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Specially created modules for those interested in the craft of filmmaking

You've probably seen a dark horror film, a well-lit romantic comedy, and a grim and gritty war movie. Digital effects are sometimes used to colorize the film during post-production, but what gives each of these types of films its unique look and feel is the knowledge of how to light a scene and the type of lighting used on location. There has always been a give-and-take relationship between lighting techniques and film genres. For example, filmmakers often portray villains that are heavily shado ... read on

How to Edit Movies

Film editing is the process of selecting and joining shots, connecting the resulting sequences, and ultimately creating a finished motion picture. It is an art of storytelling. Film editing is the only art that is unique to cinema, separating film-making from other art forms that preceded it (such as photography, theater, dance, writing, and directing), although there are close parallels to the editing process in other art forms like poetry or novel writing. Film editing is ofte ... read on

How to use Camera angles and Movements

A tear rolling down the eye, a child playing in sand by the beach, a haunted house on the 13 floor of the tower or a general dawn of sun, all these scenes have engrossed us in the film. But did you ever ponder how these scenes are captured to give the desired outcome? The making of these shots is not as simple as it seems like simply capturing them in a camera. Paying attentions to a minutest detail or showing a general overview, like a sun dawn, depends on the demand of the situation. But ... read on

How To Write a film Song

Songs are the most aesthetic component of our Hindi Films. In fact, Bollywood is always associated with the larger than life song and dance sequences. They enhance the visual aspect of our films.... read on

How to use sound effects in films

A sudden loud clap of thunder, sound of horses’ hooves, a chilly sound of a man’s boots or a general whoosh-whishing of wind, all these have engrossed us in the happening of a film. But did y... read on

How to use Props

The term ‘Prop’ is a shortened version of the theatrical term property, a word used to describe any object handled or used by an actor in a performance. A flipchart is a prop. A letter is a p... read on

How to make a montage

A Montage is an assembly of quick cuts, disconnected in time or place that combines to form a larger idea. It is frequently used to convey passage of time, coming of age, or emotiona... read on

How to record sound on location

The arrival of sound in film

The birth of cinema was through a scientific invention. In 1893 at Chicago World’s Fair, Edison demonstrated the discovery of a moving... read on

How to: Find ideas for your film

Ever seen a great film and wondered who came up with the idea that started it all? Well, you’re not the first. Ideas for films are easy to come by, especially in mainstream Hindi cinema. You ca... read on

How to write a Character Sketch

A film can be of two types – character driven or plot driven. Great films work by bringing emotions to life and building a connection with the audience. Only films that are capable of doing thi... read on

How to Storyboard

So you want to be a storyboard illustrator? - Storyboarding – the word pretty much says it all.

So what is a storyboard?

A text book definition of if would be ‘a too... read on

How to scout for the perfect location

It’s all about LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! When it comes to going places, Indian films do it best. They might be ridiculed for their endless song and dance numbers, but Indian filmmakers easi... read on

How to analyse ‘Mise en scene’

Mise-en-scène is a French term and originates in the theater. It means, literally, "put in the scene." For film, it has a broader meaning, and refers to almost everything that goes int... read on