Verbal irony can take many forms, each with its own characteristics and purpose. What is understatement? Understatement is a type of verbal irony that turns language into an opportunity to say a lot with a little. Mastering this type of verbal irony is a great tool for any writer looking to bring sophistication and nuance to their dialogue. Let's define understatement with examples that show just how versatile it can be.Continue reading What is Understatement? Definition and Examples for Screenwriters
Have you been to the movies lately? I think there might be more ways to watch movies than there are good movies to watch. But either way, this article will answer what is Dolby Cinema to see if it’s worth the cashola for your next date night. Continue reading What is Dolby Cinema? How Does it Compare to Other Screening Formats
What is tone? To answer that question we have to place tone in an appropriate context. Tone can refer to the intonation/pitch of acoustics, the meeting of light and shadow, the firmness of muscles, etc. — but we’re going to focus on what tone means in storytelling. Tone is how an artist feels towards the art they create — sounds simple enough right? Well, consider this: how do we know how an artist feels? We’re going to explore that question by looking at examples from William Shakespeare, Edgar Allan Poe and more. By the end, you’ll know what makes tone…
There wouldn’t be film without film lighting. Lighting is as crucial to cinematic storytelling as a script and a subject, and filmmakers have experimented with different lumination techniques for as long as the medium has existed. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about lighting for film, from terminology to techniques. Ready to dive into over a hundred years worth of lighting knowledge?Continue reading Film Lighting — The Ultimate Guide (w/ Video & Cheatsheet)
There are few things that can keep an audience more engaged in a film than suspense. But what is suspense, exactly? That feeling of intense anticipation can be found in various genres and have an audience leaning forward with their eyes glued to the screen. Understanding what suspense is and how it differs from other states like shock and mystery is essential to putting an audience on edge. In this article, we’ll take a look at the elements of suspense that distinguish it from anything else. We’ll also take a look at a few basic ways to create it in…
In the world of screenwriting, details matter, and one such detail that carries significant weight is font choice. The font used in a screenplay isn't merely an aesthetic choice but a fundamental aspect that impacts readability, standardization, and even timing. So, what is the proper screenplay font? The answer is simple but the reasoning why is fascinating. Let's go!Continue reading Screenplay Font Explained — And Why Hollywood Uses It
Drama, an intricately captivating facet of human expression, skillfully weaves together narratives through powerful performances, invoking a myriad of emotions and profound thoughts. It forms an extraordinary intersection where the art of the written word harmoniously intertwines with the dynamic artistry of physical depiction, breathing life into stories that resonate on both the grand stages and the silver screen. But what is drama, actually? Where does it come from, and what makes a story dramatic? Let's find out.Continue reading What is Drama — Definition, Examples & Characteristics
Graphic novels have been steadily gaining recognition as a legitimate form of literature, moving from the fringes to the mainstream. They offer a unique blend of art and narrative that captivates audiences of all ages. But what is a graphic novel exactly and how does it differ from traditional novels or comic books? This article aims to answer these questions, delving into the history, structure, impact, and future of graphic novels.Continue reading What is a Graphic Novel — The Art of Pictorial Storytelling
What is a spec script? What does it mean to “write on spec” and is it something you should do? We’ll be answering all of these questions, breaking down the differences between a film spec and a TV spec, and looking at a couple of examples of successful scripts written on spec and the writers whose careers they launched.Continue reading What is a Spec Script — Definition, Examples and Writing Tips
I was in the Amazon jungle the first time I wrote a narrative essay, enlightened and enraptured by the influence of ayahuasca. That’s not true. I’ve never been to South America nor have I ever taken ayahuasca. The purpose of that opening is to show how to craft a narrative essay intro — hook, line, and sinker. Narrative essays rely on hooking the reader, and enticing them to read on. But what is a narrative essay? We’re going to break down everything you need to know about these essays — definition, examples, tips and tricks included. By the end, you’ll…
