The dolly zoom is one of the most discussed cinematic techniques. You can use them in many ways, but a great director will find a logical reason to include them. When paired with the correct story moment, the dolly zoom can draw the audience into the story and the character's state of mind. Continue reading What is a Dolly Zoom — Scene Examples of the Vertigo Effect
Using non-diegetic sound is a great way for filmmakers to support the worlds that they build. You may have heard this fancy term before but what is non-diegetic sound? The answer is much less complicated than you think. In this article, we’re going to define what non-diegetic sound is. Then, we’ll look at examples from cinema history that show us how to properly and creatively use it.Continue reading What is Non-Diegetic Sound — Definition and Examples
I f you’re a filmmaker, you’re always hunting for great filming locations. But, as you know, time and resources don’t always allow for the focus you need for this complex task. There’s hope: with just a little diligence and effort, you can find locations you've only dreamed of. You just need to learn how to be a film location scout, or at least think like one. In today’s post, I’ll show how I’ve done it on a budget. Continue reading How to Become a Location Scout (and Find Better Film Locations)
Crediting one person and nailing the exact year of when the camera was invented isn’t that simple. Mainly because the internet gives a ton of different answers. It turns out, a quick history lesson solves the problem. So, if "when was the camera invented" or "who invented the camera" are questions that keep you up at night, you’ve come to the right page.Continue reading When Was the Camera Invented — Dates & Inventors Explained
When countries are at war, every industry within them is also under attack. Or at the very least, is vulnerable to change. After WW1, German films became stranger and quite a bit darker. The control of the government banning foreign films also aided to their isolation. From there, German Expressionism was born. But what is German Expressionism in film? Let’s find out.Continue reading What is German Expressionism in Film? Defining the Style
Where can you download great B-roll footage online? Anyone with a camera can capture B-roll video, but that doesn’t mean it has the right frame rate, color correction, or have the right subject matter. It could be more affordable to just purchase your B-roll footage. Don’t worry because we’ve put together a list of the best websites for finding affordable or free B-roll footage online. We also provide websites for paid B-roll video just in case. Lezgo. Continue reading 24 Websites to Find Affordable or Free B-Roll Footage
Indie filmmakers on YouTube hand out their expertise like candy. It’s cheaper than film school, and it’s awesome. But the number of channels that exist can feel daunting. So we’ve sifted through a ton and come up with a list of the best filmmaking YouTube channels by category, to better fit your interest. Let’s dive in.1. Film RiotWith almost 1.5 million subscribers, Film Riot is the leading resource for directors at any level. The comedic tone combined with invaluable information makes this a go-to.Visual storytelling by Film Riot2. StudioBinderHow could we not put StudioBinder on the list? I can’t help but be…
From the 1930s to the modern era, zombie movies have terrified audiences. They’ve also occupied a unique position in the horror genre in that they can serve as sociopolitical allegories. But of course, there are some zombie movies that exist solely to make you laugh.For this list, we’re ranking the 30 best zombie movies of all time. This is a list for every horror filmmaker looking to hone their craft as there are bound to be some films on this list you need to check out both for your entertainment and your studies. We’ve even thrown in a mood board…
You’ve probably heard the term ‘film noir’ hundreds of times. You may associate it with detectives and femme fatales running around in black and white. But what is film noir, really? Well, it turns out it’s not so clear cut, but there are some elements of the style that are fairly obvious. Let’s get into it. Continue reading What is Film Noir? A Brief History with Examples from Cinema
Pre-Production can be overwhelming even for the seasoned producer. It requires knowledge of many facets of production, as well as an ability to prevent potential crises down the line. It’s not always easy but if you stay organized, it's pretty simple. So what is Pre-Production in film? When does it start and when does it end? This post will answer those questions and will give a quick rundown.Continue reading What is Pre-Production in Film — A Blueprint for Success
