How does one create a power struggle in film? What are the techniques available that will help to communicate this battle through a visual lens?Let's look at how Paul Thomas Anderson builds a power struggle with blocking, staging, framing, set dressing, and camera control.Make sure to read through to the end for more examples of these techniques in the director's work.Continue reading There Will Be Blood: Analysis of a Power Struggle — Director’s Playbook
If you’re familiar with David Fincher movies, you know they focus on serial killers, robbers, brawlers, and murderers alike. You might also know that he has a reputation for being an exacting, obsessively technical director. However, dark subjects and visual meticulousness belie Fincher’s overlooked secret weapon: his ability to connect with actors on a human level to draw out authentic and defining performances. This humanity, this messy warmth, doesn’t simply transcend Fincher’s bleakness and robot-like technical rigor: it exists because of it. That’s the genius of David Fincher films.Continue reading The Directing Style of David Fincher
The Godfather is rightfully one of the greatest films ever made. Everything works magnificently together. But one of the most overlooked aspects of the film is how well the blocking and staging are. Today for our film analysis of The Godfather, we’re examining a pivotal scene in the character development of Michael Corleone. In particular, we’re focusing on how the actors’ movements and camera direction help tell the story. Be wary of oranges, and let’s dive in!Continue reading The Godfather: Analysis of a Scene — Director’s Playbook
Want to make a commercial for flaming hot cheetos starring Jim Carrey as The Mask? Maybe that’s just me. But if you’re trying to break into commercial directing, you’re going to need a great spec ad under your belt and in your reel.With countless other filmmakers putting out spec commercials to get noticed, it’s more important than ever to give your specs some edge.Continue reading 8 Ways To Make Your Spec Commercial Stand Out [with Spec Ad Examples]
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. Continue reading Camera Lens Mounts Explained: Types of Lens Mounts and Adapters
Footage is a term that’s become synonymous with film – but what is footage? And where did the term originate? Today, we’re going to get to the bottom of those questions by exploring the history of the term and by outlining a definition. By the end, you’ll know where “footage” came from and what it means.Continue reading What is Footage — Definition, Origins & Types Explained
The term “caricature” conjures images of ridiculous renderings drawn by boardwalk artists – but what is caricature? And what does caricature mean? We’re going to answer those questions by exploring the history of “caricature,” as well as a definition and some examples. By the end, you’ll know what caricature means, and how to recognize it in writing and visual art.Continue reading What is Caricature — The Art of Exaggeration Explained
Sets are crucially important to a film’s success. A great set can inform a character, story, and mood all at once. But great sets don’t just appear out of nowhere– they arise out of a keen attention to detail and tons of hard work from a set dresser. So what is set dressing, and what does a set dresser do?Continue reading What is Set Dressing — How Film Sets Are Brought to Life
A multi camera setup can transform a production. But what is a multi camera setup? And how does multi camera video production work? We’re going to answer those questions by looking at some examples of multi camera (and single camera) setups, from TV/film to live streaming. By the end, you’ll know what a multi camera setup is, and all the things you need to make one a reality.Continue reading What is a Multi Camera Setup — Guide with Examples
A thumbnail storyboard is a great tool to bring ideas to life without investing huge amounts of time. But what is a thumbnail storyboard? We’re going to answer that question by defining the term, outlining some examples, and by providing a free template so that you can make some thumbnail storyboards of your own. By the end, you’ll have everything you need to sketch out your next great idea.Continue reading What is a Thumbnail Storyboard (And How They Work)
