ANDREI KOVALEV'S
MIDLIBRARY
MIDLIBRARY
WEEKLY #16
When I started photography many years ago, I naturally looked at other photographers' work as my primary source of inspiration. However, with time, I gradually included other art domains into the mix—classical fine art, music videos, theatrical and musical performances, and, of course, movies! My photography style followed—in the later stages of my photographic career, I was obsessed with making my pictures look like movie stills.
Today, we will dive deep into Midjourney AI styles for creating cinematic visuals. Whether you want to illustrate a pitch for a movie studio, create a mood board for your film project, or just create cool-looking wall art—these names are worth checking out!
Today, we will dive deep into Midjourney AI styles for creating cinematic visuals. Whether you want to illustrate a pitch for a movie studio, create a mood board for your film project, or just create cool-looking wall art—these names are worth checking out!
Ps-st! At the end of this list, there is a trick to turn a typical photorealistic MJ generation into a still from a AAA Hollywood blockbuster!
EDITOR'S PICK
TOP 10
CINEMATIC
STYLES
CINEMATIC
STYLES
by Dario Argento --v 4
DARIO ARGENTO
Italian film director, producer, and screenwriter, Dario Argento (b. 1940) is a leading figure in the Italian horror genre (giallo), and is widely regarded as one of the most influential filmmakers in the field.
Argento's Midjourney style—as well as his original art—is characterized by its bold and vivid colors, dream-like visual style, suspenseful, unsettling atmosphere, and memorable, dark set pieces.
Italian film director, producer, and screenwriter, Dario Argento (b. 1940) is a leading figure in the Italian horror genre (giallo), and is widely regarded as one of the most influential filmmakers in the field.
Argento's Midjourney style—as well as his original art—is characterized by its bold and vivid colors, dream-like visual style, suspenseful, unsettling atmosphere, and memorable, dark set pieces.
cinematic shot from Dario Argento's movie --ar 2:1 --v 4
by Sergei Parajanov --v 4
SERGEI PARAJANOV
Sergei Parajanov (1924–1990) was an Armenian film director and screenwriter widely regarded as one of the most original and imaginative filmmakers of the 20th century.
Parajanov's Midjourney style inherits the original's vivid, surreal imagery, the themes of cultural identity and tradition. Distinct characters, bold visuals, and a feeling of the surreal come with every prompt with Sergei Parajanov's name.
Sergei Parajanov (1924–1990) was an Armenian film director and screenwriter widely regarded as one of the most original and imaginative filmmakers of the 20th century.
Parajanov's Midjourney style inherits the original's vivid, surreal imagery, the themes of cultural identity and tradition. Distinct characters, bold visuals, and a feeling of the surreal come with every prompt with Sergei Parajanov's name.
cinematic shot from Sergei Parajanov's movie --ar 2:1 --v 4
by George Melies --v 4
GEORGES MELIES
Georges Méliès (1861-1938) was a French film director, producer, and magician. He was one of the earliest filmmakers and is considered one of the earliest pioneers of the motion picture industry.
With his imaginative, fantastical films, which utilized innovative special effects techniques and explored themes of magic and illusion, Méliès is known for his contributions to the development of narrative storytelling in film.
Mostly black and white, very classical, slightly exaggerated, with the overtones of fairytales and madness—this is what George Méliès Midjourney style looks (and feels) like.
Georges Méliès (1861-1938) was a French film director, producer, and magician. He was one of the earliest filmmakers and is considered one of the earliest pioneers of the motion picture industry.
With his imaginative, fantastical films, which utilized innovative special effects techniques and explored themes of magic and illusion, Méliès is known for his contributions to the development of narrative storytelling in film.
Mostly black and white, very classical, slightly exaggerated, with the overtones of fairytales and madness—this is what George Méliès Midjourney style looks (and feels) like.
cinematic shot from George Melies' movie --ar 2:1 --v 4
by Guillermo del Toro --v 4
GUILLERMO DEL TORO
Mexican film director, screenwriter, and producer Guillermo del Toro (b. 1964) creates inventive, dreamlike, and visually stunning films blending elements of horror, fantasy, and science fiction. Del Toro is a master of intricate storytelling, a talented designer of memorable fantastical creatures, and a builder of immersive and unforgettable worlds.
Guillermo del Toro's Midjourney style is perfect for gothic scenery, mysterious characters, and dramatic atmosphere.
