To get the best performance and therefore the most enjoyable user experience you'll want to build or buy a system that is configured to maximize the components After Effects relies on the most.
Now is a great time for filmmakers to invest in a 3D printer for a wide variety of reasons. Let's dive in and take a look at our top 10 reason why every filmmaker should have a 3D printer.
Learn the fundamental concept of beats in screenwriting—the small, powerful units of action or dialogue that create rhythm, drive plot progression, and are essential for crafting engaging, well-paced scenes and narratives.
Frustrated with the ActionVFX subscription model? Explore the best non-subscription alternatives for high-quality VFX stock footage, featuring FX Elements, MotionVFX, BIGFILMS, and more for filmmakers and compositors.
Learn how to write a compelling film treatment—the 2-5 page prose summary that outlines your story, characters, and plot points. Essential for pre-script development and pitching to producers.
Timecode is an essential system in professional video production, acting as a digital fingerprint for every frame of your footage to ensure precise synchronization between multiple cameras and audio recorders. This is crucial for streamlining the entire post-production workflow.
Discover how virtual production revolutionizes filmmaking by blending real and digital worlds. Learn about the evolution from green screens, the technology of LED walls and motion tracking, and key technical considerations.
Discover the best YouTube filmmaking channels focused on the art of traditional cinema. Find top-tier resources for production, cinematography, sound, post-production, and visual effects (VFX), filtered for serious filmmakers.
Learn the essential duties, skills, and career path to become an Executive Producer in film and television, covering everything from script development and finance to creative oversight and industry networking.
Learn what a dolly shot is, the smooth camera movement technique using a dolly. Explore standard, tracking, and the dramatic dolly zoom for dynamic filmmaking.
In all forms of storytelling, a character's introduction is a defining tableau, setting the stage for narrative impact. This article examines the craft of creating memorable character debuts that captivate and reveal core traits.
Writing a screenplay is no easy feat. It requires a unique blend of creativity, structure, and storytelling skills. One of the most crucial elements of a successful screenplay is its structure.
Black Friday 2023 officially starts on Thursday, November 23rd, at midnight, but many companies are running deals even earlier than that. We've populated the list with many of the companies that ran deals last year. We'll continue to add details and update the list as more information becomes available.
Discover the top online screenwriting courses that will turn your storytelling dreams into reality. Unlock your creative potential and master the art of scriptwriting today!
Screenplays are the blueprints for films, and just like any other form of writing, they come in different genres. In this article, we'll explore the different screenplay genres and what sets them apart.
Though general word processors can technically get the job done, specialized screenwriting programs provide critical formatting, collaboration, and story development features that empower writers through the entire creative process.
Stage plays and screenplays represent two pillars of the writer's craft. This guide explores how they engage audiences differently through contrasting formats, techniques and experiences.
Aspiring screenwriters often wonder—how long does it actually take to go from blank page to completed script? Can you crank out a draft in just two weeks, like the experts? Or will your first feature film script be a marathon effort spanning years?
If you've ever dreamed of writing for the screen, you're in luck. Learning screenwriting is an exciting journey that allows you to unleash your creativity and tell captivating stories.
A ghostwriter in screenwriting is someone who is hired to write a screenplay or script that will be credited to someone else. Most often, they are a freelance writer hired by a studio or production company on a per-project basis.
Every great film begins with the written word - the screenplay. Before a single frame is shot, the script transports readers into new worlds, introduces unforgettable characters, and sets audiences up for an engrossing cinematic journey.
Though often overlooked outside of the entertainment industry, screenwriting is an essential creative process in the development of movies, TV shows, and other visual stories we love.
Ever wondered who's the mastermind behind spellbinding movie sets and engrossing worlds? Welcome to the realm of an art director. As you explore, you'll uncover their integral role in visual storytelling.
Understand the distinct roles of the Production Designer (creative concept and vision) and the Art Director (logistics and execution) and how their collaboration drives the film's art department.
