When a layperson thinks about how a movie is shot, a director and cinematographer is typically what comes to mind. But a large part of a shot’s quality comes from the work of the 1st assistant camera. But what does an AC do? We’ll give you the 1st assistant camera job description, duties, salary, and more.Continue reading 1st Assistant Camera — Job Description & Role Explained
Suspension of belief describes an audience temporarily accepting the reality of a film and forgetting they are being shown a fabricated production. While an actor's performance and director's vision are at the forefront of this suspension of belief, details can also have a huge impact. One of these details is the people that appear in a shot that simply fills the scene and makes a sporting event, museum, street corner, or shopping mall feel real. This is where background actors come into the picture.Continue reading What is a Background Actor and How to Become One
Imagine one day you’re writing movies or acting in a major studio’s film, and the next, you can’t find work anywhere. Such is the way of blacklisting. The practice, in one form or another, is still active today but not nearly as rampant as it once was. For an accurate Hollywood Blacklist definition, we need to go back to the '40s & '50s in Hollywood. But what does blacklisted mean and how much of an issue is it today? Let’s dive into the concept that upended the careers of Charlie Chaplin, Dalton Trumbo, and many others. Continue reading Blacklist Definition…
 Whether you’re a filmmaker or photographer, capturing near perfect eye light can really help tell your story. The eyes are the most telling feature of a person and reveal so much to the audience. This post explores the technique of using a catchlight to breathe life into your work. So what is a catchlight and how can you capture one?Continue reading Catchlight Photography: How to Capture Eye Light with Purpose
Casablanca is widely regarded as one of the greatest movies ever made. But did you know that the Casablanca script was actually adapted from an unproduced stage play? We’re going to touch on the production history of the Casablanca screenplay but first, let’s remind ourselves of the plot, quotes, characters, and ending. Make sure to download a copy of the screenplay below to read along!Continue reading Casablanca Script PDF Download: Quotes, Characters, and Ending
Most stories focus on a central character. They are our eyes and perspective into the world of the story. What we may not notice, however, is the impact that other characters have on us as readers or audience members. While not at the forefront of the story, secondary characters strengthen the central characters, contribute to the main narrative, and build out the narrative world.Continue reading What is a Secondary Character — Examples & Functions
Storytelling is a vivid, multi-dimensional medium. One of the lesser-known but crucial elements in this intricate process is the color script. Now, you might be wondering, what exactly is a color script? Why are they used? Let's look into this fascinating concept and how the practice started.Continue reading What is a Color Script and What Are They Used For?
Andrei Tarkovsky, one of the masters of cinema, wrote a book titled Sculpting in Time in which he gives insight into one of the most fundamental aspects of filmmaking — how to shape time in a story. One of the building blocks that filmmakers can manipulate to change the rhythm and perception of time in a film is a scene. The amount of scenes in a movie, how long they are, and at what pace they are edited are all ways scenes impact a film. A great way to understand these concepts is to analyze how many scenes are in a…
The world of acting is an ancient and fascinating art form that has evolved through time. From ancient rituals to modern productions, acting has taken on various forms and styles. In this guide, we will explore the diverse types of acting that exist today, diving deep into this captivating craft. We'll unearth the roots of acting, explore its various forms, and highlight notable actors who've mastered each technique. Whether you're an aspiring actor seeking inspiration or a curious enthusiast wanting to deepen your understanding, there's something for everyone in the world of acting.Continue reading Different Types of Acting — A Comprehensive…
In the late 19th century, a group of writers pioneered an approach to literature that would examine every pore of human life, the beautiful and the brutal alike. Eventually, this approach became known as naturalism, an unflinching mirror held up to society, reflecting life in its most unvarnished form. But what exactly makes naturalism stand out among the many literary movements?Continue reading What is Naturalism in Literature — Definition & Examples
