When the 500 Days of Summer screenplay came onto the scene, it took a bit of time before it was actually produced. In fact, it was even featured in the 2006 Blacklist, a list of the "most liked" unmade scripts of the year. Finally, the film was produced and released to incredible success both critically and commercially. So what makes the 500 Days of Screenplay so good that it became one of the best romantic comedy sleeper hits of all time? We'll find out, along with a shot-by-shot video breakdown of the now-iconic "expectations vs. reality" scene.Continue reading 500 Days of…
There are many elements that go into creating a cinematic shot. The key light is important to expose the image. The fill light can determine the visual tone of a shot. But all too overlooked is the backlight. Back lighting can be the determining factor between a flat image and an interesting shot full of depth. What is backlight photography and how is it achieved? Let’s find out.Continue reading What is Backlight Photography — Lighting Techniques Explained
The Blue Yeti Nano microphone is one of the most popular USB mics in the world — but is it any good? Today, we’re going to look at the Blue Yeti Nano microphone’s tech specs, price, pros and cons, and more to see how it stacks up against the competition. By the end, you’ll know what makes the Yeti Nano unique, and whether or not it’s the right mic for your production. Continue reading Blue Yeti Nano Microphone — Specs, Price, Pros & Cons
The list of directors Rodrigo Prieto has worked with reads like a list of the greatest directors currently working: Martin Scorsese, Pedro Almodóvar, Ang Lee, Oliver Stone, Spike Lee, and Alejandro Iñárritu, to name a few. The acclaimed director of photography started in the independent film scene in Mexico, and first gained international attention in 2000 with his work on Iñárritu’s Amores Perros. How has Prieto now become one of the most coveted cinematographers of the past twenty years? The answer lies in his inimitable detail-oriented style and collaborative approach.Continue reading Rodrigo Prieto Style – DP for Scorsese, Iñárritu, Ang…
When it comes to making videos for YouTube, there are all types of camera options at your disposal. The best camera for YouTube videos could be something mainly used for outdoor recording or indoor vlogging — or both. And like all things, prices range, which can make the hunt for the best camera for YouTube videos trickier than it should. That’s why we’ve compiled this list, which goes from least expensive to most, to help you find the right video camera for YouTube for the right price.Continue reading Best Camera for YouTube Videos — Prices, Specs & Top Picks
The reverse angle shot can be found in nearly every movie you have ever seen. Its popularity among even the most stylish cinematographers and filmmakers it's based on its function rather than aesthetic. So what makes the reverse angle shot so functional? What is it most commonly used for? In this article, we’ll take a deep look into the reverse angle shot and how its used in most films you’ve seen. Continue reading What is a Reverse Angle Shot in Film — Shot Types Explained
Becoming an actor is a common dream that is all too often given up on. However, the fact that you are here reading this article shows that you are willing to take action on your dream by learning how to become an actor. Afterall, every successful actor started somewhere. To give you a better idea of where to start, we put together this guide of steps to becoming an actor and support you in pursuing your dream of learning how to be an actor. Continue reading How to Become an Actor — 7 Steps Towards Superstardom
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Cameras are some of the most renowned cameras in the world (for their price point). We’re going to break down the pros and cons of each Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera, including the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 4K, Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 6K, and Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 6K Pro. By the end, you’ll know the price, tech specs, and features of every Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera – and whether any of them make sense for you.Note: all tech specs are taken directly from the Blackmagic Design website.Continue reading Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4k & 6k — Pros & Cons
Martin Scorsese is widely considered one of the finest filmmakers of his or any generation. Of his long list of masterpieces, his enduring classic Taxi Driver remains one of the most beloved. One scene in particular has permeated the zeitgeist in a way few scenes manage to do: the iconic and oft-quoted “You talking to me?” scene. Watch our Taxi Driver analysis, where we took aim at the directorial decisions that led to the scene becoming so iconic. And in this post, we’ll be digging into the details of how the "You talking to me" scene was made from the…
The Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling was a late edition to the ceremony. And the addition of hairstyling to the category came even later. After an outpouring of criticism towards the Academy for not honoring the makeup work done in David Lynch’s The Elephant Man, the Academy instituted the “Best Makeup” category the very next year at the 54th annual award ceremony. It wasn’t until 2012 that the title of the award was altered to the “Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling.” In this post, we'll not only give you a complete list of every Best…
