Kyle DeGuzman

Kyle DeGuzman graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Science in Television, Film, & New Media. He currently resides in Denver, Colorado spending his time writing, filmmaking, and traveling.

What is Practical Lighting in Film? Tips & Techniques Explained

There are various elements that contribute to a cinematic shot. Depth, naturalism, and dynamic lighting styles can all result in stunning cinematography. A simple and direct way to introduce all three into a shot is by using practical lighting.  Practical lighting is so effective because it aims to utilize light not just to properly expose a… Continue reading What is Practical Lighting in Film? Tips & Techniques Explained

Kyle DeGuzman

What is a Rim Light — 3 Point Lighting Techniques Explained

Cinematography and photography is naturally a two-dimensional medium. However, great cinematographers and photographers utilize light to create three-dimensional effects. One of the tools they have to do this is the rim light.  A rim light can keep an image from falling flat. Rim lighting can bring out shapes, textures, and contours that make an image appear… Continue reading What is a Rim Light — 3 Point Lighting Techniques Explained

Kyle DeGuzman

How to Write Sluglines: Scene Heading Format and Creative Uses

Screenplays are a unique and often challenging medium for storytelling because they are essentially stories on the page made for the screen. It can be difficult for screenwriters to communicate the visuals of a film through screenwriting, but one of the best tools they have to do this is the slug line. They are used… Continue reading How to Write Sluglines: Scene Heading Format and Creative Uses

Kyle DeGuzman

What is The Rashomon Effect — Definition, Examples in Film

There are a few iconic films that have transcended cinema and impacted culture at large. Akira Kurosawa’s Rashomon is one of those iconic films. Kurosawa’s exploration of truth and its expression in the film led to a term that would be used both in and outside of cinema — the Rashomon Effect. The Rashomon Effect is… Continue reading What is The Rashomon Effect — Definition, Examples in Film

Kyle DeGuzman

What is a Full Shot in Film? Types of Shots in Film Explained

Close UpsOpen menu Extreme Close-Up (ECU) Close-Up (CU) Medium Close-Up (MCU) Medium ShotsOpen menu Medium Shot (MS) Cowboy Shot (CS) Medium Full Shot (MFS) Wide ShotsOpen menu Full Shot (FS) Wide Shot (WS) Extreme Wide Shot (EWS) More ShotsOpen menu All Shots & Angles Camera Shot Ultimate Guide Create Free Shot List Now There are… Continue reading What is a Full Shot in Film? Types of Shots in Film Explained

Kyle DeGuzman

Best Free Gun Sounds Online — Reload Your SFX Library

Sound effects are an incredibly important aspect of filmmaking and storytelling. They can communicate information, create a world, and engage an audience more deeply into a film. However bad sound effects can also distract or disengage an audience. Luckily, we’ve put together a list of the best sites to download realistic, high-quality and free gun… Continue reading Best Free Gun Sounds Online — Reload Your SFX Library

Kyle DeGuzman

What is a Video Essay? The Art of the Video Analysis Essay

In the era of the internet and Youtube, the video essay has become an increasingly popular means of expressing ideas and concepts. However, there is a bit of an enigma behind the construction of the video essay largely due to the vagueness of the term. What defines a video analysis essay? What is a video essay… Continue reading What is a Video Essay? The Art of the Video Analysis Essay

Kyle DeGuzman

Best Sites to Download Royalty Free Music for Commercial Use

When it comes to advertising, music can make or break a commercial. And it is no surprise that hiring a musician to score or create music for your commercial advertisement can be expensive. Finding royalty free music for commercial use that is high quality and unique can also be difficult. In this article, we aim… Continue reading Best Sites to Download Royalty Free Music for Commercial Use

Kyle DeGuzman

What is a DIT in Film — Definition, Job Description, and Salary

The role of the DIT is one of the more mysterious roles on a film set. This is primarily due to the fact that there are numerous duties that fall onto a DIT. In today’s digital world, technology is advancing at an incredible rate. And the film industry is no exception.  DIT’s are becoming an increasingly… Continue reading What is a DIT in Film — Definition, Job Description, and Salary

Kyle DeGuzman

What is a Film Treatment? Examples From E.T. and The Shining

Whenever you read a full-length screenplay, it is important to understand all of the steps that led to the final draft of that script. Stories are often changed and workshopped long before they are written into a screenplay. The pre-writing phase of a screenplay is essential to many writers and a fundamental device used is… Continue reading What is a Film Treatment? Examples From E.T. and The Shining

