What is an Insert Shot: How to Build Clever Inserts like The Coen Brothers

Types of FramingOpen menu Establishing Shot Single Shot Two Shot Over the Shoulder Insert Shot POV Shot More ShotsOpen menu All Shots & Angles Camera Shot Ultimate Guide Create Free Shot List Now → Insert shots are the unsung hero of filmmaking. They’re used in feature films, documentaries, and commercials. They may seem simple, but… Continue reading What is an Insert Shot: How to Build Clever Inserts like The Coen Brothers

What is a Video Essay? The Art of the Video Analysis Essay

In the era of the internet and Youtube, the video essay has become an increasingly popular means of expressing ideas and concepts. However, there is a bit of an enigma behind the construction of the video essay largely due to the vagueness of the term. What defines a video analysis essay? What is a video essay… Continue reading What is a Video Essay? The Art of the Video Analysis Essay

3 Types of Irony Explained (+ Examples)

Dramatic IronyOpen menu Types of Irony What is Tragic Irony Stages of Dramatic Irony Verbal IronyOpen menu Sarcasm Understatement Overstatement Socratic Irony Situational IronyOpen menu Cosmic Irony Poetic Justice Structural Irony Historical Irony We encounter irony every day: in our favorite movies, TV shows, and in our own lives. Most people have a general understanding… Continue reading 3 Types of Irony Explained (+ Examples)

What is the Rule of Thirds — Definition and Examples

Basics of CompositionOpen menu What is Composition Rules of Shot Composition Rules of Composition Scale Proportion BalanceOpen menu Asymmetrical Balance Symmetrical Balance Radial Balance Golden Ratio Foreground Elements Texture SpaceOpen menu Positive Space Negative Space Positive & Negative Space Fill the Frame Simplicity What is the rule of thirds? The rule of thirds is an… Continue reading What is the Rule of Thirds — Definition and Examples

What is a Storyboard? The Fundamentals to Get You Started

Storyboard EssentialsOpen menu What is a Storyboard Best Storyboard Examples How to Storyboard Ultimate Guide to Storyboard Rules Best Storyboard Software Storyboard TemplatesOpen menu Storyboard Templates Pack How to Make a Storyboard Template How to Use a Storyboard Template Music Video Storyboard Template Commercial Storyboard Templates Movie Storyboard Template Create Your Free Storyboard Here →… Continue reading What is a Storyboard? The Fundamentals to Get You Started

The Only Shot List Template You Need — with Free Download

A good shot list maximizes shooting time and limits downtime across all departments. In this post, we lay out the essentials of a shotlist with pro-tips on best practices. We’re also going to walk you through StudioBinder’s shot list module so you can maximize your productivity. In the end, we’ve provided a shot list template… Continue reading The Only Shot List Template You Need — with Free Download

How to Get a Film Permit — A Step-by-Step Breakdown

Creating a film is an exciting endeavor, but along the way it’s inevitable to hit logistical aspects that can discourage your ambitions. Film permits, for any filmmaker, can inevitably be one of these obstacles. Can I shoot here? What do I need to do to shoot here? Will I get in trouble? These are all fair… Continue reading How to Get a Film Permit — A Step-by-Step Breakdown

How to Make a Storyboard: Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide

Storyboard EssentialsOpen menu What is a Storyboard Best Storyboard Examples How to Storyboard Ultimate Guide to Storyboard Rules Best Storyboard Software Storyboard TemplatesOpen menu Storyboard Templates Pack How to Make a Storyboard Template How to Use a Storyboard Template Music Video Storyboard Template Commercial Storyboard Templates Movie Storyboard Template Create Your Free Storyboard Here →… Continue reading How to Make a Storyboard: Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide

