Imagine a world where everything is pristine, where crime is non-existent, everyone has enough to eat, and everyone is happy. Sounds like a utopia, doesn’t it? It’s an idea that has persisted in fiction for centuries, even if creative minds sometimes prefer to play in worlds where things are less than perfect. But even a perfect place can have its cracks. So what is a utopia and how can you identify one? We’ll go over that, including the history of the term and some notable examples in fiction.Continue reading What is a Utopia — Definition, Characteristics & Examples
Few words are as loaded or as controversial as “propaganda”. But what is propaganda and what does propaganda mean? Is it a way to spread misinformation? A function of manipulation onto a populace? A funny Walt Disney cartoon starring Donald Duck? All this and much more, propaganda has been around for a very long time but seems to be more recognized (at least by name) since the nineteenth century. We will provide a definition of propaganda, along with notable examples, primarily in art and film.Continue reading What is Propaganda — Definition, Types & Functions
Have you ever found your writing or rhetoric redundant? Using the same words and phrases over and over can make any speech or piece of writing grow stale. This is why understanding synonyms can be a life-saver. When used correctly, synonyms can add variety and interest to your writing while avoiding redundancy. Continue reading What is a Synonym — Definition, Types and Examples
Want your movie to have a professional movie poster? Every "one sheet" movie poster has ONE thing in common. It's called "the billing block,” which is the industry-standard way of formatting movie poster credits. However, those variable fonts and specific movie poster credits "looks" are tough to format. Don’t worry. To make a movie poster you just need the right formatting and you can do this with a movie poster credits template. We'll help you out with a free movie poster credits template, and a quick rundown of how to make a great poster.Continue reading How to Make a Movie…
While film producers and tv producers are very similar, there are some key differences. If you want to work in TV, you should know what they are. This article gives a brief overview this producer and answers “what does a tv producer do.” Let’s get started.Continue reading What Does a TV Producer Do? A Brief Overview
Every time the curtain rises, we are drawn into a world of drama, suspense, laughter, and tears. Yet, behind the performances that captivate us lies a variety of elements that come together to create the magic of theatre. These elements are crafted by brilliant artists to tell one cohesive story. Continue reading Parts of a Play — Acts, Scenes, Structure Explained
If you've ever been interested in acting but needed to figure out how to get started, becoming a background actor can be a fantastic entry point into the industry. It’s the meat and potatoes of how actors can get their foot in the door, make some money, and pursue larger opportunities. While the start may seem like a less glamorous pursuit of a dream career, it can open up plenty of doors in the industry.Continue reading How to Become a Background Actor — Tips & Resources
When we talk about storytelling, we often refer to it as a craft. Beyond the characters and worlds storytellers create, they must also craft an engaging plot. This is what carries us through great movies, books, and plays. And the only way to craft a great plot is to understand its building blocks — plot points. Continue reading What is a Plot Point in Storytelling — Examples Explained
The resolution, the all-important finale, the final act where all threads come together and we find some semblance of closure. It's in these final moments that the heart of as story should beats the loudest. Crafting a great ending means having a solid understanding of resolution and how to write or not write one to tell the best story.Continue reading What is Resolution in Story — Types & Functions Explained
Film adaptation has given rise to some of the most extraordinary works in the history of cinema. From The Godfather to Little Women to One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, adaptations have been making their mark on movie-goers for decades. But what exactly is a film adaptation and how does it differ from its literary source? Why do filmmakers love the adaptation so much? Continue reading What is a Film Adaptation — From Story into Cinema
