Telephoto lenses are used by photographers from every skill level and in various situations. In other words, have a telephoto lens in your kit is a must. They’re a lifesaver when it comes to shooting distant subjects, but serve quite a few other purposes. In this post, we’ll outline some advantages of going with a telephoto lens, and what to consider when shooting with one. But first, what is a telephoto lens?Continue reading What is a Telephoto Lens? How to Get the Shots You Want
A storyboard is a graphic layout that sequences illustrations and images to tell a story visually. It is the backbone of visual storytelling, helping filmmakers, marketers, and educators communicate their ideas clearly and effectively.Continue reading 46 Storyboard Examples from Movies, Animation, and Games (with FREE Storyboard Templates)
ISO is an essential part of photography – but it can be tricky to understand how it differs from the other pillars of the exposure triangle: aperture and shutter speed. If you’re confused, you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to explain what ISO means by defining the term, as well as by looking at some common ISO values and examples. By the end, you’ll have a complete beginner’s guide to ISO.Continue reading A Beginner’s Guide to ISO in Photography
Alfred Hitchcock is one of the all-time great auteur filmmakers. His films can be explained in the simplest of terms: You know it when you see it. Over 55 years, Alfred Hitchcock directed dozens upon dozens of films, some of which have joined the pantheon of the greatest movies in cinema history. In this article, we’re going to rank the 30 best Alfred Hitchcock movies based on these four criteria: legacy, suspense, filmmaking, and story.Continue reading 30 Best Alfred Hitchcock Movies Ranked for Filmmakers
Midsommar is Ari Aster’s haunting folk horror film that stunned audiences in 2019. The movie follows a group of college students who travel to a pagan festival in Sweden and get caught up in a terrifying ordeal. If you’ve seen the film, then you know that description doesn’t really do the movie justice, and there’s so much that makes this film such a complex, intriguing work of art. Fortunately, we’ve analyzed every frame to bring you a comprehensive breakdown of what this movie’s really about. Here’s Midsommar explained for all you filmmakers wanting to make your own folk horror masterpiece.Naturally,…
What is a Mexican Standoff? And for that matter, how does it differ from a regular standoff? In this post, we’ll be digging into the term, breaking down its origins, clearing up common misconceptions, and taking a look at some of the best examples. We’ll also be answering the question: why is it called a Mexican Standoff? And, be sure to watch our video essay below for a guide on shooting and editing Mexican Standoff scenes.Continue reading What is a Mexican Standoff — How to Direct a Showdown
What is a foil character? Is it a character who wears tin-foil on their head? Wait no, that’s Joaquin Phoenix in Signs. Foil characters exist to expose something in the main character of a story. You may have heard the term in reference to the works of William Shakespeare, but he’s not the only writer who uses them. We’re going to show you some examples of foil characters from literature, film, and television. By the end, you’ll know how to recognize foils from a mile away and perhaps hatch an idea for your own foil character.Continue reading What is a…
Planning a video or sequence in a film doesn’t come second nature to most filmmakers. Serious prep is required. Lucky for you, there are tools to make this easier. Laying out your vision in a storyboard is one way to do it. What is a storyboard you may ask? It is a roadmap that will guide your journey from script to screen. To really grasp the benefits of storyboarding, we'll go beyond a simple storyboard definition to explore how filmmakers like Ridley Scott and the Coen Bros. rely on this fundamental process and how easy it will be for you to…
Cinematography is the art and craft of making motion pictures by capturing a story visually.It involves controlling light, camera movement, framing, composition, lens choice, and exposure to create the look and emotional tone of a film.In practice, cinematography combines creative decision-making with technical execution, shaping how an audience experiences a story moment by moment.Continue reading What is Cinematography? Defining the Art and Craft
What does tank-warfare and the aspect ratio of movies have in common? Anamorphic lenses! These technological marvels are legendary in the world of cinematography. Over the past 100 years, Hollywood has constantly experimented with various innovations, seeking not just to push creativity but to increase profit. A brief journey through history will help us appreciate the anamorphic format and its unlikely invention and popularity. And if you're a filmmaker looking to get that "anamorphic lens look," we'll go over all the visual characteristics that will get the job done. Continue reading What is an Anamorphic Lens? How to Get that Cinematic…
