A good shot list maximizes shooting time and limits downtime across all departments. In this post, we lay out the essentials of a shotlist with pro-tips on best practices.We're also going to walk you through StudioBinder's shot list module so you can maximize your productivity. In the end, we've provided a shot list template pdf that you can use outside of StudioBinder.Alright, time to start shot listing!Continue reading The Only Shot List Template You Need — with Free Download
You're looking for a list of the different types of camera shot framing in film, but you also want great examples that come with clear explanations of when and why to use specific shot frames. After our video detailing the main types of camera framing, we'll provide you with downloadable shot lists that you can use for reference the next time you shot list a project. Lezgo.Continue reading Camera Framing Techniques: Frame Shots Like a Master Filmmaker
T he act of storytelling has always been with us. Anthropologist Joseph Campbell took stories from around the world and found they all shared the same basic structure. Campbell's Hero's Journey laid out each of the fundamental steps in this story structure. A few decades later, Dan Harmon took this same idea and created the Story Circle. In Dan Harmon's Story Circle, there are 8 essential steps that can guide almost any story from Fade In to Fade Out. Let's walk through each step with examples so you can apply this foolproof structure to your next great idea.Continue reading Storytelling Guide:…
EPISODE 1TV WRITING & DEVELOPMENT MASTERCLASSHow to Write a TV Treatment (with Examples)So you have an idea, now what? We take you through the process of writing a TV treatment that takes it from a concept to a series with legs. SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE How to write a tv TREATMENT: EPISODE 1Is this a good idea for a tv show? So it happened. Inspiration struck and now you have the best series idea ever. It's a show that the world has got to see. It's going to be huge! Now what? Well, first you're got to get it from your brain onto the…
Sixty-one percent of businesses use explainer videos to market their products and services. An educational video can also be a powerful tool for training, instruction, or knowledge sharing. But how do you start from scratch? Writing a screenplay for YouTube ensures your message is clear and engaging from the beginning. By following these rules and using our explainer video script template, your client’s product won’t just be well explained—it’ll also captivate them. The right script template for video helps you maintain structure while ensuring your messaging stays clear.Continue reading How to Write a Buzzworthy Explainer Video Script
Here at StudioBinder, we’ve written extensively about auteurs in the field of film. We’ve discussed artists like Martin Scorsese, Christopher Nolan, and David Fincher at length. And then, there’s Michael Bay. Love him or hate him, his films have influenced the filmmaking world. His 360 shot and his unique editing strategies have impacted filmmakers young and old alike. For this list, we’re counting down the best Michael Bay films of all time, and yes, there are some pretty good ones. Let’s dive into it. Continue reading Michael Bay’s Best Movies, Ranked from Worst to Best
There’s no doubt about it: Stanley Kubrick is one of the greatest filmmaking pioneers of all time. Stanley Kubrick was, in many ways, a perfectionist. As such, his filmography isn’t as expansive as those of his contemporaries. But for what Kubrick lacked in quantity he made up for in quality: Each film he directed was a product of detailed planning and masterful execution. Here, we’re going to rank the best Stanley Kubrick films based on these four criteria: acting, filmmaking, and story.Continue reading Best Stanley Kubrick Movies — 13 Masterpieces Ranked (and Video Essay)
Motifs are a great way to reinforce the theme of your project. Understanding how to build motifs that work requires strong attention to detail and a clear game plan. But what is a motif? Looking for a clear motif definition? Need motif examples in film? All these questions and more will be answered as we dive into the patterns and symbols that can bring depth to your work.Continue reading What is a Motif? Definition and Examples for Filmmakers
 Everyone loves a good slow-motion scene or a shot that speed ramps into an interesting moment. The key to these types of videos begins with understanding and controlling frame rate. What is frame rate and why is it important? We’ve done the legwork, and put together the best information to explain frame rate, frames per second (fps) and the ideal video frame rate. Once you’ve finished this complete guide, you will have the knowledge to properly control frame rates, and create your own slow-motion, fast-motion, and speed ramped videos. Let's jump in! Continue reading What is Frame Rate? A…
If you’re a filmmaker of any kind, you need to know the rules of cinema and video production. Understanding these rules give you control over your images.One of the most important rules to know is the 180 degree rule.Continue reading What is the 180 Degree Rule in Film? Crossing the Line with Purpose
