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

What is Pacing in Writing — And Why It’s So Important

Pacing is an elusive yet pivotal element in storytelling, acting as the rhythm that governs the reader’s journey through the narrative. It dictates the rate at which a story unfolds, influencing the tension, mood, and emotional resonance. Without pacing, a story can have an awkward sense of movement and flow. The best writers and storytellers… Continue reading What is Pacing in Writing — And Why It’s So Important

No Budget Films — How to Make a Movie for (Almost) Free

In the world of cinema, no budget filmmaking has carved out a unique niche, offering a platform for innovative storytelling outside the constraints of traditional film production. In this article, we’ll look into the history and evolution of no budget filming as well as some of the most influential no budget films.Continue reading No Budget… Continue reading No Budget Films — How to Make a Movie for (Almost) Free

What is Freytag’s Pyramid — 5 Steps of Story Structure

Screenplay Structure 101Open menu Three Act Structure Freytag’s Pyramid Story Mountain Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey Save the Cat Dan Harmon’s Story Circle 5 Stages of A StoryOpen menu Exposition Inciting Incident Rising Action Climax Falling Action Denouement Write Your Script For Free → Freytag’s Pyramid is a seminal model that writers have utilized since its… Continue reading What is Freytag’s Pyramid — 5 Steps of Story Structure

Atmosphere in Movies — How Image & Sound Create Worlds

Films possess an immense power to evoke a myriad of emotions within their viewers. From pure joy to profound sadness, from gripping fear to overwhelming love, movies have the unique ability to transport us to alternate worlds and forge deep connections with the stories being told. One element that plays a pivotal role in creating… Continue reading Atmosphere in Movies — How Image & Sound Create Worlds

Subjective Cinema — Types and Techniques in Filmmaking

Watching a film can sometimes feel like looking at the world through someone else’s eyes. This someone else may be a particularly auteurist filmmaker, or they can be a character within a movie that a filmmaker wants us to identify with. Referred to as subjective cinema, this filmmaking technique can be incredibly powerful.Continue reading Subjective… Continue reading Subjective Cinema — Types and Techniques in Filmmaking

What is Intercutting in Film — How to Weave Complex Scenes

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 Intercutting in Film — How to Weave Complex Scenes

Oppenheimer Practical Effects Explained — VFX Without CGI

I t’s no secret that Christopher Nolan is a fan of practical effects. From running a plane into an airport to building an entire rotating hallway, the man likes to do it for real. Oppenheimer is no different. Though Nolan didn’t exactly detonate an atomic bomb, the auteur utilized in-camera effects in creative and unexpected ways.… Continue reading Oppenheimer Practical Effects Explained — VFX Without CGI

Academy Award for Best Visual Effects — The Complete List

Major Awards:Open menu Best Picture Best Director Best Actress Best Supporting Actress Best Actor Best Supporting Actor Writing & Visual:Open menu Best Original Screenplay Best Adapted Screenplay Best Film Editing Best Visual Effects Best Cinematography Animation & Production:Open menu Best Animated Short Film Best Animated Feature Film Best International Feature Film Best Costume Design Best… Continue reading Academy Award for Best Visual Effects — The Complete List

What is an Arthouse Film — Definition & Examples

H ave you ever found yourself captivated by a film that strays from the predictable plot lines of mainstream cinema, instead immersing you in a world of unique storytelling and artistic vision? Welcome to the realm of Arthouse Cinema. But what is an ‘arthouse film’ exactly, and how did this fascinating genre originate? Dive with us… Continue reading What is an Arthouse Film — Definition & Examples

Oppenheimer Script PDF Download — Screenplay Breakdown

I t’s safe to say Oppenheimer is no typical biopic. The film leaps backwards and forwards through time, creating a nonlinear structure that stands apart from its counterparts in the genre. It should be unsurprising, then, that the Oppenheimer screenplay challenges conventions. By examining Christopher Nolan’s script for the movie, we can begin to appreciate just… Continue reading Oppenheimer Script PDF Download — Screenplay Breakdown

What is the Axis of Action — Filmmaking Terms Explained

Cinematography Terms Screenwriting Terms Film Terms The world of filmmaking is full of technical jargon and concepts that may seem intimidating to the uninitiated. One such concept is the “axis of action,” also known as the “line of action” or the “180-degree rule.” This fundamental principle of film editing and shooting is crucial for maintaining… Continue reading What is the Axis of Action — Filmmaking Terms Explained

What is Parallel Editing in Film — And Why Editors Use It

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 Parallel Editing in Film — And Why Editors Use It

What is Production Design in Film — How to Tell Stories Visually

What is Production Design What Does a Production Designer Do? Production Design Tips When we watch a movie, the visuals that we see on the screen can either transport us to a different world or make us feel like we are simply watching a movie set. That is where production design comes in. Production design is… Continue reading What is Production Design in Film — How to Tell Stories Visually

What is a Film Composer — Job Description Explained

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 What is a Film Composer — Job Description Explained

What is Story Structure — Definition, Examples & Types

Screenplay Structure 101Open menu Three Act Structure Freytag’s Pyramid Story Mountain Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey Save the Cat Dan Harmon’s Story Circle 5 Stages of A StoryOpen menu Exposition Inciting Incident Rising Action Climax Falling Action Denouement Write Your Script For Free → Story structure is the framework of a narrative, providing a roadmap for… Continue reading What is Story Structure — Definition, Examples & Types

What is a Plot Twist — Definition, Examples and Types Explained

Plot TropesOpen menu What is a Trope What is a Cliche Flashback MacGuffin Plot Twist Red Herring FREE Movie Scripts: StudioBinder Screenwriting Library Write Your Script for Free What is a plot twist? It’s a term we’ve all heard before – but we rarely ever hear it defined. So today, we’re going to define plot… Continue reading What is a Plot Twist — Definition, Examples and Types Explained

Practical Effects in Film — How Filmmakers Do It For Real

BasicsOpen menu What is Post-Production What is VFX What are Special Effects What is Virtual Production What is CGI What is Matte Painting ProcessOpen menu How to Move the Anchor Point in After Effects How to Mask in Premiere Pro Best After Effects Plugins Best Free After Effects Templates Inception Special Effects How They Shot… Continue reading Practical Effects in Film — How Filmmakers Do It For Real