What is ADR in Film — Will it Save or Ruin Your Film?

  If you’ve ever been on a set, you know how important it is to stay quiet when the 1st assistant director signals action. Unfortunately, there are some sounds that can’t be controlled. Planes overhead, unexpected cast or crew coughs, or even car horns, all contribute to the need for re-recording sound. So what is ADR in film and are there any other reasons you might want to use it?Continue reading What is ADR in Film — Will it Save or Ruin Your Film?

Types of Villains — 10 Forms of the Villain Archetype Explained

Villains come in all shapes and sizes. From cruel dictators to menacing ghosts, these villains are often the driving force behind a story's narrative. Through their evil deeds, villains create tension and keep readers on the edge of their seats. Whether they're out for revenge or simply seeking power, every villain has their own unique motives and endless list of misdeeds. In this blog, we'll explore the different types of villains that inhabit our stories and discuss how they differ from each other.Continue reading Types of Villains — 10 Forms of the Villain Archetype Explained

What is SFX Makeup — The Magic of Special Effects Makeup

Special effects makeup has been a source of wonder and mystery since the dawn of film. It is often used to create characters and creatures that are so realistic they can seem almost unreal. But what is SFX makeup exactly? From creating iconic superheroes like Iron Man to bringing monsters like Godzilla to life, SFX makeup has made its mark in the entertainment industry. In this blog post, we'll explore the history and benefits of special effects makeup in cinema.Continue reading What is SFX Makeup — The Magic of Special Effects Makeup

What is the Climax of a Story — Definition, Examples & Structure

A climax in storytelling is the most intense, exciting, or emotionally charged point in a narrative. It is the conclusion of an arc in which readers see the main characters make decisions and face obstacles that define who they are and what they stand for. The climax allows stories to build to increasingly satisfying resolutions or tragic endings. This blog will explore the different types of climaxes used in storytelling and how these create engaging endings for readers. Due to the sheer nature of a story’s climax, there are major spoilers ahead. That said, let’s dive in!Continue reading What is the Climax…

What is Cross Cutting and Parallel Editing in Film?

Cross Cutting and parallel editing are highly effective editing techniques that can greatly improve the quality of any film or visual work. If you've heard the expressions "greater than the sum of its parts," then you already know why these techniques are used so often in filmmaking. In this post, we’re going to give you a cross cutting definition with some iconic examples and the parallel editing techniques to elevate your next project.Continue reading What is Cross Cutting and Parallel Editing in Film?

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. 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…

What is a Period Piece — How Movies Transport Us to the Past

What is a period piece? If the term transports your mind to a faraway time with big, puffy dresses and flowery language, then you might be on the right track. We’ll start out by defining what exactly constitutes a period piece, then we’ll dig a little deeper before taking a look at some great examples of period piece films and television shows. Continue reading What is a Period Piece — How Movies Transport Us to the Past

What is World Building — Definition, Examples & Techniques

What is world-building? And, more importantly, why does it matter? World-building is an integral element of storytelling that often goes overlooked and underappreciated. Good world-building might be felt rather than explicitly noticed, and a lack of world-building can leave a book, film, or video game feeling shallow. We’ll get started with a world-building definition, then explore when and why world-building is so important, and we’ll close things out by taking a look at some great world-building examples. Continue reading What is World Building — Definition, Examples & Techniques

What is Simplicity in Art — Composition Techniques Explained

Historical polymath Leonardo DaVinci once said, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” Simplicity, ironically, can be a complex philosophy to analyze. When it comes to art, simplicity is often subjective for both artists and those consuming the art work. What is simplicity in art and composition? How does its function change between artistic mediums? And why do so many great artists strive for simplicity in their work? Let’s find out.Continue reading What is Simplicity in Art — Composition Techniques Explained

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