Watching a film can sometimes feel like looking at the world through someone else’s eyes. This someone else may be a particularly auteurist filmmaker, or they can be a character within a movie that a filmmaker wants us to identify with. Referred to as subjective cinema, this filmmaking technique can be incredibly powerful.Continue reading Subjective Cinema — Types and Techniques in Filmmaking
Maybe you’ve seen a “behind the scenes” clip of an actor recording audio for a Pixar movie or an author reading their audio-book and thought, “That doesn’t seem that hard.” But how do you become a voice actor? Voice acting, though often less physically strenuous than sprinting in an action movie, has its own set of difficulties, techniques, and styles. In this article, we’re going to define the role of the “voice actor” and how it factors into the Entertainment business well beyond the sound booth.Continue reading What is Voice Acting — How to Become a Voice Actor
In the realm of cinema, the magic often lies in the unseen—the techniques and tricks filmmakers use to craft stories that captivate us. One such technique, often overlooked but incredibly impactful, is superimposition. It's a tool that has evolved with the medium, from its birth in the darkroom to its modern-day digital incarnation. But what is superimposition in film? How does it work, and why do filmmakers use it? Continue reading What is Superimposition in Film — Definition and Examples
Did you know that back in the day, movies shown on TV were completely different than how they appeared in cinemas? That's right. That is until something known as 'letterboxing' came along. What is letterboxing, you may ask? It's a technique used in films and videos, where black bars are placed at the top and bottom of the screen. Might seem odd, but it's a deliberate choice made to preserve the original aspect ratio of the film, ensuring viewers experience the movie exactly as the director intended. Stick around, and we'll explain how it works.Continue reading What is Letterboxing in…
Like anyone who has spent two hours waiting at the DMV can attest, emotional states are affected by the perception of time. In filmmaking terms, we want to take a moment to discuss one of the most commonly used time manipulation techniques — slow motion — and how it can be used to add deeper, emotional intensity to a scene or sequence.Continue reading How to Use Slow Motion to Create Iconic Moments
What is screen direction in film? Why is it important? And how can it be used creatively? We’ll be answering all of these questions and providing you with everything you need to know about screen direction. We’ll get started with a comprehensive definition, then drill down deeper into the various techniques and applications associated with screen direction for film. Continue reading What is Screen Direction in Film — How to Preserve Continuity
For most of us in the Western world, Christmas music is inescapable for the month of December. It is a fact of life, just as the sun rises in the east. As such, Christmas songs make a boatload of money. Never a town to miss an opportunity for a quick buck, Hollywood has built plenty of Christmas jingles into their Yuletide films. These songs can create some unforgettable moments in films, and can often stand up just as well outside the movie. Here are some of the best Christmas movie songs!Continue reading Best Christmas Movie Songs — 10 Perfect Holiday…
D ubbing is a fascinating, yet often overlooked component of film and television production. It is a process that is essential to the global circulation of media. Through the artistry of voice actors, technicians, and sound engineers, cinematic narratives are translated into diverse languages, cultures, and contexts. So, what is dubbing and how does it work? Let's find out. Continue reading What is Dubbing in Film — Language Replacement Explained
E diting in cinema has an immeasurable impact. It's one of the key crafts of cinematic storytelling, allowing filmmakers to weave multiple narratives together while maintaining continuity and cohesion. One powerful example is intercutting in film, where different shots or scenes are skillfully combined to create a seamless and compelling narrative. Continue reading What is Intercutting in Film — How to Weave Complex Scenes
It’s no secret that Christopher Nolan is a fan of practical effects. From running a plane into an airport to building an entire rotating hallway, the man likes to do it for real. Oppenheimer is no different. Though Nolan didn’t exactly detonate an atomic bomb, the auteur utilized in-camera effects in creative and unexpected ways. Let’s break down some of the best Oppenheimer practical effects. Continue reading Oppenheimer Practical Effects Explained — VFX Without CGI
