“Ad Astra” Review: A Precise Exploration of Solitude

James Gray’s new film Ad Astra is a visually stunning journey through our solar system that explores concepts like solitude, commitment, and a focus on the essential to the exclusion of all else. Precision. That’s the word that immediately comes to mind when watching this film. Both from the impressive direction from James Gray to the flawless… Continue reading “Ad Astra” Review: A Precise Exploration of Solitude

ASC Celebrates 100 Years with a Best Cinematography Films 100 List

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 ASC Celebrates 100 Years with a Best Cinematography Films 100 List

Quentin Tarantino’s Star Trek: Should This Be Tarantino’s Last Movie?

Best Tarantino MoviesQT’s Directing StyleQT Directing Tips QT DialogueOnce Upon a Time AnalysisBasterds Breakdown Speculation about Tarantino’s last movie has now reached full tilt — but are we really ready for Quentin Tarantino’s Star Trek? There is only one final film to go before we find out if QT was bluffing or not. But what… Continue reading Quentin Tarantino’s Star Trek: Should This Be Tarantino’s Last Movie?

30 Ways to Brainstorm Short Film Ideas You Can Actually Produce

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 30 Ways to Brainstorm Short Film Ideas You Can Actually Produce

VFX in Netflix’s Mindhunter: Matte Paintings, Composites, and 3D Tracking

When I watch the Netflix series Mindhunter, I’m blown away by how accurate the production design seems to portray the time period. I think to myself, “How do they find these places?” The short answer… they don’t. They find locations that have the right skeleton, and then collaborate with a skilled VFX team to enhance scenes… Continue reading VFX in Netflix’s Mindhunter: Matte Paintings, Composites, and 3D Tracking

Carl Zeiss Cinema Lenses: The Best Showreels and Shorts

Types of LensesOpen menu Lens Basics Prime Lens Zoom Lens Anamorphic Lens Focal LengthsOpen menu Wide Angle Lens (14mm – 35mm) Standard (35mm – 70mm) What is a 50mm Lens Good For 35mm vs 50mm Lenses Telephoto Lens (70mm – 200mm) Create your free shot list → How do you go about capturing cinematic footage?… Continue reading Carl Zeiss Cinema Lenses: The Best Showreels and Shorts