The Art Department in Film — Guide to Positions, Duties, Salary

Film is a uniquely visual storytelling medium. Everything you see within the frames of a shot is carefully thought out by someone behind the scenes. More often than not, these details in the frame come from the art department. An art department is responsible for the larger creation of a film set as well as the small details that are placed within that set.  This may sound like a lot to do for one department. But the art department delegates responsibilities to various roles. In this article, we’ll be discussing what these roles are and how each is an integral…

Best 90s Movies of All Time — An Awesome 90s Movies List

90s movies may forever be my favorite movies. For whatever reason, whether comedy, drama, or horror, I feel this overwhelming sense of peace when one of my favorite 90s films is on. Is it just nostalgia or do they actually hold up? I suppose that’s always debatable. But there is a thin line between what is considered one of the “best” movies, and those movies that become so iconic, they define a decade. Some fans praise films for the technical and creative masterpieces that they are, while others love the movies they love because they have impacted them in some…

WGA Residuals Explained — How Union Screenwriters Get Paid

It’s a common misconception that only actors get residuals. Artists and artisans behind the camera, including writers, also qualify for this unique type of compensation in the entertainment industry. We’re going to break down what residuals are, how writers receive them, and why they matter. As confusing and convoluted as residuals may seem, a basic understanding of them will help you be a smarter and savvier writer and professional.  Continue reading WGA Residuals Explained — How Union Screenwriters Get Paid

Best Movie Sequels of All Time, Ranked for Filmmakers

Audiences and filmmakers alike love sequels. And we all love to rank  and debate which are the “greatest.”  But deciding which films belong on a “best movie sequels of all time” list can feel overwhelming. How does one choose from every film ever made? And how to rank one above the other? While such a list is by definition subjective, it doesn’t have to be arbitrary. One way of more rigorously determining if a movie is the best in a certain category is by ranking it according to aggregated scores across categories. To determine the best sequels of all time…

Best New Movies on Netflix, Filmmaker Playlist (September 2020)

Every month, dozens of movies arrive on Netflix, but it can be a hassle keeping track of all the great content that comes and goes. Don’t fret though, we’re going to break down the best new movies on Netflix each month to help you decide on what to watch. These are the best of what’s coming to Netflix in June, 2020.Continue reading Best New Movies on Netflix, Filmmaker Playlist (September 2020)

Best New Movies on Netflix, Filmmaker Playlist (August 2020)

Every month, dozens of movies arrive on Netflix, but it can be a hassle keeping track of all the great content that comes and goes. Don’t fret though, we’re going to break down the best new movies on Netflix each month to help you decide on what to watch. These are the best of what’s coming to Netflix in June, 2020. Continue reading Best New Movies on Netflix, Filmmaker Playlist (August 2020)

What is 2:1 Aspect Ratio (Univisium) & Why Are Directors Switching Over?

When making a movie, it can be a struggle to decide between the two most common widescreen aspect ratios: 1.85:1 and 2.35:1. For anyone who has ever felt this struggle, there is an ideal middle ground. We’re talking about the 2:1 aspect ratio which has seen a resurgence in the last decade. In this article, we’ll go over the 2:1 aspect ratio, where it came from, and how it’s been used in movies and TV so that you too can take advantage of this unique frame.Disclaimer: Since 2.35 is often used interchangeably with 2.39 and 2.4, we will do the same…

Best New Movies on Netflix, Ranked for Filmmakers (June 2020)

Every month, dozens of movies arrive on Netflix, but it can be a hassle keeping track of all the great content that comes and goes. Don’t fret though, we’re going to break down the best new movies on Netflix each month to help you decide on what to watch. These are the best of what’s coming to Netflix in June, 2020.Continue reading Best New Movies on Netflix, Ranked for Filmmakers (June 2020)

The Spielberg Oner — How to Direct a Long Take Like Steven Spielberg

Jurassic Park is one of the few movies that have set the standard among audiences’ expectations for modern blockbusters. With more recent installments such as Jurassic World and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom falling short of many viewers' expectations, what exactly made the original so amazing? The answer is largely due to the Jurassic Park cinematography and the direction of Steven Spielberg.Although the production design, visual effects, and performances all contributed to its success, the innovative techniques used to tell the story set Jurassic Park apart from its sequels. So how did Steven Spielberg use his camera to a larger than…