Recognizing Symmetry in Film: What is Symmetry & What Does it Mean?

Throughout the world of filmmaking, the use of various forms both of symmetry and balance frequently come up in discussions of composition and how to engage in the art of visual storytelling. The use of symmetry in film composition represents one of various forms of expression that a filmmaker can control. While delivering the desired […]

What is Post Synchronized Sound in Film?

Sound is used in filmmaking for a variety of purposes. We hear a mix of sounds in the films we enjoy, including dialogue between characters, music, and sound effects. While sounds in filmmaking provide a mix of audible experiences of all types. Many of the sounds that are incorporated into a film are purely for […]

How to Write a TV News Report in a Screenplay

Whether you’re new to screenwriting, or it’s something that you’ve been practicing for a while, there’s a chance that you’ve crossed several paths in which questions have come up about different scenarios and how to write them into your screenplay. For example, do you know how to write a TV news report in a screenplay? […]

What is Ambient Sound in Film?

Films use a variety of different sounds and sound effects to establish the feel of a realistic scene or setting whether on location or in a studio. Just as you would expect to encounter various background noises and sounds in various settings. In reality, filmmakers seek to recreate many of those sounds. To help build […]

What is the Epilogue and Prologue in a Film?

The narrative of a film is constructed similarly to those of other forms of literature. In fact, many films will have an epilogue and a prologue. Just as you would expect in a book or within some other literary piece of work. While you may have heard of both the epilogue and the prologue of […]

Understanding the Concept of Decoupage in Early Film

Various French terms are central to the underlying debate of film aesthetics and the history of film editing language. Terms like montage, decoupage, and mise en scene have unique meanings in French. But when translated to English may not have an equivalent. The concept of decoupage in early film is one of several concepts. Like […]

How Do They Make a Soundstage Soundproof?

Building a soundstage is an important part of any film studio or set. Depending on the underlying needs for the production, the structure, size and soundproofing of the soundstage make up the key components of importance for the film crew to consider. In fact, some would say that building a soundstage is really all about […]

Using the Focal Plane Indicator

Have you ever wondered what that circle with the line directly down the center of it on your camera means? If you’re a photographer, you probably haven’t even really paid much attention to it, but if you’re a cinematographer you likely have an idea of not only what it is – but also why it’s […]

How to Write Inner Monologue in a Script

Inner monologue is commonly used to provide a direct look at the inner experience of characters in a film. It’s that internal voice, in the character’s head. That denotes what a character is thinking. And how their internal thoughts drive the story. The inner monologue is a character driven opportunity for the screenwriter. To convey […]

What is Continuity in Film?

Learning how to maintain continuity in film is incredibly important for filmmakers to understand. But the sheer amount of attention to detail that is required in order to achieve continuity can be incredibly difficult to follow. If you’re new to filmmaking, you may not even know what it means. And you might even be wondering, […]