The 2000s were a weird time for cinema -- kind of sandwiched in between the indie 90’s scene and the blockbuster 2010’s scene. But there are so many great movies that came out between 2000 and 2009, that we thought it would be interesting to look back at what made them so great. So without further ado, this is our list of the best movies of the 2000s.Continue reading 35 Best Movies of the 2000s, Ranked for Filmmakers
If you loved movies as a child, then there’s a good chance you owe a debt of gratitude to Steven Spielberg. He’s directed some of the best, most entertaining, and most influential films of all time. Honestly, he has about 10 films you could put as #1 on a list of his best movies, and no one would be mad. He’s been a producer, writer, and even an actor over the years, but for this list, we’re only looking at the 31 feature-length, theatrically-released films in his filmography. Get ready to be inspired because we’re counting down the best Steven…
Janusz Kamiński is one of the most celebrated cinematographers working today. Since Schindler’s List, he’s become Steven Spielberg’s go-to director of photography, giving the filmmaker’s movies a grit and realism that was largely missing in his earlier filmography. Janusz Kamiński movies have certain calling cards — high contrast, strong backlighting — but not one of them looks the same. We’ve ranked his finest work, and at the end of the list, download a mood board with our favorite Kamiński shots. Continue reading 15 Best Janusz Kaminski Movies That Defined Cinema
Drama is the oldest and broadest film genre. Nearly every great film is, at its core, a drama.What separates the best drama movies from other genres is their focus on human behavior. Action matters less than character. Spectacle matters less than emotional truth.The best drama movies of all time stay powerful because they understand people. They explore ambition, grief, guilt, love, family, class, and identity through character-driven films that prioritize human experience over plot mechanics.Each entry below is less a film synopsis and more an argument for why the film belongs here.Every film on this list captures what the best…
The film industry, also known as the motion picture industry, encompasses the technological and commercial institutions involved in the filmmaking process. The film industry is a global powerhouse, significantly contributing to a country's economy and shaping societal and cultural values. In this article, we will discuss the different components that make up the film industry and how they work together to produce films that entertain, inform, and inspire audiences worldwide.Continue reading What is the Film Industry — Origin, Evolution & Processes
We’ve all heard the term internal conflict, but what does it mean? And how does it make your characters stronger on the page? There’s more than one way to do it, so we’re going to take a look at different movies that possess compelling internal conflicts. If you can master creating characters with internal conflict through the help of these examples, your writing won’t just be better, it’ll become unforgettable. Continue reading What is Internal Conflict — The Core of Great Characters
Brad Pitt is one of the most iconic American actors today, simultaneously revered for his good looks and depth as an actor. In this list, we’re going to rank the best Brad Pitt movies. The ranking of these films are in regards to their quality and impact, not Brad Pitt’s performance. But every film on the list features Pitt in a substantial if not starring role. Before we dive into the list of his best movies, let's look at the role he won the Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor in Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood. Continue reading 20 Best…
It can be difficult to convey the importance of a landscape or emotion, especially when framing a subject at a distance with a wide shot.Continue reading The Wide Shot: Creative Examples of Camera Movements & Angles
What is a leitmotif? What makes it different from a theme song? How is it used in cinema? These are the questions we’re going to answer as we look at the leitmotif definition and examples. We’re also going to show you how masterclass composers like John Williams apply leitmotifs to their films. By the end, you’ll be ready to apply a ‘leading motif’ to your own production!Continue reading What is a Leitmotif? Definition and Examples
Mise en scène can seem foreign, even to filmmakers, film critics, and movie buffs. Why is it important? How do you pronounce it? And what is mise en scène anyway. Grasping mise en scène is critical for anyone who makes or seriously watches any kind of visual content. For directors and producers, mise en scène in film and the script breakdown go hand in hand.In this article, we’ll let you know what mise en scène is and how you can use it — both as a filmmaker and as a savvy viewer. We will define 20 key mise en scène…
