What is mood in literature and film? We often use the term “mood” in a generalized sense to describe the overall feel of situations – but is that a misapplication? We’re going to break down everything there is to know about mood; including how mood is different from tone and how mood is applied in film and literature. By the end, you’ll understand what mood is and how to apply it in your own works.Continue reading What is Mood in Literature & Film — A Guide for Storytellers
There is no doubt that cinema and literature are filled with iconic heroes. But often it is the relationship between villain and hero that makes the hero so iconic. In this article, we’ll take a look at how to define a villain and how they might differ from an antagonist in a story. We’ll also analyze some iconic examples and what characteristics they share on their path to villainy. Continue reading What is a Villain? Definition, Types & Characteristics
What is an archetype? Archetypes play an integral role in how people understand each other – but what are they? We’re going to answer that question as we define archetype, then we’ll look at some archetype examples from classic literature and film. By the end, you’ll know why archetypes are so important for storytellers – and why they might explain something innate about the human condition.Continue reading What is an Archetype — Definition & Examples in Storytelling
Movies are a visual medium first and foremost, which means making on-screen imagery as effective as possible. And if you’re making a narrative feature, you will more than likely be needing dialogue. Movies didn’t start with traditional dialogue tracks, but these days, virtually every movie in existence has it. But what is dialogue, why does it matter, what makes good vs. bad dialogue, and how can you make the most of it?Continue reading What is Dialogue — A Writer’s Guide to Spoken Words
What is Surrealism in film? To understand the best Surrealist films, we need to know the basics of the term. You can probably imagine what "realism" might be — strict adherence to reality. Surrealism takes the "rules" and expectations of realism and turns them on their head; logic and reason need not apply. Filmmakers have embraced this freedom and creative expression for almost a century and produced some of the most fascinating work along the way. Let's define Surrealism and take a closer look at some of the best Surrealist films.Continue reading What is Surrealism? Definition and Examples for Filmmakers
Adages, idioms, axioms, aphorisms: what makes each unique? We’re going to break down what makes aphorisms unique by asking the question “what is an aphorism?” and by exploring aphorism examples. By the end, you’ll know what aphorisms are and how to utilize them in everyday writing and conversation. Continue reading What is an Aphorism — Definition, Examples and Writing Tips
If you gathered a small crowd together, then it might be old news to some people to answer, “What is an oxymoron?” The concept is an open secret in the world of literature and film. Of course, you might hear that question with your only response being deafening silence. But once you understand oxymorons inside and out, you can incorporate them into your writing to create humorous, more sophisticated dialogue. Who knows? Oxymorons make awfully good movie titles as well.Continue reading What is an Oxymoron: Definition & Examples Writers Should Use
If you’re an aspiring filmmaker, you’ve probably heard the term aspect ratio quite often. Before you shoot even a single frame of your film, you have to decide what aspect ratio would be best. This decision will affect the staging and framing of every single shot going forward. Why? What is aspect ratio, and why does it matter so much? Let’s find out.Continue reading What is Aspect Ratio? A Formula for Framing Success
Great poets and writers have the ability to make a reader hang off of every word, eager to read what comes next. This sort of anticipation in literature and poetry can be achieved through enjambment. It’s a clever technique that uses the way writers organize words for a psychological effect on a reader while also creating more meaning. Continue reading What is Enjambment in Poetry — Definition & Examples
We’ve all seen actors lose themselves in roles so deeply, they transport us to a different time and place, and for some of us, that’s why we go to the movies. But how do they do it? This post explores one particular acting technique that can drive actors to life-altering performances. We seek to answer what is method acting by defining it and giving some examples of the method actors of our time.Continue reading What is Method Acting — 3 Different Types Explained
