What is a Scene — Definition and Examples in Storytelling

EssentialsOpen menu What is a Scene What is The Three Act Structure What is Story Structure What is a Story Beat What Is a Plot Plot vs Story What is a Non-Linear Plot What is a Plot Device What is Freytag’s Pyramid Screenplay StructureOpen menu Screenplay Structure Examples What is a Story Mountain Joseph Campbell’s… Continue reading What is a Scene — Definition and Examples in Storytelling

Best Free Action Movie Scripts Online (with PDF Downloads)

By GenreOpen menu Comedy Sci-Fi Action Romantic Animation Thriller Drama Crime TV Scripts Horror Fantasy Western Musical War ResourcesOpen menu Best Screenplays to Read Shane Black Movies & Screenwriting Explained Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay Best Horror Movie Scripts to Download StudioBinder Screenwriting Library Write Your Script for… Continue reading Best Free Action Movie Scripts Online (with PDF Downloads)

What is Set Design in Film — Process and Purpose Explained

Set design is a pivotal yet often overlooked element in the magic of filmmaking. It breathes life into a director’s vision, creating tangible worlds from mere imagination. This article will delve into the art and science of set design in film, revealing its process, significance, and future trends. Let’s journey behind the scenes to explore… Continue reading What is Set Design in Film — Process and Purpose Explained

John Wick Movies Ranked — What Makes Each Film Great

Like the countless henchmen felled by the hitman, audiences did not see John Wick coming. From the get-go, John Wick has felt out-of-time, a standout action series that doesn’t have many contemporaries. By the release of its fourth installment, the Wick franchise has become a beloved institution. This makes ranking the John Wick films a… Continue reading John Wick Movies Ranked — What Makes Each Film Great

What is a Second Unit Director & What Does a Second Unit Do?

Directorial DepartmentOpen menu What Does an Assistant Director Do What Does a 2nd Assistant Director Do What is a Casting Director What is a Second Unit Director What Does a Director Do Ultimate Guide to Film Crew Positions If you’ve ever heard the terms ‘second unit’ or ‘second unit director’ thrown around without knowing what… Continue reading What is a Second Unit Director & What Does a Second Unit Do?

Best Movies Like Die Hard — 12 Action Classics Just as Fun to Watch

Die Hard is a classic action (Christmas?) movie for a good reason. It’s gritty, it’s full of badassery, and it’s simply a blast to watch. And while Die Hard is definitely a great movie, plenty of other films accomplish the high-octane fun, action, and story of the film. Here is our list of the best… Continue reading Best Movies Like Die Hard — 12 Action Classics Just as Fun to Watch

What is the Exposure Triangle — Aperture, ISO & Shutter Speed

Exposure TriangleOpen menu What is the Exposure Triangle Aperture ISO Shutter Speed Frame Rate Shot List Creator Light is responsible for every image captured in both photography and cinematography. How a camera captures light is determined by three variables that make up what is known as the exposure triangle. What is the exposure triangle? How… Continue reading What is the Exposure Triangle — Aperture, ISO & Shutter Speed

What is the Premise of a Story — Definition and Examples

Picture this. You’re an aspiring screenwriter with a story idea, maybe even a script. You get into an elevator and see a well known movie producer. You chat, you say you’re a screenwriter, and they ask if you have anything you’re working on. You have three more floors to pitch your story idea. What do… Continue reading What is the Premise of a Story — Definition and Examples

What is a Prop Master — Job Description and Responsibilities

Art DepartmentOpen menu Art Director Production Designer Prop Master Prop Maker Storyboard Artist Concept Artist Scenic Artist Set Decorator Set Dresser Set Designer Weapons Master Ultimate Guide to Film Crew Positions Anytime you see an actor handle or interact with an object in a film, that object was carefully picked out and acquired by a… Continue reading What is a Prop Master — Job Description and Responsibilities