Mexican film director, screenwriter, and producer Guillermo del Toro (b. 1964) creates inventive, dreamlike, and visually stunning films blending elements of horror, fantasy, and science fiction. Del Toro is a master of intricate storytelling, a talented designer of memorable fantastical creatures, and a builder of immersive and unforgettable worlds.
Guillermo del Toro's Midjourney style is perfect for gothic scenery, mysterious characters, and dramatic atmosphere.
cinematic shot from Guillermo del Toro's movie --ar 2:1 --v 4
by James Bidgood --v 4
JAMES BIDGOOD
James Bidgood (1933-2022) was an American filmmaker and photographer famous for his 1971 film "Pink Narcissus," which is widely regarded as a seminal work of American independent filmmaking. Bidgood's work is characterized by its elaborate, fantastical visual style, its exploration of themes of desire and longing, and its use of innovative techniques and materials. He is also known for his distinctive approach to filmmaking, which emphasizes hand-made techniques, imaginative use of color, and a singular artistic vision.
James Bidgood's style in Midjourney often features elaborate sets and costumes (or lack thereof). Justifying his title of a pioneer of queer art, the queer theme shows through most generations with Bidgood's name. As well as his otherworldly visual manner and color scheme that can be somewhat described as the "neon craze".
James Bidgood (1933-2022) was an American filmmaker and photographer famous for his 1971 film "Pink Narcissus," which is widely regarded as a seminal work of American independent filmmaking. Bidgood's work is characterized by its elaborate, fantastical visual style, its exploration of themes of desire and longing, and its use of innovative techniques and materials. He is also known for his distinctive approach to filmmaking, which emphasizes hand-made techniques, imaginative use of color, and a singular artistic vision.
James Bidgood's style in Midjourney often features elaborate sets and costumes (or lack thereof). Justifying his title of a pioneer of queer art, the queer theme shows through most generations with Bidgood's name. As well as his otherworldly visual manner and color scheme that can be somewhat described as the "neon craze".
cinematic shot from James Bidgood's movie --ar 2:1 --v 4
by Mario Bava --v 4
MARIO BAVA
Italian film director, screenwriter, and cinematographer Mario Bava (1914–1980) was one of the most influential filmmakers in the history of Italian horror and fantasy cinema. Bava's well known for his imaginative use of visual effects, stylish cinematography, and the exploration of themes of desire, death, and the supernatural. His most famous films include "Black Sunday," "The Whip and the Body," and "Black Sabbath."
When Bava's name appears in your prompt, Midjourney brings back surreal scenes in psychedelic colors. As with Argento's style, these scenes are mostly inhabited by female characters (often in distress).
Italian film director, screenwriter, and cinematographer Mario Bava (1914–1980) was one of the most influential filmmakers in the history of Italian horror and fantasy cinema. Bava's well known for his imaginative use of visual effects, stylish cinematography, and the exploration of themes of desire, death, and the supernatural. His most famous films include "Black Sunday," "The Whip and the Body," and "Black Sabbath."
When Bava's name appears in your prompt, Midjourney brings back surreal scenes in psychedelic colors. As with Argento's style, these scenes are mostly inhabited by female characters (often in distress).
cinematic shot from Mario Bava's movie --ar 2:1 --v 4
by Santosh Sivan --v 4
SANTOSH SIVAN
Santosh Sivan (b. 1964) is an Indian film director, cinematographer, and producer considered one of the leading filmmakers in the Indian film industry. He is famous for his visually stunning and emotionally powerful films featuring lush and inventive cinematography.
His most famous films include "The Terrorist," "Asokan," "Before the Rains," and "Tahaan." Sivan is also known for his work as a cinematographer on many of India's most critically acclaimed and commercially successful films.
Santosh Sivan's style in Midjourney needs no extensive description. I can just say it's pure Bollywood!
Santosh Sivan (b. 1964) is an Indian film director, cinematographer, and producer considered one of the leading filmmakers in the Indian film industry. He is famous for his visually stunning and emotionally powerful films featuring lush and inventive cinematography.
His most famous films include "The Terrorist," "Asokan," "Before the Rains," and "Tahaan." Sivan is also known for his work as a cinematographer on many of India's most critically acclaimed and commercially successful films.
Santosh Sivan's style in Midjourney needs no extensive description. I can just say it's pure Bollywood!
cinematic shot from Santosh Sivan's movie --ar 2:1 --v 4
by Leni Riefenstahl --v 4
LENI RIEFENSTAHL
Leni Riefenstahl (1902—2003) was a German film director, actress, and dancer. She was one of the most prominent and controversial filmmakers of the 20th century and is best known for her documentary films that celebrated Nazi Germany and its leader, Adolf Hitler. Riefenstahl's films, such as "Triumph of the Will" and "Olympiad," used innovative cinematography, dramatic music, and powerful imagery to convey a highly propagandistic message. While her films have been widely criticized for their role in promoting Nazi ideology, Riefenstahl's technical and artistic innovations have been widely admired and continue to influence filmmakers to this day.
