What is a Reverse Shot in Film?

Excellent filmmakers know the power of a shot when it comes to achieving the desired connection between character and audience. You want to make your audience feel like your scenes are powerful and rewarding? The reverse shot in film is one of many different shots. Used to capture reactions, provide scene coverage, and offer cutaway […]
What is Dubbing in Film?

Film terminology is difficult to understand as a beginner. But as you learn and grow in the industry. You begin to see how the different terms relate and what each of them means. For example, when you hear the term dubbing, or looping. Or ADR you probably know that all of these are relative to […]
What’s the Difference Between a Rough Draft and a Shooting Script in Filming?

Writing a script is certainly a task that aspiring filmmakers have to tackle, many will attempt the process several times over with the consistent hopes of having their specs noticed and possibly even selling a script so that it can be produced professionally. Throughout it all, screenwriters will write many different scripts over the lifetime […]
How to Write Flash Forward in a Screenplay

When writing a screenplay, the screenwriter has a number of literary devices at their disposal to help move the narrative forward in time. One of the more common devices that is incorporated into films is the flash-forward. Which can push the narrative along by giving the audience a glimpse into the future and revealing some […]
What is Mickey Mousing in Film Music?

In the film industry there are always unique terms that describe various techniques and traditions that’re evolving over many years of film creation. The term “Mickey Mousing” is one in use in a variety of scenarios. To describe a particular technique of synchronizing music with actions on the screen. But exactly what is “Mickey Mousing” […]
Understanding Implicit and Explicit Ideology in Film & Cinema

Various assumptions are made in examining a film’s ideology particularly in regards to what a film is attempting to convey either implicitly or explicitly. When it comes to studying implicit and explicit ideology in film and cinema there’s a lot to be learned based on deep interpretation of underlying religious, moral or political meanings within […]
Top Reasons Why Film Directors Cut Scenes

Deleted scenes are commonplace in filmmaking. Especially in feature films where many scenes will never make it to the final cut. If you’re brand new to filmmaking, you might be personally wondering. Why do film directors cut scenes? Delete scenes happen for a variety of reasons. Ranging from the scene being unnecessary to there being […]
The Difference Between Restricted and Unrestricted Narration in Film

The use of various forms of narration are used in filmmaking to build character. To create suspense among the audience. Or to generate a general sense of curiosity among viewers. In short, narration represents the moment-to-moment flow of information. Which guides the story forward and helps to build out the overall plot. Through various types […]
What is a Forced Call on a Film Set?

Filmmakers are certainly busy individuals that work hard. Both cast and crew frequently find themselves working incredibly long hours on the set, more often than not, away from home. Because the industry is so busy, and the risks of overworking are so profound. Unions have rules in place to ensure film industry workers are afforded […]
What is the Film Plane Indicator that Odd Symbol on the Camera

Have you ever seen that small circle on your camera that appears to have a line drawn right down the center of it? If you’re wondering what the weird symbol on your camera is, it’s your film plane indicator and it actually has several uses. While the name of this helpful little object comes back […]