What is Dystopian Fiction? Definition and Characteristics

From movies to novels to video games, dystopian fiction is consistently one of the hottest genres in entertainment. But given its broad scope and variety of forms, the dystopian genre can sometimes be hard to categorize. What is dystopian fiction? What are its defining features and how can we account for its enduring popularity? This article will define dystopian fiction, explain its purpose and function, and provide important examples of it from across the storytelling spectrum.

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What is Cyberpunk — Genre Definition, Origins & Examples

Tall buildings, smoke filled rooms, femme fatales, people on the margins of society, late nights, bright signs….and cybernetic implants? No, it’s not film noir, it’s Cyberpunk. It’s a sub-genre that has slowly but surely integrated itself into popular media from the 1970s all the way to the 2020s. Taking inspiration from hard boiled fiction and rejecting utopian sci-fi, Cyberpunk has made a name for itself in all forms of media. But what is Cyberpunk, what’s its history, and how has it evolved?

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Best Action Movies of All Time, Ranked for Filmmakers

Nothing gets the blood pumping like a good, old-fashioned action flick. From incredible set pieces to beautifully-choreographed action to, of course, amazing one-liners, action is a popular film genre for a reason. And now, it’s time to rank the best action movies of all time.

 

Popular action movies take all shapes and forms. This list has everything from superhero movies to Hong Kong action thrillers and even a couple of Star Wars flicks thrown in for good measure. Any filmmakers who want to direct their own action film should watch these movies because each one offers something great to the genre. … Keep reading

Best Steven Spielberg Movies, Ranked for Filmmakers

If you loved movies as a child, then there’s a good chance you owe a debt of gratitude to Steven Spielberg. He’s directed some of the best, most entertaining, and most influential films of all time. Honestly, he has about 10 films you could put as #1 on a list of his best movies, and no one would be mad.

He’s been a producer, writer, and even an actor over the years, but for this list, we’re only looking at the 31 feature-length, theatrically-released films in his filmography. Get ready to be inspired because we’re counting down the best Steven Spielberg films ever made.… Keep reading

Extreme Close-Up Shots: Creative Examples That Work

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50+ Types of Camera Shots, Angles, and Techniques

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Steven Spielberg Movies — Filmmaking Style & Techniques

You’ve seen many Steven Spielberg movies in your time. Despite his popularity, it can be difficult to pinpoint what defines the Steven Spielberg directing style. Perhaps his control of the medium is so natural and intuitive, his trademarks and cinematography techniques go unnoticed in a good way. This article will explore the most iconic films by Spielberg, analyzing his unique style and storytelling techniques.

We get lost in a Spielberg movie in a way that’s like no other filmmaker. His ability to captivate audiences raises questions like what film is the highest grossing of all time, as many of his masterpieces have shaped the box office landscape.We’re… Keep reading

Camera Framing Techniques: Frame Shots Like a Master Filmmaker

You’re looking for a list of the different types of camera shot framing in film, but you also want great examples that come with clear explanations of when and why to use specific shot frames. After our video detailing the main types of camera framing, we’ll provide you with downloadable shot lists that you can use for reference the next time you shot list a project. Lezgo.

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Janusz Kamiński Movies Ranked — The Cinematographer’s Best

Janusz Kamiński is one of the most celebrated cinematographers working today. Since Schindler’s List, he’s become Steven Spielberg’s go-to director of photography, giving the filmmaker’s movies a grit and realism that was largely missing in his earlier filmography. Janusz Kamiński movies have certain calling cards — high contrast, strong backlighting — but not one of them looks the same. We’ve ranked his finest work, and at the end of the list, download a mood board with our favorite Kamiński shots.

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The Overhead Shot — Creative Examples of Camera Angles

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How to Convert a Short Story into a Script — A 5-Step Guide

Did you know that some of the most famous movies of all time, like Rear Window, Rashomon, and 2001: A Space Odyssey, were adapted from short stories? The art of turning prose into a professional script has been incredibly lucrative for hundreds of writers over the years. We’re going to show you how to convert a short story into a script. By the end, you’ll be ready to pitch the next big cinematic adaptation to studio execs.

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Average Movie Budget — How Much Do Movies Cost to Make?

Why are major Hollywood movies so expensive these days? It seems like everything costs at least $200 million to make. Surely, there has to be a happy medium between indies and blockbusters. As it turns out, while the average movie budget has exploded over the last few decades, it’s still a far cry from your typical “Avengers” movie. So buckle up as we take you through a journey of the average of how much it costs to make cinema magic.

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The Spielberg Oner — How to Direct a Long Take Like Steven Spielberg

Jurassic Park is one of the few movies that have set the standard among audiences’ expectations for modern blockbusters. With more recent installments such as Jurassic World and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom falling short of many viewers’ expectations, what exactly made the original so amazing? The answer is largely due to the Jurassic Park cinematography and the direction of Steven Spielberg.

Although the production design, visual effects, and performances all contributed to its success, the innovative techniques used to tell the story set Jurassic Park apart from its sequels. So how did Steven Spielberg use his camera to a larger than life story?… Keep reading

Michael Bay’s Best Movies, Ranked from Worst to Best

Here at StudioBinder, we’ve written extensively about auteurs in the field of film. We’ve discussed artists like Martin Scorsese, Christopher Nolan, and David Fincher at length. And then, there’s Michael Bay.

Love him or hate him, his films have influenced the filmmaking world. His 360 shot and his unique editing strategies have impacted filmmakers young and old alike. For this list, we’re counting down the best Michael Bay films of all time, and yes, there are some pretty good ones. Let’s dive into it.

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10 Best Cyberpunk Movies, Ranked for Filmmakers

Start with a heaping spoonful of hard-boiled grit. Add a splash of neon lights. Then liberally sprinkle on some corruption and cybernetic enhancements — now you’ve got yourself a cyberpunk movie. This subgenre is thriving in the 21st century and we’re about to get into the top 10 best cyberpunk movies.

 

Cyberpunk, also known as neon-noir, sci-fi noir, and future-noir, is the industrialized spin-off of neo-noir infused with elements from other science fiction subgenres. Some of the most influential titles of all time are cyberpunk movies: The Terminator, The Matrix, and Blade Runner, to name a few. 

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