Classic Crossover Film: Understanding Crossover Cinema for Beginners

Crossover film represents a complex form of storytelling in which multiple styles of fictional characters, settings or worlds are mashed up to create the context of a single story. Representing an emerging form of cinematic experience in which cultural borders are crossed during the conceptualization and production. What does crossover film mean for audiences that enjoy this […]

What’s the Importance of Allusions in Film?

Allusions represent either implied or direct references to something that become general discussion or which are delivered through text in a film. You might see a character wearing a t-shirt that alludes to another television show from the past or perhaps you’ll see a brief clip in which a character alludes to a historic event […]

What are the Elements of Cinematography?

Cinematography is a visual art in which a variety of elements are used to create amazing motion pictures that audiences love. The elements of cinematography include everything from the camera equipment, camera motion and camera angles to lighting, framing, film selection, composition, depth of field, color, exposure and so much more. Cinematographers use the elements […]

Who Records Sound Effects for Film?

Sound effects are some of the most important elements of any film production. They breathe life into an otherwise dull series of footage and alongside special effects, have the power to bring basic footage to the next level. Sound effects are certainly a major element of cinematography and part of what makes the film so […]

What’s the Phi Phenomenon Meaning in Film?

Have you ever wondered how it is that they put motion into motion pictures? For instance, do you wonder how it is that filmmakers are able to make a seemingly stationary object that does not move appear to be moving? Phil phenomenon in film is an illusion of movement such that visual perception gives the audiences the […]

What is Contrazoom in Film and What Does Contra-Zoom Mean?

One of the most amazing in-camera effects and the earliest techniques used to create a sense of internal unease, tension or conflict. The Vertigo Effect, also known as the Contrazoom, has been present in filmmaking since 1958. Sometimes referred to as dolly zoom. But also widely recognized as the Contra-zoom or just as the Vertigo […]

What Does Continuous Mean in a Script?

Screenplays are full of nuances that can be difficult to fully understand for a beginner, particularly when it comes to the use of certain terminology such as “continuous” and other industry specific terms. When “continuous” is used in a script it has a powerful ability to guide the momentum of the scene. But what does […]

What is the Dunning Process in Film and What Does it Mean?

Filmmaking dates back more than 100 years and has certainly evolved along the way. Techniques and practices that are used to create the films and television shows that we all watch today are in some ways nothing like they were in the beginning of the industry but in other ways they are incredibly similar in scope. Techniques, […]

Common Types of Allusions in Films

Allusions represent a popular literary device that is used by authors and screenwriters to achieve character development. To create strong associations to well-known works and past concepts. And to devise stronger storylines. Many different types of literary allusions in films exist to develop these connections to past works. From phrases that can be connected to […]

What is Voice-Off in Film? A Definition for Beginners

When you see the term “voice-off” in film, or the abbreviation “V.O.” or “O.S.” a number of potential scenarios likely come to mind. By definition, what is voice-off in film?  In this simple voice-off film definition, we’re looking to address exactly what it means to have a voice-off in film and how it can be applied in […]