Like anyone who has spent two hours waiting at the DMV can attest, emotional states are affected by the perception of time. In filmmaking terms, we want to take a moment to discuss one of the most commonly used time manipulation techniques — slow motion — and how it can be used to add deeper, emotional intensity to a scene or sequence.Continue reading How to Use Slow Motion to Create Iconic Moments
Atmosphere, while often overlooked, is an essential element in literature that deeply shapes readers' experiences. It's the emotional climate or mood a writer creates within their work — the unseen thread that binds the narrative together. But what is atmosphere in literature, exactly, and why is it so critical?Continue reading What is Atmosphere in Literature — The Silent Storyteller
 What is screen direction in film? Why is it important? And how can it be used creatively? We’ll be answering all of these questions and providing you with everything you need to know about screen direction. We’ll get started with a comprehensive definition, then drill down deeper into the various techniques and applications associated with screen direction for film. Continue reading What is Screen Direction in Film — How to Preserve Continuity
 Found footage, a unique and immersive cinema style, has become an increasingly popular genre in the film industry. This style of filmmaking presents a distinctive viewing experience by giving the illusion that the events on screen are not a work of fiction, but rather a real event that was accidentally captured. In this article, we will explore the history and evolution of found footage, its defining characteristics, and some noteworthy films in the genre. Continue reading What is Found Footage Filmmaking — Genre & Style Explained
 In the glamorous world of movie-making, countless individuals work behind the scenes to ensure that every scene is shot perfectly. One such crucial role is that of a stand-in. But what is a stand-in actor in film production? Is it an understudy? Are they like body doubles or perhaps a stunt double? Read on for a full explanation of these unsung members of the crew. Continue reading What is a Stand-In Actor — Job Description Explained
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is one of the best Christmas movies of all-time. It may be a bit raunchier than most of its contemporaries, but at its core, the film is about the power of family – and it boasts a serious wholesome message. We’re going to break down the Christmas Vacation movie script by looking at its characters, quotes and ludicrous ending. Buckle your seatbelts, we’re heading straight for the Griswolds!Continue reading National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Script: Quotes & Characters
Every year, A Christmas Story plays on December 25th for 24 hours straight. Why? Tradition only goes so far. A timeless, high-quality story is what really makes a movie stand out. In this breakdown, we will analyze A Christmas Story script so we can better understand why this particular film has lasted for so many years. Hopefully, we won’t shoot our eyes out along the way.Continue reading A Christmas Story Script PDF Download: Quotes & Characters
Nothing says the holidays like Rankin Bass Christmas claymation movies. Whether you’re in your fifties or early twenties, you probably remember those Christmas movies that infiltrated your living room right around December 1st. Producer, writer, and director(s), Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass, have imprinted their style and Christmas cheer on several generations. But just out of curiosity...does anyone actually remember how weird these movies were? It’s a list all of the Rankin Bass Christmas claymation movies ever made!Continue reading The Definitive List of Rankin Bass Christmas Claymation Movies
You’ve unwrapped your gifts, gorged yourself on a massive breakfast, and curled up next to a roaring fire. It’s Christmas, and it’s time to throw on the perfect movie. Sometimes, however, the obvious Christmas classics feel a little too obvious. We’re here to help with a list of Christmas movies that aren’t really Christmas movies. These are the movies, for some reason, we keep coming back to for the holiday season.Continue reading 12 Best Christmas Movies That Aren’t Christmas Movies
For most of us in the Western world, Christmas music is inescapable for the month of December. It is a fact of life, just as the sun rises in the east. As such, Christmas songs make a boatload of money. Never a town to miss an opportunity for a quick buck, Hollywood has built plenty of Christmas jingles into their Yuletide films. These songs can create some unforgettable moments in films, and can often stand up just as well outside the movie. Here are some of the best Christmas movie songs!Continue reading Best Christmas Movie Songs — 10 Perfect Holiday…