Arrival Explained: Villeneuve’s Balance of Fear & Intrigue

The 2016 linguistically-focused sci-fi thriller Arrival is one of five excellent films directed by Denis Villeneuve in as many years. Few filmmakers can maintain such high levels of both quality and quantity as Villeneuve. Join us in our Arrival movie analysis.Continue reading Arrival Explained: Villeneuve’s Balance of Fear & Intrigue

Best Darren Aronofsky Movies, Ranked for Filmmakers

Darren Aronofsky is one of the most interesting directors working today. His body of work is all the more impressive when you realize he’s made such an impact with only seven feature-length films.While he’s served as a producer on great films like Jackie and White Boy Rick, for this list, we’re only looking at his seven directorial features. Much like his filmography, this list is bound to be divisive, so let’s start analyzing the best Darren Aronofsky movies. Continue reading Best Darren Aronofsky Movies, Ranked for Filmmakers

The Best Movie Sex Scenes of All Time, Ranked from Worst to Best

Ah yes, we’ve arrived back at the most carnal of all storytelling devices: the sex scene. Writers, artists and filmmakers have used sex to evoke a multitude of different emotions to the audience, like love, hate, confusion, lust, among many, many more. But every one of the best movie sex scenes of all time adds something essential to a story, whether it be comedic, dramatic, or stylistic.In this article, we’re going to rank movie sex scenes by looking at a few crucial criteria: Visuals, Impact and Acting. The scenes on this list are ranked by their importance to the narrative…

Storyboarding the Austin Powers 3 Opening Scene with Director Jay Roach

The Austin Powers opening scene is one of the most memorable comedic set pieces in film history. With skydiving, motorcycles and exploding helicopters, it’s an incredibly detailed shoot, and the only way the Austin Powers 3 opening scene was even possible was with detailed storyboarding. In this co-production with Sundance Co//ab, Director Jay Roach shares his original storyboards and explains how he used them to shoot such a complicated scene while balancing action, comedy, tone, and contrast. We’ve imported the original storyboards that were used for the Austin Powers intro into StudioBinder’s storyboard software to provide useful tips you can…

Color Theory in Film: Filmmaking Techniques for Visual Storytelling

Ep1: Film ToneEp2: Prod DesignEp3: Film BlockingEp4: Camera Movement VIEW ALL EPISODES → EPISODE 5Filmmaking Techniques: Color Theory In FilmHow directors and editors work together using color theory in film to accentuate the story.Subscribe to our YouTube ChannelFILMMAKING TECHNIQUES: EPISODE 5How can I accentuate my movie color palette?In our fifth episode on Filmmaking Techniques and visual storytelling, we look at another critical element to the story: color theory in film. If you want to deepen your frame, you can utilize color psychology in film to direct your audience's emotions and desires. In this episode, we'll be exploring the ways that directors access a movie…

What is a Whip Pan or Swish Pan: How to Shoot Whip Pan Transitions

Whip pans, swish pans, whip shot — whatever you call them, they are a great tool for creating seamless cuts and cool effects in your videos, but understanding how to build an effective whip pan is equally important. Continue reading What is a Whip Pan or Swish Pan: How to Shoot Whip Pan Transitions

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood Analysis — How Tarantino Directs Suspense

Best Tarantino MoviesQT's Directing StyleQT Directing Tips QT DialogueOnce Upon a Time AnalysisBasterds Breakdown Quentin Tarantino’s ninth film Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood was one of the biggest hits of 2019, and for good reason. It is a film packed with great characters, memorable scenes, and Quentin Tarantino trademarks. Join us on our Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood analysis as we explore the Quentin Tarantino directing style and how he imbues his scenes with such white-knuckle suspense. Continue reading Once Upon a Time in Hollywood Analysis — How Tarantino Directs Suspense

Who Played the Joker? Ranking The Best Joker Actors

Joker Script DownloadBest Joker ActorsJoker ControversyJoker Movie Review The Joker is one of the most enduring fictional characters of all time. He presents a unique challenge to actors as he embodies utter chaos, but he’s also called the clown prince of crime for a reason. While some actors lean more into the comedy than the darkness and vice versa, they all bring something different to the role, and now, it’s time to find out who the best Joker actor of all time is.Who has played the Joker the best? Do you think Heath Ledger deserves the top spot, or do…

Martin Scorsese Film School: Interviews and Quotes on his Techniques

How do you learn from a director like Martin Scorsese? You can watch his films, and you can learn by watching his interviews. We took the best Martin Scorsese quotes from his various interviews.Then we compiled a video with examples from his films, so that way you can perfectly understand the directing tips he makes in each interview. Continue reading Martin Scorsese Film School: Interviews and Quotes on his Techniques

There Will Be Blood: Analysis of a Power Struggle — Director’s Playbook

How does one create a power struggle in film? What are the techniques available that will help to communicate this battle through a visual lens?Let's look at how Paul Thomas Anderson builds a power struggle with blocking, staging, framing, set dressing, and camera control.Make sure to read through to the end for more examples of these techniques in the director's work.Continue reading There Will Be Blood: Analysis of a Power Struggle — Director’s Playbook