When we think back on a film or novel, we may not remember the specificities of a scene, shot, or chapter, but we will remember the essence of the story — the nugget of wisdom we walk away with when the story is over. Every story, from grandiose tales of adventure to the most introspective of character studies, holds a moral. Continue reading What is the Moral of the Story — Definition & Examples
We often find ourselves mostly enveloped with the story arcs of heroes and villains. They often take center stage and become central to most stories. But there's another character that deserves recognition for their vital role in shaping narratives and enhancing central characters — the sidekick. Continue reading What is a Sidekick — Powerful Supporting Characters
One step further than the antagonist, is the nemesis. Some of the most memorable characters from stories in cinema and literature are those who have challenged the heroes, characters who’s main role is to be a rivalry force. Let’s look at the impact the nemesis role can have and story and some of the best characters that have been created from it. Continue reading What Does Nemesis Mean — Definition and Examples
When we watch a movie or read a novel, we momentarily experience a perspective and world outside of our own. Most often, we do this through a character. Through stylistic prose or cinematic perspective, we can step into their shoes and experience the story through their eyes. Without characters, storytelling would merely be a recounting of circumstances without any real perspective.Continue reading What is a Character — Types, Examples & Functions
When we talk about storytelling, we often refer to it as a craft. Beyond the characters and worlds storytellers create, they must also craft an engaging plot. This is what carries us through great movies, books, and plays. And the only way to craft a great plot is to understand its building blocks — plot points. Continue reading What is a Plot Point in Storytelling — Examples Explained
Film adaptation has given rise to some of the most extraordinary works in the history of cinema. From The Godfather to Little Women to One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, adaptations have been making their mark on movie-goers for decades. But what exactly is a film adaptation and how does it differ from its literary source? Why do filmmakers love the adaptation so much? Continue reading What is a Film Adaptation — From Story into Cinema
Feeling a bit lost on how to initiate your short story or seeking that spark for your creative writing? In this read, we’ll give you 70 writing prompts that will hopefully kindle your imagination and motivate your writing spirit. Continue reading 70 Short Story Writing Prompts for Writers in All Genres
There’s an old film school thought experiment that asks about a character, “What does he have in his refrigerator?” In this post, we’re going to practice that experiment.We can learn plenty about who a character is from the things they say, as well as the things others say about them. But we also learn who a character is by scores of other little details in the text of the script.Now we’re going to talk about how to actually use the Breakdown Summary, along with the text of the script itself, to flesh out who a character is from the perspective…
Acting, like any art form, is complex and nuanced. It's a craft that demands vulnerability, creativity, and an insatiable curiosity about the human condition. One of the most influential approaches to this craft is the Stanislavski Method. It’s use can be found in some of your favorite films and the performances of your favorite actors.Continue reading What is the Stanislavski Method — Techniques Explained
Some of the most iconic films in cinema that you thought had reached its definitive conclusion, have a secret that may excite or disappoint you — an alternate ending. Alternate endings are often hidden away in the director's cut or DVD extras. They give us a look into a parallel universe of 'what could have been'. Continue reading What is an Alternate Ending — Types & Examples Explained
