In the ever-evolving world of art, few concepts stir as much debate as artistic appropriation. Some view it as a powerful form of commentary, remix, or homage. Others see it as theft, exploitation, or erasure—especially when it crosses cultural or ethical lines. As artists navigate the fine line between influence and imitation, the question remains: When does inspiration become appropriation, and who gets to decide?Continue reading What is Appropriation Art — Origins and Examples
There are novels and screenplays you read as a spectator, distanced from the story happening, only peering in from afar. Then there are pieces of art you experience. It reaches deep inside you, inviting and allowing you to be a part of the story. The difference between the two is influenced by how the piece tells the story. Specifically, in the way it uses the technique of "show, don't tell" writing.Continue reading Show Don’t Tell in Writing — An Essential Lesson
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
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
Ah yes, we’ve arrived back at the most carnal of all storytelling devices: the sex scene. Writers, artists and filmmakers have used sex to evoke a multitude of different emotions to the audience, like love, hate, confusion, lust, among many, many more. But every one of the best movie sex scenes of all time adds something essential to a story, whether it be comedic, dramatic, or stylistic.In this article, we’re going to rank movie sex scenes by looking at a few crucial criteria: Visuals, Impact and Acting. The scenes on this list are ranked by their importance to the narrative…
Arguably even more than film, television relies on writers. Quite simply, without talented screenwriters, the vast expanse of TV we’re familiar with today wouldn’t exist. TV scripts are the backbone of the industry, and a great twenty-five pages can launch countless hours of beloved people, places and plots. By poring through TV script examples, you can learn the formatting, technique, and craft required to write the next great series.Continue reading TV Script Examples — Different Types, Lengths & Genres
The impact of music in a film is undeniable. It can make a distant feeling scene feel suddenly personal and emotional. It can change the energy of an entire sequence. The credit for that largely goes to the music supervisors. These individuals play a critical role in shaping the film's soundscape and enhancing its emotional resonance. Continue reading What is a Music Supervisor — Definition & Job Description
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
20102011201220132014201520162017201820192010-2019 2013 was an idiosyncratic year at movie theaters. Yes, you had hopeful tales of love, but many films dealt with the economic downturn still reverberating throughout the country from the Great Recession. You saw more characters struggling to make ends meet, and economic anxiety was still a prevalent theme during this year. It’s a trend that would continue throughout the rest of the decade as more filmmakers tried to capture this new American reality.This next list is part of an ongoing series to rank the best films of the 2010s. What do you think the best movies of 2013…
