Film Techniques: Everything You Need to Know in 2023

Are you a big movie geek and wish that one day you could be the one behind the camera making your own? Well, behind every successful film lies a number of film techniques used by filmmakers to create impactful and memorable cinematic experiences.

Although filmmaking is just one element of creative media production, mastering the art of filmmaking requires a combination of many different skills and techniques. So, whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker or simply a film lover, in this blog we’ve laid out everything you need to know about film techniques in 2023.

Cinematography

Cinematography is the art of visual storytelling generally for film or TV. It is the combination of different things, like framing, camera movement, lighting and composition. Cinematography is not just about making a film look pretty, it is one of the most important film techniques and often defines the look and feel of a movie or television show. 

In recent years, advancements in technology have revolutionised cinematography massively, allowing filmmakers to push boundaries and create stunning visuals that go beyond a simple stationary camera. From breathtaking aerial shots to intricate tracking shots, cinematography plays a crucial role in conveying the mood, tone and narrative of a film.

In 2023, expect to see filmmakers exploring new film techniques within the cinematography field. With the rise of drone technology, aerial cinematography has become more accessible and is being used to capture stunning views and dynamic action sequences. Drones are used heavily in the cinematography of blockbuster filmmakers like Michael Bay, the man behind the Transformers franchise.

Additionally, advancements in camera stabilisation systems have led to smooth and fluid camera movements, enabling filmmakers to achieve innovative shots with ease. The use of creative framing, unconventional angles and experimental lighting techniques will also continue to evolve, enhancing the visual storytelling experience.

Editing

Editing is assembling and manipulating individual shots to create a cohesive and compelling story. Editing is essential to make a movie, and filmmakers argue that the edit is where the film is truly made, even if the movie is made with just a single shot. If you are interested in this particular film technique, then check out this blog on the best one-shot scenes in movie history.

In 2023, filmmakers continue to experiment with innovative editing film techniques such as quick cuts, seamless transitions and unconventional timelines. You only have to take the non-linear work of a director like Christopher Nolan to see that the edit is where all the puzzle pieces come together.

Nowadays, with the rise of digital editing software, editors have more creative freedom than ever before. In addition to traditional editing techniques, the use of visual effects and CGI in post-production is becoming increasingly prevalent and the ‘norm’ in movie edits. 

Editors are seamlessly integrating computer-generated elements into live-action footage, allowing for extraordinary visual storytelling. Moreover, the blending of practical effects and digital editing is creating a harmonious fusion of realism and imagination.

Sound Design

What we hear in a movie is a vital film technique. Whether it’s dialogue, dramatic music building up to a scene or sound effects that make the audience feel like they are really there. The purpose is to enhance the storytelling and overall experience. 

In 2023, filmmakers are exploring new ways to immerse audiences through different soundscapes, spatial audio and innovative mixing techniques. A well-crafted sound design can transport viewers into the movie and trigger powerful emotional responses.

Advancements in technology, such as Dolby Atmos and other immersive audio formats, have revolutionised sound design. These technologies create a three-dimensional sound experience, enveloping the audience and heightening the sense of immersion. If you are interested in sound design, check out our blog on the best music production software.

Filmmakers are also utilising sound design film techniques to create unique perspectives and subjective experiences. This then provides audiences with an intimate connection to the characters and their surroundings.

Special Effects

Special effects, both practical and digital, have become more and more sophisticated and realistic over the last few years and only continue to improve further. This film technique is essential for creating breathtaking visual effects and seamless integration of CGI characters. Special effects give filmmakers the opportunity to push the boundaries of what is possible on screen. 

In 2023, expect to see groundbreaking practical effects, advanced motion capture techniques and realistic virtual environments that blur the line between reality and fiction. Practical effects, such as animatronics, prosthetics and pyrotechnics, are being combined with digital effects to create smooth and believable cinematic moments. 

Filmmakers are also using motion capture technology to bring digital characters to life, capturing the nuances of actors’ performances and translating them into realistic computer-generated imagery. The integration of practical and digital effects allows for a more immersive and visually stunning film experience.

Production Design

Production design is a film technique that involves creating the visual world of a film, including sets, costumes, props and overall aesthetics. It sets the tone and atmosphere of a film and plays a crucial role in conveying the story’s time period, genre and themes. 

Production designers today are finding new ways to blend practical and digital elements to create visually stunning and immersive worlds. Matching this with amazing cinematography and sound, and you are on your way to creating something beautiful.

Virtual sets and virtual reality tools are being used to allow filmmakers to visualise and explore intricate sets and locations before physically constructing them. Not only does this save time and resources, but also enables filmmakers to push creative boundaries and bring fantastical worlds to life.

Lighting

Lighting is a fundamental film technique that can drastically transform the mood. Filmmakers are embracing innovative lighting techniques to create striking visuals and enhance storytelling. From naturalistic lighting to bold and stylised lighting setups, the use of light can evoke emotions, highlight important details and create depth all in one frame.

Things like the advancements in LED lighting have given filmmakers more control and flexibility in shaping the lighting of a scene. LED panels allow for precise adjustments in colour temperature, intensity and direction. This then enables filmmakers to create captivating scenes. Moreover, the use of practical lighting techniques, such as practical effects and on-set lighting setups, adds authenticity and depth to the visuals. 

Screenwriting

Behind every great film is a well-crafted screenplay. Screenwriting is more than just an essential film technique, it is the foundation of storytelling in film and TV.  Writers are continuously thinking outside the box with unique narratives, diverse perspectives and thought-provoking themes. 

In 2023, expect to see a continued emphasis on diverse and inclusive storytelling. Filmmakers are recognising the importance of representing a wide range of voices and experiences on screen. This includes stories from underrepresented communities, exploring social issues and challenging traditional storytelling conventions. 

As the industry continues to evolve, screenwriting will play a pivotal role in shaping the narratives that resonate with audiences.

What are the takeaways?

 In 2023, advancements in technology continue to push the boundaries of cinematography, editing, sound design, special effects, production design, lighting and screenwriting. As we can see, the bar for TV and movies has been set very high, so if you want to compete in the industry, the film techniques we have discussed above are essential for creating impactful cinematic experiences.

So if you’re passionate about filmmaking, take a look at the Creative Media Production course here at Big Creative Education to learn the film techniques needed to bring your creative vision to life.

So what are you waiting for? Start your filmmaking journey today and unlock your potential in the dynamic world of cinema.