There’s no doubt about it: Stanley Kubrick is one of the greatest filmmaking pioneers of all time. Stanley Kubrick was, in many ways, a perfectionist. As such, his filmography isn’t as expansive as those of his contemporaries. But for what Kubrick lacked in quantity he made up for in quality: Each film he directed was a product of detailed planning and masterful execution. Here, we’re going to rank the best Stanley Kubrick films based on these four criteria: acting, filmmaking, and story.Continue reading Best Stanley Kubrick Movies — 13 Masterpieces Ranked (and Video Essay)
The saying goes, “If you’re going to steal, steal from the best.” So, is Stanley Kubrick the best? For many filmmakers, the immediate answer is yes. The harder question is “why?” Like a great magician, we appreciate the end result without knowing how it was done. There is certainly a lot of “process” in his work. Kubrick doesn’t just conjure greatness out of the ether. The preparation, the details, the ability to take as much time on a project as he wanted. These elements can be seen, heard, and felt on the screen. Here we present the Stanley Kubrick directing…
Watching a scene is easy, but blocking and staging a scene effectively is a complex dance between actors and your camera. When deciding where to position your actors and your camera, you're essentially solving a puzzle — a puzzle with more than one solution.So, how is it done?In this post, we’re going to show you how three of the great directors in filmmaking history stage and block their scenes in a way that is profound, interesting, and ultimately cinematic. Lezgo.Continue reading Blocking and Staging a Scene like Spielberg, Kubrick, and Inarritu
Mise en scene plays a huge role in communicating the tone of a story -- but what is mise en scene? In classical terms, mise en scene is the arrangement of scenery and stage properties in a play or film. Today, mise en scene is regarded as all of the elements that go into any single shot of a production. Four of the most important aspects of mise en scene are: sets, props, costume/hair/makeup, and lighting. We’re going to show you how master filmmakers apply color to these four aspects of mise en scene with examples from films by Stanley…
Welcome to StudioBinder's screenplay library, your ultimate destination for spine-chilling and blood-curdling free horror scripts. Brace yourself for a journey into the dark realms of fear and terror as we present a handpicked selection of the most bone-chilling and haunting stories ever written. Dive into the depths of horror, where suspense lurks around every corner and nightmares come to life. With feature-length screenplays and insightful breakdowns, this collection will send shivers down your spine. Enjoy!Continue reading Best Free Horror Movie Scripts Online (with PDF Downloads)
There wouldn’t be film without film lighting. Lighting is as crucial to cinematic storytelling as a script and a subject, and filmmakers have experimented with different lumination techniques for as long as the medium has existed. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about lighting for film, from terminology to techniques. Ready to dive into over a hundred years worth of lighting knowledge?Continue reading Film Lighting — The Ultimate Guide (w/ Video & Cheatsheet)
A color scheme is an important part of any creative project, from graphic design to fashion. Not only does it add visual interest, but it also helps to communicate a message and create the desired mood or atmosphere. Understanding how to select the right colors for your project will make all the difference in ensuring its success. What is a color scheme and why are the useful? In this article, we'll explore what color schemes are and their benefits, as well as discuss different types of color schemes and how to choose the best one for your project.Continue reading What…
Screenplay transitions in cinema have been used ever since filmmakers had the ability to edit. At first, what was a simple cue to an editor of when to cut to another shot or scene has become another tool for a filmmaker to creatively tell a story. Fades, wipes, and match cuts are a few examples of how the transition has evolved to more creative uses. It is important for any screenwriter to understand the format and use of transitions in a screenplay to make them a more well-rounded writer. Let’s dive into how to write transitions in a script and…
You’re looking for a list of the different types of camera shots and shot sizes in film, TV, or animation, but you also want great examples that come with clear explanations of when and why to use a specific shot size. We’ll provide you with a downloadable shot list example with all the different types of camera shot sizes in film. Lezgo.Continue reading Guide to Camera Shots: Every Shot Size Explained
Making a short film can seem like an indomitable task. Most writers and directors struggle to get their productions off the ground, often because they lack the resources to get started. No need to worry though, we’re going to show you step-by-step how to make a short film with video guides and all the software you’ll need. Make sure to reference this guide as you’re going through your production to check off all of the steps.Continue reading How to Make a Short Film — 12 Steps from Idea to Finished Film