Editing is one of the most fundamental processes of filmmaking. Many call it the last rewrite of a film in which the film truly comes together. So how do you create a movie without normal post-production editing? Through in-camera editing of course. In-camera editing may seem like a disadvantageous technique. However, the popularity of the one take look found in acclaimed films like Birdman and 1917 have made many wonder, what is in-camera editing?Continue reading What is In Camera Editing — Techniques for Photo and Video
Many aspiring cinematographers ask the question “what are the best schools for cinematography?” So what are the best cinematography schools? Like all of our articles on the “best schools for film education,” the answer is subjective. For some people, the best cinematography schools may be online; for others they may be at private institutions. If the latter is your focus, we’ve got you covered. These are the schools regarded as the best cinematography schools in the country. Note: *The listed tuition rates vary by entry. Some are listed by semester, some by year, and some by total. This is because all…
What are monochromatic colors? What is a monochromatic color scheme in filmmaking? Why does it matter and how is it different from other color palettes? These are the questions we’ll be answering alongside a dive into the purpose and psychology of color in storytelling and a look at some of the best examples of monochromatic color schemes from film and television.Continue reading What is a Monochromatic Color Scheme — Definition, Examples
One of the most crucial elements to a scene can be a prop. Props are important for a film’s plot, characters, and overall story. Ensuring that every prop in a screenplay is accounted for and brought on set can be overwhelming. However, creating a props list by breaking down a screenplay is a sure fire way to be prepared as a production designer or prop master. Let’s take a look at how to create a props breakdown list.Continue reading Props Breakdown — How to Make a List of All Props in a Script
You finally started writing that great screenplay idea and put words to paper. But all of a sudden you realize that you may have the foundation of your story, but not the details. This is not an uncommon problem. So we decided to address this uncommon problem and lay out tips that will help you learn how to develop a movie script and write a better story. Let’s dive in. Continue reading How to Develop a Movie Script — Characters, Structure & Goals
So you have a great idea for a movie or TV show but don’t have the know-how to write it yourself. What do you do? Hire a screenwriter, of course! But how do you hire a screenwriter? Read on to see the five steps you must take to find a great screenwriter for your project with plenty of helpful pro-tips along the way. Continue reading How to Hire a Screenwriter — 5 Steps to Find the Perfect Writer
Low-key lighting can be found in some of the earliest and most influential films in cinema. Early filmmakers utilized low-key lighting in black and white cinematography to tell compelling stories that pushed the art form. Even as film developed and color was introduced to motion pictures, low-key lighting evolved and has influenced the works of some of today’s most prominent cinematographers. Why has low-key lighting been an influence for so long in cinema? How has it evolved past its use in black and white? How can you use it to elevate your next film? Let’s dig in. Continue reading What is…
What defines a cinematic shot? For many of us, it is the result of masterful cinematography that creates depth, tone, and tells a story through lighting and camera work. One lighting technique that can help achieve all of these things is volumetric lighting. What is volumetric lighting in filmmaking? Odds are, you have seen this lighting in some of your favorite films. Cinematographers and photographers alike love the captivating effect it has. Let’s take a look at volumetric lighting in cinema and how you can achieve it in your own projects. Continue reading What is Volumetric Lighting — Definition and Examples
Director of photography Newton Thomas Sigel has had an illustrious career — working on such films as The Usual Suspects, Cherry, Da 5 Bloods, and many more — but perhaps his most iconic work can be found in Drive. Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, Drive is a mood piece, and its dreamy visuals stick in your head long after the credits roll. How did Sigel shoot one of the most beloved indie films of the 2010s? But first, check out this video with Sigel as he explains his approach to visual storytelling in cinematography using lenses, aspect ratio, camera movement,…
Getting started in the world of cinematography can be a daunting task. But in this day and age, there are various online tools and resources that can make the task of finding a cinematography job a little less intimidating. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best sites and resources to find your next cinematography job and get your career in the industry going. Continue reading Cinematography Jobs — How to Find Your Next Gig Online
