Chris Heckmann is a Professor of Media & Communication at Roger Williams University and graduate of UCLA’s Cinema & Media Studies Master of Arts program. When he’s not writing or teaching, he’s probably playing video games (or thinking about the next great Boston sports trade).
At one point or another, everybody in film production has asked the question “what is craft services?” Well, what is craft services? We’re going to answer that question by defining craft service. We’re also going to break down the difference between craft service and catering. By the end, you’ll know everything there is to know… Continue reading What is Craft Services on a Movie Set — Film Prod. Essentials
What is a leitmotif? What makes it different from a theme song? How is it used in cinema? These are the questions we’re going to answer as we look at the leitmotif definition and examples. We’re also going to show you how masterclass composers like John Williams apply leitmotifs to their films. By the end,… Continue reading What is a Leitmotif? Definition and Examples
Animation BasicsOpen menu What is Animation Types of Animation What Does an Animator Do What is Cel Animation What is Anime What is Claymation ResourcesOpen menu How to Direct an Animated Movie Animation Storyboard Tips Unreleased Aladdin Animatic Best Animated Music Videos Best Animation Software Best AnimationsOpen menu Best Animated Movies of All Time Best… Continue reading Best Animated Music Videos of All Time — Top 20 List
Star Wars is the second highest grossing film franchise in the world – second only to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Over the past 40+ years, nine directors have worked on theatrical Star Wars films, including George Lucas, J. J. Abrams, Ron Howard and more. We’re going to explore the careers of every Star Wars film… Continue reading Every Star Wars Director — How Each Helped Shape a Franchise
What is Point of ViewOpen menu First Person Point of View Second Person Point of View Third Person Point of View Third Person Point of ViewOpen menu Third Person Point of View Third Person Omniscient Point of View Third Person Limited Point of View What is third person point of view? Perhaps she knows; or… Continue reading What is Third Person Point of View? Definition & Examples
Casting TipsOpen menu Ultimate Guide to Auditions Guide to Holding Auditions Best Casting Tips Indie Film Casting Casting Background Talent Casting ResourcesOpen menu Actor Release Forms Model Release Form Photo Release Form Best Talent Agencies What is a Casting Director How to Become a Casting Director Actors far and wide travel to the Big Apple… Continue reading Best Casting Agencies NYC Edition — An Actor’s Guide
Screenwriting ResourcesOpen menu Screenwriting Internships Screenwriting Classes Online Screenwriting Websites Screenwriting Programs Screenwriting Fellowships Screenwriting Books Free Scripts: StudioBinder Screenwriting Library Write Your Script for Free Aspiring screenwriters often ask “what are the best screenwriting programs?” And although that question certainly holds merit, its answer is completely subjective. The truth is that there are no… Continue reading Best Screenwriting Programs — Top 10 Schools To Consider
ProcessOpen menu How to Make a Short Film Short Film Schedule Tips Write a Short That Gets Noticed How to Storyboard a Short Film Phases of Short Film Pre-Production How Whiplash Went From a Short to a Feature ResourcesOpen menu Best Short Films of All Time Best Short Film Ideas Crowdfunding Movies The Ultimate Film… Continue reading Ari Aster Short Films — Munchausen, The Johnsons Explained
Screenplays By GenreOpen menu Comedy Sci-Fi Drama Crime TV Scripts Horror ResourcesOpen menu FREE Scripts: StudioBinder Screenwriting Library Best Screenplays to Read Shane Black Movies & Screenwriting Explained Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay Best Horror Movie Scripts to Download Write Your Script for Free → The Lord of… Continue reading Lord of the Rings Script PDF — ‘Fellowship’ Analysis & Download
BasicsOpen menu What Does a Cinematographer Do What is Cinematography What is Digital Cinematography Cinematography Terms What is Motion Blur ResourcesOpen menu Essential Cinematography Books Top 100 Cinematography Films Videography Contract Template Best Cinematography Schools How to Join the Cinematographer’s Guild Best Cinematography Online Courses E-BooksOpen menu FREE E-Book: Camera Lenses Explained FREE E-Book: Exposure… Continue reading IATSE Local 600 — How to Join the Cinematographer’s Guild
