Cowboys, outlaws, deserts, shanty towns, and gunslinging. These are familiar elements seen in the genre known as the Western, in both literature and cinema. But for many genre fans, it specifically refers to Spaghetti Westerns, a genre that emerged during the 1960s. Traditional Westerns they weren’t, as they were often low budget, featured violence and questionable morals, on top of technically being foreign films. So, what is a Spaghetti Western, why is it called a Spaghetti Western, how did they become so popular, and create such an enduring legacy? Let's find out.Continue reading What is a Spaghetti Western — History…
What makes an action movie great? It’s not just explosions—it’s timing, choreography, editing, and story stakes. From incredible set pieces to beautifully-choreographed action to amazing one-liners, action is a popular film genre for a reason. Popular action movies take all shapes and forms. This list includes everything from superhero movies to Hong Kong action thrillers and even a couple of Star Wars flicks thrown in for good measure.And with so many new action movies hitting theaters and streaming platforms, it’s a perfect time to revisit classics that shaped the genre. So buckle up—here comes the definitive ranking of the best action…
Quentin Tarantino has been one of the most controversial and intriguing directors since the 1990s. Some people adore his quippy dialogue while others flinch in fear from his giddy reliance on excessive violence. And the feet. So many feet. We’re ranking all Quentin Tarantino films here so that if you haven’t watched anything from the prolific filmmaker, this list of Tarantino movies will help you know exactly where to start. Although Tarantino insists his next film will be his last, he’s left behind a lofty legacy. This ranking covers all Quentin Tarantino movies—each one a masterclass in style, structure, or…
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
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…
The best dark comedy movies and TV shows go for the jugular. It’s not enough to just be edgy, or even malicious. You need to tap into deep, disturbing levels of discomfort… and build a summer home.We made the ultimate list of dark comedy movies and TV shows, plus a video essay that takes a deep dive into one dark comedy, The Lobster. Let’s jump into our list of the best dark comedy movies and TV shows.Continue reading 70 Hilarious Dark Comedy Movies & TV Shows
Describing sensory experiences through the medium of writing and text can be difficult. By enlisting the use of imagery, writers are able to vividly describe experiences, actions, characters, and places through written language. What is imagery exactly. How is imagery in poetry and literature used? In this article, we’ll take a look at the imagery definition, seven different types of imagery and how each can be used to further immerse a reader into the work of a writer. Continue reading What is Imagery — Definition & Examples in Literature & Poetry
When 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
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…
Becoming a film director isn’t a straight path. There are multiple ways of getting there but, ultimately, there's only one driving force: you. Regardless of your education or current skill set, if you want to make movies, you will. But that’s easier said than done, so let’s go a little deeper to answer how to become a director.Continue reading How to Become a Director: Learning from Seasoned Filmmakers
