20 Best Action Movie Actors of All Time, Ranked for Filmmakers

The best action movie actors have a magnetic combination of physical ability, “coolness,” and charisma to spare. Hollywood’s obsession with muscle-bound action stars may have lessened since the gun-toting days of the '80s and '90s but compelling, talented central figures remain a staple of action cinema the world over. Join us in counting down the 20 all-time best action stars from around the world.Continue reading 20 Best Action Movie Actors of All Time, Ranked for Filmmakers

What is a Meet Cute? 4 Ways to Write Them in a Screenplay

From romantic comedies to dramas, many films require a scene where the future love interests meet. There’s love in their eyes, even if one or both of them don’t realize it yet. This is the meet cute, and if you’re writing a script with a romantic plot, then you need to know how to answer, “What is a meet cute?” It's often regarded as a cliche staple of romantic genres but it can be much more than that. Let's look at some meet cute examples from movies that elevate these scenes beyond the cliche. Then we'll talk about the four…

Zootopia Script PDF Download: Characters, Quotes, and Plot

Disney is well known for its charming, witty and emotional animated stories, and the Zootopia script is no different. Writers Jared Bush and Phil Johnston provide a thought-provoking screenplay that is, in fact, a thinly veiled commentary on prejudice and stereotypes. As we break down the script and provide a Zootopia summary, we will show why this story is even more relevant now than it was in 2016.Continue reading Zootopia Script PDF Download: Characters, Quotes, and Plot

What is Aperture — Ultimate Guide to the Camera Aperture and Depth of Field

If you know how to adjust your aperture on your digital camera, you’re much closer to mastering lighting and nailing the right exposure for your shots. Without knowing how to use aperture, and how it works with other camera settings, you could be at a real disadvantage when it comes to creating quality images and video. So what is aperture and how does it work in visual storytelling?Continue reading What is Aperture — Ultimate Guide to the Camera Aperture and Depth of Field

Who Is Justin Roiland and Why His Comedy Matters

As the voice of Rick, Justin Roiland has become a household name. In addition to providing numerous voices on Rick and Morty, he also created the iconic sci-fi/comedy series. Through that success, he has gone on to imbue his unique comedic sensibilities into various other projects. So where else can you see Roiland’s work, and what does he bring to comedy? That’s what we’ll explore, so let’s get ready to squanch. Continue reading Who Is Justin Roiland and Why His Comedy Matters

Mirrorless vs DSLR — Pros and Cons for Photo and Video

As camera technology evolves, the mirrorless vs DSLR debate is becoming more and more about preference. While DSLR cameras may have been the frontrunner for the last few years, mirrorless cameras have made such incredible advancements that both professionals and beginners alike swear by them. We’ll lay out the key differences between a mirrorless camera vs DSLR, and help you determine the most important question — what’s best for you? Continue reading Mirrorless vs DSLR — Pros and Cons for Photo and Video

What is a Flashback? Definition and Examples in Literature and Film

Flashback is a term that we hear nearly every day in life — but what is a flashback in writing? A flashback is sometimes used to give context to the past, but there’s a lot more to the technique than that. We’re going to break down flashbacks by looking at how they’re used by writers, with examples from classical literature like The Odyssey and recent films like Manchester By The Sea. But before we jump into our examples let’s define flashback.Continue reading What is a Flashback? Definition and Examples in Literature and Film

What is Character Motivation in Storytelling

While we may not understand how it happens, some characters connect so deeply with us we feel as though we know them. A big part of this, is relating to why they do things. While we may not agree with everything they do, we may understand why they do it. This is where character motivation comes into storytelling and character building. It’s the invisible force driving all their actions and decisions.  Continue reading What is Character Motivation in Storytelling

Best Dinner Scenes in Movies and Why They Work

The dinner scene. We’re all familiar with an awkward dinner, but some films elevate this mundane practice into pure art. Screenwriting is all about writing what you know, and these writers knew the dinner table was an ideal place for horror, dramatic irony, and comedy. These are the best dinner scenes in movies of all time. Continue reading Best Dinner Scenes in Movies and Why They Work

What is a Steadicam Shot & How Did it Change Cinema?

Often the most impactful inventions in history have come about as a result of a beautiful accident. In film, especially on set, beautiful accidents happen all of the time. Luckily for us, a particular invention happened nearly half a century ago, early enough to give us some of the best footage we’ve ever seen. The Steadicam came about over trial and error. So what is it? What is a Steadicam shot? Let’s quickly define it, and learn more about the inventor of one of the most revolutionizing pieces of equipment in film history.Continue reading What is a Steadicam Shot &…