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).
Most filmmakers have heard RED digital cinema cameras, but there have been so many changes to their lineup over the years that keeping track can be a bit daunting. This post will make things simple. We’ll explain the RED video camera lineup in layman’s terms, and then provide a look back at RED cameras all so… Continue reading Which RED Camera to Buy in 2023? RED Digital Cinema Lineup Explained
Storyboard EssentialsOpen menu What is a Storyboard Best Storyboard Software What is a Storyboard Artist Websites to Find a Storyboard Artist Storyboard Classes Online What is a Digital Storyboard Introducing Storyboard Builder Ultimate Guide to Storyboard Rules Storyboard Dimensions What is an Animatic What is an Animation Storyboard Storyboard Montage Ultimate Guide to Storyboard Composition… Continue reading How to Storyboard a Video — Examples & Techniques Explained
If you want to live stream content, then you’re going to need a live stream camera. But what is a live stream camera? Well, a live stream camera is pretty much any camera that’s capable of streaming in real-time. Before we rank the best streaming cameras, consider what you might want to use a live stream… Continue reading Best Streaming Cameras of 2023 — Gaming, Video, PC, Mac
Every camera needs a camera bag – but what’s the best camera bag to buy? We’re going to break down a variety of different camera bags by looking at their features, specs, and prices – as well as reviews from industry professionals. Fear not dropping your camera anymore – the perfect camera bag is just… Continue reading Best Camera Bag in 2023 — Features, Specs, Reviews & Prices
If you have an interest in recording on-screen content, then you may be looking for a capture card. But what is a capture card? In simplest terms, a capture card is a device that’s used in conjunction with a computer to capture on-screen content and encode it for playback. Now, what is the best video… Continue reading Best Capture Cards for Streaming — 2023 Buying Guide
Types of LensesOpen menu Lens Basics Prime Lens Zoom Lens Anamorphic Lens Focal LengthsOpen menu Wide Angle Lens (14mm – 35mm) Standard (35mm – 70mm) What is a 50mm Lens Good For 35mm vs 50mm Lenses Telephoto Lens (70mm – 200mm) Specialty LensesOpen menu What is a T-Stop Macro Lens Fisheye Lens Tilt-Shift Lens Split-Diopter… Continue reading 31 Best Canon Camera Lenses in 2023 [Buying Guide]
Basic CharactersOpen menu Types of Characters in a Story Protagonist Deuteragonist Antagonist Hero Anti Hero Tragic Hero Tritagonist Superhero Anti-Villain Villain Foil Character Character TropesOpen menu Common Character Types Character Archetypes Types of Villains Femme Fatale Mad Scientist Mary Sue Damsel in Distress CharacterizationOpen menu What is Characterization Characterization Examples in Movies Characterization of Anton… Continue reading What is a Protagonist — Definition & Examples for Screenwriters
Motion pictures have enticed and inspired artists, audiences, and critics for more than a century. Today, we’re going to explore the history of film by looking at the major movements that have defined cinema worldwide. We’re also going to explore the technical craft of filmmaking from the persistence of vision to colorization to synchronous sound.… Continue reading The History of Film Timeline — All Eras of Film History Explained
How to Format a ScreenplayOpen menu Formatting a Screenplay Screenplay Font Margins Scene Headings Sluglines Action / Description Action Breaks Character Cues Dialogue Transitions Chyrons Flashbacks TV Script Format 101 Pre-Lap How to Use O.S. in a Script How to Use CONT’D in a Script FREE Movie Scripts: StudioBinder Screenwriting Library Write Your Script for… Continue reading What is a Chyron — Definition, Examples and How to Write Them
Storyboard EssentialsOpen menu What is a Storyboard Best Storyboard Software What is a Storyboard Artist Websites to Find a Storyboard Artist Storyboard Classes Online What is a Digital Storyboard Introducing Storyboard Builder Ultimate Guide to Storyboard Rules Storyboard Dimensions What is an Animatic What is an Animation Storyboard Storyboard Montage Ultimate Guide to Storyboard Composition… Continue reading Storyboard Ideas, Examples, and Techniques Explained
