Are practical effects still useful in modern cinema? In the battle of practical vs CGI (computer-generated images), who wins? Practical effects have a rich history in cinema, influencing generations of filmmakers and movie goers alike. Oftentimes, practical effects movies can produce a more realistic look and feel than CGI. In the article, we analyze practical effects, the movies that use them and why they still have great importance in film.Continue reading Practical Effects in Film — How Filmmakers Do It For Real
The Last of Us is one of HBO’s most recent blockbuster television shows. Looking at a history of video game adaptations, the cards were stacked against the series, but it avoided all the pitfalls of previous takes on video games to become a resounding success. The secrets to the show’s quality can be found in The Last of Us behind the scenes– each element of the show was carefully considered and expertly executed.Continue reading The Making of The Last of Us — Writing, Visuals & FX Explained
Best Shyamalan MoviesShyamalan's Style ExplainedThe Return of M. Night Shyamalan Love him or hate him, the M. Night Shyamalan directing style is worth studying. He’s made every kind of movie: universally loved, universally loathed, and a few that will endlessly divide audiences. But before he became a punching bag on the internet, Shyamalan was making exciting and confident masterpieces. If he had never found such success, perhaps his fall from grace would have gone unnoticed. For this post, we’re going to focus on the techniques and strategies that Shyamalan did well. The internet might have irreparably damaged Shyamalan’s reputation but…
Virtual production is a fast-growing technique in the film and television industry. It offers filmmakers new ways to create engaging content with greater flexibility and efficiency. But what is virtual production? It combines traditional filmmaking methods such as motion capture and facial recognition with digital visuals. And this groundbreaking technology opens up exciting possibilities for directors and producers looking to produce something completely unique. This blog will explore how it works, and the benefits that it offers to those creating content in today's landscape. Continue reading What is Virtual Production — Pros, Cons & Process Explained
Texture in art is a vital part of any artwork. It adds depth, complexity, and visual interest that can transform an image into a living, breathing entity. Not only does texture help define the form of an artwork, it can also invite dialogue between the artist and their audience by creating atmosphere and depth. In this article, we will explore texture in art and its various nuances.Continue reading What is Texture in Art — Definition, Examples & Types Explained
Art is the expression of one's innermost thoughts, feelings, and emotions through a variety of mediums. Movement in art is when an artist uses visual techniques, like color and composition, to create the illusion of movement and dynamism within their artwork. This type of art is unique because it allows viewers to interact with the painting, sculpture or other works on a personal level as if they were walking through it. Let’s dive into movement in art and composition.Continue reading What is Movement in Art — Composition Techniques Explained
Special effects makeup has been a source of wonder and mystery since the dawn of film. It is often used to create characters and creatures that are so realistic they can seem almost unreal. But what is SFX makeup exactly? From creating iconic superheroes like Iron Man to bringing monsters like Godzilla to life, SFX makeup has made its mark in the entertainment industry. In this blog post, we'll explore the history and benefits of special effects makeup in cinema.Continue reading What is SFX Makeup — The Magic of Special Effects Makeup
It's hard to frame characters on screen, while simultaneously showcasing the story’s intentions. Never fear, the two shot can solve this problem for you. Today we’re going to go over the two shot. We’ll show you how you can use it in your work to subtly get your story’s dramatic beats and comedic moments to pop. Continue reading The Two Shot: Examples of Camera Movements & Angles
Film Lighting: The Ultimate Guide (FREE Ebook)A foundational guide for photographers and cinematographers aspiring to master the art of cinematic lighting.We'll cover the attributes of light, the equipment involved and tips on shooting in various lighting scenarios. Types of Film Lighting ExplainedAchieving cinematic lighting starts with knowing "the rules"Great lighting is what separates the amateurs from the professionals. Cinematographers with firm grasp on how the combination of light and shadow can support visual storytelling all started with the fundamentals.This guide is a jumpstart towards that goal. By learning how light works and how to harness it, you can approach any lighting…
Low light cinematography can be daunting. If it goes wrong, an image can be hard to see or fraught with noise. Trying to overcorrect with stronger lights, on the other hand, can make a night scene feel unnaturally bright. How can a cinematographer navigate this minefield to achieve a beautiful low-light shot? In this post, we'll cover various techniques when shooting low light photography and cinematography. We'll start with our interview with famed DP Claudio Miranda discussing how to shoot in low light with scenes from Oblivion, Life of Pi, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.Continue reading Low Light…
