Breaking the Fourth Wall: Definition, Meaning and Examples

We’ve all seen a film or TV show breaking the fourth wall. It’s hard to miss, and that’s why breaking the 4th wall is a really big filmmaking decision that can polarize your audience. Is your project right for this technique? If so, when should you do it? We've included plenty of breaking the fourth wall examples, and three tips to help you decide whether this cinematic technique is right for your project. Continue reading Breaking the Fourth Wall: Definition, Meaning and Examples

The Rack Focus: Creative Examples of Camera Movements & Angles

Have you ever been watching a movie or TV show and noticed a subtle change in depth of field that revealed some new detail in a scene? That’s a rack focus. Today we’re going to go over the rack focus. We’ll cover how to do it, how to use it, and why this technique should be on your next shot list. The Best Rack Focus Examples in FilmShifting FocusThe rack focus shot explainedChances are good you've seen countless rack focus shots without even realizing it. Many are subtle and not meant to draw attention to themselves. Others are clearly designed…

What is a Tracking Shot — 25 Best Tracking Shot Examples

What is a tracking shot? They are really fun to watch, but difficult to film. We've put together a list of the best tracking shots of all time. Then we break down everything you'll need to consider when blocking and planning a tracking shot in your own projects.Continue reading What is a Tracking Shot — 25 Best Tracking Shot Examples

What is a Montage? Definition, Examples & 6 Ways to Use Them

One of the most fundamental aspects of the medium of film is the ability to edit and rearrange images and shots to create a story. The difficulty in editing and film in general is to be both effective and efficient at the same time. This enables the audience to understand the story while also being completely engaged. One of the most useful tools that filmmakers have to execute this is the montage. What is a montage and how do filmmakers use them? Let’s dive in.Continue reading What is a Montage? Definition, Examples & 6 Ways to Use Them

What is Mise en Scène in Film: Definition and Examples

Mise en scène. It’s a fancy looking phrase that you’ve seen floating around many film-related articles, carrying with it an immediate sense of snobbery. Don't worry, you're not the first person to ask "what is mise en scene?" After today, you’ll have a better sense of this concept and its fundamentals so you can apply it in your next project. Continue reading What is Mise en Scène in Film: Definition and Examples

How to Shoot The Best Car Chase Scene [Mad Max: Fury Road Example]

Car chase scenes are fantastic, but they are probably one of the most difficult things to capture. Even if you end up with a relatively successful experience on set, how can you be sure it will work in the edit? Continue reading How to Shoot The Best Car Chase Scene [Mad Max: Fury Road Example]

The Kuleshov Effect Explained (and How Spielberg Subverts it)

Movies and television are incredible because they can transport us into a world of wonderment. Today we’re going to go over the Kuleshov Effect and how the greatest director of all time, Steven Spielberg, put his own twist on the editing technique for his personal stamp.Continue reading The Kuleshov Effect Explained (and How Spielberg Subverts it)

Over-the-Shoulder Shot: Examples of Camera Movements & Angles

  Why do filmmakers use over-the-shoulder shots? Can they signal to the viewer that two characters are, at the very least, on the same page? The OTS shot is one of the most commonly used shots in film and television, but often it's used without proper application of advanced cinematic language. We'll break down the psychology so your OTS shots drive home an emotional concept. Continue reading Over-the-Shoulder Shot: Examples of Camera Movements & Angles