What is a 3D Movie — History, Definition, & Best Examples

Cinematography Terms Screenwriting Terms Film Terms Film Crew Positions 3D movies have revolutionized the way we experience films. Technological advancements have paved the way for a captivating and visually breathtaking viewing experience that, not too long ago, would have seemed unimaginable. But is a 3D movie exactly, and how did they come to be? In… Continue reading What is a 3D Movie — History, Definition, & Best Examples

What is Film Theory — How to Study Film (And Why)

Cinematography Terms Screenwriting Terms Film Terms Film Crew Positions What is film theory? Is it just the theory of film? Or is it something more? Fear not, we’re going to answer the question “what is film theory?” with a film theory definition. We’re also going to examine a variety of different aspects of film theory,… Continue reading What is Film Theory — How to Study Film (And Why)

12 Best Christmas Movies That Aren’t Christmas Movies

Y ou’ve unwrapped your gifts, gorged yourself on a massive breakfast, and curled up next to a roaring fire. It’s Christmas, and it’s time to throw on the perfect movie. Sometimes, however, the obvious Christmas classics feel a little too obvious. We’re here to help with a list of Christmas movies that aren’t really Christmas movies.… Continue reading 12 Best Christmas Movies That Aren’t Christmas Movies

What is Pre-Production in Film — A Blueprint for Success

Film Financing Film Production Pre-Production Post-Production Film Distribution Film Marketing Pre-Production can be overwhelming even for the seasoned producer. It requires knowledge of many facets of production, as well as an ability to prevent potential crises down the line. It’s not always easy but if you stay organized, it’s pretty simple. So what is Pre-Production… Continue reading What is Pre-Production in Film — A Blueprint for Success

Directing Actors — How to Get the Best Performances

In narrative filmmaking, the relationship between the director and the actors is arguably the most important relationship on set. And yet, for many directors beginning their careers, the process of working with an actor can seem mystifying. No one director collaborates with actors the same way, and yet many of the most celebrated actors’ directors… Continue reading Directing Actors — How to Get the Best Performances

Janusz Kamiński Movies Ranked — The Cinematographer’s Best

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… Continue reading Janusz Kamiński Movies Ranked — The Cinematographer’s Best

What is a Wide Angle Lens — And When to Use One

Types of LensesOpen menu Lens Basics Prime Lens Zoom Lens Anamorphic Lens Focal LengthsOpen menu Wide Angle Lens (14mm – 35mm) Standard (35mm – 70mm) What is a 50mm Lens Good For 35mm vs 50mm Lenses Telephoto Lens (70mm – 200mm) Specialty LensesOpen menu What is a T-Stop Macro Lens Fisheye Lens Tilt-Shift Lens Split-Diopter… Continue reading What is a Wide Angle Lens — And When to Use One

What is Turnaround in Film — Definition & Examples Explained

Filmmakers dream of getting the greenlight– the go-ahead from a studio to get started on their project. But even a greenlight doesn’t necessarily mean a movie will see the light of day, or the darkness of a theater. There is still, unfortunately, the possibility of a turnaround. What does turnaround mean in film, and how… Continue reading What is Turnaround in Film — Definition & Examples Explained

Low Light Photography & Cinematography — Examples & Tips

BasicsOpen menu What Does a Cinematographer Do What is Cinematography What is Digital Cinematography Cinematography Terms What is Motion Blur Lighting EssentialsOpen menu Basics of Film Lighting: 4 Qualities of Light What is Practical Lighting 3-Point Lighting What is Key Light What is Fill Light What is Backlight What is Low Key Lighting What is… Continue reading Low Light Photography & Cinematography — Examples & Tips

The Overhead Shot — Creative Examples of Camera Angles

Types of Camera AnglesOpen menu Low Angle Shot Eye Level Shot High Angle Shots Dutch Angle Shot Overhead Shot Aerial Shot Camera Angle Guide Explore More ShotsOpen menu All Camera Shots Camera Shot Ultimate Guide Create Free Shot List Overhead shots are used all the time, sometimes for practical reasons, while other times for an… Continue reading The Overhead Shot — Creative Examples of Camera Angles

Examples of Midpoint In Movies — Types of Midpoints Explained

EssentialsOpen menu What is a Scene What is The Three Act Structure What is Story Structure What is a Story Beat What Is a Plot Plot vs Story What is a Non-Linear Plot What is a Plot Device What is Freytag’s Pyramid Screenplay StructureOpen menu Screenplay Structure Examples What is a Story Mountain Joseph Campbell’s… Continue reading Examples of Midpoint In Movies — Types of Midpoints Explained

What is Homage — Definition & Examples in Art and Film

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… Continue reading What is Homage — Definition & Examples in Art and Film

What is Theme in Literature and Film? Definition and Examples

What is theme? In the simplest terms, a theme is the subject of a story. But that definition actually does more harm than good in fully understanding the theme of a story. In this article, we’re going to look at some common misconceptions by breaking down how to use theme in literature and screenwriting, with… Continue reading What is Theme in Literature and Film? Definition and Examples

The History of Film Timeline — All Eras of Film History Explained

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.… Continue reading The History of Film Timeline — All Eras of Film History Explained

What is the Wilhelm Scream — Origins and Iconic Examples

EssentialsOpen menu What is Sound Design What Does a Sound Designer Do Sound Editing vs Sound Mixing What is Voice Over What is a Foley Artist What is Diegetic Sound  What is Non-Diegetic Sound What is a Film Score What is Asynchronous Sound What is Music Licensing What is a Film Composer What is a… Continue reading What is the Wilhelm Scream — Origins and Iconic Examples