A famously red-headed little girl once said, “The sun will come up tomorrow.” Annie, the titular character of the movie of the same name, became a beloved figure in film, and an enduring symbol of staying optimistic in hard times. Annie had several character traits, but her hopefulness is what’s often remembered about her. Having hope or optimism is a positive character trait. Some of the most memorable heroines and heroes in film and literature have positive character traits. So what are positive character traits, and why do authors choose to use them? Continue reading Positive Character Traits — A Guide…
Revamps, reboots, and sequels have become a staple in the entertainment industry. The MCU has created a web of narratives, intertwining and overlapping. Disney is breathing new life into the Star Wars franchise and new blockbusters like Twisters and Furiosa have proved that revamps can still be fresh and entertaining. But all this narrative revisiting has given rise to the power of retconning. Let's look at what retconning is and how its narrative impact on the industry can be good, bad, and increasingly prevalent. Continue reading What Does Retcon Mean — Best and Worst Examples
Synecdoche may not be one of the most common words on your radar, but it's a literary device frequently used in everyday language, often without people realizing it. This device is not only functional but also creatively adds depth to a sentence. Let's dive into the definition and types of synecdoche that you have undoubtedly used or heard before.Continue reading What is Synecdoche — Definition, Examples & Writing Tips
Jo March. Harry Potter. Captain Underpants (yes, even him!). These are just a few of the names people may say when asked who their favorite character is. But besides their popularity, what do all these beloved characters have in common? They are all found in works of fiction. Read on to learn what fiction is, and how you might want to become a fiction writer yourself. Continue reading What is Fiction — Definition & Examples
As to the adjective, when in doubt, strike it out.” The great American writer Mark Twain said these wise words, and they’re as true today as when he said them. The best writers know it’s an art to tell a story efficiently, avoiding overly flowery language without sacrificing emotion, meaning, or sophistication. This is especially true in film, where writers must work within a page limit. This is why it’s important to understand what purple writing is, and how to avoid it. Continue reading What is Purple Prose in Writing — Do’s & Don’ts Explained
The most memorable characters in literature and film have distinctive personalities. Think of the ever-optimistic Leslie Knope from TV’s Parks and Recs or the hilariously sardonic Hades from Disney’s animated classic Hercules. If you were asked to describe these characters, you’d have plenty of ways to explain who they are and what they’re like. That’s because these characters were created by writers who understand the importance of clearly defined character traits that paint a fuller picture of who they are, making them seem real to readers and viewers. But what are character traits, and how can you use them in…
Whenever you read a full-length screenplay, it is important to understand all of the steps that led to the final draft of that script. Stories are often changed and workshopped long before they are written into a screenplay. The pre-writing phase of a screenplay is essential to many writers and a fundamental device used is the film treatment. A treatment is utilized for various reasons and can be a key component to developing the seeds of an idea. So, what is a treatment in film? Let’s unpack the definition of a film treatment and why they are important for all…
It’s a common misconception that only actors get residuals. Artists and artisans behind the camera, including writers, also qualify for this unique type of compensation in the entertainment industry. We’re going to break down what residuals are, how writers receive them, and why they matter. As confusing and convoluted as residuals may seem, a basic understanding of them will help you be a smarter and savvier writer and professional. Continue reading WGA Residuals Explained — How Union Screenwriters Get Paid
Have you ever seen a movie, walked out, and said, “That was awfully good?” Ever said something was your “only choice,” or that your homework was "completely unfinished”? Believe it or not, you’ve already used oxymorons in your everyday life, and maybe you didn’t even know it! Read on to learn more about examples of oxymorons, from daily life to oxymoron examples in Romeo and Juliet! Continue reading Oxymoron Examples in Literature, Poetry, Lyrics & More
Photography is the truth. The cinema is truth twenty-four times per second.” Legendary French director Jean-Luc Godard said this famous quote, emphasizing his belief that film is about truth. And truth is what verisimilitude (your new favorite cocktail party word!) is all about. Read on to find out what it is, and how you can use it to create stories that feel true. Continue reading What is Verisimilitude — Definition & Writing Tips
