What is Connotation Film Theory?
In film semiotics there are various orders of meaning in which it is expected that spectators will distinguish between what a sign or symbolic element stands for and the cultural associations with the symbolism. Moreover, these distinguishing orders or levels of meaning represent denotation and connotation, respectively. According to film theorists, connotation film theory represents […]
How to Write a Flashback in a Screenplay
Are you new to screenwriting and worried about all the times you’ve been told NOT to write flashbacks into your scripts? The “Pros” are constantly handing out advice to newbies and it almost always seems to center around warning aspiring screenwriters against the use of flashbacks in their screenplays, but why? If you know how […]
What is Phantasmagoria Film?
Early horror theater utilized a series of lanterns and rear projection in order to project scary images onto the walls calling it a phantasmagoria. Film production has since taken some of this early style of horror theater to an entirely new level to deliver terrifying accounts of horror storytelling based largely on these early steps […]
What Does the Term “Direct Cinema” Refer To in Film?
Throughout the many years that filmmaking has been popular, there have been a variety of changes that have occurred to the techniques and processes that are used to produce the films we know and love. One particular filmmaking technique, known as Direct Cinema, became incredibly popular in the 1950s and 1960s for documentary filmmaking. But […]
What is the Phi Phenomenon Meaning in Film?
Phi phenomenon is a psychological concept that is frequently discussed in terms of psychology. But it sometimes comes up when discussing filmmaking, too. You may have heard the term “phi phenomenon” used in psychology, but what is phi phenomenon meaning in and what does it have to do with psychology? WHAT IS PHI PHENOMENON? Phi […]
Is Film Noir a Genre?
Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker or a seasoned videographer, you’ve most certainly heard the reference “Film Noir” in the past. In fact, it’s likely you’ve heard the reference potentially hundreds of times before and not really even though twice about it or perhaps you wondered, “is Film Noir a genre of film or is this […]
How are Conventions Enforced in Genre Films?
Much like a literary work, genre criticism is reinforced by heavy use of conventions that classify the genre or underlying elements and characterizations of the work. Genre theory, and film genres, typically include specific conventions that help us to determine the underlying possibilities that may result within a story. But how are conventions enforced in […]
Understanding the History of Action Movies a Unique Genre
If you love a great high speed chase, you’re a sucker for a gun fight, and you are happy to find yourself raging on at famous superheroes as they perform various missions including the Mission Impossible, then you’re probably a fan of action movies. These jam packed thrillers that include enough action for a lifetime […]
How Do Film Genres Generally Tend to Originate and Develop?
Film genres represent key classifications or categories that are based largely on theories of criticism, but exactly how do film genres generally tend to originate and develop? This is a common question that has many potential answers. Looking at genre theory, and the utilization of film genres throughout the history of film, one can make […]
What is the 30 Degree Rule in Film?
Filmmaking and editing has many different rules that cinematographers and film editors are expected to follow or to consider. You might have heard some of these rules such as the 30-degree rule, the 180-degree rule, and the rule of thirds. One of the most basic film editing guidelines that new filmmakers frequently ask about is the 30-degree […]