Early filmmakers showed the world that a movie director could be an artist. But not every movie director. Because part of auteur theory is knowing how to define auteur directors. Before auteur theory, Directors were important, but the other factors were still more significant. Stars. Studios. Producers.People referred to a 'Clark Gable movie' for example, because in the 1930's stars ruled the day. Auteur theory came in the early 1950's, and it changed all that. It shifted some power away from actors, producers, and studio moguls. It shifted power towards directors. Towards specific types of directors. And it ultimately led…
Dof basicsShallow dofDeep dofDOF GuideTYPES OF CAMERA FOCUS The best photographers and cinematographers use depth of field knowledge for precise control over their images.Establishing your own visual style should occur before you step on set, and it begins with understanding how to control your depth of field.Continue reading The Essential Guide to Depth of Field [with Examples]
Amovie montage can accomplish many things, from interweaving multiple storylines to delivering jokes. But accounting for a montage in your production schedule is no laughing matter. What can be summed up in two or three lines in a script, translates to many more minutes on screen. So how does the savvy producer or 1st AD go about making heads or tails of scheduling a montage? We'll examine a montage scene, and see how to format it in such a way that the new version lends itself to the shooting schedule nearly perfectly. And we'll do it all in StudioBinder! Let's…
Everyone loves options. Especially when it comes down to money, and as we all in the filmmaking world know, time is money. So, if you’re an AD, having multiple versions of the shooting schedule comes in handy when presenting to the higher ups. So, how do you do that? With StudioBinder’s version history manager, which lets you create multiple versions of the schedule that you can jump back and forth between. Follow along for a step-by-step guide on how to create multiple versions of the shooting schedule.Continue reading How to Create Multiple Shooting Schedules & Why You Should
Have you ever watched a film that had some level of predictability, but despite this kept you engaged and entertained up until the credits rolled? Odds are the filmmaker behind the movie had a solid understanding of the genre. Most movie-goers have a basic understanding of popular movie genres such as comedy, romance, and dramas. But to be a filmmaker in addition to being a film fanatic, it’s important to understand the components that define a film’s genre. Continue reading What is Genre — Definition and Examples of Genre Conventions
First and last impressions are life and death on YouTube. But luckily there are some excellent YouTube intro templates that will prove that your video is a quality watch. In addition to a solid intro, if you don’t plug your content at the end of your video, you won’t get the traffic you deserve.Continue reading How To Make An Intro For Your YouTube Video [FREE Template]
Plot is the backbone of any great story. But what is a plot exactly? In this guide, we’ll explore the plot definition, how it differs from a story, and the essential elements of a plot that make a narrative compelling. Whether you’re writing a novel, screenplay, or short story, understanding plot meaning and different plot types—from linear plots to nonlinear storytelling—is key to crafting unforgettable stories.Continue reading What Is a Plot? Types of Plot, Definitions, and Examples
Why do filmmakers use over-the-shoulder shots? Can they signal to the viewer that two characters are, at the very least, on the same page? The OTS shot is one of the most commonly used shots in film and television, but often it's used without proper application of advanced cinematic language. We'll break down the psychology so your OTS shots drive home an emotional concept.Continue reading Over-the-Shoulder Shot: Examples of Camera Movements & Angles
Movies and television are incredible because they can transport us into a world of wonderment. Today we’re going to go over the Kuleshov Effect and how the greatest director of all time, Steven Spielberg, put his own twist on the editing technique for his personal stamp.Continue reading The Kuleshov Effect Explained (and How Spielberg Subverts it)
There are multiple ways audiences can learn about who a character is. How they talk, how they dress, how they move, and how they interact with other characters all reflect a character’s personality. To capture a character as a whole, filmmakers often use the full shot. In this article, we’ll answer, "What is a full shot" along with the various reasons to use a full shot in film. We’ll also take a look at some iconic full shots from some of cinema’s best films of all time. Let’s dive in. Continue reading What is a Full Shot in Film? Types of…
