How to Create a Documentary Shot List — Step-by-Step Guide

It is common practice to create a shot list when preparing to shoot a narrative film. What about documentaries? Documentaries are a whole different type of project than narrative film. This does not, however, mean that they would not benefit from shot lists. It just means that documentary shot lists must be created to best… Continue reading How to Create a Documentary Shot List — Step-by-Step Guide

What is an Eyeline Match? Definition & Examples for Filmmakers

Eyelines in film help you tell a professional visual story better than most directing techniques and film gear ever will. The very basics of crafting an effective scene begins with the eyeline match. This is a filmmaking technique that, when done correctly, should go completely unnoticed. Nonetheless, it is an incredibly important technique that all… Continue reading What is an Eyeline Match? Definition & Examples for Filmmakers

TV Commercial Production Process — From Script to Schedule

If you’ve used StudioBinder’s project management tools before, you know the value of managing a project collaboratively under one roof. However, for those of us who work in commercial television production using AV scripts, we’re left on the outside looking in, right? Not necessarily. The way I see it is, StudioBinder is a tool which… Continue reading TV Commercial Production Process — From Script to Schedule

Film Coverage — A Step-by-Step Guide to Shot Listing Efficiently

If you’ve ever made a shot list before you know how repetitive it can be adding the same shots over and over again. While laborious and time consuming, this is a necessary step to shot list your productions. I’m here to show you how creating a shot list template will save you tons of time.… Continue reading Film Coverage — A Step-by-Step Guide to Shot Listing Efficiently

What is Pre-Production in Film? A Blueprint for Success

Pre-production can be overwhelming even for the seasoned producer. It requires knowledge of many facets of production, as well as an ability to prevent potential crises down the line. It’s not always easy but if you stay organized, it’s pretty simple. So what is pre-production? When does it start and when does it end? This… Continue reading What is Pre-Production in Film? A Blueprint for Success

Mastering Shot Lists: Rian Johnson’s Movies and Directing Style (with Shot List Example)

Director Rian Johnson movies have a distinct visual and emotional style. Which is a pretty impressive feat given how young a filmmaker he is.  Most directors take a few films before they solidify their style. Here’s how you can learn to create a shot list like acclaimed director Rian Johnson — just remember that for the… Continue reading Mastering Shot Lists: Rian Johnson’s Movies and Directing Style (with Shot List Example)

What’s in Your Shot List: How to Design and Communicate Your Vision

You’ve thoroughly read and re-read the script, and you can perfectly visualize what your finished movie is going to look like. But how can you make sure that what audiences will see on the screen will be the same as what’s in your mind’s eye? Easy peasy! You just need a Shot List. Continue reading What’s in… Continue reading What’s in Your Shot List: How to Design and Communicate Your Vision

What We Can Learn from “Making Movies” by Sidney Lumet

Sidney Lumet directed feature films and television for over 50 years. In other words, we can learn a lot from his perspective about the film business and film directing. We were lucky enough that Lumet decided to share these thoughts in book form. “Making Movies” by Sidney Lumet is an invaluable resource for any filmmaker.… Continue reading What We Can Learn from “Making Movies” by Sidney Lumet

The Directing Style of Quentin Tarantino

Best Tarantino MoviesQT’s Directing StyleQT Directing Tips QT DialogueOnce Upon a Time AnalysisBasterds Breakdown Is there any filmmaker whose personality is more apparent when you watch his films than Quentin Tarantino? In his own quirky way, Tarantino has introduced us to some of the most shocking and moving emotional moments on film. Of course, Quentin Tarantino’s… Continue reading The Directing Style of Quentin Tarantino

How To Master A Storyboard Like Jordan Peele: Get Out

What is a StoryboardHow to StoryboardStoryboard ExamplesStoryboard SoftwareStoryboard TemplatesCreate Storyboard  → Stephen King said, “We make up horrors to help us cope with the real ones.” Although horror movies have been effective outlets for entertainment, they have also been the ideal genre to explore the social and cultural fears plaguing societies.Continue reading How To Master… Continue reading How To Master A Storyboard Like Jordan Peele: Get Out

Mastering the Shot List: Alejandro González Inarritu

Filmmaker Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu has said, “Fear of the unknown is a great creative partner.” Throughout Inarritu’s filmography the director has continually embraced the uncertainty of life’s moments; allowing his audiences to cry with joy and scream with fear. Here are four ways Inarritu’s shooting style influences the emotions of his narratives.  Continue reading Mastering the Shot… Continue reading Mastering the Shot List: Alejandro González Inarritu

Breaking Down and Scheduling the Epic Black Panther Fight Scene

Staging a fight scene is an undertaking all its own. But once the vision is realized, incredible preparation and planning goes into filming action scenes. Your entire shooting schedule could be affected by these fight scenes and what they demand. There are hidden elements that could prove to be a nightmare in the scheduling process.… Continue reading Breaking Down and Scheduling the Epic Black Panther Fight Scene