Best Shows on Netflix Right Now, Ranked for Filmmakers (September 2020)

Netflix has garnered a reputation in recent years for being the go-to destination for TV streaming. That’s because the service has a little something for everyone — dramas, comedies, documentaries, mockumentaries, and anything else you might think up. But finding the next great show to watch on Netflix can be difficult. Don’t worry though, we’ve… Continue reading Best Shows on Netflix Right Now, Ranked for Filmmakers (September 2020)

Ultimate Guide to Camera Gear — Every Type of Camera Rig Explained

Shot SizeShot FramingCamera AnglesCamera FocusCamera GearCamera MovementCamera Lenses When faced with a blank canvas, a painter must first choose their brush, colors, and subject before they even make a single stroke. Similarly, a filmmaker approaches a shot by first choosing the right tools that serve their story. Some of the most impactful tools to how… Continue reading Ultimate Guide to Camera Gear — Every Type of Camera Rig Explained

20 Best Action Movie Actors of All Time, Ranked for Filmmakers

The best action movie actors have a magnetic combination of physical ability, “coolness,” and charisma to spare. Hollywood’s obsession with muscle-bound action stars may have lessened since the gun-toting days of the ’80s and ’90s but compelling, talented central figures remain a staple of action cinema the world over. Join us in counting down the… Continue reading 20 Best Action Movie Actors of All Time, Ranked for Filmmakers

19 Best Tim Burton Movies — His Entire Filmography Ranked

Tim Burton is a curious talent. From the start of any of his movies, you instantly have the thought, “Oh yeah, this is a Tim Burton movie.” He has a unique aesthetic, showcasing the beauty in the morbid. His career has been a rollercoaster of quality. From classics to clunkers, Burton’s unique filmmaking style has… Continue reading 19 Best Tim Burton Movies — His Entire Filmography Ranked

What is a Zoom Lens? Definition and Examples in Photo and Film

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 → Choosing a lens is a key determinant to… Continue reading What is a Zoom Lens? Definition and Examples in Photo and Film

Art Styles Explained — A Complete Guide to 40+ Art Movements

Index & TimelineOpen menu Art Styles Explained Art History Timeline Renaissance & Classical (1400-1600)Open menu Renaissance Gothic Art Rococo Baroque Classicism Neoclassicism Romanticism & Contemporary (1827-20XX)Open menu Avant Garde Post Impressionism Romanticism Expressionism Contemporary Art Modern Art Over the millennia, the world has seen a vast array of art styles. But what are they? We’re… Continue reading Art Styles Explained — A Complete Guide to 40+ Art Movements

What is Aperture — Ultimate Guide to the Camera Aperture and Depth of Field

Exposure TriangleOpen menu What is the Exposure Triangle Aperture ISO Shutter Speed Frame Rate Create your free shot list → If you know how to adjust your aperture on your digital camera, you’re much closer to mastering lighting and nailing the right exposure for your shots. Without knowing how to use aperture, and how it… Continue reading What is Aperture — Ultimate Guide to the Camera Aperture and Depth of Field

Who Is Justin Roiland and Why His Comedy Matters

As the voice of Rick, Justin Roiland has become a household name. In addition to providing numerous voices on Rick and Morty, he also created the iconic sci-fi/comedy series. Through that success, he has gone on to imbue his unique comedic sensibilities into various other projects. So where else can you see Roiland’s work, and… Continue reading Who Is Justin Roiland and Why His Comedy Matters

Mirrorless vs DSLR — Pros and Cons for Photo and Video

As camera technology evolves, the mirrorless vs DSLR debate is becoming more and more about preference. While DSLR cameras may have been the frontrunner for the last few years, mirrorless cameras have made such incredible advancements that both professionals and beginners alike swear by them. We’ll lay out the key differences between a mirrorless camera… Continue reading Mirrorless vs DSLR — Pros and Cons for Photo and Video

What is a Steadicam Shot & How Did it Change Cinema?

Types of Camera GearOpen menu Tripod Handheld Drone Dolly Steadicam Crane Shot TypesOpen menu All Shots & Angles Camera Shot Ultimate Guide Camera Movement Master Class Create Free Shot List Now → Often the most impactful inventions in history have come about as a result of a beautiful accident. In film, especially on set, beautiful… Continue reading What is a Steadicam Shot & How Did it Change Cinema?

The Medium Close-Up Shot: Definition and Examples in Film

Close UpsOpen menu Extreme Close-Up (ECU) Medium Close-Up (MCU) Medium ShotsOpen menu Medium Shot (MS) Cowboy Shot (CS) Medium Full Shot (MFS) Wide ShotsOpen menu Full Shot (FS) Wide Shot (WS) Extreme Wide Shot (EWS) Create Free Shot List Medium close-up shots are a go-to for many directors, but understanding how to use them in… Continue reading The Medium Close-Up Shot: Definition and Examples in Film

Stanley Kubrick Directing Style Explained in 8 Parts

The saying goes, “If you’re going to steal, steal from the best.” So, is Stanley Kubrick the best? For many filmmakers, the immediate answer is yes. The harder question is “why?” Like a great magician, we appreciate the end result without knowing how it was done. There is certainly a lot of “process” in his… Continue reading Stanley Kubrick Directing Style Explained in 8 Parts

The Best Heist Movies of All Time, Ranked for Filmmakers

The heist film has evolved over the decades, taking on many forms and styles. From sleek and chic to rough and gritty, filmmakers have taken the heist movie in every direction. The best of which have perfected the criminal ensemble, the intricate heist executions, or have taken the heist narrative into completely unique and innovative… Continue reading The Best Heist Movies of All Time, Ranked for Filmmakers

The Dolly Shot: How To Create Powerful Shots With Simple Movement

Types of Camera MovementsOpen menu Static Pan Tilt Whip Pan Zoom Dolly-Zoom (Zolly) More ShotsOpen menu Aerial Track / Truck All Shots & Angles Camera Movements Explained Camera Shot Ultimate Guide Camera Movement Master Class Create Free Shot List Now → It can be difficult to push your audience to identify with the characters while… Continue reading The Dolly Shot: How To Create Powerful Shots With Simple Movement

23 Best Movie Scores of All Time — Filmmaker Playlist

EssentialsOpen menu What is Sound Design Sound Editing vs Sound Mixing What is Voice Over What is Diegetic Sound  What is Non-Diegetic Sound What is a Film Score TechniquesOpen menu Ultimate Guide to Sound Recording Filmmaker’s Guide to Sound Effect Techniques What is a Sound Bridge What is The Shepard Tone How to Design a… Continue reading 23 Best Movie Scores of All Time — Filmmaker Playlist