Sometimes, a hero is only as good as their villain. Whether they’re a charismatic villain that you love to hate or pure, unadulterated evil, these villains will stick in your mind for years to come. Be sure to check out our How to Write a Villain video essay below for a breakdown of three villainous archetypes. Without further ado, please join us in counting down the best movie villains of all time.Continue reading The Best Villains of All Time — 23 Vile and Vicious Evildoers
There is a saying: the best film editing is the editing that nobody notices. Though there are exceptions, this is pretty widely accepted as truth for the most part. So if good editing purposely avoids standing out, how are the nominees and winners of the Best Film Editing Oscar picked out and decided?The editing style of a particular film is at the behest of the story being told and the style of the director telling it. Large-scale films that are grand in scope and full of flashy, complex sequences are sure to impress, which is why war films tend to…
What is a triadic color scheme? How can it be utilized in your filmmaking efforts, why does it matter and how is it different from other color palettes? We will be answering each of these questions, taking a look at the power and psychology of color in storytelling, and showcasing examples of triadic color schemes in films.Continue reading What is a Triadic Color Scheme — Definition and Examples
You’re probably very familiar with stop-motion animation, which is distinct for having three-dimensional objects move on their own, usually in a jerky fashion. Well, clay models aren’t the only ones that get to have their picture taken a trillion times to look like they’re moving — human beings can get in on the fun too! But it’s not called stop-motion in this case; it’s called pixilation. What is pixilation, you ask, and why is it spelled with an “i” instead of an “e”? Let’s answer those questions by learning a bit more about this filming technique, along with some examples.Continue…
How does a performer, showrunner, director, or writer find an agent? Talent agents connect their clients with auditions, arrange meetings, help negotiate contracts, and they can provide a helpful mentor role for navigating a career in the entertainment industry. Artists tend to think of the “Big 4,” high profile movie talent agencies, but it is possible to find a smaller top talent agency that might be a better fit for where you are in your career. There are many things you can do before you ever connect with an agent to be as ready as possible when it is time…
In World War II’s aftermath, business leaders felt threatened by the shifting landscape of the labor movement. Industries struggled, and workers spoke up—even the film industry is currently impacted by these demands for systemic change. When these workers spoke up, though, lawmakers felt the pressure to respond. As with any major historical movement, it’s not such a simple exchange; that’s where the Taft-Hartley Act of 1947 shifts the landscape even more. But exactly what is the Taft-Hartley Act? Keep reading to see how you and your production work under its influence. Continue reading What is the Taft-Hartley Act & What Producers…
Logos is a mode of persuasion that appeals to logic. Logos has been used for thousands of years, and it is still used today to communicate reason. We’re going to look at a variety of logos examples, but first, let’s explain what it is, and how it’s different from the other rhetorical appeals: ethos and pathos. Continue reading Logos Examples in Literature, Speeches, Ads & More
The cinematographer, editor, and director work together to create a seamless experience within watching a film. There are certain cuts that can jar an audience out of this experience and make them aware they are watching a movie. One of these cuts is referred to as a jump cut. While many advise against using jump cuts in film, there are ways you can implement them effectively to tell the best story possible.Continue reading What is a Jump Cut? 5 Ways to Use Jump Cuts in Film
The bigger the budget, the more that’s at stake. While many directors never have to worry about films costing over a few million (if that), there are some who regularly operate in the area of $200 million. It begs the question: what is the most expensive movie ever made? We’ve adjusted the budgets of various movies over the years for inflation to give you this list of the biggest budget movies, all leading up to the most expensive movie ever made. Continue reading What is the Most Expensive Movie Ever Made — Top 25 Ranked
What is a character actor? The term has the potential to be confusing for two reasons. First: there are conflicting definitions for ‘character actor.’ Second: all actors are technically playing characters whenever they appear on screen, so it would be natural to assume that all actors are character actors. In this post we will clear up any confusion over the label, provide a comprehensive definition, and explore the role of character actors in film.Continue reading What is a Character Actor — The Art of the Supporting Role
