What is an Actor — Definition, Types & History Explained

An actor is the embodiment of transformation - an enigmatic figure who brings forth a myriad of characters, giving faces to narratives and emotions. They are the artists who dive into the very depth of humanity, crafting performances that resonate with our souls and often, casting a new light on our own existence.Just as a prism refracts white light into a spectrum of colors, so too does an actor reveal the human experience through their craft, bringing words and narrative to life. Continue reading What is an Actor — Definition, Types & History Explained

What is Iconography in Art — Definition & Examples

Derived from the Greek words "eikon," meaning image, and "graphein," meaning to write, iconography acts as a bridge connecting visual imagery and design with meaning.  The roots, significance, and types of iconography across cultures form a dense and complex subject, yet the topic itself is important for understanding the role of imagery and design in history and culture. We’ll attempt to scratch the surface, hoping to provide you with an entry point into the world of iconography. Continue reading What is Iconography in Art — Definition & Examples

Best Spaghetti Western Movies of All-Time (Ranked)

The Spaghetti Western is one of the most iconic movie subgenres of all-time. Spaghetti Westerns originated in Italy during the 1960s under the tutelage of the great Sergio Leone – who garnered international acclaim for his “Dollars Trilogy” starring Clint Eastwood. Between 1964 and 1978, Italy produced dozens of Spaghetti Westerns, most of which were shot at the country’s famed production studio Cinecittà. The Spaghetti Western has become a symbol for international illusions of the American west, sweeping vista shots, and climatic shootouts – needless to say, Spaghetti Westerns have had an enormous impact on cinema and world culture. So…

Arri Alexa Mini — The Camera of Choice for Hollywood DPs

The ARRI ALEXA Mini is one of the most versatile cameras on the market. We’re going to break down the ARRI ALEXA Mini by looking at its size, specs, price and best use cases. We’ll also look at how some filmmakers have used the ARRI ALEXA Mini for gimbal and drone shots. By the end, you’ll probably want to go out and buy an ALEXA Mini for yourself – but if you’re anything like me you might be better off renting instead. But before we jump into our examples, let’s define the ALEXA Mini.Continue reading Arri Alexa Mini — The…

What is a Spoof — A Hilarious Comedy Subgenre Explained

Comedy is one of the best vehicles to comment on culture and society creatively. Within the genre of comedy, spoofs hold a unique place. They hone in on a specific cultural or societal aspect and exaggerate it to the point of absurdity. When done well, the result is entertaining, thought-provoking, and hilarious. Continue reading What is a Spoof — A Hilarious Comedy Subgenre Explained

15 Best Video Camera Stabilizers for Filmmakers in 2021

There’s almost nothing more frustrating than nailing a shot, then later realizing that the footage is shaky and unusable. You know the next step to better content is more stable footage, but you don’t know which options are best for you and your projects.Continue reading 15 Best Video Camera Stabilizers for Filmmakers in 2021

All Edgar Wright Movies Ranked — TV, Shorts & Videos Too!

There are many things that define movies directed by Edgar Wright. Brilliant needle drops. Laugh-out-loud moments by the barrelful. And characters subtly telling you at the beginning what’s going to happen throughout the movie. There’s really no such thing as a bad Edgar Wright movie, so consider this a ranking from great to greatest. By looking at each of his films, we can dissect what makes him such an idiosyncratic filmmaker and why each new film he comes out with is met with intense anticipation from movie lovers. We've left his first feature, A Fistful of Fingers, off the list…

What is a Leko Light and How to Use It — Lighting Techniques

Gaffers and Cinematographers know the benefits of the Leko light. Once solely used for lighting up auditoriums and concert venues, these lights can now level up your scenes without spending more than a couple hundred dollars. For those unfamiliar, let’s go deeper. What is a Leko light and how can you use it on set?Continue reading What is a Leko Light and How to Use It — Lighting Techniques

What Are Residuals in Hollywood & How Do They Work?

If you’re wondering what residuals are, and why they tend to be so hotly contested, you’re not alone. Residuals payments are unique to the film industry and can be complex. We’re going to break everything down about residual pay – what they are, who can receive them, and the factors that determine how much one receives. Understanding residuals won’t just make you more industry-savvy in entertainment, it’ll also help you advocate yourself as a creator.  Continue reading What Are Residuals in Hollywood & How Do They Work?

What is Visual Storytelling — Elements & Techniques 101

Before we wrote stories, we painted them. Humans were interpreting the world visually long before there was written language. With cave walls as canvas, early humans told stories of community, ritual, and survival.Tens of thousands of years later, that same impulse lives on. The art of visual storytelling has evolved from cave drawings to the moving images of film and television, where a single frame can communicate a thousand words.In this article, we’ll explore the power of imagery to evoke emotion and how you can harness this tool to elevate your films at every stage of production, from the blank…