What is Enjambment in Poetry — Definition & Examples

Great poets and writers have the ability to make a reader hang off of every word, eager to read what comes next. This sort of anticipation in literature and poetry can be achieved through enjambment. It’s a clever technique that uses the way writers organize words for a psychological effect on a reader while also creating more meaning.  Continue reading What is Enjambment in Poetry — Definition & Examples

What is Deadpan Humor — The Most Hilarious Examples

Why is deadpan humor so hilarious? You might think that delivering a joke with a completely straight face would backfire and confuse an audience. Ironically, it often has the opposite effect, sometimes making the joke even funnier.  The subtlety and the invitation for the audience to engage their wit in figuring out a punchline can make deadpan jokes hit even harder. But what are the components that make deadpan delivery work? Continue reading What is Deadpan Humor — The Most Hilarious Examples

Character Traits List — Positive, Negative & Physical

The most memorable characters in literature and film have distinctive personalities. Think of the ever-optimistic Leslie Knope from TV’s Parks and Recs or the hilariously sardonic Hades from Disney’s animated classic Hercules. If you were asked to describe these characters, you’d have plenty of ways to explain who they are and what they’re like. That’s because these characters were created by writers who understand the importance of clearly defined character traits that paint a fuller picture of who they are, making them seem real to readers and viewers. But what are character traits, and how can you use them in…

What is a Free Verse Poem — Definition and Examples

There are plenty of types of poetry, mostly defined by the structure and rules they follow. Sonnets, villanelles, haikus - these are all forms of structured poetry that have specific rhyme schemes, line lengths, and other guidelines to follow.  In contrast, free verse poems have no predetermined form or structure. They can be as long or as short as the poet desires and can use any style or technique without following traditional poetic conventions.  Continue reading What is a Free Verse Poem — Definition and Examples

What is a Spoof — A Hilarious Comedy Subgenre Explained

Comedy is one of the best vehicles to comment on culture and society creatively. Within the genre of comedy, spoofs hold a unique place. They hone in on a specific cultural or societal aspect and exaggerate it to the point of absurdity. When done well, the result is entertaining, thought-provoking, and hilarious. Continue reading What is a Spoof — A Hilarious Comedy Subgenre Explained

What Are Residuals in Hollywood & How Do They Work?

If you’re wondering what residuals are, and why they tend to be so hotly contested, you’re not alone. Residuals payments are unique to the film industry and can be complex. We’re going to break everything down about residual pay – what they are, who can receive them, and the factors that determine how much one receives. Understanding residuals won’t just make you more industry-savvy in entertainment, it’ll also help you advocate yourself as a creator.  Continue reading What Are Residuals in Hollywood & How Do They Work?

What is Visual Storytelling — Elements & Techniques 101

Before we wrote stories, we painted them. Humans were interpreting the world visually long before there was written language. With cave walls as canvas, early humans told stories of community, ritual, and survival.Tens of thousands of years later, that same impulse lives on. The art of visual storytelling has evolved from cave drawings to the moving images of film and television, where a single frame can communicate a thousand words.In this article, we’ll explore the power of imagery to evoke emotion and how you can harness this tool to elevate your films at every stage of production, from the blank…

WGA Residuals Explained — How Union Screenwriters Get Paid

It’s a common misconception that only actors get residuals. Artists and artisans behind the camera, including writers, also qualify for this unique type of compensation in the entertainment industry. We’re going to break down what residuals are, how writers receive them, and why they matter. As confusing and convoluted as residuals may seem, a basic understanding of them will help you be a smarter and savvier writer and professional.  Continue reading WGA Residuals Explained — How Union Screenwriters Get Paid

SAG Residuals Explained — How Union Actors Get Paid

There’s no doubt that residuals are an important piece of an actor’s income, but how do they work? Residuals, specifically for actors, can be complicated, but we’re going to break down both why and how a performer receives them through the Screen Actors Guild, or SAG-AFTRA. SAG residuals differ from residuals for artists who are members of the Writers and/or Directors Guild. Yet educating yourself on a crucial tenet of film finances like SAG-AFTRA residuals allows actors to better advocate for themselves and makes anyone a more savvy filmmaker.  Continue reading SAG Residuals Explained — How Union Actors Get Paid