Supermicro is a globally recognized technology leader best known for developing superfast, innovative server solutions integrating the latest tech into products. How does this apply to filmmakers? Anyone in post production knows that a faster rig means less headaches and more super power for any gig. If you're looking to update your rig with the fastest server speeds is in for a treat with the advancements Supermicro is making integrating AI for smarter, faster equipment. We stopped by their booth to check out what they had in store to show off at NAB 2024. Check out the interview below. Sup ..read more

There are many different tools that can aid your efforts in visual storytelling as a filmmaker. But before you start thinking about how they can boost the aesthetic value of your project, you have to figure out how your shot composition can be used to reveal aspects of your character's journey. The first step: decide whether your want your scene filmed in an objective or subjective perspective. What's the difference? In his latest video essay, Travis Lee Ratcliff gives us some examples of effective uses of both strategies. In cinema, the objective perspective conveys information a ..read more

Do you know that funky kind of animation that looks like regular people on film, but colored in? It's live-action footage, but also sort of looks like a special effect. Well, that's called "rotoscoping," and it's one of the most creative and most unique ways to transform your live-action project and turn it into an animation. But what is this form of animation? And also how can you learn to do it for your own projects? And are there modern examples of these films? Today, we're going to go over all of this and more. We'll define the technique, look at rotoscoped movies, and even tackle a guid ..read more

At the start of NAB 2024 this year, Blackmagic Design pretty much stole the show from the jump as they announced a whole host of new cameras and technologies on the day before the conference was scheduled to begin. And while, of course, there was plenty of other exciting news and cool film and video tech innovations to be found on the conference floors in Las Vegas, it was certainly hard for any other brands to catch up to Blackmagic Design’s front-loaded media blitz, most notably led by their announcement of the new Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K. Still, with Blackmagic’s newest top-of-the-line c ..read more

In what might become a familiar refrain from this year’s NAB Show (and perhaps all future conferences as well), it sure looks like AI is going to be radically changing pretty much every fundamental building block of film and video production. And while the AI takeover is nowhere near complete—just yet at least—we did get to see some pretty cool new AI-powered tools and features across the conference hall floors this year. One notable stop was with Strada as CEO Michael Cioni showcased their new AI-based creative companion. Let’s check it out. Strada at NAB Show 2024 As we covered when Cioni ..read more

The family has spent their entire life on a farm, experiencing tranquility by day and horror at night, hiding from the monsters that come out in the dark. One day, Thomas doesn’t return after visiting his crush, Charlotte, at a nearby farm, so Paul leaves the safety of their home to find his son, while Joseph stays back to defend himself against the nightly monster attack. Edited using Adobe Premiere Pro and Adobe After Effects, “Arcadian”, is a creepy dystopian feature you won’t want to miss, and we sat down with the film’s editor, Kristi Shimek, who shared a behind the scenes look into mak ..read more

I've been on a kick watching a certain director's movies in order, over the course of a few weeks. Recently, I completed the filmography of Tim Burton, and it was a blast. Burton is so whimsical and also so macabre. His movies span all sorts of different emotions and ideas, and even sizes. There's so much to learn from him and his movies. Here are 10 directing lessons we can draw from his work, along with examples from his films. Let's dive in. 10 Directing Lessons You Can Get From Tim Burton 1. Embrace the Outsider Perspective Tim Burton's films often celebrate characters on the fringe of s ..read more

As NAB 2024 continues to roll on and along, there are many, many booths that stand out not just for their impressive gear and technology demos, but also—you know—just for their fun brands and great vibes. One highlight of this year’s NAB Show was our stop at the RØDE where we got to go hands-on with one of the latest tools in their Interview PRO, Phone Cage and Magnetic Mount and explore how they could be a dream solution for podcasters and video pros alike. Let’s dive in. RØDE Booth at NAB Show 2024 Featuring our video hosts from Cinematography for Actors, our stop at the RØDE booth was fu ..read more

With studios spending more and more money on tentpole films, we're in the golden age of villains. It seems like every comic book or Star Wars movie is vying to have a memorable villain that not only terrifies audiences but takes place in the pop culture lexicon. But general evilness doesn't make for a good story. Your characters need to be developed and to have motivations and clear reasons for their actions. But what if those reasons are altruistic? Today we'll go over the anti-villain, compare them with anti-heroes, and look at examples in film and television. What is an Anti Villain? As w ..read more

As we’ve already seen from the announcements of the NAB Show “Product of the Year” awards, even though it wasn’t unveiled at NAB, the Sony BURANO is one of the big headlines for the industry overall. This is why it’s cool that our visit with the ZEISS booth features some hands-on exploration of their new Nano Prime lens set which could be great for use on the BURANO—or other cameras, we cast no judgment! Let’s take a look at everything exciting and new showcased at the ZEISS booth at NAB 2024. Cinematography for Actors ZEISS Interview Featuring our hosts from Cinematography for Actors, our ..read more