Special effects in film are a crucial component of modern movie-making. They have the power to transport audiences to fantastical worlds, create realistic portrayals of historical events, and add an emotional depth that enhances storytelling. In this article, we will explore what special effects are in film, the different types of special effects that exist,… Continue reading What are Special Effects in Movies — History & Types Explained
BasicsOpen menu What is a Green Screen? Blue Screen vs Green Screen DIY Green ScreenOpen menu How to Make a Green Screen Green Screen Color Using a Green ScreenOpen menu How to Use a Green Screen Green Screen Lighting EditingOpen menu Best Green Screen Software Best Green Screen Background Videos Green screens are often associated… Continue reading How to Make a Green Screen & DIY Green Screen Hacks
Softboxes are the workhorse of any photography studio. In fact, it would be difficult to find any professional photographer who does not own one. What is a softbox and why are they so crucial for photographers? In this article, we’ll cover the essentials for this type of light and dive into when they should be… Continue reading What is a Softbox Used For in Photography & Lighting Tips
On a low-budget independent film with a scaled back crew, there are not too many film crew positions to keep track of. When we start looking at larger productions, however, the amount of distinct film crew positions can balloon to massive numbers. Gaining an understanding of the function of each movie crew member’s role can… Continue reading Ultimate Guide to Film Crew Positions (Jobs & Duties Explained)
What is a lined script? How do you make one? And what is it used for? Read on to find the answers to these questions and step-by-step instructions for lining a script. Let’s start with a quick definition. A lined script is a separate version of the screenplay that includes vertical lines denoting how much… Continue reading How to Line a Film Script — A Guide for Script Supervisors
BasicsOpen menu What is Sound Design What Does a Sound Designer Do Sound Editing vs Sound Mixing What is Voice Over What is a Foley Artist What is Diegetic Sound What is Non-Diegetic Sound What is a Film Score What is Asynchronous Sound What is Music Licensing TechniquesOpen menu Ultimate Guide to Sound Recording Filmmaker’s… Continue reading What is a Soundstage — Definition, History & Function Explained
One of the great things about cinema is its ability to transport audiences to far and remote places. These places are often a character themselves within the story of a film. Finding these locations is an incredibly important component of filmmaking that is put on the shoulders of a location scout. What is a location… Continue reading What is a Location Scout — Duties & Job Description Explained
Shooting a documentary is very different from shooting a narrative film. In many ways it can be on the cuff, guerilla style shooting. Documentaries can also be made of properly planned and composed shoots. Great documentaries are made of both and thus require an organized documentary shooting schedule. Creating a documentary shooting schedule is an effective… Continue reading How to Create a Documentary Shooting Schedule
What is meal penalty? Well, meal penalty is something cast/crew are sometimes subject to – and it’s certainly something producers don’t want to incur. Meal penalty is the disincentive that keeps producers from overworking their employees – but it’s also something more than that. We’re going to break down meal penalties at the union, state,… Continue reading What is Meal Penalty — CA Lunch Penalty Law Explained
One of the first (and most exciting) parts of starting your own film production company is creating your film production company name. This name is going to reflect your groundbreaking style, show off your professional and one-of-a-kind brand, and set the tone for the projects you’ll take on as your company takes off. It also… Continue reading Film Production Company Names — Creative Ideas & Examples
A film production agreement is an important legal document for writers, directors, producers, and financiers – but what is a film production agreement? We’re going to answer that question by defining the term and its associated contracts. We’re also going to explore some real world examples. By the end, you’ll know why film production agreements… Continue reading Film Production Agreement — A Primer on Film Prod. Contracts
Congratulations! You’ve put together most of the cast and crew for your next project. Director? Check. Heads of departments? Got ‘em. But your lead actor is the highly-coveted [insert your favorite actor here], and they’re not too sure they want in. Yet. What safety net can you offer, say, Jeff Goldblum, in exchange for—you hope—his… Continue reading Pay or Play Contract — How Does It Affect Your Production?
BasicsOpen menu What is a Green Screen? Blue Screen vs Green Screen DIY Green ScreenOpen menu How to Make a Green Screen Green Screen Color Using a Green ScreenOpen menu How to Use a Green Screen Green Screen Lighting EditingOpen menu Best Green Screen Software Best Green Screen Background Videos Looking to make a sci-fi… Continue reading How to Use a Green Screen — Setup, Lighting and Creative Uses
Actors far and wide travel to the Big Apple to pursue careers on the stage, and or in front of the camera – but where do they find casting agencies? Well, we’re going to help focus the search by breaking down the best casting agencies NYC edition. By the end, you’ll know where to look… Continue reading Best Casting Agencies NYC Edition — An Actor’s Guide
Unlike painting or writing, which are often done in isolation, making a film requires a team effort. Gaffers, Cinematographers, Best Boys, PAs — but who does what and why? There are few roles in film production more valuable than a 1st AD but what is an assistant director and what does an assistant director do?… Continue reading What Does an Assistant Director Do? Defining the 1st AD
