Reading Time: 4 minutesWhat is a film cut? Definition & Meaning A film cut is the most basic editing move, a direct switch from one shot to the next, with no transition effects. It’s the backbone of how stories flow and how emotions build on screen. Every time you watch a movie, does the image just snap to… Continue reading What is a Film Cut? Definition, Types & Narrative Use
Post-Production
What is Matte Painting in Film? Definition & Iconic Examples
Reading Time: 6 minutesWhat is matte painting? Definition & Meaning Matte painting is a visual effects technique that uses painted or digitally created backgrounds to extend or replace parts of a film scene. Originally done on glass, it helped create environments that were too expensive or impossible to build. Today, matte painting blends digital paint, photography, 3D renders,… Continue reading What is Matte Painting in Film? Definition & Iconic Examples
What is a Match on Action Cut? Definition, Examples, and Techniques
Reading Time: 3 minutesWhat is a match on action cut? Definition & Meaning A match on action cut, also called ‘cutting on action’, is when you cut between two shots during a movement, and the action continues smoothly from one to the next. It makes the cut feel invisible. This is one of those editing tricks you see… Continue reading What is a Match on Action Cut? Definition, Examples, and Techniques
What is a Freeze Frame in Film? Definition, Examples & When to Use It
Reading Time: 3 minutesWhat is a freeze frame? Definition & Meaning A freeze frame (aka a frame hold) is a type of editing in which the film literally stops moving, just one frame, paused and repeated, holds the screen like a still photo. It interrupts the motion flow to stress a moment of emotion, drama, or irony. Freeze… Continue reading What is a Freeze Frame in Film? Definition, Examples & When to Use It
What is a Crossfade in Film? Definition, Examples & How to Use It
Reading Time: 3 minutesWhat is a cross fade dissolve? Definition & Meaning A crossfade is a type of dissolve where one shot gradually fades out while another fades in, overlapping briefly on screen. It can apply to visuals, audio, or both, and is used to show time passing, shift emotional tone, or connect scenes with a smoother rhythm… Continue reading What is a Crossfade in Film? Definition, Examples & How to Use It
Scene Transitions in Film: Definition, Types & How They Work
Reading Time: 6 minutesWhat are scene transitions? DEFINITION & MEANING A scene transition is the way one scene ends and the next begins in a film. It shapes how the audience moves through time, space, or emotion , whether it’s a hard cut, a fade to black, or a stylized wipe. The goal isn’t just to connect two… Continue reading Scene Transitions in Film: Definition, Types & How They Work
What is a Smash Cut in Film? Definition, Examples, and Techniques
Reading Time: 2 minutesWhat is a smash cut? Definition & Meaning A smash cut is a sudden, jarring transition between two scenes. It is often used to create a dramatic or comedic effect by highlighting a stark contrast in tone, setting, or emotion. Smash cuts are those abrupt scene changes that catch you off guard. They’re like cinematic… Continue reading What is a Smash Cut in Film? Definition, Examples, and Techniques
What is a Gilligan Cut? Definition, Meaning & Instant Comedy Timing
Reading Time: 2 minutesWhat is a Gilligan cut? Definition & Meaning A Gilligan Cut is a type of smash cut used in comedy where a character says they won’t do something, and the very next shot shows them doing exactly that. It’s the classic setup-then-slam: a confident line, followed by a hard contradiction. You’ve definitely seen this in… Continue reading What is a Gilligan Cut? Definition, Meaning & Instant Comedy Timing
Green Screen Color Code: Best Shades for Fabric, Paint & Digital Keying
Reading Time: 2 minutesHere are the most widely accepted values for keying software and production materials. Official green screen color codes The green screen color code is the precise chroma key values used for digital compositing in film and video. The most common shade is neon or lime green, which doesn’t naturally appear in skin tones or clothing,… Continue reading Green Screen Color Code: Best Shades for Fabric, Paint & Digital Keying
How to Become a Film Editor: Skills, Tools, and Starting Projects
Reading Time: 3 minutesA film editor is responsible for shaping the final version of a film by assembling footage into coherent, emotionally compelling sequences. The editor controls rhythm, timing, and narrative flow, working closely with the director during post-production to tell the story frame by frame. Sure, you can go to film school and study editing, but one… Continue reading How to Become a Film Editor: Skills, Tools, and Starting Projects