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

How to Make Your First Feature Film — Tips for First Time Directors

Making a feature-length movie is no easy feat, but with the right preparation and dedication, anyone can do it. Learning how to direct a movie can be an intimidating process, so this blog post will give you the tips and tricks you need to produce a professional quality project. Discover what resources are available to… Continue reading How to Make Your First Feature Film — Tips for First Time Directors

What is Pop Art — Definition, History, Characteristics & Artists

Index & TimelineOpen menu Art Styles Explained Art History Timeline Renaissance (1400-1600)Open menu Renaissance Gothic Art Baroque (1600-1750)Open menu Rococo Baroque Classical (1750-1827)Open menu Classicism Neoclassicism Ukiyo-e Naturalism vs Realism Romantic (1827-1900)Open menu Romanticism Art Nouveau Kinetic Art Post Impressionism Primitivism Modern (1900-1970)Open menu Abstract Expressionism Avant Garde Bauhaus Conceptual Art Constructivism Art Cubism Dadaism… Continue reading What is Pop Art — Definition, History, Characteristics & Artists

What is Homage — Definition & Examples in Art and Film

Art is inherently referential; everyone is influenced by something that came before. Great (and not-so-great) artists all get inspiration from somewhere and will sometimes show it in their works. If an artist makes a reference to something in their own work, that is often seen as an homage. But what is homage? Is it anything… Continue reading What is Homage — Definition & Examples in Art and Film

What is Suspension of Disbelief — How It Works in Storytelling

Suspension of disbelief gives artists the liberty to create worlds in a realm separate from reality. But what is suspension of disbelief? Where did suspension of disbelief originate? And why is suspension of disbelief important to artists and connoisseurs of art? We’re going to answer those questions by defining suspension of disbelief and by looking… Continue reading What is Suspension of Disbelief — How It Works in Storytelling

What is Film Production — Stages of Filmmaking Explained

Stages of Film Production Film Financing Film Production Pre-Production Post-Production Film Distribution Film Marketing The filmmaking process can be broken up into a series of stages. Perhaps the most demanding of these stages is production. The production stage is not for the faint of heart, and it can make or break a movie. But what… Continue reading What is Film Production — Stages of Filmmaking Explained

What is a Cult Classic — The Allure of Fringe Films

Cinematography Terms Screenwriting Terms Film Terms Film Crew Positions In cinema, there exists a niche that often goes unnoticed by the mainstream yet holds a magnetic allure for those who discover it: the realm of cult classics. These films may not have garnered immediate acclaim or box office success, but over time, they’ve managed to… Continue reading What is a Cult Classic — The Allure of Fringe Films

Best Movies Like Die Hard — 12 Action Classics Just as Fun to Watch

Die Hard is a classic action (Christmas?) movie for a good reason. It’s gritty, it’s full of badassery, and it’s simply a blast to watch. And while Die Hard is definitely a great movie, plenty of other films accomplish the high-octane fun, action, and story of the film. Here is our list of the best… Continue reading Best Movies Like Die Hard — 12 Action Classics Just as Fun to Watch

Making of Avatar & Avatar 2: Behind-the-Scenes of James Cameron’s Epic

James Cameron’s Avatar was successful by almost any metric. It became the highest-grossing movie of all time, received rave reviews, and was nominated for a whopping nine Academy Awards. As many have noted, while Avatar’s story is compelling, it is its groundbreaking visuals that set it apart from other blockbusters. So how did James Cameron… Continue reading Making of Avatar & Avatar 2: Behind-the-Scenes of James Cameron’s Epic

Art History Timeline — A Guide to Western Art Movements

Index & TimelineOpen menu Art Styles Explained Art History Timeline Renaissance (1400-1600)Open menu Renaissance Gothic Art Baroque (1600-1750)Open menu Rococo Baroque Classical (1750-1827)Open menu Classicism Neoclassicism Ukiyo-e Naturalism vs Realism Romantic (1827-1900)Open menu Romanticism Art Nouveau Kinetic Art Post Impressionism Primitivism Modern (1900-1970)Open menu Abstract Expressionism Avant Garde Bauhaus Conceptual Art Constructivism Art Cubism Dadaism… Continue reading Art History Timeline — A Guide to Western Art Movements

Top Gun Maverick Behind the Scenes — How They Shot It

At this time, the theatrical experience is fighting to stay relevant among streaming giants. Top Gun: Maverick made an undeniable case for getting back into theaters. The film was praised by the likes of Quentin Tarantino. It received a five-minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival. So, what went into creating a film that sparked… Continue reading Top Gun Maverick Behind the Scenes — How They Shot It

Storyboard Ideas, Examples, and Techniques Explained

Storyboard EssentialsOpen menu What is a Storyboard Best Storyboard Software What is a Storyboard Artist Websites to Find a Storyboard Artist Storyboard Classes Online What is a Digital Storyboard Introducing Storyboard Builder Ultimate Guide to Storyboard Rules Storyboard Dimensions What is an Animatic What is an Animation Storyboard Storyboard Montage Ultimate Guide to Storyboard Composition… Continue reading Storyboard Ideas, Examples, and Techniques Explained

What is a Mockumentary — Definition, Examples & History

Oh, mockumentaries how I love thee. Mockumentaries – or simply mock documentaries – have entertained and inspired the world for decades. But what is a mockumentary? We’re going to break down the history of this subgenre, including the first mockumentary, by looking at iconic examples from Woody Allen, Christopher Guest, and more. By the end,… Continue reading What is a Mockumentary — Definition, Examples & History