What is a background artist? It might sound like a simple question, but the answer is a bit more complex than one might expect. The term ‘background artist’ can be used to label two different professions and both of them can be found working on a film set. We will break down what those two different meanings are and what each of them does.Continue reading Background Artist — Animation & Film Crew Position Explained
Does it seem like every story imaginable has already been told? Instead of looking toward the future for your next project, why not delve into the past? Your next film could be a remix of something that’s come before. And before you get worried about Johnny Law, you’ll find many works exist within the public domain. But what is public domain and how is it used? Keep reading to see why Night of the Living Dead is free for anyone to watch. Continue reading What is Public Domain and How is it Used? A Guide for Creators
Film is a uniquely visual storytelling medium. Everything you see within the frames of a shot is carefully thought out by someone behind the scenes. More often than not, these details in the frame come from the art department. An art department is responsible for the larger creation of a film set as well as the small details that are placed within that set. This may sound like a lot to do for one department. But the art department delegates responsibilities to various roles. In this article, we’ll be discussing what these roles are and how each is an integral…
Most movies you watch are shot with film permits, in a studio, and with a full production crew that is doing everything “by the book.” But not every movie made has a chance to shoot in this way; even big films might have to do things on the downlow. We are, of course, talking about guerilla filmmaking, a style that has been around for quite some time. But what is guerilla filmmaking and how does one go about making a guerilla film yourself? Take a look at our guerilla filmmaking tips, definition, and examples to learn all about it. Continue…
In the process of video production, you’ll eventually need to start location scouting. But considering permits, fees, and logistics, it can be daunting to find locations that work for your budget. But the importance cannot be overestimated.Worry not! There is hope. You don’t need a Hollywood budget to get good locations. What you need is to keep a few things in mind before you start your location scouting. Today we’ll show you a few pointers that will get you ready to finalize the locations for your shoot.Continue reading 11 Essential Location Scouting Tips For All Projects & Budgets
Most people typically think of the more creative side of the production process such as cinematography, directing, or writing. Although these are immensely important, there is a side behind the scenes of a production that must be kept in order for a production to run smoothly. That would be the much less glamorous, but still important administrative side of production. So, what is a production coordinator and what do they do?A production coordinator is an integral part of making sure the administrative side of a production is well kept so that the production faces minimal hiccups. Let’s take a look…
What is below the line? If you are at all interested in the behind-the-scenes side of filmmaking, then you may have heard the terms “above the line” and “below the line” thrown around in interviews, articles, or BTS footage. Today, we’ll be providing a below the line definition, explaining where the term comes from, and who is considered below the line. Continue reading What is Below the Line in Film & Which Crew Members Qualify?
Create a call sheet with the click of a button. Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, it’s not too far off. Now, there isn’t a button that will do all of your pre production work for you, but there is a button that will populate 90% of your call sheet, given you’ve done your prep work. Follow along as we set up a call sheet for success. Continue reading Setting up a Call Sheet for Success in StudioBinder
The Rotten Tomatoes ratings system―good or bad? Well, I’d say it’s a bit better than the original way tomatoes were used to judge entertainment. Because even if we want to throw fruit at the screen, 21st century technology reminds us we don’t have to. Rotten Tomatoes will provide us with a fair Critic consensus before we even get to the theatre (saving us a ton of food and money).So how does Rotten Tomatoes work, exactly? Is it a reliable judge of... characters... Okay, okay, hold your tomatoes please. Let’s get a behind the scenes look at how it all works.Continue…
You think you know what gaffer tape is, but do you really? In this post we’re going to explain everything you should know about gaffer tape: what is gaffer tape, how does it work, and why is it so bloody expensive.You’ll learn how to tear it off the roll, how to make cables safe for pedestrians, and even what to look for in purchasing your own, personal roll of gaffer tape.Continue reading What Is Gaffer Tape Used For? A Film Set Essential Explained
