What is Narration — Definition, Types, and Examples

Think for a moment about some of your favorite films and books. How was the story told to you? Is there a voice you can think of behind it? If so, this is the power of the narrator. How much can a narrator impact a story and what exactly is narration? In this read, we’ll explore the art of narration and its significance in storytelling. Continue reading What is Narration — Definition, Types, and Examples

What is the Moral of the Story — Definition & Examples

When we think back on a film or novel, we may not remember the specificities of a scene, shot, or chapter, but we will remember the essence of the story — the nugget of wisdom we walk away with when the story is over. Every story, from grandiose tales of adventure to the most introspective of character studies, holds a moral. Continue reading What is the Moral of the Story — Definition & Examples

What is a Catchphrase — Definition, Examples & Uses

Catchphrases are an integral part of our social and cultural fabric. They are everywhere in advertising, bring back memories of our favorite shows or movies, and sometimes even shape our behaviors and attitudes. How do writers and creatives make catchphrases that are so memorable?  Continue reading What is a Catchphrase — Definition, Examples & Uses

What is Chiasmus — Definition, Examples, and Uses

Repetition and rhythm can make mundane ideas have tremendous impact. A great example of this done in a very specific way is chaismus. While its use has been traced back to ancient texts, including the Bible and works of classical Greek and Latin authors, its formal identification and naming as a distinct rhetorical device occurred much later. But what is chiasmus exactly? Continue reading What is Chiasmus — Definition, Examples, and Uses

What is a Sidekick — Powerful Supporting Characters

We often find ourselves mostly enveloped with the story arcs of heroes and villains. They often take center stage and become central to most stories. But there's another character that deserves recognition for their vital role in shaping narratives and enhancing central characters — the sidekick.  Continue reading What is a Sidekick — Powerful Supporting Characters

What is an Adage — Definition, Examples & Uses

Sometimes, the challenge of communicating can be efficiency. This means communicating large ideas through the least amount of language possible. One of the best devices we have that does this is the adage. You’ve likely encountered adages in your daily life, but had not even recognized them. What is an adage exactly and how are they used?  Continue reading What is an Adage — Definition, Examples & Uses

What Does Nemesis Mean — Definition and Examples

One step further than the antagonist, is the nemesis. Some of the most memorable characters from stories in cinema and literature are those who have challenged the heroes, characters who’s main role is to be a rivalry force. Let’s look at the impact the nemesis role can have and story and some of the best characters that have been created from it.  Continue reading What Does Nemesis Mean — Definition and Examples

Highest-Grossing Movies of All Time: What Makes a Blockbuster?

When audiences saw James Cameron’s Titanic for the first time in 1997, they were awed by a scale of filmmaking that the world had rarely, if at all, seen before. More recently, blockbuster movies are almost expected to match this type of scale — some have exceeded it. So, what are the highest-grossing movies of all time? Although this list does not adjust for inflation, it is apparent that franchise movies have reached an all-time peak (one-third of this list comes from the MCU). That being said, we will be updating the list every time there is a position change…

The Spielberg Oner — How to Direct a Long Take Like Steven Spielberg

Jurassic Park is one of the few movies that have set the standard among audiences’ expectations for modern blockbusters. With more recent installments such as Jurassic World and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom falling short of many viewers' expectations, what exactly made the original so amazing? The answer is largely due to the Jurassic Park cinematography and the direction of Steven Spielberg.Although the production design, visual effects, and performances all contributed to its success, the innovative techniques used to tell the story set Jurassic Park apart from its sequels. So how did Steven Spielberg use his camera to a larger than…