Learn the essential role of a Production Designer. Discover how they create the visual world of a film, manage the art department, and shape the story's aesthetic.
Uncover the magic of production design. Learn how the production designer creates the entire visual world, from sets and props to color, to bring a film's story and mood to life.
Sound mixing is an integral part of the entertainment industry, playing a crucial role in enhancing the overall audio experience for films, television shows, music albums, and even live performances.
Uncover the art of sound design in film. Learn how sound designers use Foley, sound effects, and ambiance to shape a movie's sonic world and enhance emotional storytelling.
Sound editing has evolved from early talkies to today's digital workflows. But the goal remains the same - crafting immersive soundscapes that augment visual storytelling.
A sound editor is a crucial member of the film and media production team, responsible for shaping and enhancing the auditory experience in various forms of visual media.
Learn how to compose custom music for your videos using beginner-friendly and affordable gear, software (DAWs, virtual instruments), loops, and essential production techniques, no formal training required.
In the final decades of the 20th century, a new era of location filmmaking brought groundbreaking movies directly to the people and places they portrayed. Raging Bull, The French Connection, Mad Max - these gritty, textured films took cameras out of the studio and into the streets.
Learn the 5 steps to replicate the iconic Wes Anderson aesthetic, including compressed dynamic range, warm/cool separation, and the signature teal and orange look for your footage in Premiere Pro, Resolve, or FCP.
New to video editing? Get started with DaVinci Resolve! This beginner's guide covers understanding the interface (Edit, Color, Fusion, Fairlight), setting up your first project, importing media, and navigating all the essential tabs.
Whether you’re a filmmaker looking to create stunning visuals and visual effects or you’re interested in creating unique and immersive experiences, learning Unreal Engine can be a game-ch
You may not know their names, but assistant editors are some of the unsung heroes of the film and TV industry. They work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that everything runs smoothly during th
Stories of all kinds, even those that are seemingly simple and straightforward, are complex entities with many moving parts. We as filmmakers and storytellers want to tell the best stories we possibl
Call sheets are essential to keep a film production running smoothly. After all, these are documents that contain crucial information like the schedule for the following day, the location, the call t
Cinematography is a crucial aspect of filmmaking that often goes unnoticed by the audience. It is the art and technique of capturing visual images in a motion picture. A cinematographer, also known a
Color is a powerful tool in filmmaking that can be used to evoke emotions, set the tone, and convey meaning. Understanding color theory basics is essential for filmmakers who want to create visually
Final Draft is a popular screenwriting software that many professional screenwriters and filmmakers have used for decades. However, it is not the only option for developing industry-standard scripts.
When used correctly, flashbacks can be a powerful tool to add depth and complexity to your story. But if you don’t use them correctly, they can be confusing for the reader. For this reason, it’
Nowadays, the majority of people communicate via text message or instant message rather than voice when using their smartphones. And thus, text messages and various other forms of written communicati
Two of the most commonly used techniques in screenwriting are voice-over and off-screen. Both of these techniques allow writers to incorporate dialogue into their script without having the character
In a screenplay, a phone call can be an essential plot point. It can move the story along, provide crucial information, or create suspense. But how do you format a phone call in a screenplay? Here ar
Choosing between Arc Studio Pro and Final Draft? This in-depth comparison reviews script formatting, collaboration, outlining, pricing, and cross-platform compatibility to help you pick the best screenwriting software for your needs.
Arc Studio Pro is a newer entry into the screenwriting software space, but don't let its age fool you; it is packed with features and a legitimate professional screenwriting tool.
Writing a screenplay is difficult for many reasons; script formatting shouldn’t be one of those. This blog post will go into detail about all the different technical elements of screenplay form
Looking for the best gift to get the screenwriter in your life? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We have scoured the Internet and found some of the most useful and impressive gifts that any wri
Black Friday 2024 kicks off on November 28 at midnight, though deals often start earlier. We've compiled details from last year's sales, updating as new information becomes available.
