8 Character Archetypes — Examples in Literature & Movies

Looking to brainstorm new characters? Perhaps, you want to flesh out existing characters or pair them against another character to maximize drama and develop deeper character arcs. Writing a compelling character is easier said than done. However, it's helpful to consider tried-and-true character archetypes to ensure every character behaves in a way that is unique, consistent, and believable. In this post, we'll identify the various character archetypes that you can use to enhance your own characters. Plus, we'll include plenty of iconic character archetype examples from your favorite movies and TV shows. Lastly, we'll define which character archetypes can be…

What is Pathos — Definition, Examples and How to Use It

Want to stir your viewers’ emotions? Whether you’re shooting a commercial, planning a pitch, or training your sales team, you need to know how to connect where it counts. Make the audience feel it. Okay, sounds good, but how? Aristotle’s got you covered. In the fourth century B.C., the ancient Greek philosopher posited three modes of persuasion that endure to this day. Aristotle’s “rhetorical triangle” — ethos, pathos, and logos — continues to fuel the best in advertising. So, what is pathos? We’ll give you a pathos definition, lots of useful pathos examples, and a practical grasp of the heavy…

What is Prose — Definition and Examples in Literature

What is prose? What is the difference between prose and poetry, and what does prose mean, exactly? To answer these questions, we must first explore the meaning of prose and its defining characteristics. We’ll explore this literary concept and look at some examples to demonstrate how it shapes storytelling and communication.Continue reading What is Prose — Definition and Examples in Literature

15 Best Screenwriting Books to Help You Break Into Hollywood

  T here are so many screenwriting books out there that claim to be the best, so how do you know which ones to buy? Today we’re going to go through the very best screenwriting books. We'll help you discover how each screenwriting book can help you break your story and open new doors in your career. Some people do a top ten screenwriting books list. We went with fifteen. These books are the sort of resources that writers at all stages of the process, and in all stages of their career, turn when they need a little insight. So…

The Ultimate Film Beat Sheet [FREE Save the Cat Beat Sheet Template]

  F or a writer, it’s exciting to hatch a new idea. Maybe you even have a rockstar logline. But it’s all too easy to take that idea and run, only to stumble at page 30 without a clue of where to go. Don’t worry - this is avoidable. You just need a firm grasp on how to map out your idea. With the right tools, you can see if your idea has the “legs” to deliver a feature-length film to the finish line. How do you do that? In today’s post, we’ll examine how, with Blake Snyder’s famous "Save…

What is Logos — Definition and Examples in Advertising

Want to get in your audience’s head? Whether you’re making a video, selling a product, or giving a speech, you need to know how to win over the crowd with common sense — to make them think. And one of the most successful ways to achieve this is with something Aristotle called "logos." Sounds like a good plan, but how? We’ll give you a logos definition, loads of logos examples, and a solid grasp of heavy concepts. Get ready to produce more compelling content that will convince any audience to do your bidding.Continue reading What is Logos — Definition and Examples…

What is Catharsis — Definition & Examples for Storytellers

When was the last time you shed a tear while watching a film? Can you recall the specific scene? Many describe this as a “good cry.” How can a cry be good? Many people have pent-up emotions from various events in life. Art can evoke an emotional release of these emotions, also known as catharsis. The experience of catharsis can be overwhelmingly emotional. Films that create catharsis can move an audience to tears while also leaving them completely satisfied. What is catharsis, and how is this possible? Let’s explore the catharsis definition and how it applies to storytelling.Continue reading What…

7 Best Script Writing Software for Professional Screenwriters

If you're new to script writing, getting started can be a daunting task. Creating an accurately formatted screenplay requires scriptwriting software and some options out there can cost a bundle.We’ll take you through all the screenwriting software options, from free to a fortune, so you can decide which script software is best for you.Continue reading 7 Best Script Writing Software for Professional Screenwriters

How to Write a Scene Heading in a Script — Tips & Formatting

  When writing a screenplay, it is key to be clear about the story you are telling and what is visually being conveyed. It is also important to be concise and effective with your writing. To execute both of these aspects effectively, it's important to understand how to write a scene heading in a script. Continue reading How to Write a Scene Heading in a Script — Tips & Formatting

The Adapted Screenplay: True Adaptations or Academy Categories?

So what is an adapted screenplay and what are the requirements for an adaptation? It’s obvious by the name that an adapted screenplay is well, adapted from something else, while an original screenplay is just that, originally created. But actually, even if you come up with an original idea, it may end up falling into the Academy’s category of Best Adapted Screenplay (if you should be so lucky). Continue reading The Adapted Screenplay: True Adaptations or Academy Categories?