How Much Do Screenwriters Really Make?

You've heard stories about studios paying millions of dollars for scripts. Probably prompting the deserved question, “How much do screenwriters make?” Today, we're going to take a look at the events that got the spec market to where it is today. But we've got the insider's perspective, and we've done the research. You’ll leave this article with confidence, ready to give yourself the best chance possible before you submit a script to Netflix, Paramount, or HBO.Continue reading How Much Do Screenwriters Really Make?

The Wes Anderson Style Explained: Ultimate Guide

What is the Wes Anderson style? Is it a mixture of vintage tchotchkes, droll repartee, and houndstooth? Well … yes, but there's more to it than that, a lot of which has generally gone unnoticed.  We'll break down the Wes Anderson style and its components, which will help you define your own cinematic habits so that, one day, film students can become overly possessive of your movies. We also provide Wes Anderson's filmography and a rankings list of the best Wes Anderson movies to so you know which are essential viewing. Continue reading The Wes Anderson Style Explained: Ultimate Guide

20 Mise en Scène Elements Every Filmmaker Needs to Know

Mise en scène can seem foreign, even to filmmakers, film critics, and movie buffs. Why is it important? How do you pronounce it? And what is mise en scène anyway. Grasping mise en scène is critical for anyone who makes or seriously watches any kind of visual content. For directors and producers, mise en scène in film and the script breakdown go hand in hand.In this article, we’ll let you know what mise en scène is and how you can use it — both as a filmmaker and as a savvy viewer. We will define 20 key mise en scène…

Point of View Shots: Creative Camera Movements & Angles

  W hen you’re working on a movie or TV show, it can be hard to plant the audience inside the character's point of view. Today we’re going to go over the POV, or point of view shot. We’ll define it, see it in action, and talk about why it belongs on your shot list. Continue reading Point of View Shots: Creative Camera Movements & Angles

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…

High Angle Shot — Camera Angle Explained & Iconic Examples

  The way you frame your actors or subjects conveys a message to the audience. Send the wrong one, and the audience goes packing. But a properly executed high angle shot can produce the exact message you're after. Today we’re going to go over the high angle shot and how it’ll help you add subtext to your shot selection and variety to your shot list. Along the way, we'll go over the various applications for this essential camera angle so you'll know exactly when and how to use it. Continue reading High Angle Shot — Camera Angle Explained & Iconic…

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…

30 Best Vampire Movies of All Time, Ranked for Filmmakers

From Sri Lanka to ancient Greece, the myth of the vampire has permeated virtually every society throughout history. The myth typically arose to explain sudden deaths caused by illnesses but attributed those tragedies to a horrific creature of the night. Over the years, vampires have gone on to symbolize the darker side of humanity and the immortal quest for everlasting life, which makes them perfect for the big screen.As of this writing, vampire movies have sort of gone by the wayside. But that does not mean it cannot see a resurgence very soon. For all you filmmakers out there, we’re…

What is the Exposure Triangle? A Beginner’s Guide

Light is responsible for every image captured in both photography and cinematography. How a camera captures light is determined by three variables that make up what is known as the exposure triangle. What is the exposure triangle? How can each one of its three settings be used to capture an image? In this article, we’ll dive in deep into the three variables that create the exposure of an image. We’ll also take a look at an exposure triangle chart that you can save as a reference to create the images you envision. Let’s dive in.Continue reading What is the Exposure…

What is Prose — Definition and Examples in Literature

What is prose? What is the difference between prose and poetry, and what is prose used for? 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