Cinematography is the art and craft of making motion pictures by capturing a story visually.It involves controlling light, camera movement, framing, composition, lens choice, and exposure to create the look and emotional tone of a film.In practice, cinematography combines creative decision-making with technical execution, shaping how an audience experiences a story moment by moment.Continue reading What is Cinematography? Defining the Art and Craft
Whether it be whispered tales around a campfire or blockbuster epics on the silver screen, certain character archetypes have stood the test of time, captivating audiences with their timeless appeal. Among these, the Chosen One trope shines as a beacon of hope and destiny, weaving through narratives with the promise of greatness and the allure of a predetermined path. Let's explore this fascinating trope, understanding its roots, characteristics, and unforgettable cinematic renditions. Continue reading What is the Chosen One — Classic Character Trope Explained
Animation, a captivating blend of art and science, has the unique ability to breathe life into the most static of illustrations. Yet, how often do we pause to question the mechanics behind this mesmerizing spectacle? In this article, we invite you on a journey back in time to explore the Zoetrope, a significant milestone that shaped the world of animation.Continue reading What is a Zoetrope — The Pre-Animation Illusion Explained
A famously red-headed little girl once said, “The sun will come up tomorrow.” Annie, the titular character of the movie of the same name, became a beloved figure in film, and an enduring symbol of staying optimistic in hard times. Annie had several character traits, but her hopefulness is what’s often remembered about her. Having hope or optimism is a positive character trait. Some of the most memorable heroines and heroes in film and literature have positive character traits. So what are positive character traits, and why do authors choose to use them? Continue reading Positive Character Traits — A Guide…
If it can be written, or thought, it can be filmed.” Famed director Stanley Kubrick said these words. Over his long career, Kubrick developed many trademark camera and directing techniques to take things from his mind to the screen. From The Shining to Eyes Wide Shut, Kubrick’s films were known for their fascinating visual language, which included iconic shots and visually precise camera movements. One of Kubrick’s most well-known techniques is known as the “Kubrick Stare.” The Stanley Kubrick Stare appears often throughout his filmography, and is still imitated and widely used by artists in film today. What is The…
Revamps, reboots, and sequels have become a staple in the entertainment industry. The MCU has created a web of narratives, intertwining and overlapping. Disney is breathing new life into the Star Wars franchise and new blockbusters like Twisters and Furiosa have proved that revamps can still be fresh and entertaining. But all this narrative revisiting has given rise to the power of retconning. Let's look at what retconning is and how its narrative impact on the industry can be good, bad, and increasingly prevalent. Continue reading What Does Retcon Mean — Best and Worst Examples
Synecdoche may not be one of the most common words on your radar, but it's a literary device frequently used in everyday language, often without people realizing it. This device is not only functional but also creatively adds depth to a sentence. Let's dive into the definition and types of synecdoche that you have undoubtedly used or heard before.Continue reading What is Synecdoche — Definition, Examples & Writing Tips
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
Jo March. Harry Potter. Captain Underpants (yes, even him!). These are just a few of the names people may say when asked who their favorite character is. But besides their popularity, what do all these beloved characters have in common? They are all found in works of fiction. Read on to learn what fiction is, and how you might want to become a fiction writer yourself. Continue reading What is Fiction — Definition & Examples
Copyright is a form of intellectual property that protects original works. Whether you are a writer, painter, filmmaker, programmer, architect, or something else entirely, copyright is an area of law that’s important to be familiar with. You’ve worked hard to create your piece; copyright helps ensure it won’t be stolen.Continue reading What is Copyright — Everything You Need to Know