Buying a new filmmaking camera can be scary! Whether you are a new filmmaker or a seasoned pro, there are a ton of options available today in a wide variety of price ranges, and while having that man
This guide outlines the Post-Production Expenses section of a film budget, covering costs for Editorial, Sound Mixing, Music, Visual Effects (VFX), and Color Grading & Finishing.
This guide breaks down the Production Expenses section of a film budget, detailing costs for key below-the-line departments like Production Staff, Camera, Art, Sound, Locations, and Transportation.
Learn the second step of a film budget: the Above the Line section. This guide details costs for writers, story rights, producers, directors, principal talent, and associated development and travel expenses.
With the Post-Production expenses completed, we've now arrived at the final portion of our film budget, the Other Expenses section. This can include a variety of different items, but some of the most common are permits, insurance, and legal fees.
For decades film budgets were created with hand-cranked adding machines, pencils, paper, and a great many erasers. Since the 1980’s we’ve been blessed with the arrival of modern personal
Filmmaking requires money, whether you’re making a short film for your final project in film school or a blockbuster movie, filmmaking always costs something. Even if you already own a camera a
There are a few different ways that you can storyboard. The most important thing is to get your ideas out of your head and onto paper so that you can better communicate with your team.
Storyboarding is an important step in pre-production for a film. It helps to map out the entire film shot by shot, and it allows everyone on the team to have a clear idea of what the final product wi
Visual Effects, or VFX for short, has become an integral part of modern film. The use of VFX has dramatically changed the way films are made and has opened up new possibilities for filmmakers to tell
Learn the core difference between Special Effects (SFX), which are physical and on-set, and Visual Effects (VFX), which are digital and added in post-production. Understand when to use each for safety, cost, and creative impact.
Since the invention of motion pictures, the struggle to suspend reality and create the fantastic has been a special effects artist’s primary task. From basic in-camera and editing tricks at the
Creating a film production schedule that works is not an easy task. There are many factors to consider, and it can be difficult to find the right balance between ensuring everything gets done on time
At this point in the process, we’re going to assume that you have found a story idea that you want to explore. It could be a story that is based on a real-life experience or a completely fictio
As an aspiring filmmaker, you're probably thinking, "Create a budget? That sounds boring," but at minimum, understanding how to read a budget is one of the most important skills that you can learn as a filmmaker.
Pre-production is the process of planning and organizing a film before shooting begins. This phase is critical to the success of a film, and it involves many different aspects of filmmaking.
You’ve probably year the term “high concept” before, but what does it really mean? And what’s the difference between high concept and low concept? These are the questions we&#
Storytelling is one of the oldest and most powerful forms of communication. Whether you’re telling a story to your friends around a campfire or making a movie, the process of developing a story
The dream of making a film begins with the development process. An idea for a film sparks the process, usually, this idea comes from a writer but it can often come from a director or a producer, in t
As a writer, it can be tough to come up with story ideas. Sometimes it seems like everything has been done before. If you're feeling stuck, don't worry! There are plenty of ways to find good story ideas.
Slow motion is one of the most fascinating techniques in filmmaking. By slowing down time, we can see the world in a completely different way. This blog post will explore the fundamentals of slow mot
Making a call sheet for your film production is an essential step in ensuring that everything runs smoothly on the day of the shoot. A call sheet lists all of the crew and cast members and their cont
A call sheet is a document that is used by film and television production crews to keep track of the call times, contact information, and other important details for all of the cast and crew involved
Feature film post-production can be a daunting process. There are many different steps that must be taken to complete a project, and it can be challenging to know where to start. In this guide, we wi
Breaking down a script is a critical part of the film production process. Without it, you could end up on set in need of a crucial element of the production that has been overlooked. That element cou
From a social media post to a theatrical release in IMAX theaters, no matter what format, filmmaking is an art form that can be broken down into 5 distinct stages. In this blog post, we will explore
Frame rate and shutter speed are two of the fundamental concepts in filmmaking. They both affect the look and feel of your movie, and it is vital to understand them fully. This guide will discuss fra
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