How to Use Parentheticals in Screenplays

How to Use Parentheticals in Screenplays Learning how to use parentheticals in screenplays is something that aspiring screenwriters and filmmakers must work on if they’re ever going to make it into the professional film industry. The use of proper formatting when writing screenplays is crucial. Parentheticals have a variety of uses within the screenplay. But […]

What Does Depth of Field Do for the Story?

What Does Depth of Field Do for the Story? The depth of field is an important element of shot composition. That filmmakers recognize has the power to drive intimacy and emotions between characters and the audience when composing a story. Most avid filmmakers recognize the impact that depth of field can have on a shot’s […]

Everything You Need to Know about Grindhouse Film History

Everything You Need to Know about Grindhouse Film History

The name “grindhouse” or “action house” was provided to American theaters that primarily offered low-budget horror films and adult exploitation style films. Likely named after “grind policy” programming from the 1920s. It’s believed that the first use of the term “grindhouse” was established for a theater in 1923. Of course, Grindhouse film history represents an […]

Understanding Denouement: Film & Literature Examples & Guides

Understanding Denouement: Film Examples & Guides Denouement is a literary element in which an action giving resolution to an essential part of a story occurs. We’ve seen denouement used in a variety of different storytelling situations. Including literature and films. As well as video games and podcasts. For a literary element to be of use […]

What’s the Difference Between Motivated vs. Unmotivated Lighting?

What’s the Difference Between Motivated vs. Unmotivated Lighting_

We hear a lot about the importance of motivated lighting in film. And what it means to ensure that your lighting always appears motivated. With a distinguishable source. Filmmakers certainly focus a lot of effort on creating motivated lighting to help the audience connect with the story. But what about unmotivated lighting? What’s the difference […]

What is a Motivated Light Source?

What is a Motivated Light Source? The use of motivated lighting is important for filmmakers to understand. As light in various forms has a unique ability to add to your storytelling abilities. Differentiating your light sources by purpose can help you to better understand the role that each form of lighting on your set plays […]

How to Mimic Silent Film Frame Rate in Post

How to Mimic Silent Film Frame Rate in Post Silent films run at 16 fps. Also known as the “silent speed” for the fact that early film projectors that were introduced shortly after films with synchronized sound were introduced had two speeds. “Silent speed” which rolled at 16 fps and “sound speed” which rolled at […]

How Were Films Edited Before Computers?

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 […]

Why Are Scenes Deleted From Films?

Why Are Scenes Deleted From Films? We’ve all experienced the situation before. We’re about to watch a movie on DVD for the first time. We whip the DVD out, pop it into the player and voila! You see “Director’s Cut” or “Play Original.” What? What’s the difference? If you’ve ever watched a movie at home and […]

What is Letterboxing in Film?

What is Letterboxing in Film? Have you ever watched a movie on an old television set and wondered what those black lines are that run horizontally above and below the picture? If you’ve ever experienced a widescreen film on a standard, old-set top style television. Then you’ve most certainly experienced letterboxing. Letterboxing has a technical […]