What makes a word feel real? What makes a character truly authentic? If you are going to be a writer– whether for film, fiction or any narrative form– you will want to ask yourself: what is vernacular, and why does it matter? Vernacular language grounds your story in authenticity. It is more than just how people talk, it is the difference between characters who feel like real people and those who sound like they stepped out of a 16th century phrasebook. Before we dive into examples, let’s define vernacular clearly, then explore how it transforms storytelling. Continue reading What is Vernacular —…
Folklore is a unique blend of story, time, and tradition that has been passed down through generations making it an integral part of culture and history. It encompasses a wide range of cultural expressions including myths, legends, fairy tales, proverbs, superstitions, and more. Let’s read into the importance of folklore and its ability to provide insight into the beliefs, values, customs and rituals of different culturesContinue reading What is Folklore — Definition, Types, and Traditions
Have you ever said something that was meant to be taken two ways? Maybe you wanted to make a joke that not everyone would get or be offended by. Or perhaps you’ve seen a show or movie that got away with a joke that only half of the audience would catch. When someone says something that has two or even three different meanings behind it, they are using double entendre. It’s an unusual phrase, but what is a double entendre, and how can you identify it?Continue reading What is a Double Entendre — Definition & Examples
When making a movie, it can be a struggle to decide between the two most common widescreen aspect ratios: 1.85:1 and 2.35:1. For anyone who has ever felt this struggle, there is an ideal middle ground. We’re talking about the 2:1 aspect ratio which has seen a resurgence in the last decade. In this article, we’ll go over the 2:1 aspect ratio, where it came from, and how it’s been used in movies and TV so that you too can take advantage of this unique frame.Disclaimer: Since 2.35 is often used interchangeably with 2.39 and 2.4, we will do the same…
From 1929-1934, Hollywood produced some of the 20th century’s most progressive films. This period of time — and the films that were made within it — is widely known as Pre-Code Hollywood. But what is Pre-Code Hollywood? It was more than just a few years in cinema history — it was a liberal shift in culture. We’re going to look at the history of Pre-Code movies and how it was shut down. But before we get into the Pre-Code examples, let’s remind ourselves of the period’s general history. Continue reading What is Pre-Code Hollywood? The Most Risque Pre-Code Movies Explained
When it was announced that 1917 would be shot to look like a single take, it quickly became one of the most anticipated movies of the year. While the performances and screenplay were both incredible, many left the theatre wondering the same thing. How was 1917 filmed? While there is no single answer to this question, there are various factors that contributed to the immersive 1917 one shot cinematography. Without further adieu, let’s dive into how they pulled this off.Continue reading 1917 One Shot Explained — How Roger Deakins Shot a “Oner” Film
Time equals change, and unless your entire script takes place over a single day or in some alternate universe where time doesn’t exist, you’re going to have multiple days, months, or even years to account for. Storylines are not always written in chronological order, and rarely are they shot in order. So how are you supposed to keep track of all of this? Story days. By marking story days throughout the script, you have a quick reference of when you are in the story. Follow along as we go step-by-step on how to mark story days in your script. Continue…
Great poets have the ability to conjure up vivid images in our heads using only the written language. While there are a few techniques and devices that help create such visually detailed poetry, few are more powerful than imagery. Continue reading What is Imagery in Poetry — Definition and Examples
Think for a moment about some of your favorite films and books. How was the story told to you? Is there a voice you can think of behind it? If so, this is the power of the narrator. How much can a narrator impact a story and what exactly is narration? In this read, we’ll explore the art of narration and its significance in storytelling. Continue reading What is Narration — Definition, Types, and Examples
When we think back on a film or novel, we may not remember the specificities of a scene, shot, or chapter, but we will remember the essence of the story — the nugget of wisdom we walk away with when the story is over. Every story, from grandiose tales of adventure to the most introspective of character studies, holds a moral. Continue reading What is the Moral of the Story — Definition & Examples
