Chris Heckmann is a Professor of Media & Communication at Roger Williams University and graduate of UCLA’s Cinema & Media Studies Master of Arts program. When he’s not writing or teaching, he’s probably playing video games (or thinking about the next great Boston sports trade).
Naturalism vs realism: two different but similar things. So, what is the difference between realism and naturalism? We’re going to break down naturalism vs realism by defining both terms. Then we’ll explore naturalism and realism examples. By the end, you’ll know what makes naturalism and realism different from one another.Continue reading Naturalism vs Realism in the Arts — Two Styles, Similar Goals
How do writers make characters into people we can empathize with and understand? One way is through the use of characterization. But what is characterization? We’re going to answer that question by looking at an example from Kill Bill, and by listening to the perspective of some of the world’s foremost writers. But before we get into the examples, let’s review what makes direct characterization different from indirect characterization.Continue reading What is Characterization — A Guide to Character Building
Dolby Atmos is a buzzword in the movie industry – but what is Dolby Atmos? Worry not, because today, we’re going to answer that question. We’re also going to show you how Dolby Atmos is used in televisions, soundbars, and cinemas. By the end, you’ll know what Dolby Atmos is, and where to look for Dolby Atmos content.Continue reading What is Dolby Atmos — A Leap Forward in Exhibition Sound
Oh yes, we’ve come back to the ever-feared spec script; code-word for a script that isn't commissioned. Writers far and wide, famous and infamous, all work on spec scripts. But what is a spec script? And what does it look like? Fear not, we’re going to answer those questions by looking at some spec script examples. By the end, you’ll know how spec scripts are written and where to look for more advice on how to start your own.Continue reading Spec Script Examples — What Does a Spec Script Look Like?
Compositing is one of the most prevalent techniques in the visual arts – but what is compositing? Thanks to the technological advancements of the last few decades, composite images are seen everywhere. We’re going to look at different types of composite images from green screen to rotoscoping to CGI and everything in between. By the end, you’ll know how visual artists have used different types of compositing over the years to expert effect.Continue reading What is Compositing — VFX Compositing Techniques Explained
Connotation has an enormous influence on how we regard words and symbols – but what is a positive connotation? We’re going to break down what it means for words and symbols to have a positive connotation by looking at examples in literature and film – but first, let’s define positive connotation.Continue reading What is a Positive Connotation — Definition and Examples
Narrative essays can present a serious challenge for even the most seasoned of writers, but fear not, we’ve compiled some great narrative essay topics to inspire your next paper! Follow along as we explore prompts relating to life, school, and more. By the end, you’ll be prepared to tackle narrative essays from a variety of different angles.Continue reading Narrative Essay Topics — Prompts & Ideas For All Grade Levels
Have you ever heard an expression but had no idea what it meant? If you have, it’s probably because it was an idiom. Writers are always looking for the most natural way to write dialogue and literary devices like the idiom are just one technique available. But what is an idiom? We’re going to answer that question by breaking down the idiom definition and by looking at some examples.Continue reading What is an Idiom — Definition, Examples & Tips on Writing Them
What’s the most difficult aspect of writing dialogue? Ask any ten writers and you’re bound to get a range of answers. But “getting started” is no doubt one of the most popular. So, we’re going to break down some dialogue prompts to kickstart your writing process! By the end, you’ll have options to choose where to start your next dialogue exchange. Continue reading Dialogue Prompts for Writers — Lines To Get You Writing Now
The right laptop can make your job as a video editor so much easier. But finding the right machine for your workflow can be exhausting — and expensive. Don’t worry, we’ve done our research on 2020 laptops, across price ranges, operating systems, and designs. Before we jump into our best laptop for video editing, let’s review why certain machines are better than others for this kind of task.Continue reading Best Laptops for Video Editing: A Buying Guide