Kyle DeGuzman

Betty Draper: How They Wrote Mad Men’s Most Tragic Character

Mad Men is one of television’s best period pieces. It not only uses the 1960s as a backdrop and setting for the show, it imbues its dialogue, story, and characters with the details of the times. Every character reflects the 1960s in one way or another. In this article, we’ll analyze how Betty Draper’s tragic… Continue reading Betty Draper: How They Wrote Mad Men’s Most Tragic Character

Kyle DeGuzman

How to Start a Production Company: A Complete 12-Step Guide

Starting a production company can be incredibly daunting. There are so many business aspects that appear mundane and confusing to the typical creative starting a production company. But the truth is that laying down a proper foundation is essential for any new production company to grow and prosper. In this article, we outline twelve steps… Continue reading How to Start a Production Company: A Complete 12-Step Guide

Kyle DeGuzman

Andy Bernard: The Office’s Most Unlikely Likable Character

The Office has found its way into audiences’ hearts well after its series finale. The show has stood the test of time thanks to its dry humor, clever writing, and likable characters. Well, some likable characters. In the Season 3 of The Office, one character became more annoying and disagreeable than any other, yet somehow… Continue reading Andy Bernard: The Office’s Most Unlikely Likable Character

Kyle DeGuzman

What is the Exposure Triangle? Aperture, ISO and Shutter Speed

Exposure TriangleWhat is Aperture?What is ISO?What is Shutter Speed?What is Frame Rate? Light is responsible for every image captured in both photography and cinematography. How a camera captures light is determined by three variables that make up what is known as the exposure triangle. What is the exposure triangle? How can each one of its… Continue reading What is the Exposure Triangle? Aperture, ISO and Shutter Speed

Kyle DeGuzman

12 Best Free After Effects Templates [FREE Downloads]

If you’re like anyone else, learning After Effects can be overwhelming and time consuming. While it’s a great idea to learn how to create effects from scratch to learn the ins and outs of the program, it isn’t always necessary. The internet is filled with After Effect templates that help ease the workload of motion… Continue reading 12 Best Free After Effects Templates [FREE Downloads]

Kyle DeGuzman

Daniel Plainview: There Will Be Blood True Story Explained

In film, there are memorable characters and there are iconic characters. The latter is a result of great writing, directing, and acting. Auteur directors flesh out these iconic characters to create a whole person. The screen has been graced with iconic characters like Jack in The Shining, Travis in Taxi Driver, or for this article,… Continue reading Daniel Plainview: There Will Be Blood True Story Explained

Kyle DeGuzman

What is Fill Light — The Unsung Hero of 3 Point Lighting

Filmmakers always strive to make an audience feel a certain way when watching their films. One of the most fundamental ways is through lighting. And fill light is one of the most fundamental lighting methods to understand. It determines the contrast, shadows, and brightness of the shot. Understanding the fundamentals of light, how to shape… Continue reading What is Fill Light — The Unsung Hero of 3 Point Lighting

Kyle DeGuzman

What is Exposition — You Can’t Escape It But You Can Conquer It

One of the most basic functions of every film is to communicate information over a length of time to an audience. How this film is communicated often determines how engaged an audience may be. One of the most difficult types of information to weave naturally into a story is exposition. What is exposition? In this… Continue reading What is Exposition — You Can’t Escape It But You Can Conquer It

Kyle DeGuzman

Types of Camera Movements in Film Explained: Definitive Guide

Shot List SeriesShot SizeShot FramingCamera AnglesCamera FocusCamera GearCamera MovementCamera Lenses As cameras have become smaller over time, new technology is constantly being invented to move them in every direction possible. Understanding the effects of the different types of camera movements in film is essential for every filmmaker to understand. It not only makes them better… Continue reading Types of Camera Movements in Film Explained: Definitive Guide

Kyle DeGuzman

What is a Screen Test in Acting? Definition and Examples

While many actors transition to and from the world of theatre and film, there are many differences between live acting and camera acting. To determine an actor’s presence and ability to perform on camera, producers and casting directors utilize a screen test. The format and content of a screen test can vary. Let’s look into… Continue reading What is a Screen Test in Acting? Definition and Examples

Kyle DeGuzman

What is a Subplot in Film and TV? Definition and Examples

There are many ways to enhance the main plot of a film. You can flesh out your protagonist, establish a story structure that keeps the audience engaged, and fine tune the plot points that move the story forward. But did you know that introducing subplots can enhance your film’s main plot? Understanding how a subplot… Continue reading What is a Subplot in Film and TV? Definition and Examples

Kyle DeGuzman