What is Direct Cinema?

Throughout the history of motion picture making which began more than 100 years ago there have been a variety of genres and styles to develop as filmmaking has progressed year to year. Documentary films, in particular, have evolved in many ways to overcome the amateur, “home movie” style and quality that some of the earliest […]

Visual Storytelling: What is Shot Blocking in Film & How Does it Tell Your Story?

Have you ever noticed that some of your most favorite movies are the result of a combination of amazing dialogue between characters? Sophisticated action sequences and cinematic experiences like nothing you’ve ever visualized before? So much goes into producing a film. Specifically when it comes to shot blocking or blocking the scene. But what is […]

What is a Non-Diegetic Insert Technique in Filmmaking?

When a Director has created a film “world” or story world in which a film takes place we call the diegesis. Thus, everything that takes place within the story world is diegetic. Whereas the events which occur outside the story-world are called non-diegetic. A filmmaking technique that combined shots and scenes from outside the story […]

What is a Blocking Diagram in Film?

Whether you’re an experienced Director or an entry-level film school student. Blocking a scene based on a blocking diagram can be challenging and intimidating. Some of the most complex scenes are produced from blocking diagrams that are rendered using professional software. But what is a blocking diagram in film and what does “blocking” mean in […]

What’s the Difference in Onscreen vs. Off-screen Space in Film?

In filmmaking, much of what is occurring within a scene can be covered by the visuals that are taking place within the frame. However, there is a difference in what occurs on-screen vs. off-screen. Figuring out how onscreen vs. off-screen space in film can be recognized and what each of these means is important for […]

How to Write a Documentary Proposal that will Drive Funding for Your Film

Creating a proposal for your film project can fast track your journey to generating the funding that you need for production. Whether you’re attempting to generate funding through grants or through investment financing, the proposal is the first step to getting started. If you need a way to generate maximum funding for your film, learning […]

A Teen’s Guide to the Film Set: Teen Actor Rules You Must Know

Whether you’re a teen that’s considering a role in the film industry or you’re a film producer that’s considering whether or not to hire a teen actor. Knowing the rules which apply to teen actors in the film industry will be important. Teens considering a role in film or television must be prepared to follow […]

How Does the Old Film Rating System Relate to the System We Have Today?

When it comes to film rating systems, the ratings have changed over the years. In fact, film rating systems have changed quite a bit over the past 100 years or so. The earliest films were not technically “rated” but over time it would become evident that some form of a rating that would alert potential […]

How Does Film Festival Sponsorship Work?

Just about any major event producer knows that sponsorship is the key to generating greater publicity, credibility and funding for the event. Film festival sponsorship is all about building strong relationships with funders expressing interest in opportunities within the industry. To generate sponsorship for a film festival, the event manager must prove that the festival […]

How to Write a Grant Proposal for a Film

Grant writing is a process that can take years to perfect. Even for the professional writer that’s engaged in the activity on a regular basis. Although a particularly arduous process, for a filmmaker learning how to write a grant proposal for a film can also be quite rewarding in the end. Especially if the grant […]