Filmmaking

Lessons in Editing: When Not to Cut

By  Meg Shields 

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand…wait for it….cut!

How Does Rear Projection Work?

By  Meg Shields 

Roll plate!

The Delicate Art of the Focus Pull

By  Meg Shields 

Focus up, with this video essay on the storytelling potential of the rack focus shot.

A Brief History of Dance in Film

By  Meg Shields 

Here’s a montage celebrating 125 years of one of the greatest artistic team-ups of all time: dance and film.

The Beginner’s Guide to the Split Diopter Lens

By  Meg Shields 

A video essay for everyone curious about the split diopter but too afraid to ask.

When is a Long Take Just a Gimmick?

By  Meg Shields 

We know that a Long Take is always a treat, but if it doesn’t serve the story, it can feel like a gimmick. A new video essay explores why.

6 Filmmaking Tips from John Milius

By  Kieran Fisher 

The Don of the USC Film School Mafia helped make some of your favorite movies better, so check out some of his advice.

The Many Deaths of 3D: A History of Cinema’s Problem Child

By  Meg Shields 

3D is dead long live 3D.

Drake Doremus Talks ‘Endings, Beginnings’ and Love at First Sight with Sebastian Stan

By  Ciara Wardlow 

The filmmaker discusses casting, happy accidents, and rewriting in the edit room.