One of the best ways for filmmakers to visually create a cohesive and intentional film tone is through lighting. The best cinematographers in the industry have a great understanding of the relationship between lighting and story. High key lighting has a long history in the world of film and television for both logistical and artistic reasons. While there may be some debate to the effectiveness of high key lighting versus more dynamic lighting techniques, it may surprise you to know that one of the pioneers of dramatic, low-key lighting also pioneered the use of high key lighting in television. Who is…
The benefits of using a wide angle camera lens can be found in the work of some of the best filmmakers from Steven Spielberg to Roman Polanski to Stanley Kubrick. What is a wide angle lens used for? The answer to that varies. Wide angle lenses can create visual and psychological effects depending on how they are used. Understanding these different effects is a great way for any filmmaker to learn how to make a scene more immersive. Before we dive into when to use a wide angle lens in film, you may be wondering “What is a wide angle…
Whether you’re making an animated commercial, a live-action short, or a feature film, animatics will help ensure a solid finished product. You’ve probably heard of storyboards and might have seen animatics before, even if you didn’t know that’s what they’re called.So, what is an animatic and what makes them so useful?In this post, we’re going to provide an animatic definition, discuss the reasons why any project can benefit from them and provide some real-world examples. The process of how to make an animatic is much simpler than it might sound. If you’ve already generated storyboards, you're just one step away.Continue…
Special effects in film are a crucial component of modern movie-making. They have the power to transport audiences to fantastical worlds, create realistic portrayals of historical events, and add an emotional depth that enhances storytelling. In this article, we will explore what special effects are in film, the different types of special effects that exist, their history in cinema, and their impact on modern-day filmmaking.Continue reading What are Special Effects in Movies — History & Types Explained
Portraits existed long before the invention of photography. Far before there was a camera even to take a photograph, rulers and monarchs hired painters to paint their own portraits. Today, portrait photography has taken the place of this tradition.Continue reading What is Portrait Photography — Types, Styles, Concepts & More
If you’re a filmmaker of any kind, you need to know the rules of cinema and video production. Understanding these rules give you control over your images.One of the most important rules to know is the 180 degree rule.Continue reading What is the 180 Degree Rule in Film? Crossing the Line with Purpose
Every choice you make as a filmmaker will change your footage. Some choices are bigger than others, one of which is focal length.Continue reading Focal Length: An Easy Guide to Using and Understanding Camera Lenses
It can be difficult to convey the importance of a landscape or emotion, especially when framing a subject at a distance with a wide shot.Continue reading The Wide Shot: Creative Examples of Camera Movements & Angles
The rule of three is one of the most important rules in all of writing – but what is the rule of three? We’re going to explore this fascinating and useful rule by looking at examples in sentences, situations, and stories. This article will serve as a referential guide for you to circle back to whenever you’re stuck in a writing jam.Continue reading What is the Rule of Three — A Literary Device for Writers
Lighting is a key element to the mood of any film. It can be the difference between a happy and cheerful scene or a mysterious and ominous scene. One of the most important lights in any lighting setup is the key light. The key light has a heavy influence on how a shot looks and feels. Let’s take a deep dive into the techniques cinematographers use with a key light to achieve unique visuals and create compelling worlds.Continue reading What is Key Light — Definition & Examples in Photo & Film
