Rafael Abreu received his B.A. in English from Florida International University, along with certificates in Film Studies and Asian Studies. He’s written reviews, scripts, and analytical essays focusing on all aspects of cinema. He can’t stop talking about aspect ratios.
In our digital age of digital worlds and digital filmmaking, it’s nice to be reminded of the organic and analog. This is probably why many filmmakers, both professional and amateur, enjoy employing film grain into their digital productions. Aside from eliminating all the issues and costs that can come with physical celluloid, the best film… Continue reading Free Film Grain Overlays For That Cinematic Look
Christopher Nolan has become one of the biggest filmmakers on the planet, and his first time with a licensed property helped him get there. Co-written with David S. Goyer, Batman Begins was a blast of fresh air, getting major critical appraisal, bringing in a new era for both the Dark Knight and superhero films. That’s… Continue reading Batman Begins Script PDF Download: Quotes, Characters & Plot
In today’s cinematic landscape, very few people are unaware of what a prequel is. Whether you’re watching a new movie that’s labelled as such, or the “sequel” you’re watching actually takes place before the first film, prequels are not that uncommon in the world of entertainment. But what is a prequel exactly, and what are… Continue reading What is a Prequel? Definition and Examples for Screenwriters
In a world where almost everything you see is digitally shot, the priority is now “clean” images with high resolution and sharp edges. For a lot of filmmakers and fans lamenting the death of celluloid, one of the key attributes missing is something we’ve nearly forgotten: film grain. The textured look of cinematic film grain… Continue reading What is Film Grain? The Causes and Effects Explained
If you grew up in the home video era, you may have found yourself asking, “What is a Director’s Cut?” When DVD emerged, some movies would claim to be a “Director’s Cut,” which could imply many things to the potential consumer. It might seem straightforward, but there’s a lot more to Director’s Cuts than just a… Continue reading What is a Director’s Cut? Every Type of Director’s Cut Explained
How many times have you watched a movie’s end credits and asked “What’s a Best Boy?” Among the many credited film crew members on a production, the Best Boy title might be one of the most curious, simply because the title indicates so little. You probably have questions like “What is a Best Boy?” and… Continue reading What is a Best Boy in Film? Job Description and Duties Explained
By this point in time, there is a strong chance you have at least heard of IMAX. It’s often sold to potential customers as the most immersive way to watch a movie, featuring a larger-than-average screen and the highest quality imagery and sound. The ticket price is higher, too. But what is IMAX, and how… Continue reading What is IMAX and How It Changed the Way We Watch Movies
When making a movie, it can be a struggle to decide between the two most common widescreen aspect ratios: 1.85:1 and 2.35:1. For anyone who has ever felt this struggle, there is an ideal middle ground. We’re talking about the 2:1 aspect ratio which has seen a resurgence in the last decade. In this article, we’ll… Continue reading What is 2:1 Aspect Ratio (Univisium) & Why Are Directors Switching Over?
Do you ever wonder what is a biopic, or what counts as a biopic? In contemporary cinema, biopic movies seem to be everywhere. Old historical figures, musicians, politicians, as well as “regular” people dealing with extraordinary events. There have been more biopic films in recent decades, but they’re nothing new. Biopics have been a staple… Continue reading What is a Biopic? Definition and Examples of Biographical Films
The 1980s have a special place in the pop culture canon. It turns out a lot of great movies came out in this decade, which means limiting them to a list is not as easy as it sounds. While plenty of beloved films won’t be seen here, we did our very best to make sure… Continue reading Best ‘80s Movies of all Time — A Filmmaker Playlist
Tall buildings, smoke filled rooms, femme fatales, people on the margins of society, late nights, bright signs….and cybernetic implants? No, it’s not film noir, it’s cyberpunk. It’s a genre that has slowly but surely integrated itself into popular media from the 1970s all the way to the 2020s. Taking inspiration from hard boiled fiction and… Continue reading What is Cyberpunk — Genre Definition, Origins & Examples
When it comes to the best thriller movies of all time, there’s a lot to choose from. While great thrillers involve the protagonist in constant and terrifying danger, some are more light hearted, while still juggling with the concepts of life and death. With such a broad genre, there are many movies in the thriller genre… Continue reading Best Thriller Movies of All Time, Ranked for Filmmakers
Have you ever asked yourself, “What is CinemaScope?” It’s a widescreen lens and projection system that has become a popular choice for filmmakers and is now an industry standard. Most audiences had never seen anything like it, and it started a widescreen revolution that literally changed the shape of movies forever. So, what is CinemaScope,… Continue reading What is CinemaScope? Definition and Examples for Filmmakers
Do you hear any disembodied voices right now? How about when you’re watching a movie, show, or commercial? Have you considered that what you’re hearing is known as a voice-over? They show up all over media, either for entertainment or informative reasons; from your television to even your phone when you’re put on hold. So… Continue reading What is Voice Over? Definition and Examples in Film
