Every story is broken up into sections: arcs, acts, scenes, and yes, beats. Of all the structural elements of a story, beats are the smallest. But what is a story beat in a screenplay and what's the difference between a story beat and a beat meant to signify a pause in action or dialogue? We’re going to answer these questions by looking at some examples from Marriage Story, and Die Hard, but first, let’s review how writing beats are used.Continue reading What is a Story Beat in a Screenplay? Definition and Story Beat Examples
Frozen reinvigorated interest in Disney’s animated films and introduced the world to a song that was destined to be sung by eight-year olds for the rest of eternity. But before the film was a global phenomenon, it all began with the Frozen script. From catchy songs to a heartwarming, subversive message about love, let’s look at what makes the script for Frozen work.Continue reading Frozen Script PDF Download: Songs, Quotes, and Ending
With your screenplay title page being your reader’s “first impression,” it’s easy to get intimidated by how to properly format it. Get too fancy and you could seem like you’re overcompensating for what’s inside, get too simple and you could create confusion by omitting basic information. Over the course of this article we’re going to go over some tips for putting your best foot forward and making sure your cover page is as professional and polished as the script behind it. Continue reading Screenplay Title Page Formatting Explained
Have you ever wondered why some conversations are so engaging, while others are just plain boring? Or why certain texts capture your attention, while others put you to sleep? The secret lies in the art of discourse. By understanding the ins and outs of discourse, you'll be able to level up your communication skills and make every conversation meaningful and engaging.Continue reading What is Discourse — Definition, Types, and Examples
Often overlooked, but tremendously versatile, the ellipsis can subtly change the tone, context, or meaning of a statement. How it's used, when it's used, and why are all important factors to consider when incorporating an ellipsis into your writing.Continue reading What is an Ellipsis — Definition, Examples, and Uses
Have you ever found yourself in a conversation or disagreement, scratching your head at the other person's reasoning? Maybe you’ve watched a political debate on television and see the logic used by argumentative politicians. Odds are, you’ve just heard a logical fallacy. Understanding fallacies and how they work will allow you better spot them and think more critically in everyday life. Continue reading What is a Fallacy — Definition, Types, and Examples
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…
