A thumbnail storyboard is a great tool to bring ideas to life without investing huge amounts of time. But what is a thumbnail storyboard? We’re going to answer that question by defining the term, outlining some examples, and by providing a free template so that you can make some thumbnail storyboards of your own. By the… Continue reading What is a Thumbnail Storyboard (And How They Work)
An ensemble cast in cinema and theatre is like an orchestra, where a group of diverse and talented performers come together, each contributing their unique notes to create a harmonious performance. But what exactly is an ensemble cast? How does it enhance the narrative and engage audiences in a distinct way? Continue reading What is an… Continue reading What is an Ensemble Cast — Examples & Characteristics
The impact of music in a film is undeniable. It can make a distant feeling scene feel suddenly personal and emotional. It can change the energy of an entire sequence. The credit for that largely goes to the music supervisors. These individuals play a critical role in shaping the film’s soundscape and enhancing its emotional… Continue reading What is a Music Supervisor — Definition & Job Description
Acting, like any art form, is complex and nuanced. It’s a craft that demands vulnerability, creativity, and an insatiable curiosity about the human condition. One of the most influential approaches to this craft is the Stanislavski Method. It’s use can be found in some of your favorite films and the performances of your favorite actors.Continue… Continue reading What is the Stanislavski Method — Techniques Explained
You’ve got a fresh story–original characters, unique plots, a daring setting. But without a distinct directing style, your film can feel as boring as Manchester by the Sea. How you frame a scene can give your script new meaning or skyrocket you to one of the great auteur directors.Continue reading Directing Styles: How Mr. Robot… Continue reading Directing Styles: How Mr. Robot Uses Unique Framing To Build Drama
How does one create a great tracking shot in film? What strategies are available to keep the shot interesting for the audience without becoming too chaotic? With this example from Martin Scorsese’s excellent film The Wolf of Wall Street, we’ll show you how a master filmmaker uses eye lines, blocking, and framing to create a… Continue reading The Wolf of Wall Street Long Take — Director’s Playbook
Best of…20102011201220132014201520162017201820192010-2019 Ranking movies at the end of their respective years is always a difficult task. Some films may seem fresh and exciting in my mind now, but in a year, it may be completely forgotten. Still, these “Best Of” lists provide a unique time capsule into where the zeitgeist was at the time. As… Continue reading The Best Movies of 2019 — The Year in Review, Ranked for Filmmakers