RENAISSANCE DISNEY: 5 Filmmaking Lessons from Disney’s Mulan
The term “Renaissance” has been used by fans to describe the awakening and reinvention that brought public and critical interest to Disney Feature Animation in the 1990’s, starting with 1989’s The Little Mermaid and ending with 1999’s Tarzan. No matter what aspect of...
YOGA ON SET: 5 Mind-Body Habits for Filmmaker Health
Does the word “yoga” invoke images of people in leggings sitting on mats and chanting? Grant us a minute, if you will, to stretch your imagination on this topic. When we talk about yoga, we’re referring to a practice, a mindset, an attitude—not simply a set of...
WRITE LIKE A PRO: How Our Screenwriting Experts Overcome Common Hangups
There are times when writing can be exciting, effortless, and fun. And then there are all the other times: when you don’t know where to start, or can’t remember why you started, or when you’re buried so deep you don’t even know which way to dig to get yourself out....
THE MOVING MASTER: Shooting Coverage With Efficiency and Style
Wide establishing shot… Medium two-shot… OTS single… Reverse… Reverse… Reverse… Punch in for a dramatic close-up… Sound familiar? It’s how most film and television scenes are shot and edited. Sure, it’s a little boring, but it works. And if you have talented actors...
MORALE ON SET: A Director’s Guide to a Happy Production
As a director, it’s your job to not only carry the artistic vision of your film, but also take care of your people. Of course, you have a producer and an AD who are also looking out for crew safety and logistical efficiency. But in day to day set life, the director...