What is Screen Direction in Film — How to Preserve Continuity

  What is screen direction in film? Why is it important? And how can it be used creatively? We’ll be answering all of these questions and providing you with everything you need to know about screen direction. We’ll get started with a comprehensive definition, then drill down deeper into the various techniques and applications associated with screen direction for film. Continue reading What is Screen Direction in Film — How to Preserve Continuity

What is Found Footage Filmmaking — Genre & Style Explained

  Found footage, a unique and immersive cinema style, has become an increasingly popular genre in the film industry. This style of filmmaking presents a distinctive viewing experience by giving the illusion that the events on screen are not a work of fiction, but rather a real event that was accidentally captured.  In this article,  we will explore the history and evolution of found footage, its defining characteristics, and some noteworthy films in the genre.  Continue reading What is Found Footage Filmmaking — Genre & Style Explained

What is a Stand-In Actor — Job Description Explained

  In the glamorous world of movie-making, countless individuals work behind the scenes to ensure that every scene is shot perfectly. One such crucial role is that of a stand-in. But what is a stand-in actor in film production? Is it an understudy? Are they like body doubles or perhaps a stunt double? Read on for a full explanation of these unsung members of the crew. Continue reading What is a Stand-In Actor — Job Description Explained

The Definitive List of Rankin Bass Christmas Claymation Movies

Nothing says the holidays like Rankin Bass Christmas claymation movies. Whether you’re in your fifties or early twenties, you probably remember those Christmas movies that infiltrated your living room right around December 1st. Producer, writer, and director(s), Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass, have imprinted their style and Christmas cheer on several generations. But just out of curiosity...does anyone actually remember how weird these movies were? It’s a list all of the Rankin Bass Christmas claymation movies ever made!Continue reading The Definitive List of Rankin Bass Christmas Claymation Movies

12 Best Christmas Movies That Aren’t Christmas Movies

You’ve unwrapped your gifts, gorged yourself on a massive breakfast, and curled up next to a roaring fire. It’s Christmas, and it’s time to throw on the perfect movie. Sometimes, however, the obvious Christmas classics feel a little too obvious. We’re here to help with a list of Christmas movies that aren’t really Christmas movies. These are the movies, for some reason, we keep coming back to for the holiday season.Continue reading 12 Best Christmas Movies That Aren’t Christmas Movies

What is a Lead Actor — Definition and Iconic Examples

  I n every great story told on the big screen, there's a character whose journey captivates us. This character, typically portrayed by the lead actor, becomes the focal point of the narrative, drawing us into their world. The lead actor is our anchor within the world of a story. Through their journey, we experience various aspects of the human condition — the lifeblood of what draws us to stories in the first place. Continue reading What is a Lead Actor — Definition and Iconic Examples

What is a 50mm Lens Good For — All About the Nifty Fifty

In the world of photography, understanding your equipment is just as crucial as having an eye for the perfect shot. Among various pieces of gear, lenses arguably play the most critical role in determining the quality and style of your photographs. Today, we're diving into the specifics of one particular lens - the 50mm. Continue reading What is a 50mm Lens Good For — All About the Nifty Fifty

What is a Film Still and What are They Used For?

Astill is not merely a static image; it captures a single frame of a movie, encapsulating a world of emotions and stories within its boundaries. These seemingly simple snapshots hold immense power within the realm of cinema. In this article, we explore the captivating complexities of film stills — their creation, purpose, and profound impact on filmmakers, marketing, and audiences.Continue reading What is a Film Still and What are They Used For?

What is a Cold Reading — Audition and Acting Tips

  I magine being given a script, with characters you've never met, in a world you're unfamiliar with, and only minutes to prepare before you're expected to bring it all to life. Welcome to the world of 'cold reading' in acting. In this post, we're going to run through some tips and tricks for actors to handle these impromptu and probably stressful moments. Continue reading What is a Cold Reading — Audition and Acting Tips

What is a Working Title — Examples & Functions Explained

Like a director's first cut, a working title is the unsung hero in the creative writing process — it's an early step that's all too easy to overlook. Yet, this modest placeholder can be as influential as a movie's opening scene, setting the tone for your entire narrative journey. But what is a working title, and why do creative projects in film, TV, and music use them? The answers may surprise you.Continue reading What is a Working Title — Examples & Functions Explained