How to Use a Green Screen in iMovie — 4 Quick and Easy Steps

BasicsOpen menu Insert Image What is a Green Screen? Insert Image Blue Screen vs Green Screen DIY Green ScreenOpen menu Insert Image How to Make a Green Screen Insert Image Green Screen Color Using a Green ScreenOpen menu Insert Image How to Use a Green Screen Insert Image Green Screen Lighting EditingOpen menu Insert Image… Continue reading How to Use a Green Screen in iMovie — 4 Quick and Easy Steps

The Godfather Restaurant Scene & Principles of Film Editing

How do you create a compelling character in the editing room? The choices an editor makes greatly impact how audiences receive a character. In moments of change or distress, we want the audience to actively engage with the thoughts and emotions that motivate our character’s decisions. By understanding their characters, editors can employ editing techniques… Continue reading The Godfather Restaurant Scene & Principles of Film Editing

What is Matte Painting in Movies — Definition and Examples

BasicsOpen menu Insert Image What is Post-Production Insert Image What is VFX Insert Image What are Special Effects Insert Image What is Virtual Production Insert Image What is SFX Makeup Insert Image What is CGI Insert Image What is Mocap Insert Image What is Compositing Insert Image What is Matte Painting Insert Image What is… Continue reading What is Matte Painting in Movies — Definition and Examples

What is Cross Cutting and Parallel Editing in Film?

Cross Cutting and parallel editing are highly effective editing techniques that can greatly improve the quality of any film or visual work. If you’ve heard the expressions “greater than the sum of its parts,” then you already know why these techniques are used so often in filmmaking. In this post, we’re going to give you… Continue reading What is Cross Cutting and Parallel Editing in Film?

What are Keyframes in Animation — Origins and Modern Uses

Animation BasicsOpen menu Insert Image What is Animation Insert Image What is Cel Animation Insert Image What is Pixilation Animation Insert Image What is Tweening in Animation Insert Image What is Anime Insert Image What is Claymation Insert Image What are Keyframe Insert Image What is Persistence of Vision Insert Image What is Stop Motion… Continue reading What are Keyframes in Animation — Origins and Modern Uses

What is a Smash Cut — An Editor’s Guide with Examples & Tips

Have you ever watched a movie where someone says they will absolutely not do a thing, but the very next shot is them doing the thing? How about a scene where someone is about to get murdered, but the very next shot is someone making dinner? If you answered yes, you may have encountered a… Continue reading What is a Smash Cut — An Editor’s Guide with Examples & Tips

What is a Freeze Frame — The Best Examples & Why They Work

While not always necessary for story-telling, freeze frames are a timeless tool in film and television. Whether for stylistic purposes or to draw attention to particular aspects of your film, it’s important to whittle down the motivation for your freeze frame. Read on to dissect successful freeze frame movie examples and ways you can implement… Continue reading What is a Freeze Frame — The Best Examples & Why They Work

How to Mask in Premiere Pro — An Essential Compositing Guide

BasicsOpen menu Insert Image What is Post-Production Insert Image What is VFX Insert Image What are Special Effects Insert Image What is Virtual Production Insert Image What is SFX Makeup Insert Image What is CGI Insert Image What is Mocap Insert Image What is Compositing Insert Image What is Matte Painting Insert Image What is… Continue reading How to Mask in Premiere Pro — An Essential Compositing Guide

Adobe Premiere Pro Keyboard Shortcuts — The Ultimate Guide

If you want to edit faster, there is one piece of sage advice that you will hear time and time again: learn the hotkeys! While it is possible to edit most projects using only the simplest tools available in Premiere Pro or by navigating through a series of menus and right-clicks, having a thorough knowledge… Continue reading Adobe Premiere Pro Keyboard Shortcuts — The Ultimate Guide

What is a Match on Action Cut — Definition & Creative Examples

A match on action cut, also referred to as cut on action, is one of the most important editing principles in all of filmmaking. But what is a match on action cut? We’re going to explain matching on action with film examples and more – but first, let’s quickly define the term.Continue reading What is a… Continue reading What is a Match on Action Cut — Definition & Creative Examples

What is a Dissolve in Film — Editing Transitions Explained

What is a dissolve in film? Dissolves are some of the most commonly used editing transitions in all of film. We’ve seen them used to expert effect in films like Citizen Kane, Saving Private Ryan, and more. We’re going to explain the dissolve definition in a simple and concise way. Then we’ll show you how… Continue reading What is a Dissolve in Film — Editing Transitions Explained

Wes Anderson Symmetry & Symmetrical Editing Explained

Much has been made about Wes Anderson’s use of symmetry in shot composition – but did you know symmetry extends to his editing style as well? Wes Anderson utilizes symmetry in every facet of his filmmaking process, from pattern events to blocking and staging. We’re going to show you the art behind Wes Anderson’s symmetrical… Continue reading Wes Anderson Symmetry & Symmetrical Editing Explained

What is a Lap Dissolve — Film & Video Editing Techniques

The lap dissolve is one of the oldest editing transitions in cinema. Originally, the lap dissolve was achieved by overlapping the exposure of a single frame of film from shot to shot similarly to a double exposure in photography. Why exactly did filmmakers want to create this effect? How do they use the lap dissolve differently… Continue reading What is a Lap Dissolve — Film & Video Editing Techniques

What is In Camera Editing — Techniques for Photo and Video

Editing is one of the most fundamental processes of filmmaking. Many call it the last rewrite of a film in which the film truly comes together. So how do you create a movie without normal post-production editing? Through in-camera editing of course. In-camera editing may seem like a disadvantageous technique. However, the popularity of the… Continue reading What is In Camera Editing — Techniques for Photo and Video

What is Film Editing — Editing Principles & Techniques Explained

Scene transitions, sudden sounds, quick cuts, off-screen voices, and narrative flow are just among the many terms associated with the “invisible art” known as film editing. Originally seen as a technical tool in the movie making process, film editing quickly evolved to become one of the most important creative aspects of filmmaking. But as its… Continue reading What is Film Editing — Editing Principles & Techniques Explained

What is a J-Cut in Film — Editing Techniques Explained

There are a few fundamental editing techniques that every editor should know. One of the major ones is the J-cut. Just about every movie you watch has some sort of J-cut within its edit. J-cuts help move the film along in an engaging way, but can also be an incredibly effective storytelling device when used… Continue reading What is a J-Cut in Film — Editing Techniques Explained

Types of Editing Transitions in Film — The Ultimate Guide

Video transitions are used in just about every film and video – and they play an enormous role in the subliminal or liminal effects of moving from shot to shot. As such, knowing when and how to use specific types of editing transitions in film – like wipes, fades and pans – can make your… Continue reading Types of Editing Transitions in Film — The Ultimate Guide

How to Edit a Dialogue Scene — Tips and Techniques for Editors

Great performances, direction, cinematography, and even production design are all essential for creating an engaging dialogue scene. But one of the most important aspects of a great dialogue scene is effective editing. Editing can make or break a dialogue scene even if all of the other filmmaking elements fall into place. So how do you edit… Continue reading How to Edit a Dialogue Scene — Tips and Techniques for Editors