Typically, when you set out to film something, you want motion in the resulting footage to feel smooth and seamless. To achieve this, you need to understand shutter angle and the rule associated with it. What is the 180 degree shutter rule?Continue reading What Is the 180-Degree Shutter Rule — And Why It Matters
Naturalism vs realism: two different but similar things. So, what is the difference between realism and naturalism? We’re going to break down naturalism vs realism by defining both terms. Then we’ll explore naturalism and realism examples. By the end, you’ll know what makes naturalism and realism different from one another.Continue reading Naturalism vs Realism in the Arts — Two Styles, Similar Goals
In a world of Tik Tok duets, sampled music, GIFs, and unaccredited images cramming Instagram feeds, how do you find out what type of license governs the use of a creative work? The birth of the Creative Commons and Creative Commons licenses in the 2000’s helped encourage the remix culture of the 21st century. But why is Creative Commons important? In this post, we’re going to look at the difference between copyright and “copyleft,” Creative Commons vs. copyleft, and the difference between copyright and Creative Commons. Continue reading Creative Commons License — Pros and Cons Explained
How do writers make characters into people we can empathize with and understand? One way is through the use of characterization. But what is characterization? We’re going to answer that question by looking at an example from Kill Bill, and by listening to the perspective of some of the world’s foremost writers. But before we get into the examples, let’s review what makes direct characterization different from indirect characterization.Continue reading What is Characterization — A Guide to Character Building
Best Tarantino MoviesQT's Directing StyleQT Directing Tips QT DialogueOnce Upon a Time AnalysisBasterds Breakdown How do you learn filmmaking techniques from a director like Quentin Tarantino? You can watch his films, and learn his filmmaking process with quotes from Quentin Tarantino interviews. We also built a video with directing tips and examples from Quentin Tarantino films. Become a better filmmaker by learning from the best.Continue reading Quentin Tarantino Interviews, Directing Tips & Quotes on Film
While we may be familiar with soft focus shots as images with intentional blur or glamour shots in portraits, understanding this effect in such a limiting way...well, limits us! The shots that are possible when you master soft focus are endless, and they can be done whether you have high-tech equipment, or not. So what is soft focus photography, and how can you use the technique to create unique shots. Let’s check it out.Continue reading Soft Focus Photography & How to Master that Soft Focus Look
There are many elements that go into creating the optimal lighting setup for a shot. The positioning of lights, the type of lights you use, and the quality of light you create. One of the best tools cinematographers have to adjust the quality of a light is bounce light. Bounce light is used from DIY short film sets to high budget Hollywood films. In this article, we’ll analyze why cinematographers may opt for bounce and diffused light and lay down a few tips you can use it in your next project.Continue reading How to Bounce Light — Photography & Film Techniques
Are practical effects still useful in modern cinema? In the battle of practical vs CGI (computer-generated images), who wins? Practical effects have a rich history in cinema, influencing generations of filmmakers and movie goers alike. Oftentimes, practical effects movies can produce a more realistic look and feel than CGI. In the article, we analyze practical effects, the movies that use them and why they still have great importance in film.Continue reading Practical Effects in Film — How Filmmakers Do It For Real
The Last of Us is one of HBO’s most recent blockbuster television shows. Looking at a history of video game adaptations, the cards were stacked against the series, but it avoided all the pitfalls of previous takes on video games to become a resounding success. The secrets to the show’s quality can be found in The Last of Us behind the scenes– each element of the show was carefully considered and expertly executed.Continue reading The Making of The Last of Us — Writing, Visuals & FX Explained
Best Shyamalan MoviesShyamalan's Style ExplainedThe Return of M. Night Shyamalan Love him or hate him, the M. Night Shyamalan directing style is worth studying. He’s made every kind of movie: universally loved, universally loathed, and a few that will endlessly divide audiences. But before he became a punching bag on the internet, Shyamalan was making exciting and confident masterpieces. If he had never found such success, perhaps his fall from grace would have gone unnoticed. For this post, we’re going to focus on the techniques and strategies that Shyamalan did well. The internet might have irreparably damaged Shyamalan’s reputation but…
