Here at StudioBinder, we’ve written extensively about auteurs in the field of film. We’ve discussed artists like Martin Scorsese, Christopher Nolan, and David Fincher at length. And then, there’s Michael Bay. Love him or hate him, his films have influenced the filmmaking world. His 360 shot and his unique editing strategies have impacted filmmakers young and old alike. For this list, we’re counting down the best Michael Bay films of all time, and yes, there are some pretty good ones. Let’s dive into it. Continue reading Michael Bay’s Best Movies, Ranked from Worst to Best
Woody Allen is a writer and director who bares his emotions and neuroses on screen. It’s for this very reason that so many of his films feel so personal.Yet, as an audience, it feels harder than ever to make sense of the complicated nature that is Allen’s catalog of work, especially in light of allegations of sexual assault that have been made against him.But still, it’s undeniable that Allen is not only one of the most prolific filmmakers in the history of cinema, but also one of the best.In this article, we’re going to judge Allen’s work by four movie…
You’re looking for a movie genre list, maybe for inspiration, but every list you find has too broad or hyper-specific categories that it becomes overwhelming. We’ve created the perfect movie and TV genre list that will explain the various categories of film and television with their specific subgenres, and we’ll also include helpful examples for each along the way.Continue reading Ultimate Guide to Movie Genres — 90+ Genre Examples for Film & TV
Martin Scorsese is the true king of cinema. While most filmmakers are lucky to have just one film that stands the test of time, Scorsese has had hit after hit across five decades. Saying “the best Martin Scorsese films” is like saying “the best chili cheese fries” because even when they’re not the greatest, they’re still pretty darn good. All Martin Scorsese movies have been accumulated here and ranked. While there are several that could easily take the top spot, there can only be one winner. Join us now for StudioBinder’s ranking of the best Scorsese movies ever.NOTE: For this…
Music plays an integral role in how a movie communicates tone. When thinking about a movie, we often recall back to a moment when the soundtrack swelled at the perfect moment, how it transported us to other worlds, or interweaved popular culture into the narrative. We can learn a lot from how filmmakers use music in their films, so without further ado, here’s our list of the best movie soundtracks of all time.Note on criteria: No orchestral scores appear on this list. Although we’re huge fans of composers like Hans Zimmer, John Williams, Joe Hisaishi, and Ennio Morricone, we thought…
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
The 1980s have a special place in the pop culture canon. It turns out a lot of great movies came out in this decade, which means limiting them to a list is not as easy as it sounds. While plenty of beloved films won’t be seen here, we did our very best to make sure we included iconic and important films of the decade, from surefire classics to cult favorites. In that conversation, the inevitable question always comes up: what are the best ‘80s movies of all time? Let’s not waste any more time and get right down to ranking.Continue…
When was the last time you shed a tear while watching a film? Can you recall the specific scene? Many describe this as a “good cry.” How can a cry be good? Many people have pent-up emotions from various events in life. Art can evoke an emotional release of these emotions, also known as catharsis. The experience of catharsis can be overwhelmingly emotional. Films that create catharsis can move an audience to tears while also leaving them completely satisfied. What is catharsis, and how is this possible? Let’s explore the catharsis definition and how it applies to storytelling.Continue reading What…
Narrative films are made up of scenes. It should come as no surprise that a screenwriter needs to know how to write a scene. Every great scene carries emotional weight, character change, and story propulsion. If you can’t write a good scene, you can’t write a good movie. So, what are some of the fundamental elements of a great scene? How can you incorporate them into your script? Time to break down how to write a scene, and look at some scene examples.Continue reading How to Write a Scene — Elements of a Great Scene Explained
Choosing a lens is a key determinant to the composition of a shot. When first deciding what lens you want to reach for, you must first decide whether the shot calls for a prime lens or a zoom lens. What is a zoom lens? In this article we’ll answer all your questions about zoom lenses and examine how some of the best filmmakers of all time use these lenses to create some of the most iconic shots in cinema.Continue reading What is a Zoom Lens? Definition and Examples in Photo and Film
