If you’ve ever marveled at the breathtaking landscapes of Pandora in Avatar or the spellbinding battles in The Lord of the Rings, you’ve witnessed the magic of visual effects. When looking into the nitty-gritty of how these famed visuals are created, filmmakers have utilized a combination of techniques such as CGI and VFX. But what’s the… Continue reading VFX vs. CGI vs. SFX — Decoding the Debate
Editing EssentialsOpen menu What is Film Editing What Does a Film Editor Do How Does an Editor Control the Rhythm of a Film How to Become a Film Editor What is In Camera Editing What is Screen Direction in Film What is a Rough Cut in Film What is Continuity Editing in Film What is… Continue reading What is a Freeze Frame — The Best Examples & Why They Work
You’ve probably heard the term “Unit Production Manager” tossed around in film circles, a title that somehow feels both vague and important. But what exactly does a Unit Production Manager do? Why are they crucial to a film set? And how does one become a UPM? In this article, we’ll dive into these questions and more,… Continue reading What is a Unit Production Manager — Job and Role Explained
In the world of filmmaking, there are a variety of creative techniques that can enhance the storytelling and visual experience for viewers. One such technique is bullet time, which has become increasingly popular over the years. The technique makes time itself feel paused, allowing us, the viewers, to examine each detail in a scene that would… Continue reading What is Bullet Time in Film — The Art of Extreme Slow-Mo
The allure of the silver screen has captivated many, drawing aspiring filmmakers to pursue their dreams of directing blockbusters or crafting poignant indie films. Yet, as with many artistic careers, the path to success is not clearly defined, leading many to ponder: is film school worth it? This question is particularly pressing in an era where… Continue reading Is Film School Worth It — Why You Should or Shouldn’t Go
Film, at its best, is a conduit for shared human experience, an art form that transcends boundaries and languages. It’s a mirror held up to society, reflecting our triumphs, our failings, our dreams, our fears. And in this medium of storytelling, the role of the movie critic emerges as an important component of the art.… Continue reading How to Become a Movie Critic — Career Tips Explained
In the world of cinema, there’s an intriguing space where creativity meets passion, free from the constraints of big-budget studios. This is the realm of independent, or ‘indie’, films. The term ‘indie’ has become synonymous with uniqueness, originality, and autonomy in filmmaking. In this article, we will delve into the world of indie films, exploring their… Continue reading What is an Indie Film — Definition & History Explained
Picture this: you’re capturing a breathtaking sunset over the ocean, the warm hues painting the sky. To elevate the ethereal beauty of the scene, you reach for your trusted companion – the diffusion filter. The diffusion filter has gained popularity for its ability to transform images and scenes. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive understanding… Continue reading What is a Diffusion Filter — Effects and Uses Explained
Cinematography Terms Screenwriting Terms Film Terms Film Crew Positions A “talking head.” It’s a quick term to describe news broadcasters or perhaps your favorite ‘80s band. But where did it originate, and how has it become ubiquitous in our most commonly-consumed media? In this article, we’ll break down the definition of the term as well… Continue reading What Is a Talking Head — Definition and Examples
Stages of Film Production Film Financing Film Production Pre-Production Post-Production Film Distribution Film Marketing There’s no one way to make a movie. In fact, there’s an infinite number of ways to make one. But in Hollywood, the general contours of a film’s creation hit similar story beats (to borrow a screenwriting term). Whether you are… Continue reading Stages of Film Production — Overview of the Entire Process
In cinema, film reviews hold a significant place, serving as a bridge between the film industry and viewers. They provide an analytical perspective that helps audiences decide what to watch and understand the nuances of a film. In this article, we will delve into the definition of a film review, its critical components, and shed… Continue reading What is a Film Review — Definition, Examples & Top Critics
BasicsOpen menu What Does a Cinematographer Do What is Cinematography What is Digital Cinematography Cinematography Terms What is Motion Blur Lighting EssentialsOpen menu Basics of Film Lighting: 4 Qualities of Light What is Practical Lighting 3-Point Lighting What is Key Light What is Fill Light What is Backlight What is Low Key Lighting What is… Continue reading What is a Light Meter — Understanding the Photographer’s Tool
Action heroes have always held a prominent place in the world of cinema, captivating audiences with their unwavering commitment to justice and their remarkable blend of strength, courage, and wit. From the early days of cinema to the present, these characters have become iconic symbols of heroism, embodying the aspirations and values that resonate with… Continue reading What is an Action Hero — Best Examples & Defining Traits
Photography is more than just clicking the shutter. It’s about truly understanding your camera and the lenses you use as tools. One aspect that often gets overlooked is lens distortion. It’s a common occurrence, yet many photographers are unaware of its impact on their photos. Understanding lens distortion can actually help you improve the quality of… Continue reading What is Lens Distortion & How Does it Affect Your Photos?
Animation BasicsOpen menu What is Animation Types of Animation What is Pre-Production in Animation What Does an Animator Do What is Cel Animation What is Pixilation Animation What is Tweening in Animation What is Anime What is Claymation What are Keyframe What is Persistence of Vision What is Stop Motion Animation What is Rotoscope Animation… Continue reading Types of Animation — Styles, Genres & Techniques
Cinematography Terms Screenwriting Terms Film Terms Film Crew Positions In the world of film production, every piece of equipment, big or small, plays a crucial role. One such unsung hero is the humble apple box. This article will delve into what an apple box is, its origins, and its myriad uses on a film set.Continue… Continue reading What is an Apple Box in Film — Film Set Essentials
In the world of cinema, no budget filmmaking has carved out a unique niche, offering a platform for innovative storytelling outside the constraints of traditional film production. In this article, we’ll look into the history and evolution of no budget filming as well as some of the most influential no budget films.Continue reading No Budget… Continue reading No Budget Films — How to Make a Movie for (Almost) Free
Camera & Lighting DepartmentOpen menu Best Boy Camera Operator Director Of Photography Focus Puller Key Grip Gaffer Dolly Grip Grip Sound DepartmentOpen menu Boom Operator Ultimate Guide to Film Crew Positions Some of the most iconic scenes in film history owe their visual mastery to a singular piece of equipment — the camera dolly. Yet,… Continue reading What is a Dolly Grip — Job Description and Role Explained
Yorgos Lanthimos films are always a tangled knot of provocations. The filmmaker came out of the Greek Weird Wave, and the years have not faded the weirdness in his works. Lanthimos’s newest and biggest film to date, Poor Things, is as unwieldy and playful as what first earned Lanthimos international recognition. So, of course, the… Continue reading What is Poor Things About — Plot and Themes Explained
Color BasicsOpen menu What is a Color Palette Color Grading vs. Color Correction What is Color Space What is Color Temperature What is a Vectorscope What is LUT What is a Colorist What is a Color Checker What is Technicolor First Color Movie Film Colorization Process Color SchemesOpen menu What is a Color Scheme Triadic… Continue reading What is a Color Palette — How to Use Them in Visual Arts
