Originating in the mid-20th century, retro futurism holds a significant place in contemporary culture, providing a unique lens through which we can examine our dreams and anxieties about the future. The genre has been and continues to be a popular motif across various media mediums and art forms. It's a unique way to itch our collective curiosity about what may lay ahead for humanity while reflecting on the past and present. Continue reading What is Retrofuturism — Art & Fashion Movement Explained
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
If you’ve gotten into a film festival, you likely have been asked for a digital cinema package, or DCP for short. Today, DCPs are the most common file type for theatrically viewing films. So what is a DCP, and how do you create one? Continue reading What is a DCP — What Every Filmmaker Today Needs to Know
The difference between nonfiction and fiction is that fiction must be absolutely believable.” The ever witty Mark Twain said this, and his pointed remark indicated that the world he experienced centuries ago was just as baffling as ours is today. Another famous quote says that truth is stranger than fiction. But if you’re a writer, you may be wondering what the difference between fiction and nonfiction really is. Once you understand the key distinctions of fiction vs non fiction, you can decide what type of writer you want to be. Continue reading Fiction vs. Nonfiction — Examples & Differences Explained
Derived from the Greek words "eikon," meaning image, and "graphein," meaning to write, iconography acts as a bridge connecting visual imagery and design with meaning. The roots, significance, and types of iconography across cultures form a dense and complex subject, yet the topic itself is important for understanding the role of imagery and design in history and culture. We’ll attempt to scratch the surface, hoping to provide you with an entry point into the world of iconography. Continue reading What is Iconography in Art — Definition & Examples
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
As to the adjective, when in doubt, strike it out.” The great American writer Mark Twain said these wise words, and they’re as true today as when he said them. The best writers know it’s an art to tell a story efficiently, avoiding overly flowery language without sacrificing emotion, meaning, or sophistication. This is especially true in film, where writers must work within a page limit. This is why it’s important to understand what purple writing is, and how to avoid it. Continue reading What is Purple Prose in Writing — Do’s & Don’ts Explained
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…
Cinematographers obviously play a vital role in making a film, but what decisions do they make on a daily basis? The cinematographer's primary goal is to capture the director's vision. Using lighting, camera, and composition techniques, a DP translates that vision into images. This post goes over the common considerations with explanations from working professionals. Let’s jump in so we can answer that age-old question: what does a cinematographer do?Continue reading What Does a Cinematographer Do? DP Wally Pfister Explains
There is no such thing as "storyboard rules" per se. However, there are standards and expectations that professionals use that you should know. In this post, we're going to review the do's and don'ts of storyboarding so that you can find your own style without making avoidable mistakes. Let's get started.Continue reading Storyboard Rules — The Do’s and Don’ts of Storyboarding
