Anticlimax is a dirty word, one which we’ve been trained to avoid at all costs. Nobody wants to tell a story only to have a friend shrug and say, “Well, that was anticlimactic.” But a deliberate anticlimax can be instructive, funny, poignant, or all of the above. How does an anticlimax work, and what lessons can we take from some of the most iconic anticlimaxes in pop culture?Continue reading What is Anticlimax? Definition & Examples
What does a good outline look like? The answer to that question will depend on what type of writer you are as well as what you personally hope to gain from an outline. We will discuss the purpose of an outline, the different types, whether or not they are even necessary, and explain how to tailor a pre-writing plan to best suit your individual needs.Continue reading What is an Outline in Writing — Examples and Techniques
Storyboarding is a technique that originated within the filmmaking process. However, its value has exceeded that of the entertainment industry. Designers have found use of the technique during ideation and development phases of websites. In this article, we’ll take a look at storyboard website design and why they are valuable in creating a great, user-focused web design. Let's get into it.Continue reading Storyboard Website Design — How to Pre-Visualize Your Site
There is a case to be made about the allure of honesty and art. Perhaps this is the biggest argument for the growing popularity of street photography. On one side of the photography coin you have controlled, polished, studio photography that is artistic and moving in its own right. On the other side of that coin is street photography. What is street photography, what defines it, why are people drawn to it, and how can you capture it yourself? Let’s find out. Continue reading What is Street Photography — Definition, Examples & Styles
Any great director has fans and detractors, lovers and haters. But few filmmakers inspire division as extreme as comic book, movie maestro, Zack Snyder. Frivolous hack, or pop art genius? Stylist without substance, or masterful cinematic storyteller?Even Snyder’s critics admit that what he does well, he does better than anyone. Snyder's kinetic action sequences can pull viewers into a heightened, tone-rich fray. This guide to Zack Snyder’s directing style focuses on his on-screen wins and how he achieves them. We'll examine Snyder's techniques and see how he creates his undeniable visual mood and energy. Let's dive in.Continue reading Zack Snyder’s…
YouTube is one of the most used media platforms in the world. It has opened doors for literally anybody to create and publish a video to the world. However, doing so might not seem so straight forward to those creating their first YouTube video. How do you make a YouTube video with limited equipment or resources? If this sounds like you, do not be discouraged. We’ve put together a step by step guide on how to film and edit a Youtube with whatever resources you have. Continue reading How Do You Make a Video on YouTube — A Complete Guide
One could point to any number of impressive techniques used in David Fincher movies, but perhaps one of the most important is his movie color palette. As he himself once said, “In film, we sculpt time, we sculpt behavior and we sculpt light.” That last one is what we're focusing on today. Here are some of the more powerful ways Fincher’s color palette enhances his stories and characters. Continue reading How David Fincher Uses Color in Film Explained
You’ve likely heard of an anti-hero – a protagonist who lacks common heroic attributes like morality and courage. But what is an anti-villain? Wouldn’t that just be a hero? The real answer is a bit more complicated, so let’s take a look at when your villain actually kind of has a good point to make. Continue reading What is an Anti-Villain — Definition, Types and Examples
You’ve seen them: the crazy scientist, the damsel in distress, a noble and chaste hero, the villain who keeps his identity secret, the old guy who trains the hero. These are who you call stock characters, and they have been in fiction for an extremely long time. In fact, they keep showing up in fiction, either exactly as they are or with a new twist. So what is a stock character, where did the concept come from, and what are they used for? Plus, what are some of the most notable stock character types used? Let's get into it.Continue reading…
The world of acting is a varied one, with plenty of opportunities for someone to show up on a screen somewhere. That can include major roles, bit parts, cameos, extras, or walk-ons. What is a walk-on role, you ask? It might get bundled in with extras, but it’s not exactly the same thing. We’ll go over what a walk-on role is, some examples, and how you might go about getting one.Continue reading What is a Walk-on Role — Background Support Roles Explained