The term 'pleasing to the eye' is used in almost all visual mediums. Architecture, paintings, sculptures, and photography can all strike a chord almost immediately upon seeing them when the artist has a solid understanding of balance. Balance in art can often be the most influential factor in our first impression of a piece, making it incredibly valuable to an artist. Continue reading What is Balance in Art — Definition, Types & Examples
Pastiche is a term thrown around a lot in filmmaking, but what exactly qualifies as pastiche? Pastiche can be both a boon and a pitfall to your creative process, so it’s important to know what it is, what it isn’t, and how to use it effectively in your own work. In this post, we’re going to explain what pastiche is and how it differs from other storytelling devices it’s often confused with. We’ll also take a look at how prolific filmmakers utilize pastiche in their work, and how when done right, pastiche can help define their personal style and voice.…
If you’ve ever seen a music video script then you know they’re pretty straight forward. They give you all the information in a spreadsheet type of document, a.k.a. an AV script. But the next step is much trickier: creating the storyboard. Let’s look at how to create a storyboard that best suits you musical project. How to Make a Storyboard in StudioBinder Watch full tutorial playlist ➚ Create a Storyboard for Free Introducing music video scriptsFirst, what’s a music video storyboard?Before we jump in, let’s go over what exactly a music video storyboard is and what typically appears on one.MUSIC…
Cinematography techniques are the visual methods filmmakers use to tell a story through images.They include camera placement, shot composition, shot size, focus, lighting, camera movement, and on-set workflow choices that shape how a film looks and feels.If that sounds intimidating, fear not, because today in our beginner’s guide to cinematography techniques, we’re going to look at a bunch of different examples, so that you can see what they look like in action. By the end, you’ll know what the major cinematic shots are, and how to capture them. Let’s explore the world of cinematography!Continue reading A Beginner’s Guide to Cinematography…
Telephoto lenses are used by photographers from every skill level and in various situations. In other words, have a telephoto lens in your kit is a must. They’re a lifesaver when it comes to shooting distant subjects, but serve quite a few other purposes. In this post, we’ll outline some advantages of going with a telephoto lens, and what to consider when shooting with one. But first, what is a telephoto lens?Continue reading What is a Telephoto Lens? How to Get the Shots You Want
A storyboard is a graphic layout that sequences illustrations and images to tell a story visually. It is the backbone of visual storytelling, helping filmmakers, marketers, and educators communicate their ideas clearly and effectively.Continue reading 46 Storyboard Examples from Movies, Animation, and Games (with FREE Storyboard Templates)
ISO is an essential part of photography – but it can be tricky to understand how it differs from the other pillars of the exposure triangle: aperture and shutter speed. If you’re confused, you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to explain what ISO means by defining the term, as well as by looking at some common ISO values and examples. By the end, you’ll have a complete beginner’s guide to ISO.Continue reading A Beginner’s Guide to ISO in Photography
Alfred Hitchcock is one of the all-time great auteur filmmakers. His films can be explained in the simplest of terms: You know it when you see it. Over 55 years, Alfred Hitchcock directed dozens upon dozens of films, some of which have joined the pantheon of the greatest movies in cinema history. In this article, we’re going to rank the 30 best Alfred Hitchcock movies based on these four criteria: legacy, suspense, filmmaking, and story.Continue reading 30 Best Alfred Hitchcock Movies Ranked for Filmmakers
Midsommar is Ari Aster’s haunting folk horror film that stunned audiences in 2019. The movie follows a group of college students who travel to a pagan festival in Sweden and get caught up in a terrifying ordeal. If you’ve seen the film, then you know that description doesn’t really do the movie justice, and there’s so much that makes this film such a complex, intriguing work of art. Fortunately, we’ve analyzed every frame to bring you a comprehensive breakdown of what this movie’s really about. Here’s Midsommar explained for all you filmmakers wanting to make your own folk horror masterpiece.Naturally,…
What is a Mexican Standoff? And for that matter, how does it differ from a regular standoff? In this post, we’ll be digging into the term, breaking down its origins, clearing up common misconceptions, and taking a look at some of the best examples. We’ll also be answering the question: why is it called a Mexican Standoff? And, be sure to watch our video essay below for a guide on shooting and editing Mexican Standoff scenes.Continue reading What is a Mexican Standoff — How to Direct a Showdown