How to Write an Action Scene in a Screenplay — 3 Methods

How do you write an action scene in a screenplay? How specific and technical should you get? Or, is it better to leave the action description simplistic with the knowledge that a director, choreography, and stunt coordinator will be working out the details of the action? Different screenwriters answer these questions in different ways, and… Continue reading How to Write an Action Scene in a Screenplay — 3 Methods

What is a Match on Action Cut — Definition & Creative Examples

Editing EssentialsOpen menu What is Film Editing What Does a Film Editor Do How Does an Editor Control the Rhythm of a Film How to Become a Film Editor What is In Camera Editing What is Screen Direction in Film What is a Rough Cut in Film What is Continuity Editing in Film What is… Continue reading What is a Match on Action Cut — Definition & Creative Examples

Screenplay Example for Formatting, Genres & PDF Downloads

What does a screenplay look like? Screenwriting and traditional prose writing share many characteristics and commonalities, but it is best to think of them as entirely different disciplines of storytelling. We will examine what the average screenplay looks like, how different genres prioritize different elements, and we’ll take a look at specific screenplay examples worth… Continue reading Screenplay Example for Formatting, Genres & PDF Downloads

Best Movie Shootouts of All Time — Locked, Loaded & Ranked

Ever since The Great Train Robbery introduced filmgoers to the joys of a glorious gunfight in 1903, shootouts have become a staple of cinematic spectacles. Throughout movie history, filmmakers have tried to one-up each other by creating the most titillating exchange of gunfire possible. Over a century since its inception, the shootout continues to be… Continue reading Best Movie Shootouts of All Time — Locked, Loaded & Ranked

What is Direct Characterization — Character Building Tips

Basic CharactersOpen menu Types of Characters in a Story Protagonist Deuteragonist Antagonist Hero Anti Hero Tragic Hero Tritagonist Superhero Anti-Villain Villain Foil Character Character TropesOpen menu Common Character Types Character Archetypes Types of Villains Femme Fatale Mad Scientist Mary Sue Damsel in Distress CharacterizationOpen menu What is Characterization Characterization Examples in Movies Characterization of Anton… Continue reading What is Direct Characterization — Character Building Tips

What is a Reverse Angle Shot in Film — Shot Types Explained

The reverse angle shot can be found in nearly every movie you have ever seen. Its popularity among even the most stylish cinematographers and filmmakers it’s based on its function rather than aesthetic. So what makes the reverse angle shot so functional? What is it most commonly used for? In this article, we’ll take a… Continue reading What is a Reverse Angle Shot in Film — Shot Types Explained

What is Onomatopoeia — Definition and Examples in Lit. & Film

Onomatopoeia can make a BANG or THUD in your mind when reading a sentence. And while that sentence is definitely not the best example of the effects of onomatopoeia, we’ll be taking a look at some actual good examples of the literary device in this article. What is onomatopoeia? Let’s dive into how writers use… Continue reading What is Onomatopoeia — Definition and Examples in Lit. & Film

What is a Plot Device? Definitions and Examples for Screenwriters

Trope EssentialsOpen menu What is a Trope What is a Cliche Tropes & Cliches to Avoid Character TropesOpen menu Character Tropes Stock Character Mary Sue Manic Pixie Dream Girl Mad Scientist Femme Fatale Damsel in Distress Plot TropesOpen menu Plot Device Deus ex Machina Flashback MacGuffin Plot Twist Red Herring Deal with the Devil Narrative… Continue reading What is a Plot Device? Definitions and Examples for Screenwriters

What is Imagery — Definition & Examples in Literature & Poetry

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… Continue reading What is Imagery — Definition & Examples in Literature & Poetry

What is a Slug Line? Scene Heading Screenplay Formatting

While cinematography has the unique ability to visually draw an audience’s eye to something specific, screenwriters also have a unique tool to draw a reader’s attention to a specific scene element within a screenplay. The slug line is one of the best tools a screenwriter has for drawing attention and incorporating visual elements into a… Continue reading What is a Slug Line? Scene Heading Screenplay Formatting