The Best Movies of 2019 — The Year in Review, Ranked for Filmmakers

Best of…20102011201220132014201520162017201820192010-2019 Ranking movies at the end of their respective years is always a difficult task. Some films may seem fresh and exciting in my mind now, but in a year, it may be completely forgotten. Still, these “Best Of” lists provide a unique time capsule into where the zeitgeist was at the time. As… Continue reading The Best Movies of 2019 — The Year in Review, Ranked for Filmmakers

Top 30 Best Neo-Noir Films, Ranked for Filmmakers

What’s black and white and red all over? It could be a newspaper — or it could be a neo-noir film. It’s hard to tell. Neo-noir is notoriously difficult to classify. An offshoot of the historical film noir genre, it’s painted in such broad strokes that it can subvert, parody, heighten, or reimagine the prototypical stories… Continue reading Top 30 Best Neo-Noir Films, Ranked for Filmmakers

The Best Movies of 2014 — The Year in Review

Best of…20102011201220132014201520162017201820192010-2019 2014 was a year of innovations. Boyhood was shot over the span of 12 years to show the young actor growing up in real-time. Birdman brought the concept of a one-shot (or seemingly one-shot) film to the masses. But it was also the year where entertaining blockbusters (Captain America: The Winter Soldier and… Continue reading The Best Movies of 2014 — The Year in Review

The Best Movies of 2012 — The Year in Review

Best of…20102011201220132014201520162017201820192010-2019 2012 has one of the most eclectic lists in StudioBinder’s series on the past decade. From raucous comedies to quiet introspections on political figures to superhero movies, 2012 had it all. No matter what kind of cinephile you consider yourself, there was plenty to choose from at cinemas. Chances are good you’re number… Continue reading The Best Movies of 2012 — The Year in Review

Joker Movie Review: Todd Phillips and Joaquin Phoenix Humanize Chaos

Joker Script DownloadBest Joker ActorsJoker ControversyJoker Movie Review Todd Phillips’ new film Joker, starring Joaquin Phoenix, is a realistic take on the super villain that wants viewers to empathize as they watch him descend into homicidal madness. The best moments come from capitalizing on the medium of cinema during the strongest parts of the script,… Continue reading Joker Movie Review: Todd Phillips and Joaquin Phoenix Humanize Chaos

Amazon’s The Boys: Mise En Scene, Production Design, and Costumes

What is Production Design What Does a Production Designer Do? Amazon’s The Boys Production Design Production Design Tips Academy Award for Best Production Design You’re a filmmaker who wants to get the most out of your production design, mise en scene, and scene elements, but you’re not sure how to plan and maximize your visual… Continue reading Amazon’s The Boys: Mise En Scene, Production Design, and Costumes

What is an Establishing Shot? Creative Examples that Set the Tone

Types of FramingOpen menu Establishing Shot Single Shot Two Shot Over the Shoulder Insert Shot POV Shot More ShotsOpen menu All Shots & Angles Camera Shot Ultimate Guide Create Free Shot List Now You’ve written a script or maybe you’re trying to figure out a script’s shot list. You know what the film is about… Continue reading What is an Establishing Shot? Creative Examples that Set the Tone

What is Situational Irony? Definition and Examples

3 Types of Irony Dramatic IronyOpen menu What is Tragic Irony Stages of Dramatic Irony Verbal IronyOpen menu Sarcasm Understatement Overstatement Socratic Irony Situational IronyOpen menu Cosmic Irony Poetic Justice Structural Irony Historical Irony (FREE E-Book) Irony Explained: The Ultimate Guide Situational irony is a broad term with near-endless applications. At a fundamental level, every… Continue reading What is Situational Irony? Definition and Examples

Mastering the Shot List: Christopher Nolan

Best Nolan MoviesNolan’s Directing StyleNolan Directing Tips Nolan’s CirclesNolan’s Shot List From The Dark Knight to Interstellar, Christopher Nolan movies take full advantage of the medium, creating realities that often operate by their own rules.Of course, story is at the foundation of these creations, but what helps to maintain the viewer’s attention are the shot list… Continue reading Mastering the Shot List: Christopher Nolan