23 Best Movie Scores of All Time — Filmmaker Playlist

What makes a great music score? Does it need to dominate the soundtrack or can go unnoticed in the background? Should a contemporary movie always use modern music or is it blasphemy for a period piece to include pop songs? Whether you have answers to these questions or not, there's no denying the power of music in how we experience movies. These are the best movie scores of all time — some you will spot a mile away, others will raise some eyebrows, but all will get you thinking about what music you'll use in your next project.Continue reading 23…

What is a Catchphrase — Definition, Examples & Uses

Catchphrases are an integral part of our social and cultural fabric. They are everywhere in advertising, bring back memories of our favorite shows or movies, and sometimes even shape our behaviors and attitudes. How do writers and creatives make catchphrases that are so memorable?  Continue reading What is a Catchphrase — Definition, Examples & Uses

What is a Sidekick — Powerful Supporting Characters

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

What Does Nemesis Mean — Definition and Examples

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

Explore and Read the Best Free Movie Scripts Online (with PDF Downloads)

Introducing StudioBinder's screenplay library — your one-stop-shop for reading, downloading, and analyzing the best movie scripts online. Our collection contains all the feature-length screenplays in our database as well as scripts that we have broken down by plot, character, ending, quotes, and more. Our hope is that screenwriters everywhere can have access to these iconic screenplays and that the lessons therein can make us all better writers. Enjoy!Continue reading Explore and Read the Best Free Movie Scripts Online (with PDF Downloads)

What is a Secondary Character — Examples & Functions

Most stories focus on a central character. They are our eyes and perspective into the world of the story. What we may not notice, however, is the impact that other characters have on us as readers or audience members. While not at the forefront of the story, secondary characters strengthen the central characters, contribute to the main narrative, and build out the narrative world.Continue reading What is a Secondary Character — Examples & Functions

How Many Scenes Are in a Movie — Averages & Exceptions

Andrei Tarkovsky, one of the masters of cinema, wrote a book titled Sculpting in Time in which he gives insight into one of the most fundamental aspects of filmmaking — how to shape time in a story. One of the building blocks that filmmakers can manipulate to change the rhythm and perception of time in a film is a scene. The amount of scenes in a movie, how long they are, and at what pace they are edited are all ways scenes impact a film. A great way to understand these concepts is to analyze how many scenes are in a…

What is Naturalism in Literature — Definition & Examples

In the late 19th century, a group of writers pioneered an approach to literature that would examine every pore of human life, the beautiful and the brutal alike. Eventually, this approach became known as naturalism, an unflinching mirror held up to society, reflecting life in its most unvarnished form. But what exactly makes naturalism stand out among the many literary movements?Continue reading What is Naturalism in Literature — Definition & Examples

What is a Character — Types, Examples & Functions

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

Best New Movies on Netflix, Ranked for Filmmakers (June 2020)

Every month, dozens of movies arrive on Netflix, but it can be a hassle keeping track of all the great content that comes and goes. Don’t fret though, we’re going to break down the best new movies on Netflix each month to help you decide on what to watch. These are the best of what’s coming to Netflix in June, 2020.Continue reading Best New Movies on Netflix, Ranked for Filmmakers (June 2020)