The Sunken Place: How to Break Down a VFX Scene
J ordan Peele’s Get Out is already one of the most iconic films of the 21st century. Its simple elegance is a perfect example of how much can be conveyed with…
How to Write a Fight Scene in a Screenplay: John Wick Fight Scenes
You want to learn how to write a fight scene in a screenplay, but it seems that each writer takes their own unique approach. How then can you determine the…
Overhead Shots: Creative Examples of Camera Angles & Shots
Overhead shots are used all the time, sometimes for practical reasons, while other times for an emotional effect. The trick is to make sure they don’t disorient the viewer and…
The Kuleshov Effect Explained (and How Spielberg Subverts it)
Movies and television are incredible because they can transport us into a world of wonderment. Today we’re going to go over the Kuleshov Effect and how the greatest director of…
8 Residential Filming Locations for Your Budget in LA
If you’re an independent filmmaker or content creator, you may be looking for cheap filming locations in Los Angeles that still look good. It may be important for your movie…
The Medium Close-Up Shot: Creative Examples of Camera Shots & Angles
Medium close-up shots are a go-to for many directors, but understanding how to use them in the most effective way possible takes some finesse. We’re going to discuss the medium…
The Ultimate Guide to Auditions [FREE Casting Sheet Template]
The project’s been green lit. The script’s been finalized. I’m going to hold an open casting call! Not so fast. If you’re not careful, your open casting call can be…
22 Screenwriting Tips for Better Movie Dialogue in your Scripts
You’ve written a pretty good script, but you know it could be GREAT. Could better dialogue be that missing piece? Want screenwriting tips that will teach you how to write dialogue?…
The Ultimate Guide to Film Credits Order Hierarchy (with Free Film Credits Template)
How do you decide film credits order? Do you always have to put the director first? Do you list in order of celebrity? Pull names from a hat? This is…
Whip Pans, Swish Pans, and The Whip Shot Effect (2019)
Whip pans, swish pans, whip shot — whatever you call them, they are a great tool for creating seamless cuts and cool effects in your videos, but understanding how to…
31 Best Canon Camera Lenses in 2019 [Buying Guide]
Canon has been a top camera and lens brand for years, and with the release of their latest camera, we thought it would be helpful to put together a list…
The Best Comedy Movies of All Time: Funny Movies for Filmmakers to Learn From
The difference between a funny movie and a truly great comedy is subjective. So, when it comes to writing a successful comedy, many writers want to appeal to the lowest…
Auteur Theory: The Definitive Guide to the Best Auteur Directors
Early filmmakers showed the world that a movie director could be an artist. But not every movie director… Because part of auteur theory is knowing how to define auteur directors. Before…
How to Efficiently Schedule a Montage: Pro Tips for Producers & 1st ADs
Amovie montage can accomplish many things, from interweaving multiple storylines to delivering jokes. But accounting for a montage in your production schedule is no laughing matter. What can be summed…
The Essential Guide to Depth of Field [with Examples]
T he 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…
The Only Shot List Template You Need — with Free Download
A good shot list maximizes shooting time and limits downtime across all departments. In this post, we lay out the essentials of a shot list, and provide the best film &…
The Modern Cowboy Shot: The Different Types of Shots in Film, Explained
Executing the perfect shot means externalizing the internal in such a way that the shot itself reflects or heightens the emotion of the scene. Telling stories visually is no easy…
Mastering the Crew Deal Memo (with FREE Template)
T he crew deal memo is a form that provides protection between the production company (or financier) and crew. While it’s quite simple finding a crew deal memo template online, you’ll…
3 Cinematic Film Techniques to Make On-Screen Texting Actually Look Good
Itext. You text. My grandmother who still thinks Reagan is president texts. But most tv shows and movies shy away from it. Having your characters pull out their phone puts…
Zack Snyder’s Directing Style: What We Can Learn from Zack Snyder’s Movies
Any great director has fans and detractors, lovers and haters. But few filmmakers inspire division as extreme as comic book, movie maestro, Zack Snyder. Frivolous hack, or pop art genius?…
Write a Movie Synopsis that Makes Readers Salivate [with FREE Synopsis Template]
Logline, synopsis, treatment, outline, epic poem — do you know the difference? We threw in that last one for kicks, but when you’re writing and selling a screenplay (or a…
Stay connected