What does tank-warfare and the aspect ratio of movies have in common? Anamorphic lenses! These technological marvels are legendary in the world of cinematography. Over the past 100 years, Hollywood has constantly experimented with various innovations, seeking not just to push creativity but to increase profit. A brief journey through history will help us appreciate the anamorphic format and its unlikely invention and popularity. And if you're a filmmaker looking to get that "anamorphic lens look," we'll go over all the visual characteristics that will get the job done. Continue reading What is an Anamorphic Lens? How to Get that Cinematic…
Writing dual protagonists is generally frowned upon, unless you’re one of the select few who can break the rules, like Quentin Tarantino (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood) or the late William Goldman (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid). Critics argue that writers, especially amateur ones, can get lost in the logistics attempting to craft two protagonists. Others suggest that writers attempt to erect dual protagonists to distract from weak, unformed solitary ones. Let’s face it. Crafting a single endearing protagonist poses enough challenges as it is. Why throw in two? But so many of our favorite films (When Harry Met Sally, La…
Crafting a well-formatted screenplay has strict rules that every student of screenwriting must learn.From Robert McKee to Save the Cat!, writers have many resources for making script formats more dynamic and marketable, except when it comes to the modern Hollywood musicals. There's a lot of mystery around the dos and donts of writing a musical screenplay. Continue reading La La Land Script Analysis & Free Script Download: How to Write Musicals
You’ve heard of a protagonist and an antagonist. And now you can really knock the socks off your screenwriting buddies by discussing how your script’s deuteragonist impacts the plot. But what is a deuteragonist and how can you make sure yours serves a vital function in your story. You’re the hero of your filmmaking journey while StudioBinder is the sidekick, so let’s dive into this archetype. Continue reading What is a Deuteragonist — Definition & Examples
What is an epilogue? It’s a term that we hear often but we don’t see it in every story. So why are epilogues so commonly talked about to when they aren’t always used? We’re going to get to the bottom of that question with examples from Harry Potter, Star Wars, and more. By the end, you’ll know how to implement them in your own stories. But before we get into the best and most creative examples in literature and film, let’s define epilogue.Continue reading What is an Epilogue — Definition & Examples
Shot SizeShot FramingCamera AnglesCamera FocusCamera GearCamera MovementCamera Lenses As cameras have evolved, filmmakers have developed a vast array of camera movements and camera angles to enhance storytelling. Mastering these camera techniques is essential for cinematographers and directors, helping them guide the audience's perspective and emotions effectively.Camera movement transforms static scenes into dynamic storytelling. This video breaks down key techniques—like push-ins, tracking shots, and whip pans—showing how they shape perspective and build tension. Watch to see how intentional movement elevates every shot:Continue reading Types of Camera Movements in Film Explained: Definitive Guide
There’s more than one occasion to break out the pint of ice cream and dive into the genre of romance. Whether you are going through a breakup, looking for a romantic watch with your significant other, or searching for a rom-com to watch with roommates on movie night, finding a great romantic film can be difficult. So, we’ve compiled a list of the best romantic movies of all time that have touched audiences' hearts for years. From the hilarious to the dramatic, this list will be sure to give you a few options to cry, laugh, or smile in the…
People have been using “allusions” for thousands of years – but what is an allusion? Today, we’re going to outline an allusion definition, alongside some examples. By the end, you’ll know the purpose of allusion, as well as how to use it in writing and everyday conversation. Are you ready to open pandora’s box and get to the bottom of allusion? (that’s an allusion)!Continue reading What is an Allusion? Definition and Examples
Denouement is one of the most important aspects of a script, yet it can easily be confused with other story beats like climaxes or epilogues. So what is denouement? In this article, we’re going to define denouement in a clear and simple way, then look at some key examples that show us how masterclass filmmakers use it to expert effect. We’ll cover the various types of denouement (explicit vs. implicit) with some stellar examples. But before all that, let’s start with a quick denouement definition so we can begin to understand the foundation of this highly important storytelling element.Continue reading…
It’s easy to mix up the different types of camera shots and types of angles. To make a shot list, a filmmaker or video creative must know the classic types of shots based on attributes like shot size, shot framing, camera movement, camera mechanisms, and depth of field. We'll break down all the camera shots, camera angles, and camera techniques that you need to know for your next film or music video. We also include camera shot examples from famous movies to help solidify all the discussed cinematography techniques.Continue reading 50+ Types of Camera Shots, Angles, and Techniques
