Filmmakers and screenwriters will always be faced with the same challenge for every film: How, when, and where should the film start? One method in a screenwriter’s toolbox when beginning their script is by commencing the story in medias res. But what does in medias res mean, and how is it used? Read more to find out, and maybe you’ll consider starting your next film in medias res!Continue reading In Medias Res — Definition, Examples & How It Works in Stories
When people ask me if I went to film school, I tell them no, I went to films. - Quentin TarantinoQuentin Tarantino is not just a world-class filmmaker but also a renowned film lover. He is a lifelong cinephile with an encyclopedic knowledge of the medium. Tarantino always packs his films with homages to the movies he loves. He even uses his renown as a means to provide exposure to films that he believes deserve more success. These are often foreign language films or older films that never found their audience. The following list is not in order of preference.…
For the most part, filmmakers strive to make audiences forget that they are in fact an audience watching a film. They work to make the film completely immersive. But sometimes filmmakers intentionally draw attention to the medium being used by breaking the fourth wall. While not all stories benefit from such interruptions, here are the top 15 movies that break the fourth wall and became iconic examples in the process.Continue reading 15 Movies That Break the Fourth Wall (Besides Deadpool)
You're sitting alone in a cafe, sipping your coffee while observing the world outside. Suddenly, as if a light bulb has been switched on, a realization hits you. It's as if a veil has lifted, revealing a profound understanding that was always there, just out of reach. This sudden clarity is what we call an 'epiphany' – a moment of insight that can change our perspective and, sometimes, our lives. Continue reading What is Epiphany in Literature — Types & Examples
Though best known for producing many of the best television shows of all time, HBO is also home to many excellent films. HBO caught on quick that streaming was the way of the future, and got into the only media game early. We’ll be taking a look at what movies are on HBO right now. HBO-Go is home to not just every great HBO original series, but also hundreds of films ranging from all-time classics to new releases. Joining us in counting down the top 50 HBO movies available right now.Continue reading Best Movies on HBO Right Now — Filmmaker…
Think for a moment about some of your favorite films and books. How was the story told to you? Is there a voice you can think of behind it? If so, this is the power of the narrator. How much can a narrator impact a story and what exactly is narration? In this read, we’ll explore the art of narration and its significance in storytelling. Continue reading What is Narration — Definition, Types, and Examples
If you’re familiar with David Fincher movies, you know they focus on serial killers, robbers, brawlers, and murderers alike. You might also know that he has a reputation for being an exacting, obsessively technical director. However, dark subjects and visual meticulousness belie Fincher’s overlooked secret weapon: his ability to connect with actors on a human level to draw out authentic and defining performances. This humanity, this messy warmth, doesn’t simply transcend Fincher’s bleakness and robot-like technical rigor: it exists because of it. That’s the genius of David Fincher films.Continue reading The Directing Style of David Fincher
Structural irony is born when the characters are completely unaware of the situation they are in. Often, this is due to their lack of intelligence or ignorance. Either way, this subtype of situational irony is a foolproof recipe for comedy but it also works in drama as well. We're going to dive into this subject with a definition and examples so you can see how it works and apply it to your next screenplay. Continue reading What is Structural Irony? Definition and Examples for Screenwriters
You’re a filmmaker who wants to get the most out of your production design, mise en scene, and scene elements, but you’re not sure how to plan and maximize your visual opportunities.In this post, we’re going to breakdown the production design, mise en scene, and scene elements in the Amazon Original series, The Boys, so that you can apply this same process to your own projects.Continue reading Amazon’s The Boys: Mise En Scene, Production Design, and Costumes
