In a story, context can change how we perceive and experience a narrative. Sometimes, writers use a larger story as the context for another. This technique is known as a frame story. Frame stories add depth to a narrative, creating an initial lens through which we view the rest of the story. This lens can be retrospective, subjective to a character, or it can simply establish the degree 0f accuracy of another story being told. The various ways frame stories can be used prove their value as a storytelling technique.Continue reading What is a Frame Narrative — Stories Inside Stories
Animation takes patience, attention to detail, boundless creativity, and more patience. The beauty of the artform is that, if you are willing to put the work in, there is no image you can’t create, no world you can’t immerse your viewer into. And yet, despite its endless possibilities, most narrative animators follow a certain set of rules. These rules are known as the 12 principles of animation.Continue reading What are the 12 Principles of Animation — Ultimate Guide
How would it feel to watch your perfect scene play out on the big screen? You’re one step closer, because you’re about to learn one of the most important methods to help your scene achieve a big, cinematic look. The complex master shot.By following five key steps, you’ll gain more control over the viewer’s attention, because understanding how to stage, schedule, and capture a complex master shot will transform your film into a tour de force.Continue reading The Master Shot — 5 Steps to Shooting a Complex Master
Looking for funding for your film is often harder than making the actual movie. Waiting on your agent, producers, or anyone else to show up and give you the funds you need can leave you demoralized. But, finding film funds doesn’t have to be impossible! Because there are film grants for every filmmaker. Not only are they attainable, but you don’t have to exhaust yourself looking for them. Today, we’re discussing finding and applying for the perfect film grants for your project, and we've included the most exhaustive film grants list, just for you. Let's dive in!Continue reading The Ultimate…
Humans are multitaskers. We can listen to the news while doing dishes; we can pat our heads and rub our stomachs; and we can walk and talk. Humans in movies and TV especially love to do the last option. The walk and talk is a strategy used by directors in countless shows and films. Let’s look at how the walk and talk works, where it shows up, and why you may want to use it.Continue reading The Walk and Talk in Film & TV — Writing & Shooting Tips
Creating a film is an exciting endeavor, but along the way it’s inevitable to hit logistical aspects that can discourage your ambitions. Film permits, for any filmmaker, can inevitably be one of these obstacles. Can I shoot here? What do I need to do to shoot here? Will I get in trouble? These are all fair worries in the world of filmmaking. Let’s look at the solution to these worries — learning how to get a film permit. Continue reading How to Get a Film Permit — A Step-by-Step Breakdown
When you're watching a scene in a film or on television, the details within a set are usually meticulously planned and executed. There's someone whose job is to make sure each scene looks the way it's supposed to, and that person is known as the Leadman.Continue reading What Does a Leadman Do in Film — Job Description Explained
You've probably heard the term "Unit Production Manager" tossed around in film circles, a title that somehow feels both vague and important. But what exactly does a Unit Production Manager do? Why are they crucial to a film set? And how does one become a UPM? In this article, we'll dive into these questions and more, demystifying the role of the UPM and providing a clear roadmap for those aspiring to this position.Continue reading What is a Unit Production Manager? Role Explained
In the world of filmmaking, there are a variety of creative techniques that can enhance the storytelling and visual experience for viewers. One such technique is bullet time, which has become increasingly popular over the years. The technique makes time itself feel paused, allowing us, the viewers, to examine each detail in a scene that would otherwise have been lost in the blink of an eye. It is a fascinating blend of technology and artistry. But what is bullet time, exactly, and how does it work? Continue reading What is Bullet Time in Film — The Art of Extreme Slow-Mo
In the realm of storytelling, characters are the heart and soul of any narrative. They guide us through the plot, connect us to the story's world, and evoke our emotions. But what makes a character truly captivating and relatable? One of the key elements is their flaws. Continue reading What is a Character Flaw — And Why Writers Love Them
