What is Melodrama in Film?
The term melodramatic is commonly used to describe someone who is over-the-top dramatic about some of the most mundane things. Some people can certainly be so melodramatic. And so can some films. But what is melodrama in film? And what does it mean? In this stereotyped exaggeration of characterization we take a look at how […]
What is Matte Shot in Film?
Many different forms of compositing and editing are used to create the shots and scenes that we’re so familiar with in the film industry. Visual effects, specifically the compositing of matte paintings into film, are commonly incorporated into the production process to create amazing shots that couldn’t otherwise have been achieved with standard filmmaking alone. […]
Is it Better to Overexpose or Underexpose Film?
As a beginning filmmaker, you’re probably taking a lot in as far as exposure, ISO, aperture, and all of those great things go. You’ve likely heard of the exposure triangle. And you’ve probably even attempted to adjust your shooting in order to achieve an overexposed or an underexposed appearance. So, is it better to overexpose […]
How to Film a Mockumentary
A mockumentary is a documentary-style filmmaking technique that follows a fictional event in satirical form. While the mockumentary will certainly differ greatly from what you might expect from a traditional documentary-style film. Many of the steps involved in learning how to film a mockumentary are the same. You’ll plan a little, improvise a lot. And […]
What are Portmanteau Films?
The term portmanteau is commonly used in the description of anthology films. Which represent a subgenre of films consisting of various different shorts which are tied by a unique theme or bond. Although portmanteau films are mentioned rather frequently in the study of short anthologies, many wonder, “What are portmanteau films?” And more importantly, where […]
How Were Films Edited Before Computers?
Filmmaking and film editing has evolved exponentially over the past 100 years. Largely because of the impact that computers have had on the film industry. Like other industries impacted by computer technology. It’s hard to imagine the film industry without the technological support of a computer. But how were films edited before computers? Although it’s […]
What is Kinesis in Film?
Learning all the different terminology that is used in the film industry can be one of the biggest challenges for an aspiring filmmaker to undertake. There are so many different ways to say seemingly simple things. For example, why can’t they just say “we’re done!” Instead of “It’s a Wrap?” Okay, that’s not a great […]
Understanding the Concept of Film Aesthetics
Aesthetics is the general study of artistic phenomenon from understanding and appreciation of the work. In simple terms, aesthetics represents a set of principles that are concerned with the nature and appreciation of beauty specifically as it relates to art. Thus, the aesthetic experience comes from having gained an appreciation for the beauty of film […]
What is a Dialectical Montage in Film?
The term “montage” is used in filmmaking to represent several different meanings. The French used the term to describe “assembly” or “editing” of film. Whereas in modern filmmaking the term is used to describe the juxtaposition of two or more shots to create a comparison. While eliciting a desired emotional response from the audience. Of […]
Who Invented Montage Technique in Film?
If you’ve ever watched Rocky, specifically as Stallone begins training hard for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become a world-renowned boxer. Then you know the power of a montage in film! While the training sequences shown, particularly in Rocky IV as Stallone prepares to take on a Soviet and build. Most definitely the most heavily sought […]