What is an epilogue? It’s a term that we hear often but we don’t see it in every story. So why are epilogues so commonly talked about to when they aren’t always used? We’re going to get to the bottom of that question with examples from Harry Potter, Star Wars, and more. By the end,… Continue reading What is an Epilogue — Definition & Meaning in Literature & Film
Index & TimelineOpen menu Art Styles Explained Art History Timeline Renaissance (1400-1600)Open menu Renaissance Gothic Art Baroque (1600-1750)Open menu Rococo Baroque Classical (1750-1827)Open menu Classicism Neoclassicism Ukiyo-e Naturalism vs Realism Romantic (1827-1900)Open menu Romanticism Art Nouveau Kinetic Art Post Impressionism Primitivism Modern (1900-1970)Open menu Abstract Expressionism Avant Garde Bauhaus Conceptual Art Constructivism Art Cubism Dadaism… Continue reading What is Classicism Art — Definition, Examples & History
What is a character sheet? In simplest terms, a character sheet is a sheet for a character. However, there’s a lot more to the term than just that. We’re going to look at character sheet examples from Dungeons & Dragons to animation storyboards to see how artists across disciplines use them. By the end, you’ll… Continue reading What is a Character Sheet — Definition and Examples Explained
Internal dialogue is one way writers communicate the inner-thoughts of their characters – but what is internal dialogue? I should say something like worry not, okay – worry not! I will explain internal dialogue with examples from American Psycho, Seinfeld, and more. By the end, you’ll know how to implement internal dialogue in prose and… Continue reading What is Internal Dialogue — Definition, Examples & Techniques
Oh, mockumentaries how I love thee. Mockumentaries – or simply mock documentaries – have entertained and inspired the world for decades. But what is a mockumentary? We’re going to break down the history of this subgenre, including the first mockumentary, by looking at iconic examples from Woody Allen, Christopher Guest, and more. By the end,… Continue reading What is a Mockumentary — Definition, Examples & History
A show bible is an essential part of every TV series’ pre-production. But what is a show bible? And why is it an essential part of every TV series’ pre-production? We’re going to answer those questions. Then we’ll show you some show bible examples. By the end, you’ll know why these documents are important and… Continue reading What is a Show Bible — Examples and FREE Template
EssentialsOpen menu What is Sound Design What Does a Sound Designer Do Sound Editing vs Sound Mixing What is Voice Over What is a Foley Artist What is Diegetic Sound What is Non-Diegetic Sound What is a Film Score What is Asynchronous Sound What is Music Licensing What is a Film Composer What is a… Continue reading What is Diegetic Sound — Definition, Examples & How It Works
Here there be dragons, boogeymen, and blood-sucking vampires! Scary stories have frightened and allured audiences for thousands of years. So, whether you’re looking to establish a new form of horror, or riff on an existing genre trope, you’ve come to the right place, because we’re going to break down scary story ideas. Dim the candlelight,… Continue reading Scary Story Ideas — 18 Prompts For Horror & Thriller Writers
Narrative essays are important papers most students have to write. But how does one write a narrative essay? Fear not, we’re going to show you how to write a narrative essay by breaking down a variety of narrative writing strategies. By the end, you’ll know why narrative essays are so important – and how to… Continue reading How to Write a Narrative Essay — A Step-by-Step Guide
David O. Russell may not be the most prolific director of his generation, but he is one of the most prestigious. Over nearly 30 years in Hollywood, Russell has enjoyed considerable success…as well as some well-warranted criticism. His work has been celebrated by artists and critics, but his on-set and off-set behavior has been alleged… Continue reading David O. Russell Movies — Ranked and Reviewed for Filmmakers
