Category Archives: The Monitor

This week’s feature is on title sequences. Not only do these present the talent behind the film or show, but can also hint at the kind of atmosphere the viewer is stepping into. Here’s a great video on the importance of a good title sequence. The freedom to experiment is so vast – from fonts…
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This week’s feature is on the dolly zoom, also known as the Hitchcock zoom or the vertigo effect. Introduced by the father of cinematography, Alfred Hitchcock, the dolly zoom was made popular with his 1958 film Vertigo. The dolly out, zooming in technique has since then been used in many cinematic situations. Here is a…
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This week’s feature is on whiteboard animation. Before the trend of the marker and whiteboard started, there was Lee LeFever; founder of Common Craft. These recognizable explanatory videos narrated by Lee himself use moving cutouts to explain complex ideas. [YouTube] Then came the RSA, who utilized the adaptability and entertainment-value of the whiteboard animation. The…
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This week’s feature is on macro videography and photography. Here’s a simple guide to get you started; with a full description of the macro style and a run-down on the equipment you’ll need to pull it off. [Photo & Videography] Now that you’re more comfortable with the style, here’s a complete guide on macro photo…
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Here’s a great guide for all you Google lovers. From editing pictures right in your browser to creating a custom map of places you like to go, it seems the only feature Google is missing is an app that sews back your loose jacket buttons. [Lifehacker] If you have ever wondered what Unsharp Mask was,…
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New York-based blogger Ari Seth Cohen and filmmaker Lina Plioplyte have teamed up to create this fabulous and flashy documentary on the styles of the seasoned ladies of New York city. This piece might make you rethink those khaki pants you purchased last week. And if you love this project, check out it’s kickstarter page…
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If you have been avoiding jumping on the “Instagram” band-wagon, maybe you’ll want to check out Facebook’s fresh new picture app: Facebook Camera. It may have borrowed Instagram’s popular filter-function, but could also surprise you with new features that easily integrate with your Facebook profile. [wired] You’re not dreaming: a clutter-free, cable-free desk. New-York-based designer…
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If you’re an Apple fanatic, you’ll probably want to take some time off between June 11th and 15th. The 2012 edition of the company’s Worldwide Developers Conference might ring in some shiny new products, like the newest version of OS X, Mountain Lion, and perhaps even a new MacBook. [cnet] Switzerland-based electronic music act Stendeck…
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Hipsters. Now that I’ve got your attention, check out this quirky video that attempts to explain the ever-mysterious definition of the hipster. Just make sure to put on your glasses that have lenses in them (oops). London-based graphic designer Katy Beveridge created this neat zeotrope using paper cut-outs and bicycles. Speaking of bicycles, media artist Nicholas Hanna put his own spin…
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Queen’s “Another One Bites The Dust” performed entirely with Mac OS X system sounds. Is it stuck in your head yet? Remember that Tupac hologram everyone was talking about? Try combining your DSLR with your Kinect Xbox peripheral. Awesome right? A video of things getting smashed in super slow motion. Need I say more? [heron…
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