Top 30 Best Gangster Movies of All Time, Ranked (2023)

No genre has influenced the public’s perception of criminals more than Gangster Movies. For more than 80 years, the best gangster movies have fascinated and allured the minds of millions; from Prohibition-era pre-code crime to 21st Century gang life. Our list of the 30 best gangster movies of all time includes films that span the… Continue reading Top 30 Best Gangster Movies of All Time, Ranked (2023)

What is a Wide Angle Lens — And When to Use One

Types of LensesOpen menu Insert Image Lens Basics Insert Image Prime Lens Insert Image Zoom Lens Insert Image Anamorphic Lens Focal LengthsOpen menu Insert Image Wide Angle Lens (14mm – 35mm) Insert Image Standard (35mm – 70mm) Insert Image 35mm vs 50mm Lenses Insert Image Telephoto Lens (70mm – 200mm) Specialty LensesOpen menu Insert Image… Continue reading What is a Wide Angle Lens — And When to Use One

Round vs. Flat Character — The Essential Differences Explained

Basic CharactersOpen menu Insert Image Protagonist Insert Image Deuteragonist Insert Image Antagonist Insert Image Hero Insert Image Anti Hero Insert Image Tragic Hero Insert Image Tritagonist Insert Image Superhero Insert Image Anti-Villain Insert Image Villain Insert Image Foil Character Character TropesOpen menu Insert Image Common Character Types Insert Image Character Archetypes Insert Image Types of… Continue reading Round vs. Flat Character — The Essential Differences Explained

What is Black Comedy — Definition and Examples for Filmmakers

What is black comedy? Have you ever watched a movie or TV show and wondered how the characters could joke about violence, disease, or war? That’s what we refer to as black comedy. It goes by many names. Dark humor. Gallows humor. Dark comedy. It all means the same thing. And in this blog, you’ll learn… Continue reading What is Black Comedy — Definition and Examples for Filmmakers

Practical Effects in Film — How Filmmakers Do It For Real

BasicsOpen menu Insert Image What is Post-Production Insert Image What is VFX Insert Image What are Special Effects Insert Image What is Virtual Production Insert Image What is SFX Makeup Insert Image What is CGI Insert Image What is Mocap Insert Image What is Compositing Insert Image What is Matte Painting Insert Image What is… Continue reading Practical Effects in Film — How Filmmakers Do It For Real

60 Best Movie Songs Of All Time — Top Needle Drops, Ranked

EssentialsOpen menu What is Sound Design What Does a Sound Designer Do Sound Editing vs Sound Mixing What is Voice Over What is a Foley Artist What is Diegetic Sound  What is Non-Diegetic Sound What is a Film Score What is Asynchronous Sound What is Music Licensing What is a Film Composer TechniquesOpen menu Ultimate… Continue reading 60 Best Movie Songs Of All Time — Top Needle Drops, Ranked

30 Best Cinematography Techniques & Tips You Didn’t Learn in Film School

BasicsOpen menu Insert Image What Does a Cinematographer Do Insert Image What is Cinematography Insert Image What is Digital Cinematography Insert Image Cinematography Terms Insert Image What is Motion Blur LightingOpen menu Insert Image Basics of Film Lighting: 4 Qualities of Light Insert Image What is Practical Lighting Insert Image 3-Point Lighting Insert Image What… Continue reading 30 Best Cinematography Techniques & Tips You Didn’t Learn in Film School

What is a Full Shot in Film? Types of Shots in Film Explained

Close UpsOpen menu Insert Image Extreme Close-Up (ECU) Insert Image Medium Close-Up (MCU) Medium ShotsOpen menu Insert Image Medium Shot (MS) Insert Image Cowboy Shot (CS) Insert Image Medium Full Shot (MFS) Wide ShotsOpen menu Insert Image Full Shot (FS) Insert Image Wide Shot (WS) Insert Image Extreme Wide Shot (EWS) More ShotsOpen menu Insert… Continue reading What is a Full Shot in Film? Types of Shots in Film Explained

What is Theme in Literature and Film? Definition and Examples

What is theme? In the simplest terms, a theme is the subject of a story. But that definition actually does more harm than good in fully understanding the theme of a story. In this article, we’re going to look at some common misconceptions by breaking down how to use theme in literature and screenwriting, with… Continue reading What is Theme in Literature and Film? Definition and Examples

70 Hilarious Dark Comedy Movies & TV Shows | Dark Humor in 2023

The best dark comedy movies and TV shows go for the jugular. It’s not enough to just be edgy, or even malicious. You need to tap into deep, disturbing levels of discomfort… and build a summer home. We made the ultimate list of dark comedy movies and TV shows, plus a video essay that takes a… Continue reading 70 Hilarious Dark Comedy Movies & TV Shows | Dark Humor in 2023

What is Practical Lighting in Film? Tips and Techniques Explained

BasicsOpen menu What Does a Cinematographer Do What is Cinematography What is Digital Cinematography Cinematography Terms What is Motion Blur LightingOpen menu Basics of Film Lighting: 4 Qualities of Light What is Practical Lighting 3-Point Lighting What is Key Light What is Fill Light What is Backlight What is Low Key Lighting What is High… Continue reading What is Practical Lighting in Film? Tips and Techniques Explained

The History of Film Timeline — All Eras of Film History Explained

Motion pictures have enticed and inspired artists, audiences, and critics for more than a century. Today, we’re going to explore the history of film by looking at the major movements that have defined cinema worldwide. We’re also going to explore the technical craft of filmmaking from the persistence of vision to colorization to synchronous sound.… Continue reading The History of Film Timeline — All Eras of Film History Explained

What is the Rule of Thirds — Definition and Examples in Film

Basics of CompositionOpen menu What is Composition Rules of Shot Composition Rules of Composition SizeOpen menu Scale Proportion BalanceOpen menu Asymmetrical Balance Symmetrical Balance Radial Balance Golden Ratio Foreground Elements Texture Rhythm SpaceOpen menu Positive Space Negative Space Positive & Negative Space Fill the Frame Simplicity LinesOpen menu Leading Lines Rule of Thirds Frame Within… Continue reading What is the Rule of Thirds — Definition and Examples in Film

Horror Movie Tropes — Top 15 Tropes & Why They’re Effective

Horror movies have become subject to some of the most predictable devices and tropes in cinema. While unique filmmakers like Robert Eggers, Ari Aster, and Jordan Peele continue to innovate the genre, new horror films are riddled with horror movie tropes. Although they can still be effective horror storytelling devices, they can also become unremarkable… Continue reading Horror Movie Tropes — Top 15 Tropes & Why They’re Effective