What is a Montage? Definition, Examples & 6 Ways to Use Them

One of the most fundamental aspects of the medium of film is the ability to edit and rearrange images and shots to create a story. The difficulty in editing and film in general is to be both effective and efficient at the same time. This enables the audience to understand the story while also being completely engaged. One of the most useful tools that filmmakers have to execute this is the montage. What is a montage and how do filmmakers use them? Let’s dive in.Continue reading What is a Montage? Definition, Examples & 6 Ways to Use Them

What is Mise en Scène in Film: Definition and Examples

Mise en scène. It’s a fancy looking phrase that you’ve seen floating around many film-related articles, carrying with it an immediate sense of snobbery. Don’t worry, you’re not the first person to ask “what is mise en scene?” After today, you’ll have a better sense of this concept and its fundamentals so you can apply it in your next project. Continue reading What is Mise en Scène in Film: Definition and Examples

13 Best Mafia Movies of All Time, Ranked for Filmmakers

Mafia Movies hold a dear spot in the hearts of many filmmakers. Every filmmaker remembers the first time they saw Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather; a type of film that inspires us as cinema fans. But before we rank the best mafia movies of all time, let’s define the key characteristics.The ranking of these films is in relation to their quality and importance as Mafia movies rather than just general gangster movies. Many of the films from our top gangster movies of all time list were excluded, with special exceptions for extraordinary impact as Mafia movies.Continue reading 13 Best Mafia Movies of All Time, Ranked for Filmmakers

73 Best Crime Movies of All Time, Ranked for Filmmakers

You’re looking for a list of the best crime movies of all time. Maybe you want to find action crime films, or crime thrillers, or perhaps even a crime comedy movie or a crime drama. We’ve got you covered. In this post, we’ve compiled a list of the best crime movies of all-time, including American crime movies and the top crime films from around the world. All of these movies are worth a watch, so pop some corn, call your lawyer, pour a glass of your favorite pruno, and start the show.Continue reading 73 Best Crime Movies of All Time, Ranked for Filmmakers

Over-the-Shoulder Shot: Examples of Camera Movements & Angles

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 → Why do filmmakers use over-the-shoulder shots? Can they signal to the viewer that two characters are, at the very least, on the same page? The OTS shot is one of the most commonly used shots in film and television, but often it’s used without proper application of advanced cinematic language. We’ll break down the psychology so your OTS shots drive home an emotional concept.Continue reading Over-the-Shoulder Shot: Examples of Camera Movements & Angles

Sound Editing vs Sound Mixing — What’s the Difference?

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 Surreal Film Score How to Use Suspenseful Music ResourcesOpen menu Best Sites for Horror Sound Effects Free Sound Effects for Video Editing Ding Sound Effect Download Best Free Gun Sounds Online Best Background Music for Videos Best Sites to Download Royalty Free Music Storytelling may start with an idea and a script. Along the way, it may garner tons of attention and praise for its directing and star-studded cast. But what can sound do for a story? Sound design involves much more than level dialogue and explosions. It’s highly technical, but requires an enormous amount of creativity. If done well, it can tell a truly powerful story. For the typical movie-goer, sound editing vs sound mixing can sometimes be confused with each other, but they are different. The two serve completely different purposes, and both are necessary for a truly cinematic experience. Continue reading Sound Editing vs Sound Mixing — What’s the Difference?

How to Use Color in Film: 50+ Examples of Movie Color Palettes

A filmmaker is a visual artist. To be a great visual artist you need mastery of the color palette. Many of the greatest Directors, Cinematographers, and Production Designers have extensive backgrounds as visual artists themselves. There are many ways to use color in film. We’re going to break down the key approaches as well as offer you a free E-book. The ebook is an excellent tool for better understanding the use of the color in film, and how to master it.Continue reading How to Use Color in Film: 50+ Examples of Movie Color Palettes

What is Dramatic Irony? Definition and Examples

Dramatic IronyOpen menu Types of Irony What is Tragic Irony Stages of Dramatic Irony Verbal IronyOpen menu Sarcasm Understatement Overstatement Socratic Irony Situational IronyOpen menu Cosmic Irony Poetic Justice Structural Irony Historical Irony Dramatic irony is one of the three main types of irony. Like verbal and situational irony, dramatic irony is an integral element of storytelling. The power a writer or director can yield with a firm grasp of dramatic irony is huge. But what is dramatic irony and how does it work? In this article, we’re going to define dramatic irony. We will also discuss the stages of dramatic irony and a subtype called tragic irony. By the end, you’ll know how to implement dramatic irony in your own works.Continue reading What is Dramatic Irony? Definition and Examples

The Rule of Six — Eye Trace Editing Technique Explained

Directors and cinematographers shoot with purpose, as they match their technical shot choices with the intended tone or emotion of the story. Of course, they’re not the only ones making critical choices. Editors’ decisions hugely determine the success of a film.  It is up to the editor to assemble every scene, every cut in a scene, to tell the intended emotional truth of the story. It’s a tall order. To alleviate some of this pressure, Oscar-winning editor, Walter Murch, outlined some helpful tools. In his book, In the Blink of an Eye, Walter Murch details The Rule of Six, discussing the six categories that make for a great cut. This post explores what these “rules” are, how they’re used in films, and what happens if you break them, (hint: sometimes you should), demonstrating why Walter Murch’s Rule of Six is a great guideline for the beginner or advanced editor.Continue reading The Rule of Six — Eye Trace Editing Technique Explained

Best Free Crime Movie Scripts Online (with PDF Downloads)

Screenplays By GenreOpen menu Comedy Sci-Fi Drama Crime TV Scripts Horror ResourcesOpen menu FREE Scripts: StudioBinder Screenwriting Library Best Screenplays to Read Shane Black Movies & Screenwriting Explained Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay Best Horror Movie Scripts to Download Write Your Script for Free → I Welcome to StudioBinder’s screenplay library, your ultimate destination for riveting and gritty free crime movie scripts. Prepare to be immersed in a world of illicit activities, high-stakes heists, and gripping cat-and-mouse pursuits. Our handpicked collection showcases the very best in crime storytelling, unraveling complex narratives filled with deception, intrigue, and thrilling plot twists. Brace yourself for a pulse-pounding experience. Enjoy!Continue reading Best Free Crime Movie Scripts Online (with PDF Downloads)