a camera can capture B-roll video, but that doesn’t mean it has the right frame rate, color correction, or have the right subject matter. It could be more affordable to just purchase your B-roll footage. Don’t worry because we’ve put together a list of the best websites for finding affordable or free B-roll footage online. We also provide websites for paid B-roll video just in case. Lezgo. Continue reading 24 Websites to Find Affordable or Free B-Roll Footage
Understanding how to introduce characters in a screenplay takes more than properly formatting character descriptions. You want to consider when, where, and how each decision will play out in the mind of the reader and then how it will translate onscreen. We’ll explian screenwriting character introductions so that you can build rich character descriptions that set a tone for your script. Lezgo. Continue reading How to Introduce Characters in a Screenplay: Character Descriptions Tips
Learning how to write dialogue is not easy. You've written a pretty good script, but you know it could be GREAT. Could writing better dialogue in your screenplay be that missing piece? Want screenwriting tips that teach you how to write dialogue in a script with writing examples from movies and TV to go with each category? Lezgo. Continue reading Screenwriting Tips for Better Movie Dialogue in Your Scripts
A storyboard is a graphic layout that sequences illustrations and images to tell a story visually. It is the backbone of visual storytelling, helping filmmakers, marketers, and educators communicate their ideas clearly and effectively.Continue reading 46 Storyboard Examples from Movies, Animation, and Games (with FREE Storyboard Templates)
StudioBinder presents our free freeform writing software. Our integrated writing tools help you create and manage necessary documents for your production company while you organize and plan your productions. Seamlessly go from development to physical production — all in one hub. Read on to see why StudioBinder’s Freeform writing features will change production workflows. Oh, wait… did we mention it’s completely free? Continue reading Freeform Writing: StudioBinder’s Free Word Processor for Video Creatives
