Adapting a True Story: Examples of Writing Fiction Based on True Events

Think back to the last movie you saw whose characters were real people, or whose story was based on true events. Did it surprise you? Enrage you? Straight-forward biopics might cut corners here and there but what happens with truth is bent even further? When writers and directors play fast and loose with the truth, interesting things can happen. So, let's take a look at writing fiction based on true events. Where the truth can be used in creative ways with Tarantino, Charlie Kaufman, and the Safdie Bros. as our guides.SPOILER ALERT! If you haven't seen Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood, Adaptation,…

Parasite Movie Analysis, Synopsis and Ending Explained (Video Essay)

Parasite director Bong Joon-ho’s insightful and engaging comedy/thriller became one of the most talked-about films of the year and set a new precedent for the mark a South Korean movie can leave on United States’ movie-going audiences. The film is packed with social commentary, thrilling moments, and plenty of meaty writing worthy of a full ‘Parasite movie analysis’.Continue reading Parasite Movie Analysis, Synopsis and Ending Explained (Video Essay)

What is Jojo Rabbit About? Synopsis, Quotes, & Video Analysis

Director Taika Waititi’s Jojo Rabbit was the anti-hate satire that many felt was needed at this precise point in history. Modern-day intolerance was challenged through the lens of a period piece comedy with a big heart. What is Jojo Rabbit about? We'll start with a synopsis before jumping into our Jojo Rabbit analysis and how Waititi set us up for the ultimate emotional gut-punch. SPOILER ALERT!Continue reading What is Jojo Rabbit About? Synopsis, Quotes, & Video Analysis

The Irishman Scene Breakdown — How Martin Scorsese Opens an Epic

By now, you’ve heard the jokes. One Netflix user timestamped The Irishman scene by scene so people could watch it as a mini-series. Others have recommended Martin Scorsese’s 209-minute epic to pass the time amidst the coronavirus outbreak: To survive months in isolation, just watch it once!We get it: The Irishman is long. Such is the nature of a film that spans six decades within its storyline.We’re not here to look for every Easter egg allegedly hidden inside Scorsese’s sprawling true crime narrative. But if you’re a filmmaker looking to leave a lasting first impression on your audience, there’s much…

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

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