Lighting is one of the most crucial aspects of cinematography. There are literally infinite ways to light a scene, and each one has the potential to drastically change how people view the subject. When you want a dramatic effect that makes the subject’s face interesting, you want what’s known as Rembrandt lighting.A Rembrandt lighting setup is common in the field of photography. It’s a great way to draw a viewer’s attention to a precise area of the photograph. However, cinematographers have much they can learn from this technique. Let’s look at this technique and how it can help you attain…
One of the most overlooked, but incredibly important talent roles is that of the bit part. Many are familiar with the role of the extra and the role of a lead actor. But a bit part falls somewhere in between. They do not entirely steal the show, but they do not fall into the background. What is a bit part? And how has the role of a bit part allowed some cinema’s most iconic actors to breakthrough? Let’s take a look at the bit part. Continue reading What is a Bit Part in Film — Small Parts, Big Impressions
Darius Khondji is everywhere. The esteemed cinematographer’s list of collaborators is as long as it is impressive; he’s worked with directors like Wong Kar-Wai, James Gray, David Fincher, the Safdie Brothers, Michael Haneke, Alejandro Iñárritu, and more. As you may be able to tell from such a list, Khondji is chameleonic, tailoring his aesthetic to whichever director he’s working with. Unlike other cinematographers, it can be difficult to discern when you’re watching a Khondji film. With that said, Khondji is not just a journeyman director of photography — he brings several cinematic qualities with him from film to film. In…
Overhead shots are used all the time, sometimes for practical reasons, while other times for an emotional effect. The trick is to make sure they don’t disorient the viewer and come out of nowhere. We’re going to discuss the overhead shot and go over which emotions are generated when you use a bird's eye view, and show you overhead shot examples that enhance the scene in a positive way.Continue reading The Overhead Shot — Creative Examples of Camera Angles
Most art is made to be seen and experienced multiple times, sometimes at the pace of the viewer or appreciator. This means that, for most art, you can go somewhere and take it in for as long as you want. Performance art is not most art: it is something of the moment, something you can’t take with you, something that, at most, can be photographed and sometimes filmed. It exists as an often controversial form of art that, while avant garde in spirit, managed to reach the circles of fine art in its heyday. So what is performance art, what…
Making a feature-length movie is no easy feat, but with the right preparation and dedication, anyone can do it. Learning how to direct a movie can be an intimidating process, so this blog post will give you the tips and tricks you need to produce a professional quality project. Discover what resources are available to help you build your dream movie from pre-production all the way through to festival submissions and marketing.Continue reading How to Make Your First Feature Film — Tips for First Time Directors
In cinematography, there are fundamental shot sizes like the close-up, the medium shot, and the wide shot. But what about everything in between? In this article, we’ll be taking a look at one of those inbetweeners — the medium full shot. While you may not have heard of it you have definitely seen it used in some of your favorite films. What is a medium long shot? Why would filmmakers opt for a medium long shot over a close up or regular medium shot? Let’s find out.Continue reading What is a Medium Long Shot — Types of Shots in Film…
Storyboard arrows are the de facto way to illustrate character and camera movement in a storyboard. They bring dynamism to a static image but they also become a bit of critical communication between the director and the crew, especially the camera crew. But for all their simplicity, there are still some general "rules" behind them you should know. Which arrows to use and how can they be used for more complicated movements? In this quick guide to storyboards arrows, we'll cover the basics so you can attack your next storyboard with an extra layer of professionalism and specificity.Continue reading Storyboard…
What is the best GoPro camera to buy for 2021? At this point, there are many different models of GoPros available, and it can be tricky to know which one is best suited to your needs. We’ll be ranking the best GoPro camera choices, we’ll compare GoPro models, and we’ll give you some quick GoPro reviews, but first, let’s take a look at a few reasons why you might want to choose one of these cameras instead of a more traditional camera. If you are wondering which GoPro to buy, let us help you make an informed decision.Continue reading Best…
If you’re just starting out or simply looking to expand your filmmaking toolkit, soft box lights are a must. Knowing how to diffuse and soften your light is just as important as knowing how to light the shot itself. So whether you’re a hobbyist or beginner-enthusiast ready to get your first studio kit, it’s good to know what’s out there. So let’s get into the best softbox lighting kits for 2021. Featured photo courtesy of Spectrum.Continue reading Best Soft Box Lights — The Ultimate Buying Guide
