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The Master Shot — 5 Steps to Planning and Shooting a Complex Master
How would it feel to watch your perfect scene play out on the big screen? You’re one step closer, because ...
The Different Types of Camera Lenses for Video and Photography
TYPES OF LENSESLENS BASICSPRIMEZOOMWIDE ANGLETELEPHOTO Finding the right lens for your camera can vastly improve your images and overall production. But learning what you need to know about video and photo camera lenses can be expensive and time-consuming. In this article, we explain the different types of camera lenses so that you can understand which lens, or set of lenses, will be the best option moving forward. (more…)
How Christopher Nolan Films use Circles to Warp Sight & Sound
Best Nolan MoviesNolan's Directing StyleNolan Directing Tips Nolan's CirclesNolan's Shot List Understanding how Christopher Nolan approaches filmmaking is an important step to improving your own skills, but his films are complicated puzzles that are built to confuse and perplex viewers. His use of visual and narrative circles creates intricate and layered films. In this post, we’re going to find the “head of the snake” that governs the overall philosophy of Christopher Nolan’s filmmaking. Let’s jump in. (more…)
Quentin Tarantino Interviews, Directing Tips & Quotes on Film
Best Tarantino MoviesQT's Directing StyleQT Directing Tips QT DialogueOnce Upon a Time AnalysisBasterds Breakdown How do you learn filmmaking techniques from a director like Quentin Tarantino? You can watch his films, and learn his filmmaking process with quotes from Quentin Tarantino interviews. We also built a video with directing tips and examples from Quentin Tarantino films. Become a better filmmaker by learning from the best. (more…)
The Filmmaker’s Guide to Video Frame Rates in 2020
What is Aperture? What is ISO? What is Shutter Speed? What is Frame Rate? Everyone loves a good slow-motion scene or a shot that speed ramps into an interesting moment. The key to these types of videos begins with understanding and controlling frame rates. (more…)
The Medium Close-Up Shot: Definition and Examples in Film
CLOSE-UPMEDIUM CLOSE-UPEXTREME CLOSE-UPEXPLORE MORE SHOTS 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 close-up shot and why it's the preferred option when a close-up or a medium shot just won’t do. Before we get too far, let's start with our ultimate guide to shot size for a refresher on the various options. Let's jump in. (more…)
The Big Lebowski Script: Characters, Quotes, and Screenplay Download
The Big Lebowski script is one of the most quoted screenplays ever to be produced. Lottas ins, lotta outs. It also created some of the most beloved movie characters ever to be crafted. (more…)
What is a Motif? Definition and Examples for Filmmakers
Motifs are a great way to reinforce the theme of your project. Understanding how to build motifs that work requires strong attention to detail and a clear game plan. But what is a motif? Looking for a clear motif definition? Need motif examples in film? All these questions and more will be answered as we dive into the patterns and symbols that can bring depth to your work. (more…)
Camera Angles Explained: The Different Types of Camera Shot Angles in Film
Shot List SeriesShot SizeShot FramingCamera AnglesCamera FocusCamera GearCamera Movement You're looking for a list of the different camera angles in film, but you also want great examples that come with clear explanations of when and why to use specific camera shot angles. Whether you want your characters to seem powerful, vulnerable, or intimate, the power of camera angles cannot be understated. We'll provide you with downloadable shot lists that feature all of the different types of camera shot angles in film. Lezgo. (more…)
Dutch Angles: Creative Examples of Camera Movements & Angles
HIGH ANGLELOW ANGLEDUTCH ANGLEEYE LEVELOVERHEADAERIALEXPLORE MORE SHOTS There will be moments in any good story where the main character is under duress. Where something is... wrong. How does a filmmaker convey this? With a Dutch angle. A Dutch angle is a classic cinematic technique to create unease inside the mind of the viewer. In this post, we’ll break down Dutch angles so that you can use them in your next project. (more…)
Breaking the Fourth Wall: Definition, Meaning and Examples
We’ve all seen a film or TV show breaking the fourth wall. It’s hard to miss, and that’s why breaking the 4th wall is a really big filmmaking decision that can polarize your audience. Is your project right for this technique? If so, when should you do it? We've included plenty of breaking the fourth wall examples, and three tips to help you decide whether this cinematic technique is right for your project. (more…)
The Overhead Shot: Creative Examples of Camera Angles
HIGH ANGLELOW ANGLEDUTCH ANGLEEYE LEVELOVERHEADAERIALEXPLORE MORE 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 come out of nowhere. We’re going to discuss the overhead shot and go over which emotions are generated when you use a bird's eye view, and show you overhead shot examples that enhance the scene in a positive way. (more…)
46 Storyboard Examples from Movies, Animation, and Games (with FREE Storyboard Templates)
What is a Storyboard How to Storyboard Storyboard Examples Storyboard Software Storyboard Templates Create Storyboard Now → A storyboard is a graphic layout that sequences illustrations and images with the purpose of visually telling a story. Filmmakers and video creators use storyboards to transfer ideas from thier mind to the screen. Creating an effective story board takes skill, but you can learn from storyboard examples to gain some pro tips. Take a look at these fantastic professional storyboard examples. These verified storyboards were released by the DGA, and they include storyboard examples from Harry Potter, Star Wars, Inception, Gladiator, ...
Camera Framing Techniques: Frame Shots Like a Master Filmmaker
Shot List SeriesShot SizeShot FramingCamera AnglesCamera FocusCamera GearCamera Movement You're looking for a list of the different types of camera shot framing in film, but you also want great examples that come with clear explanations of when and why to use specific shot frames. After our video detailing the main types of camera framing, we'll provide you with downloadable shot lists that you can use for reference the next time you shot list a project. Lezgo. (more…)
Over-the-Shoulder Shot: Examples of Camera Movements & Angles
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. (more…)
What is a Dolly Zoom (Zolly Shot) — Scene Examples of the Vertigo Effect
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. (more…)
Guide to Camera Shots: Every Shot Size Explained
Shot List SeriesShot SizeShot FramingCamera AnglesCamera FocusCamera GearCamera Movement You're looking for a list of the different types of camera shots and shot sizes in film, TV, or animation, but you also want great examples that come with clear explanations of when and why to use a specific shot size? We'll provide you with a downloadable shot list example with all the different types of camera shot sizes in film. Lezgo. (more…)
Deakinizer Lenses & Tilt-Shift Effect — Vintage Style, Roger Deakins’ Look
TYPES OF LENSESLENS BASICSPRIMEZOOMWIDE ANGLETELEPHOTO Roger Deakins is one of our favorite cinematographers to study because he is always pushing the envelope. Case in point, we’ll take a look at some “Deakinizer” lenses. We’ll give you a brief history of why he decided to alter lenses for an intended tilt-shift look. We’ll show you tilt-shift lens examples via cinematographer Kaity Williams from ASC Magazine. Before we jump into the "Deakinizer," here's a video breakdown of his work in 1917. (more…)
Best Video Editing Apps in 2020: Video Makers for iOS & Android
You’re looking for the best video editing apps for Android, iPhones, and iPads, but you’re not sure which are the best. Maybe you want to find the best free video editor apps, or perhaps you need a good video editor with music. This list of the best video maker apps will help you no matter your level of experience. By the end, you’ll know which are the best free video editors, which video editors come with music, and which video maker apps also teach you how to use the app to make clean video edits. (more…)
22 Screenwriting Tips for Better Movie Dialogue in Your Scripts
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. (more…)