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…
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… Continue Reading
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 Hollywood Trenches: 10 Rules for Working With Child Actors
In the world of film and television, filmmakers use child actors for their special brand of talent and, yes, cuteness. But working with children isn’t a walk in the park….
How to Write a Montage Like the Pros
You’re writing a script, and you’re ready to add a montage. So how do you format it? Figuring out how to write a montage in a screenplay the “right” way…
8 Character Archetypes in Literature & Movies: Complete List & Examples
Looking for information on character archetypes? Continue Reading
Medium Shots: Creative Examples of Camera Movements & Angles
W e’ve all seen films that constantly use medium shots, but how often do you notice? Every shot and edit matters. Today we’re focusing on the medium shot. The visual glue…
Sound Recording Basics For Video Production
An audience may sit through poor picture quality, but they will rarely tolerate flawed poor sound. It is more than 50 percent of your project. Continue Reading
How to Break Down a Script (with FREE Script Breakdown Sheet)
Y ou’ve got the green light. Your shoot is coming up. Your next task? Create a script breakdown. The script breakdown identifies the shooting requirements of every scene and tees up your…
How Dan Harmon’s Story Circle Can Make Your Story Better
T he Story Circle is a classic example of story structure and the Hero’s journey, and its the reason filmmakers like Steven Spielberg and Christopher Nolan seem to consistently build great…
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