Set design is a pivotal yet often overlooked element in the magic of filmmaking. It breathes life into a director's vision, creating tangible worlds from mere imagination. This article will delve into the art and science of set design in film, revealing its process, significance, and future trends. Let's journey behind the scenes to explore this fascinating aspect of cinema.Continue reading What is Set Design? Process & Purpose
The humble film slate, scuffed and scratched and tossed casually aside between setups, is actually a very important piece of equipment that no film set should ever be without. In this post, we’re going to give you an insider’s tour of the slate, officially known as a clapperboard. We’ll show you how to use a film slate on set, including how to mark the slate properly. We’ll also advise you on how to slate correctly for the camera so you’ll know what you’re doing right from the first take.Continue reading The Clapperboard Explained — How to Use a Film Slate
Green screens are often associated with big budget Hollywood movies. Action, sci-fi, and fantasy films rely heavily on massive green screens to bring these incredible worlds to life. You may not have the budget of Avengers: Endgame at your disposal. But a green screen may be just what you need for your next project. Luckily, you don’t need to spend a fortune. Learning how to make a green screen is a lot easier than most people think. Play your cards right, and you could probably make one for less than $20. Continue reading How to Make a Green Screen…
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 used. We’ll also analyze the different types of softboxes available and the different effects of each.Continue reading What is a Softbox Used For in Photography & Lighting Tips
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 of a scene each individual shot covers. Now that we know what it is, let’s find out why it is important.Continue reading How to Line a Film Script — A Guide for Script Supervisors
What is a soundstage? It’s a term we hear fairly often in film circles, but it’s usually assumed we know what it means. Don’t fret, we’re going to define soundstage and then look at some iconic examples. By the end, you’ll know what soundstages are and how they’re used. But before we get into our examples, let’s review where soundstages started.Continue reading What is a Soundstage — Definition, History & Function Explained
If you are new to the world of filmmaking, it is possible to be overwhelmed by the wave of production terminology and industry lingo that you are expected to know. One such term is the Abby Singer shot. You may hear the phrase called out by the 1st AD or another production member, and today, we’re going to break down what it means, why it’s called the Abby Singer shot, and why it matters.Continue reading What is an Abby Singer Shot — Definition and History Explained
Think of some of your favorite films or television series of all time. Whether they are rooted in fantasy or made to be naturalistic, odds are they required some special effects. To bring those effects to life, a Special Effects Supervisor got the job done. And in this article, we’ll dive into the role and responsibilities of a Special Effects Supervisor and what skills a successful supervisor should possess. Continue reading What is a Special Effects Supervisor — Job Description & Role 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 scout and why are they critical in the pre-production process of filmmaking? It may be obvious that they find the locations of a film, but they are also responsible for much more. In this article, we’ll analyze the various duties of a location scout as…
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, and federal level. By the end, you’ll know everything there is to know about meal penalties on film sets.Continue reading What is Meal Penalty — CA Lunch Penalty Law Explained
