How Do Film Crews Block Off a Street?

How Do Film Crews Block Off a Street? As a student filmmaker, you’re probably elated at the idea of your first “real” professional film shoot. You can’t wait to be there, but when you see the address there’s a bit of confusion. The address lists an entire city block for the shoot, but how could […]

What is Diegesis: A Film Definition for Independent Filmmakers

What is Diegesis: A Film Definition for Independent Filmmakers In story writing and filmmaking, various rules and stylistic techniques are tools to produce the elements of the fictional worlds that characters are a part of. In the film world, diegesis is a term that is frequently used to describe the unique made-up worlds within a […]

What is Direct Cinema?

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 […]

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

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 […]

What is a Non-Diegetic Insert Technique in Filmmaking?

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 […]

What is a Blocking Diagram in Film?

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 […]

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

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. […]

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

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. […]

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

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 […]