While many films include archetypal supporting characters, these molds are a little worn out. The audience is getting smarter and more curious. They crave more than the all-too-familiar “mentor” or “sidekick” as a way to convey information or to push the protagonist forward. Watching to see what a supporting character is capable of by themselves and how they relate to the main character, is much more interesting. Writing supporting characters that build conflict creates much more dynamic on-screen relationships than tired old tropes. But before we jump into all of that, let’s answer what is a supporting character the best…
Any great director has fans and detractors, lovers and haters. But few filmmakers inspire division as extreme as comic book, movie maestro, Zack Snyder. Frivolous hack, or pop art genius? Stylist without substance, or masterful cinematic storyteller?Even Snyder’s critics admit that what he does well, he does better than anyone. Snyder's kinetic action sequences can pull viewers into a heightened, tone-rich fray. This guide to Zack Snyder’s directing style focuses on his on-screen wins and how he achieves them. We'll examine Snyder's techniques and see how he creates his undeniable visual mood and energy. Let's dive in.Continue reading Zack Snyder’s…
As a writer, stream of consciousness may be fun to write but unenjoyable to read. Or for you, the reverse may be true. When talking about screenwriting, stream of consciousness may not be a method frequently used on the page but can be used and benefited from in the pre-writing process or even with visual elements on screen. This article will answer what is stream of consciousness writing by providing narrative examples and film examples, while also demonstrating another use of the method to help screenwriters (or any writer) connect to their best work. Continue reading What is Stream of Consciousness…
Imagine you arrive at an old abandoned warehouse to find everything covered in dust. But as you explore, you find a sparklingly clean thermos. You might guess that the thermos hasn’t been there for long, and that somebody might be exploring nearby. This is a valid inference. Or perhaps… the thermos has been trapped in time. This inference has no evidence to support its plausibility. Either way, they’re both inferences! But what does inference mean? We’re going to answer that question by exploring the history of the term alongside some examples. Lock in your final guesses now – let’s answer…
The term “INT” is thrown around a lot in the world of screenwriting and film/television production. But what does INT mean in a script? We’re going to answer that question by defining the term. We’re also going to look at some examples from real-world screenplays! By the end, you’ll know what INT means and how to implement it in your own scripts.Continue reading What Does INT. Mean in a Script — Screenwriting 101
Production hiring site Staff Me Up is one of the best tools in the industry for anyone looking to find work, and for producers looking for crew. Staff Me Up can be used to find jobs in cinematography, casting, producing, editing, PA work, you name it. You can search by city, state, department, or specific position. From entry-level jobs to highly experienced, Staff Me Up has become a reliable production job website that can help you at any stage of your career. So, how can you get the most out of it? Here are some tips that producers on the…
Whether you’re a photographer, a video game designer, a filmmaker, or work with VR, thoroughly understanding field of view or (FOV) is your foundation for success. It’s basic optics, and while you likely can assume what it is, let’s quickly go over it and see its importance in photography and the gaming world. So, what is field of view and why does it matter?Continue reading What is FOV — The Importance of Field of View in Photography
Films based on book adaptations earn a stunning 53% more at the worldwide box office. But just how does a story go from Barnes & Noble shelves to international silver screens? In this article, we’ll break down the murky middle and take you through the creative process of how to write an adaptation. We’ll put words and facts to what seems like, well, magic.Continue reading How to Write an Adaptation — Script Development Explained
If you have ever heard a well-known song in a movie, then it (most likely) means that the song was licensed for use in said movie. This also applies for when you hear a song in a show, commercial, video game, or another visual medium. With how many songs show up in movies, you can bet there are a lot of licenses being held and royalties being paid out. But what is music licensing? And what are the differences between the different types of music licenses that exist?Continue reading What is Music Licensing — Different Types and How to Get…
The goal of cinematic storytelling has always been empathy; to move the viewer as close as possible to the story. First, we used moving pictures, then color and sound, 3D, IMAX, CGI, and animation. Now filmmakers are looking towards virtual reality as a way to further immerse an audience. With this technology, the viewer moves beyond the screen to become a participant in the story itself. How do filmmakers use virtual reality in narrative structure? What are the potentials of this next frontier, and how can you apply it today in your own projects? How can you make VR movies?…
