Animation, a captivating blend of art and science, has the unique ability to breathe life into the most static of illustrations. Yet, how often do we pause to question the mechanics behind this mesmerizing spectacle? In this article, we invite you on a journey back in time to explore the Zoetrope, a significant milestone that shaped the world of animation.Continue reading What is a Zoetrope — The Pre-Animation Illusion Explained
If it can be written, or thought, it can be filmed.” Famed director Stanley Kubrick said these words. Over his long career, Kubrick developed many trademark camera and directing techniques to take things from his mind to the screen. From The Shining to Eyes Wide Shut, Kubrick’s films were known for their fascinating visual language, which included iconic shots and visually precise camera movements. One of Kubrick’s most well-known techniques is known as the “Kubrick Stare.” The Stanley Kubrick Stare appears often throughout his filmography, and is still imitated and widely used by artists in film today. What is The…
Copyright is a form of intellectual property that protects original works. Whether you are a writer, painter, filmmaker, programmer, architect, or something else entirely, copyright is an area of law that’s important to be familiar with. You’ve worked hard to create your piece; copyright helps ensure it won’t be stolen.Continue reading What is Copyright — Everything You Need to Know
Originating in the mid-20th century, retro futurism holds a significant place in contemporary culture, providing a unique lens through which we can examine our dreams and anxieties about the future. The genre has been and continues to be a popular motif across various media mediums and art forms. It's a unique way to itch our collective curiosity about what may lay ahead for humanity while reflecting on the past and present. Continue reading What is Retrofuturism — Art & Fashion Movement Explained
If you’ve gotten into a film festival, you likely have been asked for a digital cinema package, or DCP for short. Today, DCPs are the most common file type for theatrically viewing films. So what is a DCP, and how do you create one?Continue reading What is a DCP — What Every Filmmaker Today Needs to Know
The difference between nonfiction and fiction is that fiction must be absolutely believable.” The ever witty Mark Twain said this, and his pointed remark indicated that the world he experienced centuries ago was just as baffling as ours is today. Another famous quote says that truth is stranger than fiction. But if you’re a writer, you may be wondering what the difference between fiction and nonfiction really is. Once you understand the key distinctions of fiction vs non fiction, you can decide what type of writer you want to be. Continue reading Fiction vs. Nonfiction — Examples & Differences Explained
Derived from the Greek words "eikon," meaning image, and "graphein," meaning to write, iconography acts as a bridge connecting visual imagery and design with meaning. The roots, significance, and types of iconography across cultures form a dense and complex subject, yet the topic itself is important for understanding the role of imagery and design in history and culture. We’ll attempt to scratch the surface, hoping to provide you with an entry point into the world of iconography. Continue reading What is Iconography in Art — Definition & Examples
Comedy is one of the best vehicles to comment on culture and society creatively. Within the genre of comedy, spoofs hold a unique place. They hone in on a specific cultural or societal aspect and exaggerate it to the point of absurdity. When done well, the result is entertaining, thought-provoking, and hilarious.Continue reading What is a Spoof — A Hilarious Comedy Subgenre Explained
The ultimate guide to the shallow focus shot including examples that show just how versatile this simple choice in focus can really be.
The tilt shift shot is one of the most mind-bending shots in film. In this guide, we cover all the ways it can be used to literally shift our perspective.
