What is a Film Score — Movie Score vs. Soundtrack Explained

Since the days of silent films, music has played an essential role in cinema. Originally played by phonography or improvised by live musicians, music accompanied the narrative of a film in theatres. As technology progressed and the ability to synchronize sound to celluloid developed, the role of the film composer became integral and music was tailored to every frame of a film. Thus the film score was born.As cinema progressed and dialogue and cinematography became the heavy lifters of a film’s narrative, music unfortunately started to become an afterthought in the filmmaking process. However, the most memorable, emotional, and engaging…

Muzzle Flash Effect — Downloads, Tutorials & On-Set Tips

Muzzle flashes are an integral element in every movie shootout. Though they might seem like a small detail, it can make the difference between a movie gunshot seeming cheap and fake or real and exciting. Muzzle flashes can be executed in a few different ways, and we’ll be explaining everything you need to know about this effect. But, before we dive into movie muzzle flashes, it’s important to understand the real-life counterparts.Continue reading Muzzle Flash Effect — Downloads, Tutorials & On-Set Tips

76 Light Leak Overlay and Video Effects — Free Downloads

One of the best ways to incorporate unique transitions or vibrant overlays into your edit is through light leaks. Lens flares, light leaks, and film burns can result in a unique look, but are not always easy to add naturally in-camera. So we’ve compiled a list of the best places to download light leak packs that are easy to use in any edit.  Continue reading 76 Light Leak Overlay and Video Effects — Free Downloads

Inglourious Basterds Script PDF Download and Analysis

Inglourious Basterds was a massive turning point in director Quentin Tarantino’s career. It launched his revisionist history trilogy, which flipped the script on World War II, American slavery, and the murder of actress Sharon Tate at the hands of Charles Manson’s cult members. Tarantino is known for unforgettable dialogue in which ordinary conversations become extraordinary and tensions subtly rise to a climax with words alone. The Inglourious Basterds script has some of the most intense and powerful stretches of dialogue in cinema and we can transform future screenplays for the better by analyzing its example. Let’s continue the conversation. Continue reading Inglourious…

What is a Bottle Episode — Best Examples & How to Write One

If you love TV, then you’ve probably heard of a bottle episode before. Some of the best shows ever from Breaking Bad to Community have used this formula to mixed results. They tend to be some of the most divisive episodes with some fans hating the unique structure while others love what’s made possible through them. But what is a bottle episode? Keep reading to see if your next spec script should have this structure. Continue reading What is a Bottle Episode — Best Examples & How to Write One

Film Colorization Process & The Debate Over Colorized Movies

What is colorization? Back in the early days of filmmaking, color was something reserved for movies few and far between. But as the years went by, more and more movies began to be made in color. However, many filmmakers and critics in Hollywood expressed outrage at the idea of adding color to classic black-and-white movies. We’re going to look at how film colorization led to one of the most contentious periods in Hollywood history. But first let’s analyze the colorization process.Continue reading Film Colorization Process & The Debate Over Colorized Movies

How to Slow Down a Video in Premiere Pro — Editor’s Guide

Are you asking yourself, how do I slow down a video? There are many reasons why one might want to slow down footage, but how is it done? The process is different depending on the particular editing program being used. In this post, we’ll be walking you through the four simple steps necessary to slow down video speed in Premiere Pro and we’ll provide tips for how to achieve the best results along the way. Let’s jump right into the first step and learn how to slow down clips. Continue reading How to Slow Down a Video in Premiere Pro…

All-Time Best Jump Scare Movies Ranked (Do Not Watch Alone!)

Horror heads often scoff at jump scares. The technique can feel too easy: slap a loud sound effect on an unexpected thing in the dark and anyone will gasp — it’s glorified peek-a-boo. But a great jump scare is undeniable. Done with taste, originality, and skill, the jump can deliver a scare that will linger with an audience for years. Almost every horror film has a jump scare; it’s in the Constitution. But which horror films use the tool most effectively? These are movies that lean on jump scares, but not as a crutch: they simply work every time. Here…

Giallo Films Explained — Italian Horror, Argento, Bava & Beyond

What is a giallo film? This Italian term might be familiar yet mysterious to horror fans, or it might be completely unfamiliar to you. Whichever the case may be, you will leave with a thorough grasp of the ins and outs of the giallo genre by the end of this article. This is one film genre that can be a little tricky to pin down as there is some disagreement over the exact specifications of what constitutes a giallo film, so we’ll cover the matter from all angles. We’ll get started with a definition, then take a look at the…

What is a Slasher Film — Definition, Characters, Villains & Tropes

What is a Slasher film? The name of this popular horror sub-genre might evoke a strong mental image, but do you know the actual criteria for what constitutes a Slasher film? In this post, we’ll provide a Slasher movie definition, explore the complex history of Slasher films, and take a look at some of the most notable Slasher film examples the horror genre has to offer.Continue reading What is a Slasher Film — Definition, Characters, Villains & Tropes