The Making of The Last of Us — Writing, Visuals & FX Explained

The Last of Us is one of HBO’s most recent blockbuster television shows. Looking at a history of video game adaptations, the cards were stacked against the series, but it avoided all the pitfalls of previous takes on video games to become a resounding success. The secrets to the show’s quality can be found in… Continue reading The Making of The Last of Us — Writing, Visuals & FX Explained

Film Lighting — The Ultimate Guide for Filmmakers

Film Lighting: The Ultimate Guide (FREE Ebook)A foundational guide for photographers and cinematographers aspiring to master the art of cinematic lighting.We’ll cover the attributes of light, the equipment involved and tips on shooting in various lighting scenarios.  Download Now Types of Film Lighting ExplainedAchieving cinematic lighting starts with knowing “the rules”Great lighting is what separates… Continue reading Film Lighting — The Ultimate Guide for Filmmakers

Terminator 2 Nuke Scene Breakdown — How They Destroyed LA

Terminator 2: Judgement Day has a plethora of memorable scenes, from Sarah Connor’s hospital escape to the fiery climax at the steel mill. Perhaps one of the most stunning sequences, however, is Sarah Connor’s nuclear apocalypse nightmare. The dream was vividly realized by James Cameron and his team, and at the time was one of… Continue reading Terminator 2 Nuke Scene Breakdown — How They Destroyed LA

Star Wars Special Effects — How Lucas & ILM Changed the Game

It’s hard to overstate the importance of Star Wars. George Lucas’s crowning achievement marked the twilight of New Hollywood and the dawn of the blockbuster era of the 1980s. Any big-budget science fiction release since has operated under the shadow of Star Wars’ towering influence. There were many reasons for the success of Star Wars,… Continue reading Star Wars Special Effects — How Lucas & ILM Changed the Game

Darius Khondji Cinematography — Style & Techniques Explained

Cinematography BreakdownsOpen menu Stranger Things Cinematography Better Call Saul Cinematography Euphoria Cinematography Analysis Drive Cinematography Breakdown Blade Runner 2049 Cinematography Sicario Cinematography Cinematographer StylesOpen menu Roger Deakins Style Hoyte van Hoytema Style Linus Sandgren Style Rodrigo Prieto Style Robert Yeoman Style Darius Khondji Style E-BooksOpen menu FREE Ebook: Camera Lenses Explained FREE E-Book: Exposure The… Continue reading Darius Khondji Cinematography — Style & Techniques Explained

What is Ambient Light — Lighting Techniques Explained

If you’re a photographer or cinematographer, chances are you’ve used ambient light, whether you’ve known it or not. This type of light is everywhere, and can make or break your image — sometimes it helps, sometimes it’s unwanted. So, what is ambient light? In this article, we’ll walk through what ambient illumination is, and how… Continue reading What is Ambient Light — Lighting Techniques Explained

What are Gels in Lighting — Photography & Cinematography

BasicsOpen menu Basics of Film Lighting What Does a Cinematographer Do What is Cinematography What is Digital Cinematography Cinematography Terms What is Motion Blur Lighting EssentialsOpen menu 3-Point Lighting What is Key Light What is Fill Light What is Backlight What is Practical Lighting When is Golden Hour E-BooksOpen menu FREE Ebook: Camera Lenses Explained… Continue reading What are Gels in Lighting — Photography & Cinematography

Hoyte van Hoytema Movies & Cinematography Style Explained

Cinematography BreakdownsOpen menu Stranger Things Cinematography Better Call Saul Cinematography Euphoria Cinematography Analysis Drive Cinematography Breakdown Blade Runner 2049 Cinematography Sicario Cinematography Cinematographer StylesOpen menu Roger Deakins Style Hoyte van Hoytema Style Linus Sandgren Style Rodrigo Prieto Style Robert Yeoman Style Darius Khondji Style E-BooksOpen menu FREE Ebook: Camera Lenses Explained FREE E-Book: Exposure The… Continue reading Hoyte van Hoytema Movies & Cinematography Style Explained

