Satire is a term that is often misunderstood and for good reason. With the advent of the internet, social media, and memes, it has become the main vehicle for writers and creatives to deliver their social and political commentary. But what is satire and what exactly defines something as satirical? To understand this, we’ll dive into the definition of satire, the three types of satire that exist, and how they are used in literature, films, and TV. Continue reading What is Satire — 3 Types of Satire Every Storyteller Should Know
Eating, drinking, sleeping, and sex are elements of human behavior we all share. The difference with sex is that it has been deemed taboo for centuries. That moral standard has been loosening for decades now, and sex has become a more significant part of mainstream entertainment.But just because we CAN show sex in movies doesn't mean we SHOULD. And if we do, it needs to be handled tastefully. When is it appropriate to include a sex scene in your movie? How can you make sure the scene adds value to the story without becoming gratuitous? If you’re wondering how to…
Want to make more compelling videos? Whether you’re directing a commercial, launching an ad campaign, or developing branded content, you need a clear purpose. You also have to appreciate that viewers approach your content with goals of their own. Meeting in the middle is where marketing and advertising magic happens. How do you deliver the goods? In this post, we’ll give you a telos definition, useful telos examples, and a solid grasp of lofty concepts. Read on to hone your message and make stronger advertising videos.Watch: Ethos, Pathos, Logos — Persuasive Ad TechniquesSubscribe for more filmmaking videos like this.TELOS MEANINGUnderstanding telosWhat…
Describing sensory experiences through the medium of writing and text can be difficult. By enlisting the use of imagery, writers are able to vividly describe experiences, actions, characters, and places through written language. What is imagery exactly. How is imagery in poetry and literature used? In this article, we’ll take a look at the imagery definition, seven different types of imagery and how each can be used to further immerse a reader into the work of a writer. Continue reading What is Imagery — Definition & Examples in Literature & Poetry
Odds are that if you’ve had any interest in writing a script within the past fifty years you’ve heard of the Hero’s Journey. A writer you got drinks with swore by it, a film professor suggested you read about it. Or you overheard the barista at your local coffee shop talking about how Die Hard is a picture-perfect template for it. But... what is it? I’ll explain all of the Hero’s Journey’s 17 steps and provide examples in the modern canon. Then you can kick writer’s block and get a strong script into the hands of agents and producers.Continue reading Joseph…
Summarizing an entire screenplay is not an easy thing to do. Let alone in 1-2 sentences. But it is what’s required if you want to pitch your script to a producer or studio. When you send out your script too, the logline sometimes determines if someone even reads it. So, what is a logline? We're not going to stop at the definition, we've got a tried-and-true formula for crafting the perfect hook. Continue reading What is a Logline? [with FREE Logline Formula Template]
Denouement is one of the most important aspects of a script, yet it can easily be confused with other story beats like climaxes or epilogues. So what is denouement? In this article, we’re going to define denouement in a clear and simple way, then look at some key examples that show us how masterclass filmmakers use it to expert effect. We’ll cover the various types of denouement (explicit vs. implicit) with some stellar examples. But before all that, let’s start with a quick denouement definition so we can begin to understand the foundation of this highly important storytelling element.Continue reading…
You’re watching a movie, getting invested in the characters, watching the tension build, and then boom—just as you’re about to get to the emotional payoff, a frown forms across your lips and you utter those ever so dreaded words: “That’s so cliche.”Continue reading What is a Cliche? Definition & Examples
Alliteration is a powerful literary device in literature, marketing, and everyday speech. But what is alliteration exactly? Simply put, it is the repetition of initial consonant sounds—a technique that relies on repeated sounds—in closely placed words, making phrases more rhythmic and memorable. Let's break it down with alliteration examples, definitions, and practical uses.Continue reading What is Alliteration — Definitions, Examples in Literature & Film
The metaphor is a fundamental pillar of figurative language. Few tools can paint a picture as efficiently and evocatively. As such, metaphors are employed by nearly every kind of writer, whether you are a poet or a playwright. To better understand the literary technique, we’ll look at its definition, subtypes, and many uses, while providing examples from famous works.Continue reading What is a Metaphor — Definition and Examples
