It’s well established that most modern Hollywood movies are made up of three acts. Often, however, the second of those three acts can be divided into two — before the midpoint, and after. A midpoint is a major plot point that happens around the middle of a film which has big ramifications for the protagonist and the story arc. Sounds pretty vague, right? That’s because a midpoint can take many forms– bringing the protagonist closer to their goal, or away from it, or something else entirely. In other words, you know a midpoint when you see one. In this post, we’ll…
Have you ever winced while listening to an amateur band hit the wrong notes? Have you ever felt discomfort when you’re tasked with a job that goes against your beliefs? Or have you ever stumbled over a poem’s lines that seem to just sound bad? Dissonance in its many forms is all around us. Often we think of it in a negative light, as something to avoid. But dissonance can be used in various artistic mediums to deliver a point, heighten emotion, or add texture. Let’s get to the bottom of "what is dissonance," and how we can use it…
Storyboard arrows are the de facto way to illustrate character and camera movement in a storyboard. They bring dynamism to a static image but they also become a bit of critical communication between the director and the crew, especially the camera crew. But for all their simplicity, there are still some general "rules" behind them you should know. Which arrows to use and how can they be used for more complicated movements? In this quick guide to storyboards arrows, we'll cover the basics so you can attack your next storyboard with an extra layer of professionalism and specificity.Continue reading Storyboard…
What is the best GoPro camera to buy for 2021? At this point, there are many different models of GoPros available, and it can be tricky to know which one is best suited to your needs. We’ll be ranking the best GoPro camera choices, we’ll compare GoPro models, and we’ll give you some quick GoPro reviews, but first, let’s take a look at a few reasons why you might want to choose one of these cameras instead of a more traditional camera. If you are wondering which GoPro to buy, let us help you make an informed decision.Continue reading Best…
If you’re just starting out or simply looking to expand your filmmaking toolkit, soft box lights are a must. Knowing how to diffuse and soften your light is just as important as knowing how to light the shot itself. So whether you’re a hobbyist or beginner-enthusiast ready to get your first studio kit, it’s good to know what’s out there. So let’s get into the best softbox lighting kits for 2021. Featured photo courtesy of Spectrum.Continue reading Best Soft Box Lights — The Ultimate Buying Guide
Whether you’re new to filmmaking, or you’ve studied it for years, you may find that your cinematic knowledge has plateaued. So, now you seek some great filmmaking books to push your skills to the next level.We’ve provided the best list of filmmaking books so that you can write, direct, film, finance, and complete your video projects - no matter what.Continue reading 10 Best Filmmaking Books to Read
Diving into the world of film photography is incredibly exciting and overwhelming at the same time. And the first step to shooting film photography is choosing and buying a film camera. In this article, you’ll find a list of the best film cameras for every budget and skill level. Whether you are a novice or experienced photographer, you’ll find a camera on this list that you’ll be dying to shoot with. Continue reading Best Film Cameras — Canon, Pentax, Olympus & More
A couple’s wedding can be one of the biggest days in their life. Usually, all they will have to remember the important occasion are their memories, photos, and a wedding video. If you are hired to capture the latter, you will want to do your best to capture an amazing, cinematic wedding video. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of ten tips that will help you achieve this. We’ll take a look at how to prepare, what to bring, and ultimately how to film weddings with these ten tips. Let’s dive in. Continue reading How to Film Weddings — 10…
What’s the most difficult aspect of writing dialogue? Ask any ten writers and you’re bound to get a range of answers. But “getting started” is no doubt one of the most popular. So, we’re going to break down some dialogue prompts to kickstart your writing process! By the end, you’ll have options to choose where to start your next dialogue exchange. Continue reading Dialogue Prompts for Writers — Lines To Get You Writing Now
Art is inherently referential; everyone is influenced by something that came before. Great (and not-so-great) artists all get inspiration from somewhere and will sometimes show it in their works. If an artist makes a reference to something in their own work, that is often seen as an homage. But what is homage? Is it anything like copying? And how much is too much when it comes to references?Continue reading What is Homage — Definition & Examples in Art and Film
