Just now, I watched a short film that defies the ordinary—it was nothing short of perfection. The title, “Over the Board”, hints at its uniqueness, setting the stage for a narrative that's profoundly moving. The story revolves around twin brothers, Eric and Ian, who meet for the first time under unusual circumstances. These siblings, portrayed by real-life twins Elijah Shane Bell and Isaac Bell, are brought to life with compelling authenticity. Elijah, as Eric, and Isaac, as

Yesterday, we said goodbye to a true legend. David Lynch, the filmmaker whose unique vision and creativity left a lasting mark on the world of cinema, has passed away at the age of 78. His storytelling transported us to surreal and unforgettable realms, inviting us to explore the unknown. Thank you, David, for the art, mystery, and worlds you created. Your legacy will endure in every frame and in the hearts of those you've inspired. Your work's impact will resonate with audie

In today's fast-paced digital age, technology has permeated every aspect of our lives, including the world of storytelling. After sharing my thoughts on someone's LinkedIn post, I began to reflect on my own stance. I firmly believe that technology should not be seen as an enemy but as a powerful tool to help us embrace and enhance our stories. However, the advent of AI has brought about a new trend among Gen Z creators—churning out what I can only describe as no-brain "conten

Looking back, I’m grateful that my past has shaped who I am today, but I often wish I had spent more time studying. Maybe then, I’d be able to express myself more fluently and quickly, especially in writing. I was one of those students who couldn’t stand reading—I’d see the alphabets flying around like aimless butterflies, lost in the mist. Because of this, I hid from books, making me a slower reader and writer. Discovering Life's Unexpected Passions Through Reflection Howeve

I was asked the other day how to become a successful cinematographer, also known as a Director of Photography (DOP). For clarity, let’s refer to this role as "DOP" from now on. While I’m not a DOP myself, I can share some insights from a writer-director’s perspective. First, let’s understand what DOP is. DOP is the art and science of capturing visual images for film and television. It involves the strategic use of camera techniques, lighting, framing, and composition to tell

At first glance, the roles of TV commercial directors and film directors might seem similar, but they come with very different challenges and skill sets. Here’s my breakdown of why transitioning from commercials to film can be tricky. TV commercial directors are masters of brevity. Their job is to craft short, eye-catching ads that grab attention and communicate a brand’s message in seconds. Because of this, commercials prioritize the product or service, often at the expense

Well, there are plenty of answers out there, and here is one of mine. Directing is an art and a craft that requires a blend of creativity, leadership, and quick thinking. Besides just being a storyteller, being a director means you're constantly bombarded with questions throughout the entire filmmaking process. It's a non-stop decision-making marathon. Quick, decisive, and cohesive decision-making is key. I've realized many directors, especially young ones, struggle to make c

Martin Scorsese once said: "Cinema is a matter of what’s in the frame and what’s out." Here was my answer: First thing, get good at storytelling because it's the core of your job. The best way is by learning to write screenplays. Next, work on your communication skills, since film production is all about talking and listening. Write, then grab a camera—NOT a cell phone (you'll learn more, including lighting, with a camera than with a phone, which can be too perfect nowadays a

Hi there! I'm Iwata Sam, also known as LIU. With over 20 years of experience as a TV commercial director and film writer-director, I've honed my craft in creating visually stunning and compelling narratives, which has afforded me the privilege of working with high-profile global actors and actresses such as Cindy Crawford, Nicole Kidman, Karlie Kloss, Alessandra Ambrosio, Manny Pacquiao, Maggie Cheung, Zhou Xun, Zhang Zi Yi, and Hu Ge. My work has been recognized with multipl