In 2016, Georgia eclipsed California as the state that produced the most feature films in the U.S.A. Much of Georgia’s prolific film production comes from Atlanta – but it’s not entirely centralized. We’re going to explore the benefits to shooting in Georgia and film studios in Atlanta. By the end, you’ll know why many call… Continue reading Film Studios in Atlanta Georgia — A Guide to Shooting in ATL
Advertising EssentialsOpen menu Ethos, Pathos & Logos Explained What is Pathos What is Logos What is Telos What is Kairos What is Ethos How to AdvertiseOpen menu How to Pitch a TV Show Like a Pro How to Make a Movie Poster How to Make a Commercial How to Develop Your Brand What is a… Continue reading What is an EPK — A Creator’s Guide to the Electronic Press Kit
Production managers are important players in Hollywood – but what is a production manager? We’re going to get to the bottom of that question by looking at the production manager definition, as well as production manager examples in film. By the end, you’ll know what production managers do and why they’re important.Continue reading What is… Continue reading What is a Production Manager — Job Description & Duties
Types of CharactersOpen menu Protagonist Antagonist Hero Anti Hero Tragic Hero Foil Character Character TropesOpen menu Common Character Types Types of Villains Femme Fatale Mad Scientist Mary Sue Damsel in Distress Write Your Free Script → Characterization is simply “what makes a character a character.” But under the umbrella of characterization, there are two subtypes:… Continue reading What is Direct Characterization — Character Building Tips
What is a production company? Quite simply, it is a company that produces content. But there’s a lot more to the term than just that and every company is a little different from the next. Whether it’s animation, commercials, music videos, feature films, or web content, there is a production entity behind it. We’re going… Continue reading What is a Production Company in Film (& What Do They Do?)
Types of CharactersOpen menu Protagonist Antagonist Hero Anti Hero Tragic Hero Foil Character Character TropesOpen menu Common Character Types Types of Villains Femme Fatale Mad Scientist Mary Sue Damsel in Distress Write Your Free Script → Indirect characterization is an essential part of developing nuanced characters. But what is indirect characterization? We’re going to break… Continue reading What is Indirect Characterization — Character Building Tips
Writing a biopic screenplay can present an enormous challenge for even the most veteran screenwriters. That’s because biopics often involve legal and circumstantial challenges that aren’t an issue with other forms. Don’t fear though: we’re going to show you how to write a biopic screenplay step-by-step. By the end, you’ll be ready to write a… Continue reading How to Write a Biopic Screenplay — Research & Writing TIps
Hollywood has gone through a lot of different eras, but perhaps none were more influential on society than the golden age. But when was the golden age of Hollywood? What made it golden? And why did it end? We’re going to answer those questions by looking at some examples from The Maltese Falcon, Citizen Kane,… Continue reading When Was the Golden Age of Hollywood — And Why Did It End?
What is tenebrism? Tenebrism is a lighting style that’s often confused with chiaroscuro – but what are the differences between them? And what makes the style unique? We’re going to explore tenebrism by looking at paintings from the Renaissance period. By the end, you’ll know where this style originated, what it can bring to your… Continue reading What is Tenebrism — The Art of Light and Shadow Explained
Color BasicsOpen menu What is Color Temperature Color Grading vs. Color Correction What is LUT What is Technicolor First Color Movie Film Colorization Process Color SchemesOpen menu What is a Color Palette What is a Color Scheme Triadic Color Scheme Monochromatic Color Scheme Analogous Color Scheme Complementary Color Scheme FREE Ebook: How to Use Color… Continue reading What is a Color Checker Tool and How Do They Work?
