There are certain compositional techniques that make a shot visually beautiful. There are other compositional techniques that are effective at visually telling a story. The frame within a frame does both. And any compositional technique that can tell a better story while simultaneously creating a more cinematic shot is worth learning about. What is a frame within a frame in film and photography? You may be familiar with the term, but in this article we’ll dive a bit deeper. Let’s take a look at the different effects this technique has on an audience and the different ways to create one. Continue reading…
There is something incredibly satisfying about symmetrical balance in art. While you may not be able to define it (yet), most people know it when they see it. From architecture to paintings to photography to cinema, symmetrical balance is a tool used by artists of all mediums. Why is the technique used, beloved, and sometimes avoided by artists? What is symmetrical balance in art and composition? Let’s find out.Continue reading What is Symmetrical Balance in Art — Composition Techniques
There’s no question that Denis Villeneuve knows how to create a memorable scene. His distinct, visually striking style lends itself to profound cinematic moments that leave an imprint long after you exit the theater. One of such scenes is undoubtedly the Sicario border scene.Sicario is one of Villeneuve’s most complex works, with open-ended morality and a labyrinthine plot. The pivotal border scene encapsulates these complexities in under five minutes. Let’s break down how exactly Villeneuve creates such a tense and layered sequence.Continue reading Sicario Border Scene Breakdown — How to Direct Tension like Villeneuve
Most people understand the term “positive space” simply as the subject of a work of art. While this is true, there is much more to this concept than that. What is positive space in composition and what is it used for? The presence of positive space may be a given, but how it is used and created is what impacts artistic work. Let’s take a look at a few characteristics of positive space in artistic compositions and its impact it has on viewers. Continue reading What is Positive Space in Art & Film — Composition Techniques
What is white balance? White balance is a vital camera setting to properly calibrate in order to achieve your desired image. If you have ever taken a photograph or video and found the result to look unnatural blue or yellow, then improper white balance is to blame. We’ll break down what white balance is, how to calibrate it, and what to do if you have already shot your footage without white balancing beforehand.Continue reading What is White Balance — How it Works and Why It Matters
What is day for night? And, perhaps more importantly, is it a good idea? There is plenty of debate over the effectiveness of day for night and, even though the technique is used in plenty of feature-films, many filmmakers wouldn’t touch day for night with a ten-foot pole. In this post we will be defining day for night, weighing the pros and cons of shooting day for night, and even giving a couple of tips for getting the best results if you do decide to shoot day for night. Let’s get started with a definition.Continue reading How to Shoot Day…
What are microphone polar patterns? If you don’t work in the audio field, then the term may be completely unfamiliar to you. Having a working knowledge of polar patterns, also known as pickup patterns, is crucial when it comes to choosing the best microphone or microphones to use for a specific project. We’ll break down what a polar pattern is and explain the different types of patterns.Continue reading What are Microphone Polar Patterns — And Why They Matter
Have you ever seen a photograph or a shot in a film and found your eyes wandering across the frame only to land at something significant? Odds are, leading lines were used to direct your attention. Photographers and cinematographers alike use various types of lines to lead the viewer’s eyes and tell a story through an image. What are leading lines and how can you use them? Let’s take a look at how this technique can benefit a shot’s aesthetic and function and how you can use them in your own compositions. Continue reading What Are Leading Lines — Composition in…
So, you want to become a voice actor? Like with any career in the entertainment industry, becoming a professional voice actor can be difficult to attain but deeply rewarding to accomplish. There are many different career paths one can take to begin earning a living as a voice actor. Read on to learn how to become a voice actor in five steps.Continue reading How to Become a Voice Actor — 5 Essential Steps
You may have heard the term “feature film” or even simply “feature” whenever the topic of movies comes up. But what is a feature film and how does it differ from other types of film? Features make up the larger library of motion pictures that movie-goers are familiar with. While they may differ in genre, stories, and even format, features share similar characteristics.Continue reading What is a Feature Film — Definition & Qualifications Explained
