The origins of cinema are rooted to the use of film cinematography — that is the use of film stock to record and project a movie. All of that changed, however, with the introduction of digital cinematography. What is digital cinematography and how does it compare to film? Let’s dive into digital film production.Continue reading What is Digital Cinematography — The Pros & Cons of Digital
David O. Russell may not be the most prolific director of his generation, but he is one of the most prestigious. Over nearly 30 years in Hollywood, Russell has enjoyed considerable success…as well as some well-warranted criticism. His work has been celebrated by artists and critics, but his on-set and off-set behavior has been alleged as abusive, and well-documented in the media. We’re going to rank the best David O. Russell movies by way of three criteria: story, directing, and acting. By the end, you’ll know why he has been nominated for five Academy Awards as a writer and/or director…
Understanding the different qualities of light is important for any filmmaker to know. Each quality can enhance a story by providing a visual element that matches the style and tone of a film. One of the most fundamental qualities of light to understand is diffused light. From interviews to commercial work to films, knowing the effects of diffused light can make you a more versatile and well equipped filmmaker. Let’s find out why and how you can use diffused light in your next project. Continue reading What is Diffused Light — Types of Lighting in Photo & Film
If you’re an aspiring photographer or have been in the past you may have come across the question “What types of lights do I need?” While artificial light sources are incredibly useful tools, photographers can get by with a single type of light — natural light.With a solid understanding of how natural light works and how it can be used, it can undoubtedly become the only light you need for whatever type of photography you want to shoot. What is natural light in photography and how can you use it? In this article, we’ll dive into the characteristics of natural…
Storyboarding is something that can be done in all types of visual mediums, whether it’s a movie, show, or commercial. They make it easy to visualize what you want to see on-screen, which can save you a lot of time with staging, editing, and shooting. And while storyboards aren’t mandatory when making a movie, they can be if that movie is animated. So what is an animation storyboard and what makes it so different from storyboards used for live-action works? We’ll dig into that, along with tips and tricks on how to storyboard an animation.Continue reading Animation Storyboard — Tips,…
What is cel animation? For that matter, what is traditional animation? And, how does it differ from other animation methods? There are many forms and types of animating moving images but this was one of the first. And it was the dominant method for decades until computers got involved. We’ll be answering all of these questions, taking a look at the history of cel animation, and examining the role it plays today as animation technology continues to progress. Continue reading What is Cel Animation — Examples, Techniques & History
At just 23 years old, Paul Thomas Anderson broke into the filmmaking scene with his short film “Cigarettes and Coffee.” Four years later, Anderson released his acclaimed sophomore feature, Boogie Nights, which nabbed him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay. In the years since, Anderson has made widely revered films with some of the world's greatest actors, becoming a forerunner of American filmmaking. And now, the best Paul Thomas Anderson movies are ranked and debated incessantly. Each of the writer-director's works showcase at least one of the tools in his artistic arsenal, and some in fact showcase them…
Paul Thomas Anderson movies have evolved over the last two decades. His early films are chaotic and dramatic, built with extreme techniques and extreme performances. His later films have similar intensity, but it is often internal, more intellectual than physical. And his directing style has also become more mature and restrained.So far, P.T. Anderson only has eight feature films under his belt, but he has emerged as one of the most exciting American filmmakers. Let's take a trip through his filmography and find out what makes Paul Thomas Anderson movies so damn good.Continue reading Paul Thomas Anderson Movies and Directing…
What is a camera obscura? When was the camera obscura invented and who invented it? Many of us have heard the term… but what does camera obscura mean? We’re going to answer those questions by exploring their history, from prehistory to the modern day. We’re also going to show you how to create your very own "dark room" at home! By the end, you’ll know what a camera obscura is and why it’s so important.Continue reading What is a Camera Obscura — Definition, Origin & How It Works
Taking a great portrait isn’t about having a quality camera and attractive subject. It’s not even about wardrobe or location. If you mess up the lighting in your portraits, post production won’t always be able to save you. How can you nail it each time? Whether you’re taking school pictures or are shooting athletes for an ad, knowing how to master portrait lighting setups will pay off big. Continue reading Portrait Lighting Setup Guide — 8 Ways to Shoot Great Portraits
