Planning & Directing
Stuff You Need to Know
Freytag’s pyramid, dramatic structure and story arc
A first-class story is compelling from beginning to end. Freytag's Pyramid is a formula that describes the structure of most dramas.
How to Prepare for Your First Directing Gig
Directing your first project is like getting behind the wheel of a car for the first time. You read through the manual, attended the...
How to Develop Strong Characters that Draw in Your Audience
An outline for your screenplay is a great way to start, but developing strong characters will engage viewers in the story you’re telling. Would...
How to Effectively Collaborate with Your DP
Your Director of Photography can help bring your cinematic vision to life, but only if you work well together.
Creative Collaboration: Building Team Dynamics for Your Production
When you start building a team for production, you are creating your most valuable asset.
How Respectful Directing Leads to Better Performances
Directing is a tough job. The long hours and pressure of keeping a production on track require a strong leader. While the stereotype of...
Top 5 Scouting Tips Every Location Scout Should Know
Although you won't need to go to a special school or take any college courses to become a location scout, you will need a...
How A Shot List Makes Your Shoot Easier, Better and Cheaper
If you go back and look at your early work, it probably looks like it was directed by someone who needs a guide dog....
How to Take Your Script Idea from Concept to First Draft
If I ever balk at a huge upcoming project, my husband will say “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.”...
Video Courses
Special Effects Basic Training
Making movie-like special effects doesn't have to be difficult. Our experts at Videomaker show you how easy it is to make your own using...
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What's New
What is overacting and why you should avoid it (and when not to)
We're all told that overacting in film is something that you should always avoid. However, there are times when overacting should be used.
Screenplay vs. script: What’s the difference?
There's a common misunderstanding regarding the topic of "screenplay vs. script." While these two terms may seem the same, they aren't.
What you need to know about loglines
If you've ever wondered what a logline is and how professionals use it, look no further than this in-depth guide about loglines.
What is a screenplay?
Screenplays are essential to movie-making. They are also necessary for those who want to get their ideas made into films.
How spec scripts can jump-start your screenwriting career
Spec scripts are different than standard scripts. They can be great tools to start your screenplay writer career and get your movies made.
Film history: the evolution of film and television
Everything in this article is at the very least incomplete. There’s no way you can even begin to cram the almost 150 years of film history into one article. There are whole books written about every single entry here. Consider all of these stepping...
An introduction to film studies
We often focus on the logistics of making films. However, knowing how to apply those techniques through film studies is just as important.
Everything you need to know about screenwriting jobs
While screenwriting may appear to be an obscure career, there are many rewarding script writing jobs out there.
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Film theory explained – a beginners guide
Often seen as dense and abstract, film theory can be a useful tool in understanding the meaning and impact of a film. But what exactly is it? Here’s what you need to know.
The top 10 best film studies programs in the United States
There are many fantastic film studies programs around the country to help you learn the language of cinema and how to communicate with it.
What does it take to be a location scout?
Location scouts are skilled masters of detail and work hard to make the director’s location wish list become a reality.
Casting director: the role explained
Casting the wrong people in your film can ruin even the best of scripts. It's up to casting directors to keep this from happening.
How to write a script
Every video production needs some sort of script to ensure production moves smoothly. Here's a guide to help you write your script.
John Ford: The technique of one of America’s greatest directors
John Ford is one of those directors who had a profound impact in the industry.
“The best director in the world” - Ingmar Bergman
The...
