The humble film slate, scuffed and scratched and tossed casually aside between setups, is actually a very important piece of equipment that no film set should ever be without. In this post, we’re going to give you an insider’s tour of the slate, officially known as a clapperboard. We’ll show you how to use a film slate on set, including how to mark the slate properly. We’ll also advise you on how to slate correctly for the camera so you’ll know what you’re doing right from the first take. Continue reading The Clapperboard Explained — How to Use a Film…
When we think of movies, we usually think of the actors, plot, and cinematography – but what about the music? The soundtrack and score can be just as important as any other aspect of a film. Enter the film composer. What does a composer do, and why are they important in filmmaking? In this blog post, we will be delving into the critical role of a film composer in movie production – from their job duties to how to become a film composer to finding film composer jobs online.Continue reading What is a Film Composer — Job Description Explained
Everybody loves a good action movie, and there are very few good action movies without good stunts. Stunts are the backbone of action movies and have been an element of filmmaking from the very beginning. Tons of work goes into creating mind-blowing stunts, and a lot of that work falls on the shoulders of the Stunt Coordinator. So, let's dive in: what is a Stunt Coordinator, and what are the ins and outs of their profession?Continue reading What is a Stunt Coordinator in Film — Job Description Explained
You may have watched a film’s end credits and thought to yourself, “What is an art director in film?” After all, numerous industries, such as fashion, publishing, and advertising, have art directors. But what does that title mean in the film world? We have all the answers you need to understand this position inside and out. And after reading this, you may have a new film job you want to pursue. Continue reading What is an Art Director in Film — Job Description Explained
If you are at all interested in the behind-the-scenes side of filmmaking, then you may have heard the terms “above the line” and “below the line” thrown around in interviews, articles, or BTS footage. In this article, we’ll be discussing above and below the line in film and breaking down exactly what above the line credits are, where the term “above the line budget” comes from, and we’ll be listing all of the above the line positions.Continue reading Above the Line Film Positions & How They Work in a Budget
Cinematographers obviously play a vital role in making a film, but what decisions do they make on a daily basis? The cinematographer's primary goal is to capture the director's vision. Using lighting, camera, and composition techniques, a DP translates that vision into images. This post goes over the common considerations with explanations from working professionals. Let’s jump in so we can answer that age-old question: what does a cinematographer do?Continue reading What Does a Cinematographer Do? DP Wally Pfister Explains
If you've ever heard the terms ‘second unit’ or ‘second unit director’ thrown around without knowing what they mean, then you have come to the right place. We will be breaking down what a second unit is, what it is used for, and what exactly the role of a second unit director entails. We'll also conclude with some tips on how you could become a second unit director. Let’s get to it.Continue reading What is a Second Unit Director & What Does a Second Unit Do?
There are many components that occur behind the scenes of a film that audiences don’t even realize occurs. Sometimes it’s lighting just off frame creating the glow of a fire. Sometimes it’s a giant water rig to create rain. And more often than not, audience’s have no idea that the actor doing that crazy stunt is not the actor at all, but rather a body double. While most of us are aware of the job of a stunt double, there is only one kind of body double that could be on set. Why else would a body double be used? What…
Anytime you see an actor handle or interact with an object in a film, that object was carefully picked out and acquired by a single person — the prop master. Films can have an incredible amount of props and each one is important in its own way. Behind it all is a prop master. What is a prop master and why are they important to a production? In this article, we’ll cover how prop masters approach a script, how they acquire props, and the other responsibilities they have on and off set.Continue reading What is a Prop Master — Job…
Without editors, films would never be made. They are one of the most integral roles of a film’s creation. Like cinematographers, editors are part technicians and part creatives which broadens their responsibilities. What does a film editor do in a film’s production? In this article, we’ll take a look at the role and responsibilities of an editor and what it takes to become one. Continue reading What Does a Film Editor Do — Role and Responsibilities
