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…
The heist film has evolved over the decades, taking on many forms and styles. From sleek and chic to rough and gritty, filmmakers have taken the heist movie in every direction. The best of which have perfected the criminal ensemble, the intricate heist executions, or have taken the heist narrative into completely unique and innovative directions. What directions might that be? We’ve compiled a list of the best heist films of all time to find out.Continue reading 25 Best Heist Movies of All Time, Ranked
Quentin Tarantino has been one of the most controversial and intriguing directors since the 1990s. Some people adore his quippy dialogue while others flinch in fear from his giddy reliance on excessive violence. And the feet. So many feet. We’re ranking all Quentin Tarantino films here so that if you haven’t watched anything from the prolific filmmaker, this list of Tarantino movies will help you know exactly where to start. Although Tarantino insists his next film will be his last, he’s left behind a lofty legacy. This ranking covers all Quentin Tarantino movies—each one a masterclass in style, structure, or…
Being a filmmaker, it’s essential to know the different types of sound in film. For example, what is diegetic sound and how is it used? In this article, we’re going to define diegetic sound in a short and simple way. Then we’re going to look at key examples to show you how experts incorporate diegetic sound into their works. We'll also answer what is the difference between diegetic and non-diegetic sound. Headphones on, let's get to it. Continue reading What is Diegetic Sound — Definition, Examples & How It Works
Introducing StudioBinder's screenplay library — your one-stop-shop for reading, downloading, and analyzing the best movie scripts online. Our collection contains all the feature-length screenplays in our database as well as scripts that we have broken down by plot, character, ending, quotes, and more. Our hope is that screenwriters everywhere can have access to these iconic screenplays and that the lessons therein can make us all better writers. Enjoy!Continue reading Explore and Read the Best Free Movie Scripts Online (with PDF Downloads)
What is a Mexican Standoff? And for that matter, how does it differ from a regular standoff? In this post, we’ll be digging into the term, breaking down its origins, clearing up common misconceptions, and taking a look at some of the best examples. We’ll also be answering the question: why is it called a Mexican Standoff? And, be sure to watch our video essay below for a guide on shooting and editing Mexican Standoff scenes.Continue reading What is a Mexican Standoff — How to Direct a Showdown
Whether you searched them out yourself, or whether someone recommended you “work on structure,” all writers have come across a screenplay structure in their day. Some swear by it, others liken it to creative cancer. The truth is, whether you like them or not, there is value in understanding what the formulas are and how they are used. Today, we’ll learn the screenplay structures you need to know, how they work, and run a few scripts through them.Continue reading Screenplay Structure Examples — A Guide for Screenwriters
There is much debate around the use of shot descriptions within a screenplay. Despite many people discouraging the use of writing shots into a screenplay, there are a plethora of examples of shots being used in scripts of major feature films. Knowing how to write shots into a screenplay is important for any screenwriter, whether you agree on its use or not. In this article, we’ll dive into how to write shots in a script and then discuss whether or not you should use shot descriptions in your script.Continue reading How to Write Shots in a Script — Screenplay Formatting Tips
Have you read the Pulp Fiction script and been astonished at the writing? It can feel overwhelming when you sit down to write a screenplay, but the masters feel the same way. The Pulp Fiction script didn't come from thin air. There was hard work put into every page.Today, we're going to break all those rules as we go over the Pulp Fiction script. We even have a free Pulp Fiction script PDF for you.Continue reading Screenplay Examples: Pulp Fiction Script [FREE Script Download]
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…
