Matte painting is a technique used in filmmaking to create unique and realistic sets on a low budget. This method has been used by filmmakers since the early 1900s and has become an integral part of creating stunning visuals for films. But what is matte painting in film production? In this article, we will look at what it is, its history, and how it can be used to enhance storytelling through film.Continue reading What is Matte Painting in Movies — Definition and Examples
It’s hard to overstate the importance of Star Wars. George Lucas’s crowning achievement marked the twilight of New Hollywood and the dawn of the blockbuster era of the 1980s. Any big-budget science fiction release since has operated under the shadow of Star Wars’ towering influence. There were many reasons for the success of Star Wars, but undeniably what set it apart from the rest of the competition was its special effects. Audiences in 1977 had never experienced anything like it. How did George Lucas and his team pull off what was thought to be impossible? How did they stretch their…
Art is inherently referential; everyone is influenced by something that came before. Great (and not-so-great) artists all get inspiration from somewhere and will sometimes show it in their works. If an artist makes a reference to something in their own work, that is often seen as an homage. But what is homage? Is it anything like copying? And how much is too much when it comes to references?Continue reading What is Homage — Definition & Examples in Art and Film
Suspension of disbelief gives artists the liberty to create worlds in a realm separate from reality. But what is suspension of disbelief? Where did suspension of disbelief originate? And why is suspension of disbelief important to artists and connoisseurs of art? We’re going to answer those questions by defining suspension of disbelief and by looking at suspension of disbelief examples. By the end, you’ll know everything there is to know about suspension of disbelief. Continue reading What is Suspension of Disbelief — How It Works in Storytelling
Motion pictures have enticed and inspired artists, audiences, and critics for more than a century. Today, we’re going to explore the history of film by looking at the major movements that have defined cinema worldwide. We’re also going to explore the technical craft of filmmaking from the persistence of vision to colorization to synchronous sound. By the end, you’ll know all the broad strokes in the history of film.Note: this article doesn’t cover every piece of film history. Some minor movements and technical breakthroughs have been left out – check out the StudioBinder blog for more content.Continue reading The History…
Ukiyo-e was one of the most influential movements in all 0f Eastern art – but what is ukiyo-e? We’re going to explore ukiyo-e art by breaking down its definition – and by looking at some famous examples from Katsushika Hokusai, Kitagawa Utamaro, and more. By the end, you’ll know what ukiyo-e is and why it’s so important. Continue reading What is Ukiyo-e – Artists, Characteristics & Best Examples
If you were to make a list from best-to-worst, what would be the greatest Star Wars movie ever made? While the rest of the list is hotly debated on internet forums, most agree that The Empire Strikes Back is the definitive Star Wars film. Of course, every great movie starts with a great screenplay. In this article, we will break down The Empire Strikes Back plot, and analyze its characters, scenes and dialogue. Continue reading The Empire Strikes Back Script PDF Download and Analysis
What is a fade transition in video? Fade transitions are some of the most common types of editing transitions in video – but what are they? And how are they used? We’re going to answer those questions by breaking down fade transitions in scripts, films, and more. By the end, you’ll know how to fade in, fade out, and crossfade in film.Continue reading What is a Fade Transition — How & Why to Use Them Explained
While many films include archetypal supporting characters, these molds are a little worn out. The audience is getting smarter and more curious. They crave more than the all-too-familiar “mentor” or “sidekick” as a way to convey information or to push the protagonist forward. Watching to see what a supporting character is capable of by themselves and how they relate to the main character, is much more interesting. Writing supporting characters that build conflict creates much more dynamic on-screen relationships than tired old tropes. But before we jump into all of that, let’s answer what is a supporting character the best…
What is a character trope? In screenwriting, a trope is a common element of a story. In other words, a trope is something we see a lot. In a character sense, it’s a type of character we see a lot. The term trope is derived from the Greek (tropos) for “turn, direction, or way” and it’s meant to explain moments where the story figuratively shifts from one direction to another. However, tropes have come to be misnomered as cliches — and the term character trope often has more to do with the overuse of certain characteristics than it does with…
