James Cameron’s Avatar was successful by almost any metric. It became the highest-grossing movie of all time, received rave reviews, and was nominated for a whopping nine Academy Awards. As many have noted, while Avatar’s story is compelling, it is its groundbreaking visuals that set it apart from other blockbusters. So how did James Cameron and his team create the vibrant, expansive world of Pandora? In this article, we’ll look at Cameron’s game-changing approach to filming Avatar and how he raised the bar for the film’s much-anticipated follow-up Avatar: The Way Of Water.Continue reading Making of Avatar & Avatar 2:…
There are few art forms without rules. Even though many forms of media demand artistic discretion and a level of subjectivity, typically artists agree to learn the rules before breaking them. Street art is unique that way. But what is street art, exactly? Unlike screenwriting or cinematography, the technical knowledge of street art is limited only as much as one’s imagination is. In this post, we'll lay out the foundations and history of street art, its characteristics, and some of the most prominent artists.Continue reading What is Street Art — Definition, Artists & History of a Movement
If you’re an aspiring cinematographer or director, you know that the camera is your primary storytelling tool. How you move the camera or how you frame a subject communicates intangible information to the audience. The zoom shot is just one of these techniques and adds a very particular and nuanced message. Knowing what this message is is critical to deciding when to use it. So, what is a zoom shot?Continue reading What is a Zoom Shot and When You Should Use One
Filmmaking is a craft. And like any craft, the tools of the trade also change with the times. So how has a tool as fundamental as a storyboard changed? Well, it’s gone digital but what is a digital storyboard? In this article, we’re going to look at digital storyboards, how they differ from traditional storyboards, and why you might want to opt for them when tackling your next project. Continue reading What is a Digital Storyboard — And Why You Should Use One
At this time, the theatrical experience is fighting to stay relevant among streaming giants. Top Gun: Maverick made an undeniable case for getting back into theaters. The film was praised by the likes of Quentin Tarantino. It received a five-minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival. So, what went into creating a film that sparked this response? Let’s take a look behind the scenes of Top Gun: Maverick.Continue reading Top Gun Maverick Behind the Scenes — How They Shot It
It’s an art style that had roots in the late 19th century but came into full force in the 20th century. Rejecting objective impressions for a subjective look at the world around them, expressionism art was much more than a traditional art movement or even a group of expressionism artists. This was a rejection of more life-like artworks and partially a reaction to the new industrial and urban world taking over. Artists in the field of expressionism painting emphasized feeling above all. But what is expressionism art, who were the main players, and what does it have to do with…
Classicism is an important term to understand for anybody interested in art – but what is classicism art? We’re going to answer that question by looking at the classicism definition, as well as some classical art examples from a variety of different historical periods. By the end, you’ll be able to recognize and appreciate classicism art and how to replicate its style.Continue reading What is Classicism Art — Definition, Examples & History
Filmmaking is a collaborative process, but without a doubt, the most important role on set is that of the director. The director receives most of the credit when a film succeeds and most of the blame when it fails. In other words, there is a lot of pressure and responsibility placed on their shoulders. So, how much do directors make in terms of salary? The answer isn’t as simple as it might seem. The average director salary depends on the nature of the project, the size of the budget, and the director herself. In this post, we'll lay out the typical…
Oh, mockumentaries how I love thee. Mockumentaries – or simply mock documentaries – have entertained and inspired the world for decades. But what is a mockumentary? We’re going to break down the history of this subgenre, including the first mockumentary, by looking at iconic examples from Woody Allen, Christopher Guest, and more. By the end, you’ll know why these hilarious films are important along with some of the best mockumentary movies of all-time.Continue reading What is a Mockumentary — Definition, Examples & History
What do Always Sunny In Philadelphia, Rick and Morty, Friends, and iCarly all have in common? They’re all sitcoms. The diversity of the genre can be confusing. If The Simpsons and I Love Lucy are both sitcoms, what is a sitcom exactly? In this post, we’ll get into the history of the sitcom and what makes a show a sitcom.Continue reading What is a Sitcom — Definition, Examples and History Explained
