What is a camera obscura? When was the camera obscura invented and who invented it? Many of us have heard the term… but what does camera obscura mean? We’re going to answer those questions by exploring their history, from prehistory to the modern day. We’re also going to show you how to create your very own "dark room" at home! By the end, you’ll know what a camera obscura is and why it’s so important.Continue reading What is a Camera Obscura — Definition, Origin & How It Works
Taking a great portrait isn’t about having a quality camera and attractive subject. It’s not even about wardrobe or location. If you mess up the lighting in your portraits, post production won’t always be able to save you. How can you nail it each time? Whether you’re taking school pictures or are shooting athletes for an ad, knowing how to master portrait lighting setups will pay off big. Continue reading Portrait Lighting Setup Guide — 8 Ways to Shoot Great Portraits
It’s never been easier to produce your own show than it is today. Thousands of filmmakers flock to the internet to produce short-form shows under the umbrella of web series – but how do you write a web series? We’re going to answer that question by looking at web series script format examples and different forms web series can take. By the end of this article, you’ll be prepared to start writing a web series script of your own! Continue reading How to Write a Web Series — Format and Examples Explained
Have you ever wondered what exactly keyframes are? How about the difference between keyframes in animation vs. keyframes in video editing? The two are different but might be more interconnected than you realize. In this post, we’ll be covering everything you need to know about keyframes.Continue reading What are Keyframes in Animation — Origins and Modern Uses
What is a C-stand? Anyone who has been on a professional film set is sure to be familiar with C-stands and their various permutations, but to the general public and plenty of no-to-low budget filmmakers, the C-stand remains a piece of equipment that often goes undefined. No longer will this ubiquitous piece of gear remain shrouded in mystery. In this post, we’ll break down what they are, what they're used for and explain their components. Continue reading What is a C-Stand — Types, Functions & Proper Usage Explained
One of the most common tools on both high and low-budget film sets is the trusty green screen. You set up your green screen and shoot your footage using it, but now what? How do you remove the green background and replace it with something else? The answer is to use software with chroma-key functionality, and we have rounded up all of the best software options for you to choose from. But, before we get into the specific software selections, let’s have a quick refresher or introduction on how green screens work. Continue reading Best Green Screen Software for Film &…
Have you ever watched a movie where someone says they will absolutely not do a thing, but the very next shot is them doing the thing? How about a scene where someone is about to get murdered, but the very next shot is someone making dinner? If you answered yes, you may have encountered a smash cut in the wild. But what is a smash cut, where did it come from, why is it used, and how can you take advantage of it?Continue reading What is a Smash Cut — An Editor’s Guide with Examples & Tips
Contemporary art is often defined as “art of the current day.” But is that all contemporary art is? Or is it something more? We’re going to explore the world of contemporary art by looking at some examples from prominent contemporary artists around the world. By the end, you’ll know what contemporary art is, and what makes it unique.Continue reading What is Contemporary Art — Definition, Artists, and Examples
What is suprematism in art? Don’t worry, it has nothing to do with supremacism. The suprematist art style is an important one with a storied history that requires a great deal of context to fully appreciate. We’ll get started with an overview definition before drilling down into the history of the movement, then we’ll wrap things up by looking at some of the most notable examples of suprematist art.Continue reading What is Suprematism — Art Movement Characteristics
Writing a script can be a daunting task – but there are strategies for making it an engaging and fun exercise in creative practice. We’re going to answer the essential questions involved in writing a script, with character arc and plot examples. Then we’ll explain how to use our script analysis worksheet so that you can ensure you’re hitting all the major narrative, structural, and emotional beats needed to deliver a satisfying story.Continue reading Script Analysis Worksheet PDF — How to Analyze a Script
