Joel Coen and Ethan Coen, collectively referred to as the Coen brothers, are American filmmakers. Their films span many genres and styles, which they frequently subvert or parody.
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)
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 What is a 50mm Lens Good For Insert Image 35mm vs 50mm Lenses Insert Image Telephoto… Continue reading What is a Wide Angle Lens — And When to Use One
ProcessOpen menu Insert Image How to Make a Short Film Insert Image How to Write a Short Without Dialogue Insert Image Short Film Schedule Tips Insert Image Write a Short That Gets Noticed Insert Image Making a Short Film Insert Image How to Storyboard a Short Film Insert Image Phases of Short Film Pre-Production Insert… Continue reading How to Write a Short Film That Gets Noticed
Trope EssentialsOpen menu Insert Image What is a Trope Insert Image What is a Cliche Insert Image Tropes & Cliches to Avoid Character TropesOpen menu Insert Image Character Tropes Insert Image Stock Character Insert Image Mary Sue Insert Image Manic Pixie Dream Girl Insert Image Mad Scientist Insert Image Femme Fatale Insert Image Damsel in… Continue reading What is a Trope — Definition and Examples in Movies
Filmmaking is a complex process that involves various stages and meticulous planning. Among the important aspects of filmmaking is the pre-production stage, where planning and organization are done before the actual filming. One of the critical tasks in pre-production is creating a plan for the shots that will be taken. Filmmakers use either shot lists, storyboards… Continue reading Shot List vs Storyboard — How They Differ & Why You Need Both
Metaphor Mixed Metaphor Visual Metaphor Extended Metaphor Implied Metaphor Dead Metaphor No matter what you write, it’s agreed that metaphors are an important literary device. But, what is a metaphor? What does metaphor mean? In this article, we’ll explore this question and answer how they can enhance your screenwriting. We’ll prove a list of metaphors… Continue reading What is a Metaphor — Definition and Examples in Lit. & Film
EssentialsOpen menu Insert Image What is The Three Act Structure Insert Image What is Story Structure Insert Image What is a Story Beat Insert Image What is a Story Mountain Insert Image What Is a Plot Insert Image Plot vs Story Insert Image What is a Non-Linear Plot Insert Image What is a Plot Device… Continue reading What is the Climax of a Story — Definition, Examples & Structure
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
Storyboard EssentialsOpen menu Insert Image What is a Storyboard Insert Image Best Storyboard Software Insert Image What is a Storyboard Artist Insert Image Websites to Find a Storyboard Artist Insert Image Storyboard Classes Online Insert Image What is a Digital Storyboard Insert Image Introducing Storyboard Builder Insert Image Ultimate Guide to Storyboard Rules Insert Image… Continue reading What is a Storyboard? The Fundamentals to Get You Started
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
Making a feature-length movie is no easy feat, but with the right preparation and dedication, anyone can do it. Learning how to direct a movie can be an intimidating process, so this blog post will give you the tips and tricks you need to produce a professional quality project. Discover what resources are available to… Continue reading How to Make Your First Feature Film — Tips for First Time Directors
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 Medium Long Shot — Types of Shots in Film Explained
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 a vignette? The term has the potential to be confusing because it means slightly different depending on which story-telling medium is the topic of discussion. Even within filmmaking, the term can also be used to describe two completely different things. We will sort through this confusion and break down each meaning of ‘vignette.’… Continue reading What is a Vignette in Writing — Definition & Examples Explained
Basic CharactersOpen menu Insert Image Types of Characters in a Story 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… Continue reading What is a Villain — Definition, Types & Characteristics Explained
There are few things that can keep an audience more engaged in a film than suspense. But what is suspense, exactly? That feeling of intense anticipation can be found in various genres and have an audience leaning forward with their eyes glued to the screen. Understanding what suspense is and how it differs from other… Continue reading What is Suspense — The Elements of Suspense Explained
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 a Frame Within a Frame — Composition Techniques
Have you ever watched a movie with a plot twist that blew your mind and then watched that movie again and noticed signs leading to the twist? You’re not alone. So, what is foreshadowing? Is it just simply dropping clues or is it something more? Implementing foreshadowing techniques into your story can create anticipation that… Continue reading What is Foreshadowing — Definition, Examples in Film and Lit.
Storyboard EssentialsOpen menu What is a Storyboard Best Storyboard Software What is a Storyboard Artist Websites to Find a Storyboard Artist Storyboard Classes Online What is a Digital Storyboard Introducing Storyboard Builder Ultimate Guide to Storyboard Rules Storyboard Dimensions What is an Animatic What is an Animation Storyboard Storyboard Montage Ultimate Guide to Storyboard Composition… Continue reading How to Storyboard if You Can’t Draw — 4 Alternative Options
Storyboard EssentialsOpen menu What is a Storyboard Best Storyboard Software What is a Storyboard Artist Websites to Find a Storyboard Artist Storyboard Classes Online What is a Digital Storyboard Introducing Storyboard Builder Ultimate Guide to Storyboard Rules Storyboard Dimensions What is an Animatic What is an Animation Storyboard Storyboard Montage Ultimate Guide to Storyboard Composition… Continue reading Storyboard Notes — A Guide to Making Storyboard Annotations
