How the ‘Whiplash’ Short Film Became the ‘Whiplash’ Movie

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 How the ‘Whiplash’ Short Film Became the ‘Whiplash’ Movie

What is Deep Depth of Field? Definition and Examples

Dof basicsShallow dofDeep dofDOF GuideTYPES OF CAMERA FOCUS If you’re just getting your feet wet in photography or videography, you’ve probably heard one million terms tossed around that either mean nothing to you…yet, or you know of them, sort of, but you’re not entirely sure how they all work together. Whatever your skill level, this… Continue reading What is Deep Depth of Field? Definition and Examples

Film Blocking: Filmmaking Techniques for Visual Storytelling

Ep1: Film ToneEp2: Prod DesignEp3: Film BlockingEp4: Camera Movement VIEW ALL EPISODES → EPISODE 3Filmmaking techniques: Blocking for directorsHow directors and cinematographers work together to block actors in a scene. ← WATCH PREVIOUS EPISODE WATCH NEXT EPISODE → FILMMAKING TECHNIQUES: EPISODE 3How directors block actors:In our third episode on Filmmaking Techniques in visual storytelling, we look at… Continue reading Film Blocking: Filmmaking Techniques for Visual Storytelling

The Directing Style of Quentin Tarantino

Best Tarantino MoviesQT’s Directing StyleQT Directing Tips QT DialogueOnce Upon a Time AnalysisBasterds Breakdown Is there any filmmaker whose personality is more apparent when you watch his films than Quentin Tarantino? In his own quirky way, Tarantino has introduced us to some of the most shocking and moving emotional moments on film. Of course, Quentin Tarantino’s… Continue reading The Directing Style of Quentin Tarantino

What is Depth of Field? Examples of Shallow vs Deep Depth of Field

Dof basicsShallow dofDeep dofDOF GuideTYPES OF CAMERA FOCUS If you’re hoping to become a great photographer or videographer, utilizing every tool at your disposal is the safest and smartest way to get there. One tool that can level-up your skill set is depth of field. Understanding depth of field is tantamount to not only craft,… Continue reading What is Depth of Field? Examples of Shallow vs Deep Depth of Field

Focal Length: An Easy Guide to Using and Understanding Camera Lenses

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 → Every choice you make as a filmmaker will… Continue reading Focal Length: An Easy Guide to Using and Understanding Camera Lenses

Shot Reverse Shot: Reaction Shots, Cutaways, and Coverage

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 Shot Reverse Shot: Reaction Shots, Cutaways, and Coverage

3 Cinematic Film Techniques to Make On-Screen Texting Actually Look Good

Itext. You text. My grandmother who still thinks Reagan is president texts. But most tv shows and movies shy away from it. Having your characters pull out their phone puts seems to go against the key foundations of cinematics. But it doesn’t have to. Taking tips from Tony Zhou’s video essay, we’ll cover three cinematic… Continue reading 3 Cinematic Film Techniques to Make On-Screen Texting Actually Look Good

The Best Casting Tips for Directors and Producers

Production DepartmentOpen menu What Does a Producer Do What Does an Executive Producer Do What Does a TV Producer Do What is An Associate Producer What is a Line Producer Ultimate Guide to Film Crew Positions Production ResourcesOpen menu Ultimate Location Scout Cheat Sheet Shooting Schedule Template Production Crew Contact List Template Film Budget Template… Continue reading The Best Casting Tips for Directors and Producers

Mood Board Creator

Mood Board CreatorSet the MoodStudioBinder’s mood board creator is designed to inspire any project. Get Started for Free ▶    Watch Tour Explore VisualizeExplore all the features in the Visualize solution StoryboardsEnvision every scene Shot ListsSpec out shot details Mood BoardsConvey look and feel Browse all solutions ➜ Online Mood Board MakerCreate a mood board… Continue reading Mood Board Creator

How to Become a Location Scout (and Find Better Film Locations)

I f you’re a filmmaker, you’re always hunting for great filming locations. But, as you know, time and resources don’t always allow for the focus you need for this complex task. There’s hope: with just a little diligence and effort, you can find locations you’ve only dreamed of.  You just need to learn how to be a… Continue reading How to Become a Location Scout (and Find Better Film Locations)