What is social commentary? You may have heard the term thrown around in video essays or seen it pop up in book, music, or film analysis without knowing precisely what it means. In this post, we will be defining social commentary, examining the different ways it can manifest in cinema, and taking a look at a few great examples of films that nail social commentary. Continue reading What is Social Commentary — Definition, Examples & Meaning
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
On a macro level, the creative force behind the visual look of a film falls in the hands of the director and director of photography. However, there is only one person on set responsible for what falls within the four lines of the frame — the camera operator. What is a camera operator in filmmaking? The camera operator is not only responsible for what falls in frame, but also what they leave out. They have various responsibilities that help ensure that they get the shot. We’ll dive into those responsibilities and more in this article. Continue reading What is a…
Satyajit Ray is regarded as not only one of the greatest filmmakers in Indian cinema, but as one of the greatest filmmakers in cinema history. We’re going to break down the best Satyajit Ray films by way of three criteria: direction, story, and theme. By the end, you’ll know why Ray’s films are so well-regarded!Continue reading Best Satyajit Ray Films — Top 10 From a True Cinematic Icon
Sound design is a key element of filmmaking that gives the world of a story more depth. This can be ambient sound from cars passing by or even birds chirping overhead. But what about sounds that literally move a film’s plot along? Filmmakers have used sound effects across all genres to motivate characters’ actions, create suspense, or trigger a sequence of events.Before making it to the big screen, these important sound effects are written into screenplays as storytelling devices. So how to write sound effects in a script correctly? The answer is much simpler than one might think.Continue reading How…
Ukiyo-e was one of the most influential movements in all 0f Eastern art – but what is ukiyo-e? We’re going to explore ukiyo-e art by breaking down its definition – and by looking at some famous examples from Katsushika Hokusai, Kitagawa Utamaro, and more. By the end, you’ll know what ukiyo-e is and why it’s so important. Continue reading What is Ukiyo-e – Artists, Characteristics & Best Examples
What is Primitivism? The answer is complex and requires some historical and cultural context to fully understand. Primitivism bridges the gap between art and philosophy and has a tumultuous history. We’ll get started with an overview definition, then dig into the roots of the artistic style and the group of artists who pioneered it in order to develop a comprehensive understanding of Primitivism.Continue reading What is Primitivism — Movement, Style & Artists Explained
Filmmaking is an incredibly collaborative art form. It is only achieved through the collaborative efforts of various departments. While all departments are crucial to the success of a film, in this article we will be covering the camera department. What roles are in a camera department? What responsibilities does each position entail? What is the hierarchy of the camera crew on set? We’ll cover all of this and more.Continue reading Camera Crew Positions & Camera Department Explained
Have you ever snapped a photo, been incredibly happy with the composition of it, the lighting! But suddenly you become overrun with dread to see red and blue color fringing around your subject? This, my friend, is chromatic aberration. In this article, we’ll take a look at the chromatic aberration definition as well as what causes chromatic aberration and how it can be avoided. Continue reading What is Chromatic Aberration — Types and Examples Explained
Better Call Saul is one of the most critically lauded shows on TV — and its cinematography is a big reason why. The Better Call Saul cinematography excels in just about every area: lighting, framing, focus, camera movement. You name it, BCS knocks it out of the park. We’re going to break down the Better Call Saul cinematography by looking at some key technical/creative strategies. By the end, you’ll know why the show's cinematography is considered masterclass.Continue reading Better Call Saul Cinematography — How Visuals Elevate Story
