Now and Then: A Filmmaker’s Guide to the Period Piece
The period piece is more than a film genre—it’s a larger approach to filmmaking in general. Let’s explore this beloved film category.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Writing a Logline for Your Film or Video Project
A well-written logline is an effective tool for selling your film project. A bad one, however, can stop it in its tracks. Here’s what you need to …
How to Build a Starship — A Filmmaker’s Guide
Starships are dynamic set pieces in science fiction filmmaking, but they require a bit of forethought to design. Here’s what you should consider.
Sound Effects: The Unsung Heroes of the Film Industry
Let’s discuss the history of sound effects, and how to incorporate this important cinematic element into your next project.
Filmmaking with the Greats: Production Problem-solving
Filmmaking is problem-solving. The tools of the trade aren’t molds into which we cram the stuff of filmmaking. They’re the tools we use to try to tame …
Trope School: Time Travel in Film
Time travel is a popular film trope. But why, and how did it get that way? Here’s everything you need to know about time travel in film.
An Ode to Top Gun
With the release of Maverick, Top Gun is now one of the best-known film franchises in the world. Let’s look at what makes these films great.
In Praise of the Car Chase (and How to Film Your Own)
The car chase seems like a straightforward scene — in reality, it’s anything but. Let’s go behind the scenes with this Hollywood staple.
The Life and Times of the Kung Fu Film
The Kung Fu film descends from legends, and its history has mirrored the fate of its homeland. Here’s what every fan needs to know.
The Space Western — Genre’s Unwanted, Weird Cousin
The space Western is a versatile sub-genre capable of much more than its parent genres. But it wasn’t always welcome at the table.
The Superhero Film: A Guide for Superfans
From tights and onesies to bikini briefs and masks, superheroes have captured our hearts since they first stepped onto the big screen.
The Indie Filmmaker’s Guide to The Western
The Western film is an American icon born of dark cultural roots. Here’s what it means to American cinema — and cinema around the world.