Roger Deakins

Roger Alexander Deakins CBE is an English cinematographer, best known for his collaborations with directors like the Coen brothers, Sam Mendes and Denis Villeneuve on their films. Deakins has been admitted to both the British Society of Cinematographers and to the American Society of Cinematographers.

How Was 1917 Filmed — The Making of 1917 Explained

1917 was one of the most technically innovative and daring films ever made… but how was 1917 filmed? The production of 1917 utilized more than 500 extras in an effort to retain as much authenticity as possible – and it called for body exhuming, bird conservation, and stringent cloud coverage. We’re going to explore how… Continue reading How Was 1917 Filmed — The Making of 1917 Explained

Chris Heckmann

What is the Exposure Triangle? Aperture, ISO and Shutter Speed

Exposure TriangleWhat is Aperture?What is ISO?What is Shutter Speed?What is Frame Rate? Light is responsible for every image captured in both photography and cinematography. How a camera captures light is determined by three variables that make up what is known as the exposure triangle. What is the exposure triangle? How can each one of its… Continue reading What is the Exposure Triangle? Aperture, ISO and Shutter Speed

Kyle DeGuzman

5 Best Film Lighting Techniques: Filmmaker’s Guide to a Cinematic Look

S hooting projects on a budget can mean limitations on your gear. So how can you maintain a “cinematic” look without a cube truck full of lighting equipment? In today’s post, we’ll examine what exactly it means to have a cinematic look. Then we’ll break down several lighting techniques that are achievable on any budget. Although… Continue reading 5 Best Film Lighting Techniques: Filmmaker’s Guide to a Cinematic Look

AJ Detisch

Academy Award for Best Director — Oscar Winners Ranked

The Academy Award for Best Director is the most prestigious honor any director can receive — well, at least in theory it is. You may be shocked to find out that many of “the greatest directors of all-time,” like Alfred Hitchock, Orson Welles, Akira Kurosawa, Stanley Kubrick, Fritz Lang, Ingmar Bergman, and Federico Fellini never… Continue reading Academy Award for Best Director — Oscar Winners Ranked

Chris Heckmann

1917 One Shot Explained — How Roger Deakins Shot a “Oner” Film

When it was announced that 1917 would be shot to look like a single take, it quickly became one of the most anticipated movies of the year. While the performances and screenplay were both incredible, many left the theatre wondering the same thing. How was 1917 filmed? While there is no single answer to this… Continue reading 1917 One Shot Explained — How Roger Deakins Shot a “Oner” Film

Kyle DeGuzman

The Best Modern Western Movies of All Time — Neo-Westerns Ranked

The Western is the quintessential American film genre. From the 1930s to the 1960s, American cinemas were filled with cowboys saving towns and fending off outlaws. While the classic Western may have gone out of fashion, it didn’t disappear completely. Instead, it morphed into what we know as the Neo Western. Let’s see what separates… Continue reading The Best Modern Western Movies of All Time — Neo-Westerns Ranked

Mike Bedard

Deakinizer Lenses & Tilt-Shift Effect — Vintage Style, Roger Deakins’ Look

TYPES OF LENSESLENS BASICSPRIMEZOOMWIDE ANGLETELEPHOTO Roger Deakins is one of our favorite cinematographers to study because he is always pushing the envelope. Case in point, we’ll take a look at some “Deakinizer” lenses. We’ll give you a brief history of why he decided to alter lenses for an intended tilt-shift look. We’ll show you tilt-shift… Continue reading Deakinizer Lenses & Tilt-Shift Effect — Vintage Style, Roger Deakins’ Look

SC Lannom

Roger Deakins Cinematography Tips & Techniques: Complete Guide

Roger Deakins cinematography includes Fargo, Skyfall, Sicario, No Country for Old Men, and finally he won an Academy Award for Cinematography for Blade Runner 2049 and again in 2020 for 1917. While the Academy finally recognized Deakins work, most of us have been in awe of him long before that. We watched Roger Deakins movies, interviews, and… Continue reading Roger Deakins Cinematography Tips & Techniques: Complete Guide

SC Lannom

What is Practical Lighting in Film? Tips & Techniques Explained

There are various elements that contribute to a cinematic shot. Depth, naturalism, and dynamic lighting styles can all result in stunning cinematography. A simple and direct way to introduce all three into a shot is by using practical lighting.  Practical lighting is so effective because it aims to utilize light not just to properly expose a… Continue reading What is Practical Lighting in Film? Tips & Techniques Explained

Kyle DeGuzman

What is a Rim Light — 3 Point Lighting Techniques Explained

Cinematography and photography is naturally a two-dimensional medium. However, great cinematographers and photographers utilize light to create three-dimensional effects. One of the tools they have to do this is the rim light.  A rim light can keep an image from falling flat. Rim lighting can bring out shapes, textures, and contours that make an image appear… Continue reading What is a Rim Light — 3 Point Lighting Techniques Explained

Kyle DeGuzman