Riefenstahl's Midjourney style is all about epicness, with classical monochromatic tones, strong contrast, and powerful compositions.
Leni Riefenstahl (1902—2003) was a German film director, actress, and dancer. She was one of the most prominent and controversial filmmakers of the 20th century and is best known for her documentary films that celebrated Nazi Germany and its leader, Adolf Hitler. Riefenstahl's films, such as "Triumph of the Will" and "Olympiad," used innovative cinematography, dramatic music, and powerful imagery to convey a highly propagandistic message. While her films have been widely criticized for their role in promoting Nazi ideology, Riefenstahl's technical and artistic innovations have been widely admired and continue to influence filmmakers to this day.
Riefenstahl's Midjourney style is all about epicness, with classical monochromatic tones, strong contrast, and powerful compositions.
cinematic shot from Leni Riefenstahl's movie --ar 2:1 --v 4
by Roger Deakins --v 4
ROGER DEAKINS
Roger Deakins (b. 1949) is a legendary English cinematographer responsible for such masterpieces as "The Shawshank Redemption," "No Country for Old Men," "Blade Runner 2049," "True Grit," "1917" and many other iconic movies. Deakins' is a genius at visual storytelling, masterfully using light and color to create impactful and memorable imagery.
Deakins is considered one of the greatest cinematographers of all time and has won numerous awards and accolades over the course of his career, including 15 Academy Award nominations (and 2 wins).
Misty, multilayered, vivid images that Midjourney creates in response to Roger Deakin's name are epic, dark and dramatic, permeated by the vast sense of loneliness.
Roger Deakins (b. 1949) is a legendary English cinematographer responsible for such masterpieces as "The Shawshank Redemption," "No Country for Old Men," "Blade Runner 2049," "True Grit," "1917" and many other iconic movies. Deakins' is a genius at visual storytelling, masterfully using light and color to create impactful and memorable imagery.
Deakins is considered one of the greatest cinematographers of all time and has won numerous awards and accolades over the course of his career, including 15 Academy Award nominations (and 2 wins).
Misty, multilayered, vivid images that Midjourney creates in response to Roger Deakin's name are epic, dark and dramatic, permeated by the vast sense of loneliness.
cinematic shot from Roger Deakins' movie --ar 2:1 --v 4
by Pedro Almodovar --v 4
PEDRO ALMODOVAR
Pedro Almodóvar (b. 1949) is a Spanish film director and screenwriter. He is known for his visually stunning and emotionally charged films that explore themes of love, sexuality, and identity. Almodóvar's work features strong character development, unconventional relationships, and a vivid visual style.
Widely regarded as one of the most important and influential filmmakers of his generation, Almodóvar is credited with contributing to the development of modern Spanish cinema while being highly controversial and challenging societal norms.
Pedro Almodóvar (b. 1949) is a Spanish film director and screenwriter. He is known for his visually stunning and emotionally charged films that explore themes of love, sexuality, and identity. Almodóvar's work features strong character development, unconventional relationships, and a vivid visual style.
Widely regarded as one of the most important and influential filmmakers of his generation, Almodóvar is credited with contributing to the development of modern Spanish cinema while being highly controversial and challenging societal norms.
cinematic shot from Pedro Almodovar's movie --ar 2:1 --v 4
BONUS TRACK
CINEMATIC IMAGE
IN 5 STEPS
IN 5 STEPS
There are many tricks that cinematographers use in their professional practice. We will explore which are available as Midjourney style modifiers in the future Weeklies, so stay tuned! And today's trick is...
Here is a quick example of how you can turn a standard Midjourney generation into a cinematic movie still in 5 steps (or less)
Here is a quick example of how you can turn a standard Midjourney generation into a cinematic movie still in 5 steps (or less)
This is it for this week! Stay tuned for the next week's Editor's Pick and our upcoming research.
Happy midjourneys!
— Andrei
— Andrei
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ANDREI KOVALEV'S
MIDJOURNEY V4
STYLES LIBRARY
MIDJOURNEY V4
STYLES LIBRARY
Curated collection of Midjourney AI V4, V3, and niji artistic styles, techniques, genres, art movements, and titles.
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