What is Mickey Mousing in Film Music?
In the film industry there are always unique terms that describe various techniques and traditions that’re evolving over many years of film creation. The term “Mickey Mousing” is one in use in a variety of scenarios. To describe a particular technique of synchronizing music with actions on the screen. But exactly what is “Mickey Mousing” […]
Understanding Implicit and Explicit Ideology in Film & Cinema
Various assumptions are made in examining a film’s ideology particularly in regards to what a film is attempting to convey either implicitly or explicitly. When it comes to studying implicit and explicit ideology in film and cinema there’s a lot to be learned based on deep interpretation of underlying religious, moral or political meanings within […]
Top Reasons Why Film Directors Cut Scenes
Deleted scenes are commonplace in filmmaking. Especially in feature films where many scenes will never make it to the final cut. If you’re brand new to filmmaking, you might be personally wondering. Why do film directors cut scenes? Delete scenes happen for a variety of reasons. Ranging from the scene being unnecessary to there being […]
The Difference Between Restricted and Unrestricted Narration in Film
The use of various forms of narration are used in filmmaking to build character. To create suspense among the audience. Or to generate a general sense of curiosity among viewers. In short, narration represents the moment-to-moment flow of information. Which guides the story forward and helps to build out the overall plot. Through various types […]
What is Cognitive Film Theory?
Film theories are largely based on the ways that films make the audience feel, how they are delivered, how they are produced. Or how they create meaningful engagements. Cognitive film theory, for example, is largely based on a focus on the experience and reaction of the audience. Specifically in relationship to the film content and […]
What is a Forced Call on a Film Set?
Filmmakers are certainly busy individuals that work hard. Both cast and crew frequently find themselves working incredibly long hours on the set, more often than not, away from home. Because the industry is so busy, and the risks of overworking are so profound. Unions have rules in place to ensure film industry workers are afforded […]
What is the Film Plane Indicator that Odd Symbol on the Camera
Have you ever seen that small circle on your camera that appears to have a line drawn right down the center of it? If you’re wondering what the weird symbol on your camera is, it’s your film plane indicator and it actually has several uses. While the name of this helpful little object comes back […]
How to Film Stop Motion Like a Pro
Stop motion animation represents a unique style of filmmaking. In which single camera frames are captured one-by-one to visually tell a story. The process involves filming people, live-action objects, and characters which are then edited into the final story. Early uses of stop motion, like Claymation, represent the beginning of a long era. In which […]
Counterpoint in Film: A Definition of Contrapuntal Music in Film
While we frequently think of film as being an entirely visual art. In which the majority of the focus is on what we see and less of what we hear. The reality is both sound and visuals are equally important to the storytelling process of a film. In this counterpoint film definition we look at […]
How to Structure a Short Film
Learning how to structure a short film can take a little bit of practice, especially if you’re new to script writing. Short film structures typically take on the common three-act structure that is accepted by most filmmakers and screenwriters, but if you’re not familiar it essentially means that your film will have a beginning, a […]