With advancements in digital technology in filmmaking, filmmakers have more control over color than ever. Hues, tones, and palettes can be changed to create a stylized look that tells a story. The role responsible for creating a visual color scheme to tell a story is the Colorist. Directors and cinematographers are praised for their use of color in filmmaking. However, the Colorist is the unsung hero who often brings these visions together. What is a Colorist? In this article, we’ll take a look at the role of a film Colorist, what they do, and what you need to do to…
When first stepping foot on a professional film set, there is a wealth of industry-specific terminology that you will be expected to know. All of these terms, titles, and phrases can be overwhelming at first but by familiarizing yourself with all of this terminology in advance, you’ll give yourself a leg up. In this article, we’ll break down what a Second AD is and answer the question what does an AD do? We’ll also cover how the position is different from a 1st AD, and how to be the best 2nd AD possible.Continue reading What Does a 2nd Assistant Director…
Starting a production company can be incredibly daunting. There are so many business aspects that appear mundane and confusing to the typical creative starting a production company. But the truth is that laying down a proper foundation is essential for any new production company to grow and prosper. In this article, we outline twelve steps on how to start a production company in the modern age. Let’s dive in. Continue reading How to Start a Production Company: A Complete 12-Step Guide
While many actors transition to and from the world of theatre and film, there are many differences between live acting and camera acting. To determine an actor’s presence and ability to perform on camera, producers and casting directors utilize a screen test. The format and content of a screen test can vary. Let’s look into the various uses of a screen test and why they are an essential process during Pre-Production for every project.Continue reading What is a Screen Test in Acting? Definition and Examples
Have you heard the term “principal photography” or “principal shooting” bandied about without knowing exactly what it means? Breaking into the behind the scenes world of filmmaking requires learning an entire set of specialized terminology. In this post, we’ll answer the questions: what is principal photography? How long does it take to shoot a movie? We’ll also be taking a look at the different production steps in filmmaking, covering the differences between the 3 stages of filmmaking and the 5 stages of film production, and what to do if your own principal shooting goes over schedule. Continue reading What is…
The short answer to the question, “What is a Grip?” is that a Grip on a film crew is someone who moves lighting equipment around. But there’s more to being a Movie Grip than simply taking gear from one spot to another. In this post we’ll answer the questions “What is a Film Grip?” and “What does a Grip do?” We’ll look at what a Movie Grip actually does and what it takes to do one of the most demanding jobs on a film set. We’ll also talk about what you’ll need if you want to work a Grip job…
Сhoosing the right location for your shoot can make or break your film and have a meaningful impact on the tone of the finished work. Unfortunately, finding the right location within your budget can be a real challenge in Los Angeles. We took a look at their locations in Los Angeles and found the 10 most unique locations that you can rent right now. Hint: You might recognize #1 from a popular superhero movie.Continue reading The 10 Most Unique Movie Filming Locations in Los Angeles
INT. BATHROOM, EXT. SANTA MONICA PIER, EXT. NEW YORK STREET. What do all of these have in common? Well, first of all, they’re all scene headings, at least two-thirds of one. Secondly, they’re all different places or locations. There isn’t a set rule on how many locations to include in a script, but remember that each location comes with its own set of logistics. It used to be that you’d put the information into a spreadsheet, copy and paste as needed. That becomes redundant quickly. StudioBinder’s locations page makes this process easier by allowing you to input the information once.…
Time equals change, and unless your entire script takes place over a single day or in some alternate universe where time doesn’t exist, you’re going to have multiple days, months, or even years to account for. Storylines are not always written in chronological order, and rarely are they shot in order. So how are you supposed to keep track of all of this? Story days. By marking story days throughout the script, you have a quick reference of when you are in the story. Follow along as we go step-by-step on how to mark story days in your script. Continue…
When audiences saw James Cameron’s Titanic for the first time in 1997, they were awed by a scale of filmmaking that the world had rarely, if at all, seen before. More recently, blockbuster movies are almost expected to match this type of scale — some have exceeded it. So, what are the highest-grossing movies of all time? Although this list does not adjust for inflation, it is apparent that franchise movies have reached an all-time peak (one-third of this list comes from the MCU). That being said, we will be updating the list every time there is a position change…
