What is an anti hero? We’ve all heard that characters like Walter White and Thomas Shelby are anti heroes, but we don’t hear why. Perhaps the better question is: what are the anti hero characteristics define them? We’re going to explore that question by looking at some anti hero examples from literature, film, and television. But before we jump into our anti hero definition, let’s review the history of the term.Continue reading What is an Anti Hero — Definition, Examples in Film & Literature
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…
Pacing is an elusive yet pivotal element in storytelling, acting as the rhythm that governs the reader's journey through the narrative. It dictates the rate at which a story unfolds, influencing the tension, mood, and emotional resonance. Without pacing, a story can have an awkward sense of movement and flow. The best writers and storytellers are those that master pacing. Continue reading What is Pacing in Writing — And Why It’s So Important
The Taxi Driver script is one of the greatest screenplays ever written. Today, we’re going to break down why it’s great by looking at its plot, quotes, and allusions. By the end, you’ll know how Paul Schrader laid the groundwork for one of the best American films of all time and how it inspired his later work. “Who you talkin’ to? Me? Nobody else is here so you gotta be talking to me.” Download a copy of the Taxi Driver screenplay and follow along as we tear down an all-time classic. Continue reading Taxi Driver Script PDF Download — Plot, Quotes,…
There are many responsibilities that fall onto the shoulders of a director. One of the most important responsibilities they have is to direct the actors of a film. How do great directors bring out great performances from an actor? What is the relationship between director and actor? How should a director communicate with an actor? In this article, we will answer all of these questions and lay out actionable tips on how to direct actors for film that will help any director get the best performances. Continue reading How to Direct Actors for Film — 12 Tips & Techniques Explained
No genre has influenced the public's perception of criminals more than Gangster Movies. For more than 80 years, the best gangster movies have fascinated and allured the minds of millions; from Prohibition-era pre-code crime to 21st Century gang life. Our list of the 30 best gangster movies of all time includes films that span the globe and were produced in different time periods, with very different budgets.Whether sensational like De Palma’s Scarface or grounded like Singleton’s Boyz n the Hood, audiences have grown to see gangsters in new ways. But their binding similarity is that they are each responsible for shaping…
Are you having trouble transitioning from one scene to the next? Maybe you feel like there’s something missing in the cut. Or maybe the cut is just far too abrupt and distracting. Sound bridges are an incredible editing technique that can be found in nearly every film you’ve seen. What is a sound bridge in film and how is it used? In this article, we’ll take a look at various ways filmmakers use sound bridges to tell their stories and move them along in an engaging way. Continue reading What is a Sound Bridge in Film — Scene Transition Techniques
Motion pictures have enticed and inspired artists, audiences, and critics for more than a century. Today, we’re going to explore the history of film by looking at the major movements that have defined cinema worldwide. We’re also going to explore the technical craft of filmmaking from the persistence of vision to colorization to synchronous sound. By the end, you’ll know all the broad strokes in the history of film.Note: this article doesn’t cover every piece of film history. Some minor movements and technical breakthroughs have been left out – check out the StudioBinder blog for more content.Continue reading The History…
What is world-building? And, more importantly, why does it matter? World-building is an integral element of storytelling that often goes overlooked and underappreciated. Good world-building might be felt rather than explicitly noticed, and a lack of world-building can leave a book, film, or video game feeling shallow. We’ll get started with a world-building definition, then explore when and why world-building is so important, and we’ll close things out by taking a look at some great world-building examples. Continue reading What is World Building — Definition, Examples & Techniques
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 a favorite attraction of audiences. They can be gory and horrific or stylized and fun; they can be slow and quiet or chaotic and bombastic. Let’s look at some of the best to ever grace the silver screen.Continue reading Best Movie Shootouts of All Time…
