Highest-Grossing Movies of All Time: What Makes a Blockbuster?

When audiences saw James Cameron’s Titanic for the first time in 1997, they were awed by a scale of filmmaking that the world had rarely, if at all, seen before. More recently, blockbuster movies are almost expected to match this type of scale — some have exceeded it. So, what are the highest-grossing movies of… Continue reading Highest-Grossing Movies of All Time: What Makes a Blockbuster?

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

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… Continue reading Best Action Movies of All Time, Ranked for Filmmakers

How to Become a Director: Learning from Seasoned Filmmakers

Becoming a film director isn’t a straight path. There are multiple ways of getting there but, ultimately, there’s only one driving force: you. Regardless of your education or current skill set, if you want to make movies, you will. But that’s easier said than done, so let’s go a little deeper to answer how to… Continue reading How to Become a Director: Learning from Seasoned Filmmakers

The Kuleshov Effect Explained (and How Spielberg Subverts it)

Movies and television are incredible because they can transport us into a world of wonderment. Today we’re going to go over the Kuleshov Effect and how the greatest director of all time, Steven Spielberg, put his own twist on the editing technique for his personal stamp.Continue reading The Kuleshov Effect Explained (and How Spielberg Subverts… Continue reading The Kuleshov Effect Explained (and How Spielberg Subverts it)

The Best Movies of 2012 — The Year in Review

Best of…20102011201220132014201520162017201820192010-2019 2012 has one of the most eclectic lists in StudioBinder’s series on the past decade. From raucous comedies to quiet introspections on political figures to superhero movies, 2012 had it all. No matter what kind of cinephile you consider yourself, there was plenty to choose from at cinemas. Chances are good you’re number… Continue reading The Best Movies of 2012 — The Year in Review

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,… Continue reading 10 Best Cyberpunk Movies, Ranked for Filmmakers

Blocking and Staging a Scene like Spielberg, Kubrick, and Inarritu

Watching a scene is easy, but blocking and staging a scene effectively is a complex dance between actors and your camera. When deciding where to position your actors and your camera, you’re essentially solving a puzzle — a puzzle with more than one solution. So, how is it done? In this post, we’re going to show you… Continue reading Blocking and Staging a Scene like Spielberg, Kubrick, and Inarritu

Auteur Theory: The Definitive Guide to the Best Auteur Directors

Early filmmakers showed the world that a movie director could be an artist. But not every movie director. Because part of auteur theory is knowing how to define auteur directors. Before auteur theory, Directors were important, but the other factors were still more significant. Stars. Studios. Producers. People referred to a ‘Clark Gable movie’ for example,… Continue reading Auteur Theory: The Definitive Guide to the Best Auteur Directors