Directing

• Cinematography
• Directing

Mastering the Shot List: Andrei Tarkovsky

Russian filmmaker Andrei Tarkovsky once said, “If during my work I find that a shot or a take might resemble what has already been done by another great director, I modify the scene to prevent that from happening.” Although the auteur only completed seven feature films, his singular cinematic style continues to inspire audiences. Here are some… Continue reading Mastering the Shot List: Andrei Tarkovsky

• Cinematography
• Directing
• Production Hacks

How to Make a Lined Script and Save Your Shot List

W hat is a lined script? And what does it have to do with your shot list? On the surface, a shot list is exactly what it sounds like. A list of shots that communicates to your crew what camera shots you intend to get. Yet we all know once you get to set, issues arise and something always… Continue reading How to Make a Lined Script and Save Your Shot List

• Cinematography
• Directing

Mastering the Shot List: Christopher Nolan

Best Nolan MoviesNolan’s Directing StyleNolan Directing Tips Nolan’s CirclesNolan’s Shot List From The Dark Knight to Interstellar, Christopher Nolan movies take full advantage of the medium, creating realities that often operate by their own rules.Of course, story is at the foundation of these creations, but what helps to maintain the viewer’s attention are the shot list… Continue reading Mastering the Shot List: Christopher Nolan

• Directing

How to Make a Commercial People Will Actually Share

Commercials are everywhere. They’re on your iPhone, they’re on your television, they’re on the sides of buildings.Continue reading How to Make a Commercial People Will Actually Share

• Directing

How to Shoot a Music Video [FREE Music Video Script Template]

In the age of YouTube, songs are meant to be seen, but producing a music video takes different skills and a different approach altogether. Continue reading How to Shoot a Music Video [FREE Music Video Script Template]

• Directing
• Film Theory

How to Write and Shoot Action Scenes Like Kingsman

Is the hero going to clear the chasm? Will evil triumph over good? Do I have enough popcorn? Great action sequences glue us to our seats. Containing many memorable action scenes, Kingsman: The Secret Service functions as a James Bond parody, putting spin on classic action sequences that easily could have been trite.Continue reading How… Continue reading How to Write and Shoot Action Scenes Like Kingsman

• Directing
• Film Theory

The Pixar Storytelling Formula: An Inside Look

When you hear Pixar, you probably think about 3D Animation. Well, honestly, I bet you think about a little bouncing lamp squishing a letter, but hey, same thing really. While Pixar has been setting the standards of 3D Animation, it’s nothing compared to the deep, meaningful story in each and every Pixar film. The Pixar… Continue reading The Pixar Storytelling Formula: An Inside Look

• Directing
• Film Theory

How to Shoot Dynamic Fight Scenes

I love Mission: Impossible. You love Mission: Impossible. But learning how to shot list and film a fight scene like Mission Impossible can be incredibly difficult.  But’s not…impossible. Okay, stay with me. Today we’re going to go over how to create a shot list for your action movie and dissect a clip from Mission: Impossible… Continue reading How to Shoot Dynamic Fight Scenes

• Directing
• Film Theory

4 Essential Principles for Creating the Ultimate Antagonist

A great antagonist is much more than just a “villain” to challenge your main character. There are many delicate components to creating a great antagonist. From casting to compelling storylines to inspired acting choices. However, it all starts in the script, and is fleshed out in the director’s script analysis.Continue reading 4 Essential Principles for… Continue reading 4 Essential Principles for Creating the Ultimate Antagonist

• Film Theory

How to Use Color in Film – FREE Ebook Download

How to Use Color in Film: 50+ Examples of Movie Color PalettesLearn how to pick the right color schemes to create and memorable and meaningful visual aesthetic.Understand color theory, and see 50+ examples of how they’re usedLearn about associative colors to represent characters & themesHow discordant colors can be used to refocus viewer attentionHow transitional… Continue reading How to Use Color in Film – FREE Ebook Download

• Directing
• Film Theory

5 Film Techniques You Can Learn From Andrei Tarkovsky Right Now

E nigmatic filmmaker Andrei Tarkovsky believed that creating the “pressure of time” was one of his key film techniques he used to keep audiences hooked. In this video essay, we’ll be digging into some of his most immersive techniques.Continue reading 5 Film Techniques You Can Learn From Andrei Tarkovsky Right Now

• Directing
• Film Theory

How to Use Slow Motion to Create Iconic Moments

Like anyone who has spent two hours waiting at the DMV can attest, emotional states are affected by the perception of time. In filmmaking terms, we want to take a moment to discuss one of the most commonly used time manipulation techniques – Slow Motion – and how it can be used to add deeper,… Continue reading How to Use Slow Motion to Create Iconic Moments

• Directing
• Production Hacks

6 Tips For Proper Film Set Etiquette

Understanding the essentials of film set etiquette is paramount when creating a streamlined production without any obvious hiccups. Our friends at Screencraft have provided a useful 6 step guide on helping your cast and crew learn about film set etiquette.Continue reading 6 Tips For Proper Film Set Etiquette

• Directing

Storyboarding Sofware – Old

• Cinematography
• Directing

What is a Medium Long Shot (aka Medium Full Shot)?

