What is a Stunt Double?
Working the film set is an active, and engaging opportunity for most of the cast and crew involved. Yet, no other position for cast or crew is as dangerous as the job of the stunt double. In fact, the stunt double’s position is so dangerous. That there are very few individuals that can actually call […]
What is a Logline in Screenwriting?
Before any screenplay ever makes its way to the big screen, it’s got to stand out in front of the Producers that read it. But, producers are faced with so many spec scripts from screenwriters that are hoping to make it big, that they rarely read an entire script — unless it stands out and […]
What are Symbols in Film?
The use of symbolism in filmmaking is incredibly common. Oftentimes, symbols that are used in film are not even recognized immediately by the “average” moviegoer. Throughout cinema, the use of symbols and elements of symbolic meaning has been incredibly profound. We’ve seen symbols in everything. From the colors and objects included in a film. To […]
What is a Second Banana?
Much of the film industry is about how actors and cast members are ranked against one another. It’s an incredibly competitive industry! Phrases and idioms are constantly being devised for the purpose of defining different roles. And to address different traditions. The nickname “second banana” is one that comes up semi-frequently. But what is a […]
Should You Designate a Transition in a Spec Script?
Spec scripts are written for a variety of purposes, especially by relatively new or aspiring filmmakers that are just looking for some added practice or to build up a library of content they can share with producers or filmmakers that may have interest. Spec scripts are incredibly popular, many aspiring screenplay writers will spec many […]
What is a Roadshow Film?
Over the years since cinema became popularized about 100 years ago in the 1920s there have been many different ways for movies and films to be presented, booked, and advertised. Different eras certainly had different ideas in store as to what would attract moviegoers to the cinema and what type of advertisements would lead to […]
Should You Include Camera Directions in a Spec Script?
Should You Include Camera Directions in a Spec Script? Learning how to write, and format, a spec script that will get your screenwriting skills recognized is certainly something that many aspiring filmmakers focus a lot of energy on. The spec script is important because, with any luck, you’ll be able to sell it and make […]
How Do Environmental Sounds Typically Function in a Film?
In any environment, whether you’re in the jungle or you’re at the beach. If you’re sitting in a crowded restaurant with friends. Or you’re in a quaint coffee shop alone with a book. There are sounds taking place all around. Some settings have very little sound, others very loud sounds. In some environments the sound […]
What Does Second Fiddle Mean?
Throughout the history of filmmaking and the film industry there have been many different terms given to the various roles, responsibilities, and situations that take place on the film set. Since 1939, the term second fiddle is one of several alternative meaning terms that has been bounced around film sets among cast and crew. Learning […]
What Does a Set Dresser Do on a Film Set?
There’s a lot of different roles and responsibilities that come together to make a film set operate in a smooth, and efficient manner. The film set is certainly a busy place with a lot of key crew members. Like set dressers and production designers. Actively working to ensure the production is a success. But what […]