What is a red herring? We’re not talking about the smoked fish, we’re talking about the literary device designed to mislead and deceive the audience. We will explain the term's origins, look at how this technique evolved into storytelling, explore the red herring fallacy, and we will even take a look at some red herring examples in movies. While this device is commonly associated with murder-mysteries, its uses are endless. Let's investigate.Continue reading What is a Red Herring — Definition and Examples in Storytelling
If you’ve ever managed a complex project, you may have wondered, what is a Gantt chart, and how can it help streamline workflows? Their timelines is one of the most effective tools for organizing tasks, tracking progress, and achieving goals. In this guide, we’ll define what is a Gantt chart, explain how to create one, and share examples to make your projects more efficient.Define Gantt ChartUsing the Gantt chart in productionNo matter which stage of production you’re in, staying organized isn’t really a suggestion. If you’re in the field, you know how vital it is to not only getting everything…
Plato’s "Allegory of the Cave" is one of the most well-known philosophical concepts in history. As such, it only makes sense that numerous filmmakers would try to incorporate this philosophy into their movies. But what exactly is it? And why does it work so well in the context of filmmaking? We’ll look at this concept as well as several films that have incorporated it excellently. It’s time to find the sun.Continue reading Plato’s Allegory of the Cave — Summary & Meaning Explained
Satire is a term that is often misunderstood and for good reason. With the advent of the internet, social media, and memes, it has become the main vehicle for writers and creatives to deliver their social and political commentary. But what is satire and what exactly defines something as satirical? To understand this, we’ll dive into the definition of satire, the three types of satire that exist, and how they are used in literature, films, and TV. Continue reading What is Satire — 3 Types of Satire Every Storyteller Should Know
What is theme? In the simplest terms, a theme is the subject of a story. But that definition actually does more harm than good in fully understanding the theme of a story. In this article, we’re going to look at some common misconceptions by breaking down how to use theme in literature and screenwriting. But before we jump into some theme examples, let’s start with a theme definition.Continue reading What is Theme in Literature and Film? Definition and Examples
What is Chekhov’s gun? What are setups and payoffs? The concepts are interconnected, and all three should be included in any and all screenwriting endeavors. We will provide working definitions, take a look at illustrative examples used in great films, and discuss how to best incorporate the practice into your own writing. Before we jump into the benefits of setups and payoffs, let’s start by defining Chekhov’s gun.Continue reading Chekhov’s Gun — How To Setup and Payoff in Screenwriting
This guide dives into the best comedy movies of all time, from timeless classics to hidden gems and fresh hits, celebrating their ability to make us laugh while standing the test of time. But what separates a funny movie from a truly great comedy? Humor is subjective—what makes a baby cackle in Albuquerque might fall flat in Ouagadougou. Many writers aim for broad appeal, but comedy thrives on specificity, using situation, dialogue, and performance to turn the ordinary upside down for gut-busting laughs. So, whether you’re a writer, filmmaker, or comedy lover, explore our list of the greatest comedies ever…
The term “caricature” conjures images of ridiculous renderings drawn by boardwalk artists – but what is caricature? And what does caricature mean? We’re going to answer those questions by exploring the history of “caricature,” as well as a definition and some examples. By the end, you’ll know what caricature means, and how to recognize it in writing and visual art. Continue reading What is Caricature — The Art of Exaggeration Explained
One job in Hollywood without a clear career path is that of the script doctor. More behind-the-scenes than most well-paid positions in Hollywood, the script doctor has an enormous influence on whether a film moves forward into production.Short-term and often uncredited, no one ever says getting a script doctoring gig is easy. In fact, no one says anything about getting the gig. But, today we’re going to answer "what is script doctor," and show how you can make this plum gig a part of your writing career long-term.Continue reading What is a Script Doctor and How to Become One
Production assistants are integral to a shoot whether it’s for a film, TV show, music video, or commercial, but it's hard to learn an entry-level job when you can't get your foot in the door. You may be looking to book your first PA gig, or you’ve already had a few production assistant jobs but you haven’t been able to get steady production work. In this post, we've created a handbook with the production assistant job description and duties, and we'll take you through everything a PA needs to know during their time on set, in the office, and…