What is Digital Cinematography — The Pros & Cons of Digital

BasicsOpen menu What Does a Cinematographer Do What is Cinematography What is Digital Cinematography Cinematography Terms What is Motion Blur ResourcesOpen menu Essential Cinematography Books Top 100 Cinematography Films Videography Contract Template Best Cinematography Schools How to Join the Cinematographer’s Guild Best Cinematography Online Courses E-BooksOpen menu FREE E-Book: Camera Lenses Explained FREE E-Book: Exposure… Continue reading What is Digital Cinematography — The Pros & Cons of Digital

What is Diffused Light — Types of Lighting in Photo & Film

Understanding the different qualities of light is important for any filmmaker to know. Each quality can enhance a story by providing a visual element that matches the style and tone of a film. One of the most fundamental qualities of light to understand is diffused light. But what is diffused light? From interviews to commercial… Continue reading What is Diffused Light — Types of Lighting in Photo & Film

What is Chromatic Aberration — Types and Examples Explained

Have you ever snapped a photo, been incredibly happy with the composition of it, the lighting! But suddenly you become overrun with dread to see red and blue color fringing around your subject? This, my friend, is chromatic aberration. In this article, we’ll take a look at the chromatic aberration definition as well as what… Continue reading What is Chromatic Aberration — Types and Examples Explained

Better Call Saul Cinematography — How Visuals Elevate Story

Cinematography BreakdownsOpen menu Stranger Things Cinematography Better Call Saul Cinematography Euphoria Cinematography Analysis Drive Cinematography Breakdown Blade Runner 2049 Cinematography Sicario Cinematography Cinematographer StylesOpen menu Roger Deakins Style Hoyte van Hoytema Style Linus Sandgren Style Rodrigo Prieto Style Robert Yeoman Style Darius Khondji Style E-BooksOpen menu FREE Ebook: Camera Lenses Explained FREE E-Book: Exposure The… Continue reading Better Call Saul Cinematography — How Visuals Elevate Story

Stranger Things Cinematography Explained — Camera, Lighting & Lenses

Cinematography BreakdownsOpen menu Stranger Things Cinematography Better Call Saul Cinematography Euphoria Cinematography Analysis Drive Cinematography Breakdown Blade Runner 2049 Cinematography Sicario Cinematography Cinematographer StylesOpen menu Roger Deakins Style Hoyte van Hoytema Style Linus Sandgren Style Rodrigo Prieto Style Robert Yeoman Style Darius Khondji Style E-BooksOpen menu FREE Ebook: Camera Lenses Explained FREE E-Book: Exposure The… Continue reading Stranger Things Cinematography Explained — Camera, Lighting & Lenses

What is Photorealism — The Art of the Real Explained

Index & TimelineOpen menu Art Styles Explained Art History Timeline Renaissance & Classical (1400-1600)Open menu Renaissance Gothic Art Rococo Baroque Classicism Neoclassicism Romanticism & Contemporary (1827-20XX)Open menu Avant Garde Post Impressionism Romanticism Expressionism Contemporary Art Modern Art What is Photorealism as an art style? The name might sound self-explanatory, but the truth is a bit… Continue reading What is Photorealism — The Art of the Real Explained

Euphoria Cinematography Analysis — Lighting, Movement, and Oners

Cinematography BreakdownsOpen menu Stranger Things Cinematography Better Call Saul Cinematography Euphoria Cinematography Analysis Drive Cinematography Breakdown Blade Runner 2049 Cinematography Sicario Cinematography Cinematographer StylesOpen menu Roger Deakins Style Hoyte van Hoytema Style Linus Sandgren Style Rodrigo Prieto Style Robert Yeoman Style Darius Khondji Style E-BooksOpen menu FREE Ebook: Camera Lenses Explained FREE E-Book: Exposure The… Continue reading Euphoria Cinematography Analysis — Lighting, Movement, and Oners

What is a Special Effects Supervisor — Job Description & Role Explained

Think of some of your favorite films or television series of all time. Whether they are rooted in fantasy or made to be naturalistic, odds are they required some special effects. To bring those effects to life, a Special Effects Supervisor got the job done. And in this article, we’ll dive into the role and… Continue reading What is a Special Effects Supervisor — Job Description & Role Explained