Crafting a well-formatted screenplay has strict rules that every student of screenwriting must learn.From Robert McKee to Save the Cat!, writers have many resources for making script formats more dynamic and marketable, except when it comes to the modern Hollywood musicals. There's a lot of mystery around the dos and donts of writing a musical screenplay. Continue reading La La Land Script Analysis & Free Script Download: How to Write Musicals
You’ve heard of a protagonist and an antagonist. And now you can really knock the socks off your screenwriting buddies by discussing how your script’s deuteragonist impacts the plot. But what is a deuteragonist and how can you make sure yours serves a vital function in your story. You’re the hero of your filmmaking journey while StudioBinder is the sidekick, so let’s dive into this archetype. Continue reading What is a Deuteragonist — Definition & Examples
What is an epilogue? It’s a term that we hear often but we don’t see it in every story. So why are epilogues so commonly talked about to when they aren’t always used? We’re going to get to the bottom of that question with examples from Harry Potter, Star Wars, and more. By the end, you’ll know how to implement them in your own stories. But before we get into the best and most creative examples in literature and film, let’s define epilogue. Continue reading What is an Epilogue — Definition & Examples
Shot SizeShot FramingCamera AnglesCamera FocusCamera GearCamera MovementCamera Lenses As cameras have evolved, filmmakers have developed a vast array of camera movements and camera angles to enhance storytelling. Mastering these camera techniques is essential for cinematographers and directors, helping them guide the audience's perspective and emotions effectively.Camera movement transforms static scenes into dynamic storytelling. This video breaks down key techniques—like push-ins, tracking shots, and whip pans—showing how they shape perspective and build tension. Watch to see how intentional movement elevates every shot:Continue reading Types of Camera Movements in Film Explained: Definitive Guide
There’s more than one occasion to break out the pint of ice cream and dive into the genre of romance. Whether you are going through a breakup, looking for a romantic watch with your significant other, or searching for a rom-com to watch with roommates on movie night, finding a great romantic film can be difficult. So, we’ve compiled a list of the best romantic movies of all time that have touched audiences' hearts for years. From the hilarious to the dramatic, this list will be sure to give you a few options to cry, laugh, or smile in the…
People have been using “allusions” for thousands of years – but what is an allusion? Today, we’re going to outline an allusion definition, alongside some examples. By the end, you’ll know the purpose of allusion, as well as how to use it in writing and everyday conversation. Are you ready to open pandora’s box and get to the bottom of allusion? (that’s an allusion)!Continue reading What is an Allusion? Definition and Examples
Denouement is one of the most important aspects of a script, yet it can easily be confused with other story beats like climaxes or epilogues. So what is denouement? In this article, we’re going to define denouement in a clear and simple way, then look at some key examples that show us how masterclass filmmakers use it to expert effect. We’ll cover the various types of denouement (explicit vs. implicit) with some stellar examples. But before all that, let’s start with a quick denouement definition so we can begin to understand the foundation of this highly important storytelling element.Continue reading…
It’s easy to mix up the different types of camera shots and types of angles. To make a shot list, a filmmaker or video creative must know the classic types of shots based on attributes like shot size, shot framing, camera movement, camera mechanisms, and depth of field. We'll break down all the camera shots, camera angles, and camera techniques that you need to know for your next film or music video. We also include camera shot examples from famous movies to help solidify all the discussed cinematography techniques.Continue reading 50+ Types of Camera Shots, Angles, and Techniques
The Best Breakup Scenes? Classifying on-screen heartbreak into a “best” category may be a little callous. But just like your ex, we’re going to do whatever we want, anyway! Just kidding. We made a list of the saddest movie breakup scenes in recent years. So however you choose to judge those gut wrenching moments in cinema, the ones that capture the truth and rawness of what breakups actually feel like, you can check them out below. The saddest ones are often the ones that have no makeup scene to follow. Of course, we added those scenes in too, for the…
Browse Film Terms A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Whether you’re working on your first or 100th film, there is always something new to learn. When you need to update your film terminology, this resource will be your best friend. We’ve included as many film terms as humanly possible all on one page, so let’s get into it.Continue reading Ultimate Guide to Film Terms: The Definitive Glossary of Film Terminology