Close UpsOpen menu Extreme Close-Up (ECU) Close-Up (CU) Medium Close-Up (MCU) Medium ShotsOpen menu Medium Shot (MS) Cowboy Shot (CS) Medium Full Shot (MFS) Wide ShotsOpen menu Full Shot (FS) Wide Shot (WS) Extreme Wide Shot (EWS) More ShotsOpen menu All Shots & Angles Camera Shot Ultimate Guide Create Free Shot List Now In cinematography,… Continue reading What is a Medium Long Shot (aka Medium Full Shot)?

• Directing
• Film Theory

What is French New Wave? Background and Revolutionary Techniques

The French New Wave changed the ways movies were made forever and influenced some of the greatest directors of our time. But what is the French New Wave? How did it begin and why? This post will provide you with a definition, a brief historical context, and highlight some key characteristics of the movement from… Continue reading What is French New Wave? Background and Revolutionary Techniques

• Directing
• Film Theory
• Production Hacks

What Does a Production Designer Do? A Crash Course with Examples

Making a visually stunning film is no easy feat. The goal of a production designer is to immerse you in the world they have created. That’s the magic of production design, creating the world you see and making you believe the unbelievable. But what does a production designer do exactly? Creating the worlds that leave us… Continue reading What Does a Production Designer Do? A Crash Course with Examples

• Directing
• Production Hacks

3 Ways To Work With Difficult Talent and Crew On Set

Production is not for the faint of heart. Long hours, physical strain, and emotional exhaustion are part of the job. Stress can bring out the worst in people, and when you have to work with difficult talent and crew on set, a production can can go south quickly.Continue reading 3 Ways To Work With Difficult… Continue reading 3 Ways To Work With Difficult Talent and Crew On Set

• Directing

Create a Successful Micro Budget Film: An Interview With Indie Film Hustle

When we think of micro-budget filmmaking, we think of the film’s budget, distribution, or possibly marketing, as the most crucial element.  The process, after all is one that mystifies and entraps legions of filmmakers. Furthermore, how to navigate the often-frustrating world of ultra low-budget filmmaking is something that escapes even those filmmakers in the midst… Continue reading Create a Successful Micro Budget Film: An Interview With Indie Film Hustle

• Directing

The Best Mumblecore Movies, Ranked to Inspire the DIY Filmmaker in You

Mumblecore is one of those genres that’s difficult to put into words, but you know a mumblecore film when you see it. There generally isn’t a lot of action. The plot’s mainly driven by dialogue that has a naturalistic feeling. They are intimate stories focused on the small parts of existence most people wouldn’t pay… Continue reading The Best Mumblecore Movies, Ranked to Inspire the DIY Filmmaker in You

• Auteur Directors
• Directing

Darren Aronofsky Movies ― Directing Style and Technique

Darren Aronofsky movies show us the most complex regions of the human psyche. As the Black Swan director says, “Because we are filmmakers, we can show where a person’s mind goes.” Continue reading Darren Aronofsky Movies ― Directing Style and Technique

• Directing

30 Best World War 2 Films of All Time – Top WW2 Movies List

World War 2 movies have served as some of the best films ever to be made and for good reason. The politics and battles portrayed in WWII movies arguably shaped the world today more than any other event throughout modern history. In this post, we’re going to give you a ranked list of the best World… Continue reading 30 Best World War 2 Films of All Time – Top WW2 Movies List

• Directing

The 10 Absolute Best Stop Motion Movies

Stop motion movies are no easy feat. When it comes to animating features, creating and manipulating frame by frame, giving us the appearance of movement, takes years to complete. But the final product can bring a story to life in ways never imagined with live-action. Stop motion movies have such an appeal that even the… Continue reading The 10 Absolute Best Stop Motion Movies

• Directing

Best Movie Breakup Scenes (& Their Makeup Scenes)

The Best Breakup Scenes? Classifying on-screen heartbreak into a “best” category may be a little callous. But just like your ex, we’re going to do whatever we want, anyway! Just kidding. We made a list of the saddest movie breakup scenes in recent years. So however you choose to judge those gut wrenching moments in… Continue reading Best Movie Breakup Scenes (& Their Makeup Scenes)

• Auteur Directors
• Directing

What is Bayhem? ― Michael Bay Directing Style

Michael Bay movies are more than a complex assembly of explosions. He’s a skilled craftsman from which filmmakers, young and old, can learn a lot from his films. If you’re hoping for another post that attacks Bay as a poor filmmaker… you’re in the wrong place. In this post, we break down the directing style of… Continue reading What is Bayhem? ― Michael Bay Directing Style