VFX vs. CGI vs. SFX — Decoding the Debate

If you’ve ever marveled at the breathtaking landscapes of Pandora in Avatar or the spellbinding battles in The Lord of the Rings, you’ve witnessed the magic of visual effects.  When looking into the nitty-gritty of how these famed visuals are created, filmmakers have utilized a combination of techniques such as CGI and VFX. But what’s the… Continue reading VFX vs. CGI vs. SFX — Decoding the Debate

What is a Freeze Frame — The Best Examples & Why They Work

Editing EssentialsOpen menu What is Film Editing Types of Editing Transitions How to Become a Film Editor What is a Film Cut What is a Freeze Frame DownloadablesOpen menu Free Video Transitions Free Sound Effects for Video Editing Best Free Video LUTs Ding Sound Effect Download Muzzle Flash Effect Download Free Fog Overlay Templates Editing… Continue reading What is a Freeze Frame — The Best Examples & Why They Work

What are the 12 Principles of Animation — Ultimate Guide

Animation takes patience, attention to detail, boundless creativity, and more patience. The beauty of the artform is that, if you are willing to put the work in, there is no image you can’t create, no world you can’t immerse your viewer into. And yet, despite its endless possibilities, most narrative animators follow a certain set… Continue reading What are the 12 Principles of Animation — Ultimate Guide

What is High Definition — History, Types & Impact

Although we often overlook it today, the breathtaking clarity of cinematography is a relatively recent development. Not too long ago, the images that graced the screens of cinemas and our homes were often filled with graininess and blurriness. However, everything changed with the advent of high-definition technology. High definition, or HD, is therefore not just a… Continue reading What is High Definition — History, Types & Impact

What is Bullet Time in Film — The Art of Extreme Slow-Mo

In the world of filmmaking, there are a variety of creative techniques that can enhance the storytelling and visual experience for viewers. One such technique is bullet time, which has become increasingly popular over the years. The technique makes time itself feel paused, allowing us, the viewers, to examine each detail in a scene that would… Continue reading What is Bullet Time in Film — The Art of Extreme Slow-Mo

Is Film School Worth It — Why You Should or Shouldn’t Go

The allure of the silver screen has captivated many, drawing aspiring filmmakers to pursue their dreams of directing blockbusters or crafting poignant indie films. Yet, as with many artistic careers, the path to success is not clearly defined, leading many to ponder: is film school worth it?  This question is particularly pressing in an era where… Continue reading Is Film School Worth It — Why You Should or Shouldn’t Go

How to Become a Movie Critic — Career Tips Explained

Film, at its best, is a conduit for shared human experience, an art form that transcends boundaries and languages. It’s a mirror held up to society, reflecting our triumphs, our failings, our dreams, our fears. And in this medium of storytelling, the role of the movie critic emerges as an important component of the art.… Continue reading How to Become a Movie Critic — Career Tips Explained

What is an Indie Film — Definition & History Explained

In the world of cinema, there’s an intriguing space where creativity meets passion, free from the constraints of big-budget studios. This is the realm of independent, or ‘indie’, films. The term ‘indie’ has become synonymous with uniqueness, originality, and autonomy in filmmaking.  In this article, we will delve into the world of indie films, exploring their… Continue reading What is an Indie Film — Definition & History Explained

What is a Diffusion Filter — Effects and Uses Explained

Picture this: you’re capturing a breathtaking sunset over the ocean, the warm hues painting the sky. To elevate the ethereal beauty of the scene, you reach for your trusted companion – the diffusion filter. The diffusion filter has gained popularity for its ability to transform images and scenes.  In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive understanding… Continue reading What is a Diffusion Filter — Effects and Uses Explained

What is a Backdrop in Photography — Types & Creative Uses

Photography is an art that allows us to capture moments, tell stories, and express emotions. One of the most important, yet often overlooked, aspects of photography is the backdrop. The backdrop can dramatically change the overall look and feel of the picture, setting the scene and emphasizing the subject.  In this article, we’ll delve into what… Continue reading What is a Backdrop in Photography — Types & Creative Uses