How Much Do Directors Make — DGA Rates for Film & TV

Filmmaking is a collaborative process, but without a doubt, the most important role on set is that of the director. The director receives most of the credit when a film succeeds and most of the blame when it fails. In other words, there is a lot of pressure and responsibility placed on their shoulders. So, how much do directors make in terms of salary? The answer isn’t as simple as it might seem. The average director salary depends on the nature of the project, the size of the budget, and the director herself. In this post, we'll lay out the typical…

What is a Dissolve in Film — Editing Transitions Explained

What is a dissolve in film? Dissolves are some of the most commonly used editing transitions in all of film. We’ve seen them used to expert effect in films like Citizen Kane, Saving Private Ryan, and more. We’re going to explain the dissolve definition in a simple and concise way. Then we’ll show you how to use dissolves in film and television. By the end, you’ll know how to add dissolves to your own videos.Continue reading What is a Dissolve in Film — Editing Transitions Explained

What is Anticlimax? Definition & Examples

Anticlimax is a dirty word, one which we’ve been trained to avoid at all costs. Nobody wants to tell a story only to have a friend shrug and say, “Well, that was anticlimactic.” But a deliberate anticlimax can be instructive, funny, poignant, or all of the above. How does an anticlimax work, and what lessons can we take from some of the most iconic anticlimaxes in pop culture?Continue reading What is Anticlimax? Definition & Examples

What is a Tripod — Definition, Types and Functions Explained

Tripods in filmmaking used to be a necessity due to the weight of older cameras. As cameras have become lighter and lighter, many new age filmmakers jump to the handheld shot immediately. And while there is a time and a place for the handheld shot, many critics have pointed out its overuse in cinema today. That being said, there has never been a better time to go back to basics and learn about the fundamentals of the tripod.Continue reading What is a Tripod — Definition, Types and Functions Explained

Academy Award For Best Film Editing — Top 20 Winners Ranked

There is a saying: the best film editing is the editing that nobody notices. Though there are exceptions, this is pretty widely accepted as truth for the most part. So if good editing purposely avoids standing out, how are the nominees and winners of the Best Film Editing Oscar picked out and decided?The editing style of a particular film is at the behest of the story being told and the style of the director telling it. Large-scale films that are grand in scope and full of flashy, complex sequences are sure to impress, which is why war films tend to…

What is a Jump Cut? 5 Ways to Use Jump Cuts in Film

The cinematographer, editor, and director work together to create a seamless experience within watching a film. There are certain cuts that can jar an audience out of this experience and make them aware they are watching a movie. One of these cuts is referred to as a jump cut. While many advise against using jump cuts in film, there are ways you can implement them effectively to tell the best story possible.Continue reading What is a Jump Cut? 5 Ways to Use Jump Cuts in Film

How to Become an Actor as a Kid — 8 Steps for Child Actors

Some of the best actors in the business began as child actors. Leonardo DiCaprio, Ryan Gosling, and Emma Watson are among only a few child actors who are now some of the most wanted actors in Hollywood. Parents with talented children often want to know the process of how to become an actor as a kid. How does working with a child actor differ than working with any other actors? We’ll answer all of these questions in more detail in this article.Continue reading How to Become an Actor as a Kid — 8 Steps for Child Actors

What is Motion Blur, Is Motion Blur Good & Why Does it Happen?

What is motion blur? Why does it happen? Is motion blur good? And, how can we control it? We will be answering all of these questions and taking a look at both the technical and creative side of this process in both filmmaking and photography. Before we get into creative applications like aesthetic blur, and before we look at how to get motion blur or how to create motion blur, let’s get started with a definition.Continue reading What is Motion Blur, Is Motion Blur Good & Why Does it Happen?

Academy Award for Best Cinematography — Top 20 Winners

The Academy Award for best cinematography is one of the most prestigious honors bestowed each year at the Oscars. The best cinematography Oscar has been around since the inception of the award ceremony but it underwent a great deal of experimentation and evolution in the early years.Continue reading Academy Award for Best Cinematography — Top 20 Winners

Best End of the World Movies — 15 Visions of the End Times

Filmmakers have attempted to portray the end of the world through film since early cinema. Throughout the years, these attempts have proven to be futile for many. The list of forgettable apocalypse movies could fill a novel. But a few filmmakers have portrayed the end of the world in wildly entertaining and unique ways. So which movie do you put on for movie night when you’re in a rather apocalyptic mood? Here is our complete list of the best end of the world movies.Continue reading Best End of the World Movies — 15 Visions of the End Times